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Friday, 27 December 2024 15:55

Benchmade Dacian Featured

Written by

When I’m looking for an everyday carry fixed blade, there’s a mental checklist I go through. Size—does it hit that sweet spot between being compact enough for EDC but big enough for actual work? Weight—is it light enough to carry without feeling like a brick but substantial enough to inspire confidence? Materials—can it handle tough tasks, resist corrosion, and sharpen up easily? And then there’s the carry setup—can I strap it to a pack, drop it in a pocket, or clip it to my belt without it being a hassle?

Benchmade’s new Dacia checks a lot of these boxes. On paper, it’s a real winner. It’s lightweight, rugged, and designed with both everyday tasks and outdoor adventures in mind. But after carrying and using it, I’ve got a few thoughts on where it excels—and where it stumbles.

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First Impressions

The Dacia is a mid-sized fixed blade, and at 7.57 inches overall, it’s about the size of a large pocket knife. That’s a good thing—it means it’s big enough to be versatile but small enough to carry comfortably. The blade itself is 3.54 inches, which lands right in my preferred range for EDC knives.

I love fixed blades for their simplicity—no locking mechanisms to fail, no pivots to worry about. They’re tools, plain and simple. And the Dacian embraces that straightforward philosophy while adding some thoughtful touches.

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Handle That Just Feels Right

Let’s talk about the handle, because Benchmade nailed it. The Denim Micarta has this fantastic texture—not too smooth, not too rough—that just works. It’s shaped to fill your hand without feeling bulky, and those deep finger grooves? Perfect. They give you this locked-in grip that feels natural whether you’re slicing, carving, or just opening boxes.

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What I really appreciate is how ambidextrous the design is. The milled recesses on both sides of the handle make it comfortable no matter how you hold it or what hand you use. And the lanyard hole? Big enough to actually thread something through without feeling like an afterthought. Overall, this is a handle that doesn’t just look good—it works.

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Blade That’s All Business

The blade is where this knife really shines. That Magnacut steel is as tough as advertised—it takes a wicked edge, holds it well, and laughs in the face of rust. The spear-point profile is versatile and handles everything I’ve thrown at it, from food prep to carving feather sticks.

The high flat grind slices like a dream, and the thin blade is precise enough for detail work without feeling flimsy. I will say, the jimping on the spine is...a lot. It’s everywhere. I get what they were going for—options for thumb placement no matter your grip—but it’s excessive. Functionally, it works, but aesthetically, it’s a bit much.

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The Sheath Situation

This is where my love affair with the Dacian hits a snag. The molded plastic sheath is...meh. It’s functional, sure—it holds the blade securely thanks to a little ball shaped pin that locks into place—but getting the knife in and out is awkward. There’s no obvious spot to push off with your thumb, and lining up the blade to lock it in can take some wiggling.

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The pocket clip on the sheath is decent. It keeps the knife steady, and while I wish it carried a little deeper, it gets the job done. But the overall feel of the sheath is cheap, and honestly, a knife this good deserves better. If Benchmade had gone with Kydex, I wouldn’t have anything to complain about here.

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The good news? There are plenty of third-party sheath makers who can fix this problem for you. Until then, the included sheath will work—but it’s not something you’re going to fall in love with.

 

Final Thoughts

The Benchmade Dacian is almost everything I want in an EDC fixed blade. The Magnacut blade is tough, sharp, and ready for anything. The handle is comfortable and secure, and the size is just right for daily carry or outdoor use.

But that sheath—it’s the weak link. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s enough to knock the Dacian down a notch. If you’re willing to invest in an aftermarket sheath, though, this knife becomes a real star.

I’ve been carrying the Dacian off and on for a couple of months now, and despite my gripes about the sheath, I keep reaching for it. That says a lot. If you’re in the market for a fixed blade that can handle EDC and more, the Dacian is definitely worth a look. Just be ready to upgrade the sheath when you can.

David Bowen

As Co Founder of Multitool.org David has been a multitool enthusaist since the 90's.  David has always been fascinated with the design inginuity and uselfulness of multitools.

David is always looking forward to what's new in the industry and how the humble multitool continues to evolve as it radically changes and improves the lives of users.

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