In the face of uncertainty, having the right gear can be a lifesaver. A tactical knife is a versatile instrument that serves both as a potent weapon and a practical tool, making it an indispensable asset in various outdoor settings. Whether you’re a law enforcement officer, soldier, hunter, or fisherman, a reliable tactical knife can provide peace of mind in high-pressure situations.
The 8 Best Tactical Knives
When it comes to selecting a knife, having options can be overwhelming. From the Smith & Wesson SWHRT9B’s fixed blade design to the Ka-Bar 1220’s utility-focused approach, each choice has its own unique features and advantages. The SOG Seal Strike and Gerber LMF II Infantry Knife offer exceptional tactical capabilities, while the TAC Force TF-705 provides a reliable folding option.
The MTech USA Xtreme Tactical Knife and Kershaw Blur Knife bring their own brand of style and functionality to the table. Whether you’re looking for a tool for everyday carry or a high-stakes tactical solution, there’s a knife on this list that’s sure to meet your needs.
Our Top Pick for the Best Tactical Knife
For our top pick for the best tactical knife, we have chosen the Gerber LMF II Infantry Knife. This exceptional survival tool is designed to excel in even the most demanding situations, whether you find yourself lost in the wilderness, navigating a scorching desert landscape, or facing the harsh realities of an urban jungle. Originally developed with military applications in mind, the LMF II has proven itself to be an outstanding performer in emergency scenarios.
Its impressive capabilities make it an ideal companion for tasks such as cutting firewood, constructing shelter, slicing through seatbelts, and even breaking glass when necessary. With its reliability and versatility, the Gerber LMF II Infantry Knife is a trusted ally that can help you overcome any challenge that comes your way.
Tough Multifunctional Tools
When venturing into the great outdoors, whether for work or play, a reliable and rugged tactical knife is an absolute must-have. Unlike more conventional knives like Swiss Army or pocket knives, a tactical knife boasts a thicker blade, a razor-sharp edge, and a sturdy handle, making it an ideal companion in various situations.
Its versatility extends beyond mere utility, as many models come equipped with additional safety features such as integrated glass breakers, transforming this multifunctional tool into a potent weapon for self-defense or combat purposes. Moreover, the tactical knife’s practical applications stretch far beyond its defensive capabilities, serving as a trusted ally for tasks like cutting small branches, rope, or wood, and even breaking windows in emergency situations.
How to Choose a Tactical Knife
When selecting a tactical knife, it’s crucial to evaluate several key characteristics. The first consideration should be the blade itself, including its design, type, and length. Additionally, the material used in the blade’s construction – typically referred to as the steel – plays a significant role in determining its overall performance. Furthermore, the handle of the knife also warrants attention, as it provides the foundation for a comfortable and secure grip.
Overall Blade Design
When it comes to choosing the right blade for a tactical knife, there are several options to consider. The most common types of blades are straight-edge or combination blades, which feature a straight edge on one side and a serrated edge on the other. The tip of the blade can be a clip-point or drop point, each suited for different purposes and with its own advantages and disadvantages. Fixed-blade knives are ideal for combat, self-defense, and survival cutting tasks.
These sturdy knives typically have longer full tang blades and solid handles. A fixed blade knife may also feature a handguard or bolster, protecting your hand from accidental contact with the blade while cutting, parrying, slicing, or dicing. The full tang design provides extra strength to the knife, but the downside is that it cannot be folded, making it difficult to carry unless kept in a sheath or attached to a MOLLE patch.
In contrast, folding or spring-assisted tactical knives are perfect for those who need quick access to the blade. With just the press of a button or slight pressure, the blade springs into action and locks securely until needed. When closed, these compact knives can be easily carried concealed in a pocket or backpack. Although they may not have the same strength as fixed-blade knives due to their shorter blades and lack of full tang design, folding tactical knives offer unparalleled portability.
Blade Type
When it comes to choosing the right blade type, there are several factors to consider. A straight-edge or plain-edge blade is perfect for making clean cuts and is generally easier to sharpen than serrated blades. On the other hand, a serrated edge is better suited for sawing through tough fibrous materials like rope. Some knives, such as the SOG Seal Strike Fixed Blade Knife, offer a combination of both straight-edge and partially serrated blades, providing versatility in a single tool.
