Markus Heidgen of Heidi Blacksmith has a new design fresh off the (metaphorical) anvil for Bestech. The not-so-creatively named Heidi Blacksmith #3 is an EDC-sized, ergos-first fixed blade that is rolling out with two different utility-driven blade shapes.
As with EDC folders, fixed blades with the daily carry designation can be drawn up in seemingly infinite ways. “EDC” is more an idea than a strict ruleset; there isn’t a checklist of requirements that need to be met, but rather an overarching concept that must be moved towards through any number of avenues. It’s a genre that Heidgen is comfortable with: in fact, the Bestech Heidi – the first fixed blade release from the company, period – was also an everyday carry piece.
The #3 is a fair bit smaller than the Heidi, with a blade length (in either config) of 2.31 inches. The blade shapes available are either a sheepsfoot, lightly modified with an up-tilted point and thus a bit of belly, or a trailing point – not a common choice for everyday carry but functionally well-suited to the role. The blade steel on both models is 14C28N, a flexible and likeable stainless that can do well in both domestic and out of doors matter separation.
When the Heidi came out in 2019, Bestech made particular note of one of Heidgen’s signature design principles: a blade to handle ratio purposely skewed towards the handle. That same principle is in effect on the #3, with a handle that is quite expansive in relation to the compact blade. In addition to the obvious comfort benefit, the big handle allows for lots of leverage as well, enabling the #3 to be worked hard in a safe way. The #3 is a true lightweight at 1.55 oz.