The 3.5-inch blade comes in a stonewashed finish and features a Sabre grind. Clip point in design, it has a deep belly that's great for slicing, especially when using a pinch grip. The blade has a milled area similar to a fuller that's not only stylish but makes that pinch grip feel natural. The swedge near the tip makes penetration easier, they could have kept the spine flat, but I feel it really does help due to stock thickness. This is my only chief complaint; this is a thick boy coming in at 15mm. The thick stock gives it a robust tip and gives the knife some noticeable heft. If it wasn't for the geometry on this blade, it might as well be a sharpened pry bar. BloodOath did a great job at making this thickness a huge advantage over something not as thick. The knife features ample jimping on the spine, it's not overly aggressive and enable a good deal of control. The S35VN does a good job holding the edge, and sharpening was painless. I didn't find an issue cutting most things in my testing, only issue was some resistance due to the aforementioned stock thickness.
The G10 dimpled handles are very similar to those on the PocketFiend, they're minimalistic but help provide a good deal of grip, especially where your fingers wrap around. I'm able to get a three-finger grip around the handle, I would have preferred it a little longer, but it hasn't impeded its performance or control. The BeltWay lacks a lanyard loop, there standard fare in the industry and I'm glad they didn't include one. Lanyard loops are on everything it seems, and I feel it would have broken up the lines on this knife, plus how many truly use a lanyard?
Keeping your BeltWay ready and available is important, BloodOath uses a belt clip that's comfortable and easy to use. The clip comes installed for right hand carry in a vertical fashion, this can be swapped to left hand carry for you south paws. With eyelet spacing the sheath can be used with a variety of aftermarket clips and gizmos. I've opted for the UltiClip due to its small footprint, and it gives me additional carry methods. The BeltWay has been carried in my pocket or inside my waistband using the UltiClip, I like the standard clip that comes with it, but I preferred the Ulti. I work in retail and have to deal with customers a lot, having this blade on my person but drawing attention is convenient. When it comes to blade retention the kydex does a great job, there's just enough tension to keep the knife secure without being too difficult to draw.
I like the BeltWay and it's given me an appreciation for the utility and ease of use that a fixed blade can give. I enjoy the various carry methods available, whether it be with the included clip or aftermarket options. Not many folks have heard of BloodOath Instruments, and I encourage you to look them up, they create some outstanding knives that work hard and look great doing it.