Another popular blade type is the drop-point design, which offers a balanced cutting experience. The curved shape of the blade has both sharp and flat sides, making it ideal for tasks that require precision and strength, such as cutting through wood or slicing meat. For stabbing purposes, a clip point blade is an excellent choice due to its tapered, razor-sharp edge. This design allows for quick insertion and withdrawal, making it suitable for self-defense situations.
However, it’s essential to note that the clip point blade is not designed for heavy-duty tasks due to its relatively weaker construction. Lastly, a dagger or spear point tactical knife, such as the Smith & Wesson, features a double-edged reinforced blade, making it an excellent choice for piercing and throwing. This type of knife can also be used as a fishing tool by lashing it to a stick. The main drawback is that the small cutting edge may not be suitable for slicing tasks.
Blade Length
When it comes to selecting the right blade size for your knife, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. For everyday carry, small 3 to 4-inch blades are often preferred for their compact design and ease of use in tight spaces. They’re perfect for light cutting tasks and can be easily stowed away in a pocket or sheath. Medium-sized blades measuring 4-4.7 inches offer the ultimate blend of versatility and practicality, making them suitable for most cutting applications.
For those who need a bit more reach and leverage, larger blades ranging from 5 to 7 inches provide excellent control and can handle even the toughest tasks. While they may be slightly bulkier and heavier, the added length can make all the difference in certain situations.
Blade Steel
Tactical knives are crafted with two primary materials: stainless steel and high-carbon steel. Stainless steel, often featuring a highly polished finish, boasts exceptional strength and durability, coupled with impressive resistance to rust, stains, and chips. This low-maintenance material is commonly used in the production of tactical knives, typically made from 7Cr17MoV high carbon stainless steel or 420 stainless steel.
In contrast, high-carbon steel, particularly when boasting a Rockwell Hardness Level of HRC 56-58 or 1095, yields blades that are remarkably hard and durable, retaining their edge exceptionally well. While these blades offer remarkable performance, they do come with drawbacks – they rust easily and can be challenging to sharpen.
To combat this issue, some manufacturers employ special anti-corrosive coatings, such as the Ka-Bar 1220 7-Inch US Army Fighting/Utility Knife’s black coating, to protect the blade from oxidation.
Ergonomic Handles
When it comes to using a tactical knife, the feel of the knife in your hand is paramount. The material used for the handle plays a significant role in this experience. Options range from rubber and ballistic-reinforced to glass-filled nylon, fiberglass, aluminum, and leather – all excellent choices. Furthermore, look for ergonomic designs with textured, contoured, or molded grips that promote a secure hold.
This level of control is further enhanced by the presence of jigged handles or finger grooves, which provide unparalleled comfort and grip.
Additional Features
Keeping a tactical knife readily available is crucial. A sheath enables you to securely store and attach the blade to your belt or gear, ensuring quick access while preserving its sharpness. To take portability to the next level, lanyard holes are an excellent feature for everyday carry. These holes allow you to swiftly attach the knife to your belt, backpack, or other equipment.
Additionally, a glass-breaking tip can be a lifesaver in emergency situations, such as breaking a window in a vehicle, home, or helicopter, thanks to its carbide composition.
8 Best Tactical Knives – Reviews
Smith & Wesson SWHRT9B 9-Inch Fixed Blade Knife
Smith & Wesson’s SWHRT9B 9-Inch Fixed Blade Knife stands out as a top-notch choice for outdoor tactical survival and everyday carry, thanks to its exceptional design. The 4.7-inch dual-point dagger blade is crafted from high-quality 7Cr17MoV high carbon stainless steel, providing excellent edge retention. Weighing in at just 7.7 ounces, the lightweight knife ensures a secure grip with its contoured black TPE rubber wrapped handle, ideal for all weather conditions.
The handguard prevents the blade from slipping, while the convenient belt or boot sheath, lanyard hole, and blood groove ensure quick access to this dependable tactical knife. With two versions available – limited edition and original – Smith & Wesson’s SWHRT9B boasts a range of impressive features, including great quality, an affordable price, strong durability, and sharpness.
While the blade may require sharpening upon arrival, and the sheath is not extremely durable, this tactical knife remains a top pick for its resilience and performance.
