What Knife Do I Carry?
When you run a knife company, you get the privilege of handling and testing a wide variety of designs, steels, and configurations. At Dauntless Manufacturing, every knife is a labor of love, but I’m often asked: "What knife do you carry?" The answer, like the tasks I face, is far from one-size-fits-all. My choice depends on what I’m doing and where I’m going. Here's a breakdown of my carry preferences and why they make sense for me.
Everyday Carry (EDC)
For day-to-day tasks, my go-to is the Moss Spearpoint with a black oxide finish and black peel ply scales, paired with a deep carry sheath. This knife strikes the perfect balance for general use: compact enough to be unobtrusive in my pocket yet robust enough to handle anything from opening packages to cutting rope. The sheepsfoot blade style offers excellent control, making it ideal for precision work, while the deep carry sheath keeps it securely in place until I need it.
Short Hikes
When I head out for a short hike, I reach for the Dogbone in CPM 3V with our signature Dauntless jimping and scorched natural canvas Micarta scales. The 3V steel’s toughness ensures the blade can handle anything the trail throws at it, from slicing through thick vegetation to preparing a quick snack. The jimping provides extra grip, which is especially useful if my hands are wet or gloved, and the deep carry sheath ensures it stays put no matter how rugged the terrain.
Running and Cardio
For running or other cardio activities, I need something lightweight and compact—enter the Dogbone-K. Its slim profile and light build make it almost unnoticeable during a run, but it's still a reliable companion should I need it. This knife’s versatility and unobtrusive design make it a perfect fit for activities where mobility is key.
Backpacking Trips
For longer backpacking trips, my knife of choice is the Hiker in AEB-L, carried in a standard depth sheath with black peel ply scales. AEB-L’s excellent corrosion resistance and edge retention are crucial for extended outings, where maintenance opportunities are limited. The Hiker’s robust yet nimble design handles everything from food prep to camp chores with ease, while the standard sheath provides quick access without being overly bulky.
Overlanding and Camping
When it comes to overlanding and camping, I lean on the Hiker Wharncliffe or the Matt Helm Work Knife V1. Both knives excel in utility, with the Hiker Wharncliffe offering a blade profile that’s perfect for precise cuts and the Work Knife V1 bringing the robustness of a 3/16" thick blade and a double flat grind. These knives are built to handle the rigors of campsite tasks—from splitting kindling to slicing through heavy-duty rope—and their dependable sheaths ensure they’re always at hand.
Why So Many Knives?
Each of these knives has been carefully chosen for its specific strengths and the unique challenges of the tasks I face. Carrying the right tool for the job isn’t just about convenience—it’s about efficiency, safety, and making the most of what Dauntless Manufacturing has to offer.
Whether I’m tackling daily EDC tasks, hitting the trails, or spending time in the great outdoors, the right knife helps me stay prepared and focused. I hope this inspires you to think about your own needs and what knife might best suit your lifestyle.
What knife do you carry? Tag us in your social media posts on Instagram, Facebook and X to let us know. I’d love to see what you’re using and hear how our knives are helping you conquer your adventures.