I recently made a video showing my new Kershaw Bel Air in carbon fiber. This is my new EDC folding knife. This is what I carry, basically when I’m not wearing a belt because it’s easy to use the clip and attach this to various forms of apparel. However, from a defense perspective, I’ve found that a basic folder like this with no forms of assistance is just slow to deploy in a life and death situation. So I’ve decided to pick up a fixed blade. After some research, I’ve decided to try out the Benchmade Dacian.
Again, a is a fixed blade knife with a 3.54” Magnacut steel blade and is 7.57” in total length. Personally, this makes it about an inch shorter than the previous fixed blade that I was carrying, so it makes concealability a bit easier and more comfortable.
One of the things that I appreciate about the Dacian is that the current version comes with a Boltaron and leather sheath that allows for Scout carry, which just means that it attaches to your belt horizontally. I’m no expert in knife carry, but to me, scout carry just seems like the logical approach because it’s a more comfortable way to carry a fixed blade while allowing really quick access. I’m going to play with this and see if I prefer to carry in the front or back, but either way, it’s going to provide me with faster deployment than any folder that I have.
The particular Dacian that I’ve picked up features a black Cerakoted blade, black canvas micarta handle, and black oxide hardware. Personally, I don’t like color-coated blades because over time, the coating wears out, usually more on the sides where the blade makes contact with the materials it’s cutting, and it’s usually uneven so the blade just looks terrible over time. My blade is brand new from the factory and I can already make out that there are horizontal lines forming just from it going in and out of the sheath, so I’m thinking that this particular Cerakote job isn’t all that durable. Typically, a benefit of Cerakote is that it helps with corrosion resistance because it seals the metal away. But again, this knife features a Magnacut blade, a steel that’s already extremely corrosion resistant so in this case, the Cerakote is more so just for aesthetic purposes and to achieve a blacked out look. I would’ve much preferred the stonewash finish of the Blue Denim Micarta version of this knife, but I’m not really a blue accessories type of person, and wanted the black handles.
Aside from the blade color and based on first impressions, I think this knife is amazing. Craftsmanship and how it feels in the hand is overall positive. This is my first knife where the handles feature a little indent on both sides, and this actually helps with comfort and stability a bit, as your fingers and skin just naturally fall into those grooves. Then for those who like jimping, there’s plenty running along the top of the blade and at the heel.
Again, overall first impressions so far, I like this knife. I’ll start carrying it tomorrow, and we’ll see how it performs over time.
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Benchmade Dacian Black Micarta Magnacut Fixed Blade Knife https://amzn.to/4lNnJ3q
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