Ka-Bar 1220 7-Inch US Army Fighting/Utility Knife
The Ka-Bar 1220 7-Inch US Army Fighting/Utility Knife has garnered a reputation as one of the most trusted and reliable tactical knives among outdoor enthusiasts. Its rugged design boasts a razor-sharp, fixed blade made from high-quality 1095 Chrome Vanadium high carbon steel (Rockwell Hardness: 56-58 HRC) with a straight edge or clip-point. The full-tang blade measures 11 7/8 inches in length and is coated with a durable powder finish to prevent rust and maintain its sharpness.
The knife’s ergonomics are enhanced by the brown leather handle, paired with a carbon steel pommel cap, providing a secure grip. A heavy-duty, thick leather sheath keeps the knife protected and ready for action. While the leather handle may feel stiff out of the box, conditioning it can help soften its texture over time. Ka-Bar stands behind its product with a limited lifetime warranty.
The pros of this exceptional tactical knife include excellent quality, great value, and suitability for collectors, combat, military, and outdoor survival applications. Its straight edge blade holds its edge well, thanks to the high-quality steel. The cons, however, are that it may be more expensive than some users’ budgets and the leather handle can feel very hard initially.
SOG Seal Strike Fixed Blade Tactical Knife
The SOG Seal Strike Fixed Blade Tactical Knife is an exceptional tool designed specifically for urban tactical applications. Its 4.9-inch straight/partially serrated stainless steel blade, heat-treated for added strength, boasts a sharp clip point tip capable of piercing tough materials and a partially serrated edge for rapid cuts.
The knife’s rugged Bowie-style design features a full tang, well-balanced construction, and an ergonomic high-impact glass-reinforced nylon handle with stainless steel banding, providing exceptional strength, lightness, and comfort during use. The tactical knife is accompanied by a deluxe black hard-molded nylon sheath, complete with a built-in cord cutter and ferrochromium fire starter and sharpener.
Users can either store the knife within the sheath or utilize the lanyard hole to attach it to their backpack. The SOG Seal Strike Fixed Blade Tactical Knife is backed by a limited lifetime warranty. The pros of this exceptional tool include its high quality, competitive price point, partially serrated blade for quick cuts, sharp clip point tip, and rugged design. Additionally, the knife’s ergonomic handle, full tang, and well-balanced construction provide a comfortable and secure grip.
On the other hand, some users may find the blade to be slightly too thin for heavy-duty cutting tasks, or that the plastic parts can bend easily under excessive stress. Furthermore, the blade may lose its edge over time if not properly maintained.
Gerber LMF II Infantry Knife
The Gerber LMF II Infantry Knife is an exceptional fixed blade tactical knife that excels in versatility and performance. Its high carbon stainless steel 5-inch partially-serrated drop-point blade, powder-coated for added durability, makes quick work of various tasks like cutting firewood, building a shelter, or slicing through seatbelts.
The unique, pointed black stainless steel butt cap allows for smashing glass in emergency situations, while its physical separation from the tang provides insulation and protection against stray wires. A comfortable, well-balanced design with an over-molded glass-filled Coyote brown ballistic nylon handle prevents hand blisters, ensures a secure grip, and features fire-retardant coating. The lashing holes enable attachment to a tree branch, turning the knife into a spear for fishing.
The ballistic MOLLE compatible nylon sheath includes a built-in blade sharpener and can be attached to a belt or MOLLE vest or backpack via its lanyard hole. Gerber stands behind their product with a limited lifetime warranty. This tactical knife is an excellent value, boasting outstanding quality at an affordable price.
TAC Force TF-705 Spring Assisted Folding Pocket Knife
As an adventurer or emergency services professional, you’re likely seeking a trusty companion that can help you navigate unexpected situations. The TAC Force TF-705 Spring Assisted Folding Pocket Knife is designed to be your reliable sidekick. Its 3¼-inch, 3mm black stainless steel blade boasts a combination serrated/straight-edged design, perfect for tasks like cutting rope or small branches. In self-defense scenarios, the sharp and strong blade can provide an added layer of protection.
The knife’s spring-assisted folding mechanism allows for quick one-handed deployment, similar to a switchblade, while its liner lock ensures the blade stays securely in place. To close the knife, simply press down on the curved lever located under the blade. The sturdy aluminum handle features a practical bottle opener and glass breaker at the end, which can be used to punch out a car window in an emergency. A pocket clip allows for easy carrying and quick access.
