Tactical knives are indispensable tools for military personnel, law enforcement officers, outdoor enthusiasts, and survivalists. Whether you need a knife for defensive purposes, heavy-duty tasks, or everyday utility, there is a tactical knife designed to meet your needs. This comprehensive guide explores the various types of tactical knives, their unique features and applications, and tips for selecting the right one for your requirements.
Fixed Blade Tactical Knives
Fixed blade tactical knives are renowned for their ruggedness and reliability in demanding conditions. With the blade permanently attached to the handle through a full tang construction, fixed blade knives provide unparalleled stability and strength. Their robustness makes fixed blade knives well-suited for tactical, survival, outdoor, and heavy-duty tasks.
Combat Knives
Designed with combat effectiveness in mind, combat knives typically have longer blades ranging from 4 to 8 inches made from high-carbon steel or tool steel. Their durable materials provide superb edge retention even with heavy use.
The blade shape of combat knives is usually clip point or tanto, granting excellent penetration capability for stabbing. Some combat knife handles incorporate textured synthetics or grips for a secure, non-slip hold. Both their materials and ergonomic designs maximize control and ease of use in close-quarters combat situations.
Beyond self-defense applications, combat knives are sturdy enough for tactical tasks like cutting cordage, light wood processing, or piercing materials. Their sleek profiles also enhance concealment. Overall, combat knives strike an ideal balance of portability, durability, and functionality for tactical and defensive requirements.
Survival Knives
As their name implies, survival knives are multi-tasking tools intended to increase your odds of survival in backcountry emergencies. In addition to a primary cutting blade, survival knives frequently include secondary implements. Common attachments are saw teeth, serrated edges, fire starters, compasses, and mini tools for tasks like processing wood, first aid, fishing, and more.
The Bush Tool Company’s survival knife, for instance, contains a 4.4″ drop point blade as well as a saw, gut hook, fire starter, and integrated compass all in a full tang, 6.3oz package. Meanwhile, the ESEE 6P survival knife boasts a 6″ 1095 high-carbon steel blade plus an integrated diamond sharpening strap and potent firestarter capability for extended periods away from civilization.
In short, survival knives excel at increasing your wilderness preparedness and skill set through versatile designs integrating core survival fundamentals. Their construction remains hardy enough for chopping kindling, making debris shelters, or other intensive survival activities deep in the field.
Bushcraft Knives
Similar to survival knives in function, bushcraft knives specialize in woodland tasks related to camping, hiking, or primitive skills. As a result, bushcraft knives incorporate designs financed for wood-based activities from notching and slicing to feather sticking and carving.
For instance, the convex-ground Ontario OKC Bayonet features a strong, 5.5″ carbon steel blade perfect for shaping wood without getting wedged or stuck. Its Sky Blue anti-microbial handle adds durability and withstands extended damp or tropical conditions. Alternatively, the Mora of Sweden Garberg features laminated carbon steel for sharp, long-wearing edges on its 5″ clip point blade – ideal for detailed carving projects.
In bushcraft, fixed full-tang knives like these optimize control during extended woodcraft while their corrosion-resistant build suits humid or coastal environments. Ultimately, bushcraft knives combine toughness, edge geometry, and ergonomics to excel at backcountry crafts and construction tasks.
Folding Tactical Knives
While lacking the brute strength of fixed blades, folding tactical knives provide an unbeatable blend of portability, convenience and utility thanks to their compact folding designs. Various locking mechanisms allow these knives to fully deploy and securely lock for use with confidence.
Combat Folding Knives
Combat folding knives marry tactical durability with day-to-day practicality. Models like the Spyderco Military feature durable G-10 handles and premium S30V steel blades around 3.5-4 inches long.
Their powerful locks like Spyderco’s patented Compression Lock ensure the blade holds rigid during demanding activities. Together, these traits fulfill self-defense needs while readily fitting in pockets or gear. Moreover, combat folders prove capable of cutting tasks from cordage to light food prep when away from more heavy-duty fixed blades.
EDC Folding Knives
Everyday carry or EDC folding knives strive to beautifully blend concealed carry, practical utility and affordability. Popular options include the budget-friendly Ontario RAT Model 1 and Spyderco Para 3.
Made of corrosion-resistant AUS-8A and premium S30V steels respectively, both offer sharp blade shapes around 2.75-3 inches. Plus, textured FRN and carbon fiber composite handles promote long-term comfortable use. Overall, EDC folders smoothly complement daily responsibilities like opening packages, food preparation and more.
Survival Folding Knives
Survival folding knives concentrate versatility into a portable size. Models like the SOG PowerLock feature partially-serrated high-carbon steel blades perfect for slicing cordage or prepping kindling in damp conditions.
Its glass-reinforced nylon handle remains functional even when submerged for hours. Meanwhile, the Schrade SCHF9 combines a large drop point blade and innovative gut hook with firestarter capabilities for wilderness emergencies far from roads or aid. Ultimately, folding survival knives multiply preparedness without excess bulk.
Tactical Knife Considerations
The perfect tactical knife depends on individual priorities and environments. Several factors deserve weight when choosing:
- Blade Material: Carbon steel, corrosion-resistant stainless steels, high-end alloys like S30V – the right steel delivers edge retention, toughness and maintenance needs aligned with intended use.
- Blade Shape: Clip point, tanto, drop point, recurve – shapes impact abilities from piercing to slicing to detailed carving.
- Handle Material: G-10, Micarta, carbon fiber and machined aluminum handles balance durability, grip and long-term comfort.
- Locking Mechanism: Liner, frame and axis locks reliably secure folding tactical knives during heavy-duty tasks and defensive environments.
- Overall Size: Balance portability with capability- bigger blades excel at heavy jobs while smaller excels for concealment and EDC friendliness.
- Additional Features: Serrations, gut hooks, firestarters and special steels expand functionality for survival, wilderness or combat applications.
Popular Tactical Knife Models
After evaluating diverse blade steels, locking mechanisms and applications, several top tactical knives consistently emerge:
- Benchmade 940 Osborne: Legendary EDC quality with a razor-sharp S30V blade and textured aluminum handle.
- Spyderco Paramilitary 2: Versatile workhorse sporting premium S30V and ergonomic metal and G-10 handle.
- Ka-Bar Becker BK2: Tried-and-true fixed blade survival knife capable of heavy-duty tasks.
- Cold Steel Recon Tanto: Robust combat/utility folder with a stout San Mai III tantō blade and Tri-Ad lock.
- Gerber Bear Grylls Parang Machete: Sturdy and affordable jungle-clearing machete/knife equally capable for survival and camp chores.
In conclusion, understanding your priorities and environment enables selecting the perfect tactical knife from the diverse options. From combat to survival to EDC, an optimally designed tactical knife boosts capability and preparedness wherever life’s adventures call.
