Dauntless ‘Hiker’ Drop Point Review: New Blade Enters Vaunted Knife Lineup

A folding knife in your pocket is a cornerstone piece of preparedness for many folks’ outdoor adventures. It’s one of a handful of necessities no one should be without.

But as your time spent outdoors increases, the more likely you’ll be to find value in a fixed-blade knife. The simple fact is that, by design, a good fixed blade will outwork any pocket folding knife. In my opinion, the progression from pocket to fixed among the serious outdoors crowd is unavoidable.

In the summer of 2024, Dauntless Manufacturing sent me a long-term loaner of its Hiker fixed-blade knife. That version had a Wharncliffe-style MagnaCut blade with Ultem scales. I was so impressed with its performance that I named it the Best Pocket Fixed-Blade Knife for Hiking & Backpacking.

Since then, Dauntless launched a drop-point blade style variant of the Hiker, and let me say: Wow! The drop-point blade shape is the most universal of blade shapes, as it can do many things very well. On the Hiker platform, it makes a great outdoor knife for a wider range of users.

In short: The Dauntless Hiker is one of my favorite knives. With the addition of a drop-point version, I am even more certain it is worthy of being named the Best Pocket Fixed-Blade Knife for Hiking & Backpacking. That said, its hefty price tag means it’s not necessarily suitable for casual outdoors folks or those unfamiliar with using and caring for a knife. For those who are, the Dauntless Hiker is a beautiful, bespoke blade.

Dauntless Manufacturing Hiker Review

Design & Features

Made from a solid piece of tumbled 3/16-inch MagnaCut steel and carrying scorched natural canvas Micarta handle scales, the Hiker is aptly named and overbuilt for outdoor adventures. MagnaCut steel has been the “it” steel for the last 2 years, thanks to a great balance of toughness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance. It’s also easy to rehone or sharpen when the time comes.

At a hair over 7.5 inches in total length, the knife finds itself in a sweet spot — not too big, not too small. And attention has been paid to the handle design to expand upon the size benefits. I had never seen scorched natural canvas Micarta handle scales before Dauntless offered them on its knives.

These scales not only provide a broken-in look, but they also make the dimpled and scalloped slabs even grippier. This aspect plays well with the Hiker’s unconventional choil and butt stop, which captures your pinky and makes the knife a compact, but ample four-finger knife.

The version of the Hiker that I built out came with a deep-carry Woodland Camo Kydex pancake sheath. The sheath is molded sleek to keep from being a burden on your hip, across your back, or even on a pack strap. I chose to go with the Index Fasteners Ultimate Belt Attachment because it provides a secure attachment point that is easy to put on and take off.

Additionally, both the grip and flat spine of the Hiker are laden with jimping. On the spine, the very first “jimp” is oversized to be used with a ferro rod.

First Impressions

After spending a few months with the Wharncliffe version of the Hiker, I thought I had a good idea of what the drop-point version was going to be like. It’s worth mentioning that I also have had a lot of fun using the Dauntless Hot and Ready Work Knife V1.

So, at the very least, I had a detailed picture, inked through experience, of how Dauntless Manufacturing builds a knife. Here’s the lesson worth learning: You never really know what you’re getting into with a new knife until it’s in your hands.

So it goes to show that even just changing out the handle scales and blade shape can really have an impact on your experience with a knife. The scorched natural canvas Micarta was rougher, and the drop point felt like the knife had been stretched out.

Everything else about the knife — handle shape, jimping, etc. — remained the same. But it was so much more than I was expecting. It was a little exciting, if I’m being honest.

In the Field

This section could easily be renamed “That Crazy First Weekend,” because I put nearly 20 miles in with the Hiker in the first few days it was here. It presented an opportunity to cut, stab, slice, shave, drill, and enjoy this knife out where it was meant to be.

I also had a unique experience processing a rather large amount of cardboard with it. I had unboxed and built a new grill for an upcoming review, and the refuse was impressive. I’m not sure when you last built a grill, but let me tell you, they pack them up sufficiently and precisely.

But I am not one to sit around just cutting cardboard; YouTube is littered with people who do. However, cardboard really can make a sharp edge dull in a short amount of time.

In the end, the MagnaCut held up to the challenge (as well as my antics from the previous days). The Hiker remained plenty sharp, but I decided to run it past my Horl sharpener just to get it back to its original sharpness.

One thing of note is how I have found myself carrying the Hiker. When I am out and about, I keep it attached to my belt. However, when I am in the woods, wandering around, I attach it to the strap on my sling back.

Having it across my chest has given me more direct access to the knife. The flip side is that it’s drawn some looks from other hikers.

One Complaint

As much as I like the Hiker and its included sheath, the way the sheath is designed severely impacts adjusting or changing out the pocket clip. It’s not impossible; it’ll just require specific tools to fit in the holes on the front of the sheath. They provide access to the pocket clip hardware but are undersized for a standard screwdriver.

Not a deal-breaker. But something to consider.

Other Versions

The Hiker is a semi-custom knife. It’s available in four blade shapes, four steel types, two finishes, and a smattering of handle scales and sheath options.

Out of the four steels offered, the MagnaCut, in my professional opinion, is best suited for a life in the outdoors. However, depending on what you plan on doing with the knife, Dauntless does a great job of explaining all of the options for you.

Conclusion: Who’s It For?

When you get into the world of semi-custom or mid-tech knives, you start talking about higher prices. I’m sure there’s a $200-250 knife out there that could give you the same cutting and slicing results as the Hiker. But you won’t get the same experience.

Being able to pick out the steel, blade shape, handle, and more makes the knife truly your own. That’s worth considering when you consider the Dauntless Manufacturing Hiker against other premium options.

I loved testing the Wharncliffe version of the Hiker last summer just as much as I am enjoying testing the drop-point version now. By default, I appreciate a Wharncliffe or sheepsfoot blade shape over any other. However, drop-point blades add the ability to puncture and pierce.

Combined with the size and shape of the handles, the scorched natural canvas Micarta, and the 3/16-inch-thick MagnaCut, you have an incredibly effective cutting tool.

If you’re someone who’s willing to spend a few extra bucks to have a steadfast, reliable, personalized knife that’s made in the U.S., I highly recommend heading over to the Dauntless Manufacturing website to see the Hiker for yourself. With all of the options the Hiker has to offer, you’re bound to find one that’s right for you.