The Best Tactical/Military Knife to Buy in 2022

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The Top 3 At-a-Glance Recommendations

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Benchmade BKC Bedlam

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  • While not so affordable this is a fantastic tactical knife for most needs. It is made of high-quality materials, it has a great design and it is very practical and easy to use. Definitely a knife for pros who do not accept compromises in terms of quality.
  • Blade type: 7 inches 1095 Cro-Van steel
  • Overall Length: 11.875 inches
  • Sheath: Leather
  • Handle: Leather
  • Rating: 4.9/5 stars

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Ka-Bar Marine Corps

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  • One of the most iconic tactical knives on the market, the Ka-Bar Marine Corps tactical knife is probably the best for the money. It is great for those looking for quality and value in the same knife. The legend says that WW2 soldiers often shaved with the KA-BAR, it’s that sharp!
  • Blade type: 7 inches 1095 Cro-Van steel
  • Overall Length: 11.875 inches
  • Sheath: Leather
  • Handle: Leather
  • Rating: 4.9/5 stars

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SOG Seal Pup Elite

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  • While not so affordable this is a fantastic tactical knife for most needs. It is made of high-quality materials, it has a great design and it is very practical and easy to use. Definitely a knife for pros who do not accept compromises in terms of quality.
  • Blade type: 4.85-inch AUS-8 steel
  • Overall Length: 9.65 inches
  • Sheath: Black Kydex
  • Handle: Glass-reinforced nylon
  • Rating: 4.2/5 stars

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Tactical Knife Reviews

When buying a tactical or military knife there are certain aspects to look for in order to be sure that you get exactly what you want.

Tactical knives have a very broad definition. In the past, tactical knives were mainly used by the military. But since there are not that many wars today, the term mostly represents the essence of toughness, versatility, stealthiness and quality all combined. A tactical knife is expected to deliver the best results and keep up with all expectations if not exceed them. In most cases, tactical knives will make the difference between success and failure, and that is something most people cannot afford to risk.

One important aspect to look for when buying a tactical knife is size. For daily use and carry a folding knife with an overall length of 8-9 inches might be the best pick. However, this greatly varies from one activity to another; depending on your main activity you should make an informed decision on the size. I don’t generally recommend very big knives unless you absolutely need a huge knife for a very specific reason.

Next, as said before, is the fixed blade or folder aspect. Some people love fixed blades and other folders. Generally, a fixed blade knife is much faster to deploy and inherently stronger than a folding one, but a folder is carry-on friendly. So it also comes down to your specific needs. Are you an army door kicker? Then you should probably carry a strong fixed blade knife. Are you a cop? Well, a small fixed blade knife might be a good pick too, but you will surely need a folding one in your back pocket as well.

Here are other very important aspects when you choose your tactical knife:

-Locking mechanisms

There are many types of locks ranging from frail to strong. Liner locks, axis locks, lock backs are only some that you will bump into. Good knives have good locks and cheap knives obviously have crappy locks. But remember, the lock that never breaks is like the man who never gets old. It doesn’t exist. So if you expect to get a life-long knife, although it’s not going to happen, you are closer to achieve it with a fixed blade one.

-Design and build

Personal preference is the most important when speaking of design. We recommend getting a knife with a design that you really love; this way you will be happier with your choice.

-Ergonomics

It is pretty easy to choose an ergonomic tactical knife. Mostly because it must fit well in your hand and feel natural every time. There must be no uncomfortable points, sharp corners or unnatural feel to the handle. Luckily enough for you, in our selection, you will only find knives with good, ergonomic handles.

-Reputation

As in any other domain, a known brand was in most cases tested by countless people before you, so a reputable brand will probably manufacture quality products.

Without further ado, check out our selection for the best tactical knives on the market.


1. Best buy tactical knife

KA-BAR Full Size US Marine Corps Fighting Knife, Straight

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The KA-BAR is the most famous fixed blade knife in the world. It was first designed for US troops during World War 2 and now after almost a century is still one of the best military knives on the market.