TAC Force offers a diverse range of vibrant styles to suit your unique lifestyle. Among its notable pros are excellent quality, a great price point, and sturdy construction making it ideal for survival, emergencies, or self-defense situations. Cons include the lack of a sheath included in the package, which may require some practice to learn how to properly close the blade. Additionally, the knife is not designed for heavy-duty use and has a non-full tang design.
Cold Steel Recon 1 Tactical Knife
Cold Steel’s Recon 1 Tactical Knife stands out as a reliable choice for demanding situations. The knife boasts a razor-sharp, 4-inch/3.5mm serrated and straight-edged blade crafted from imported Japanese AUS 8A stainless steel. This high-quality material has undergone rigorous processing, including vacuum heat-treatment and sub-zero quenching, to ensure exceptional durability.
The PTFE Teflon black coated finish not only resists rust but also eliminates glare, while the additional lubrication enables the blade to seamlessly glide through tough materials. The 5.3-ounce knife features a contoured and scalloped G-10 laminate handle with a non-slip grip, and a thumb disc for effortless opening. The Tri-Ad locking mechanism, a Cold Steel innovation, significantly reduces lock failure risks, ensuring your safety.
A sturdy pocket clip allows for ambidextrous access, keeping the knife within easy reach. The Recon 1’s strengths include its excellent quality, great value, and design specifically geared towards military, martial arts, or survival situations. While it may be an investment, this exceptional piece is well worth considering. The price can be found on Amazon.
MTech USA Xtreme Tactical Knife
The MTECH USA Xtreme Tactical Knife is a reliable choice for those who demand a rugged and dependable tool for various outdoor applications. Its impressive 440 stainless steel black tanto blade, measuring 5½ inches in length with a thickness of 5.5mm, boasts exceptional strength and sharpness. The G10 fiberglass laminate handle provides a secure grip even in damp conditions, thanks to its deep finger grooves and jimping. The quadruple screws ensure the blade stays firmly attached to the handle.
A black ballistic nylon sheath is included for safe storage when not in use. This tactical knife is available in two stylish color options: sleek black or a striking combination of black and gold. While it may be heavier than some users would prefer, the MTECH USA Xtreme Tactical Knife offers remarkable value considering its exceptional quality, affordability, and versatility.
Kershaw Blur Knife
The Kershaw Blur Knife is a highly sought-after choice among tactical practitioners, and for good reason. This versatile tool is designed to be ready for action at all times, making it an excellent addition to any outdoor enthusiast’s arsenal. Whether you’re hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, or simply need a reliable utility knife, the Blur has got you covered.
Crafted in the US, this tactical knife boasts a high-performance Sandvik 14C28N steel blade with a black diamond-like-carbon (DLC) coating that makes it extremely sharp and resistant to corrosion. The unique scalloped serrated/straight edge on the slightly recurved 3.4-inch blade provides exceptional slicing, piercing, and cutting capabilities, even through tough fibrous material.
The SpeedSafe assisted opening mechanism allows for smooth one-handed deployment of the blade, while the Trac-Tec inserts on the durable anodized aluminum handle provide a secure and comfortable grip in any environment. The jimping on the handle near the blade offers additional gripping power, and the liner lock keeps the blade securely in place. Weighing in at just 3.
9-ounces, the Blur knife is designed for easy everyday carry, with a deep-carry ambidextrous pocket clip that allows it to ride low in your pocket. You can even attach the knife to your backpack using the lanyard hole. And with Kershaw’s lifetime warranty backing up this exceptional product, you can trust that your Blur will be a reliable companion for years to come.
Our Top Pick for the Best Tactical Knife
In our quest for the ultimate tactical knife, we crowned the Gerber LMF II Infantry Knife as our top choice. This exceptional tool is designed to tackle any challenge that comes its way, whether it’s navigating the wilderness, desert, or urban jungle. Originally conceived for military operations, this rugged survival knife has proven itself in a wide range of emergency scenarios.
From cutting firewood and building shelters to slicing through seatbelts and breaking glass, the LMF II Infantry Knife is the reliable companion you can count on.
