I’ll say right up front that I have an affinity for small fixed-blade knives. Given an equal and open choice, I’ll almost always choose a fixed blade over a folder for EDC purposes. I like them small enough to carry in a pocket, as that keeps them handy without undue attention. The Smith & Sons Axiom fits the bill quite well.
The Axiom – Specs
Let’s break it down. The Axiom has an overall length of 6.75 inches, and the MagnaCut blade takes up 3.0 inches of that. It tips the scales at a mere 2.5 ounces. It comes with the buyer’s choice of a leather or Kydex sheath. The Axiom is available in three different handle materials: OD Green Canvas Micarta, Black/Brown Burlap Micarta, and Marsh Grass Richlite.
It comes with a short lanyard attached to the end of the handle. Personally, I’m not usually a fan of lanyards on my knives, but I do like this one as it’s short and unobtrusive. It also sort of extends the feel of the handle a bit. I wear size XL gloves, and there’s just enough real estate to get a full four fingers on the handle. But that lanyard adds just a little extra, which is nice.
Axiom Ergos
The ergos of the Axiom are out of this world. The handle scales are contoured for comfort and they feel great in hand. There’s a bit of jimping on the spine, exactly where your thumb naturally rests. The Axiom is well-balanced, and while it’s lightweight, it has a solid feel and doesn’t feel insubstantial.
Let’s face it. If a knife is awkward or unwieldy, you’ll find yourself leaving it at home. With the Axiom, you’ll look for reasons to use it.
Okay, But Does It Cut?
The Axiom is atom-splitting sharp right out of the box. There was no need to touch up the blade’s edge before putting it to work. At the time of this writing, MagnaCut is still somewhat new in the knife world. Many makers are branching into it, with pretty positive results. MagnaCut seems to hit that sweet spot, balancing edge retention and ease of sharpening—with bonus corrosion resistance.
I’ve been carrying the Smith & Sons Axiom for several weeks now. It’s been used to cut lengths of paracord for various projects. It’s been pushed into service in the kitchen, slicing sausage and cheese for lunch. I’ve done a little whittling and carving, as well as feather sticking.
In each instance, the Axiom has performed very well. There have been no hot spots, and the edge remains very sharp even after extended use. I went with the leather sheath for mine, and it holds the knife very securely. It’ll thread onto a belt up to about 1.5 inches wide, but I just drop it into a cargo pocket.
The Smith & Sons Axiom has quickly earned a permanent spot in my EDC rotation. It’s comfortable, easy to carry, and holds a great edge.
On top of that, Smith & Sons are some of the best people in the knife community today. They’re a family business, producing high-quality knives right here in the United States. They have some incredibly well-thought-out designs, and the Axiom is an excellent example.
Find it at the Smith & Sons website or at DLT Trading.