It is made in the USA after the original pattern (almost identical to the one carried on by US army through WW2, Korea, and Vietnam), using 1095 Cro-Van steel so quality is not a concern. It has a weight of 0.7 lb, an HRC of 56-58 which is the steel’s relative toughness. There is a whole science based on steel, what is alloyed with and how it’s heat treated. If you really are into these technical details you will know what the HRC is all about, if not you only need to know that higher means more hardened and the steel from which the KA-BAR is made from is pretty tough and quality manufactured.

Other features include a blade thickness of 0.165 inches, a butt cap that is made of powdered metal, and the handle material which is made of genuine leather. The leather sheath provides an excellent grip and great balance. The shape of the blade is perfect and extremely well done and will provide clean cuts on whatever material.

Sure some may look for a fancy, expensive tactical knife with more modern features but if you want a cheap, quality knife that will do the job very well in every situation, the KA-BAR might just be the perfect pick as your next tactical knife.

===> See the Pricing and Reviews on Amazon.


2. Best all around tactical knife

Gerber LMF II Survival Knife

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Gerber Legendary Blades have been there for helping people protect themselves. Gerber creates popular and reliable tools and knives, but also outdoor gear that people can use for dangerous situations so that the art of self-reliance isn’t lost.

The Gerber Survival Knife was created for aircrew members in the case of downed aircraft. The knife is strong enough to penetrate the fuselage of aircraft, which says a lot about its toughness.

One thing that Gerber products have in common is the story lying behind. The LMF II is the perfect image of resourcefulness and resilience, as it’s created for the life-saving scenarios. The break between the butt cap and the tang, ensuring insulated protection against stray wires and absorbing shock caused by hammering, is fundamental.

It’s a 10″ survival knife made to withstand any scenario, so its toughness or versatility isn’t questionable in any way.

420HC stainless steel was used for the blade, whereas the handle is made with glass-filled nylon with TPV over-mold for comfortable use. Ballistic nylon with fire retardant coating was used for the sheath, so every material used for the knife and sheath recommend it for both regular and challenging scenarios.

The serrated blade will cut through firewood, seat belt, or whatever other material you’ll need to cut. The pointed buttcap is made with stainless steel that you may use for piercing glass if necessary. The buttcap presents a smart design, and it’s entirely separated from the tang for effective shock absorption. The design protects against electrical shock as well.

The over-molded handle eliminates the risk for blisters and gives a secure grip. The lashing holes may become spear, for better functionality.

The sheath has a low-profile, completing the black appearance of the knife. The sheath also comes with a built-in carbide sharpener. It doesn’t block movement, and it’s effortless to attach to your MOLLE vest or belt.

As you can see, the list of great things is incredibly long, and the knife is worth every single penny. Why not take the plunge?

===> See the Pricing and Reviews on Amazon.


3. Best fixed blade knife

SMITH & WESSON SW7 10.6in High Carbon S.S. Fixed Blade Knife

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Anyone interested in tactical gear has heard about Smith&Wesson until now. Even if Smith&Wesson is famous for the weapons, the tactical gear or knives don’t disappoint either. As a matter of fact, you should see it for yourself and take a leap of faith with the SMITH & WESSON  Fixed Blade Knife.

The knife has the right size, fitting perfectly in most hands. The blade is 5.3in long, and the overall length is 10.6 in.

The weight is perfect, and the knife has an excellent weight to it. The balance is centered, rending the knife to be reliable and easy to use in tactical situations.

The blade is made with 9Cr17MoV High Carbon stainless steel, and the handle is made with TPE and black finish.

Thanks to the ambidextrous design, the knife is comfortable and fast to use. The sheath is made with thermoplastic and takes excessive use.

You shouldn’t worry about the knife ever slipping out of the sheath since it has a secure handguard. The list of details continues with thumb and spine jimping. The lanyard hole increases its versatility, allowing secure attachment.

No matter if you’re a knife collector or a first responder, the knife will not let you down.

===> See the Pricing and Reviews on Amazon.


4. Best self-defense knives

Zero Tolerance ZT0350TS G10 Handle Folding Tiger Striped Blade with SpeedSafe

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At a weight of 5.6 ounces and an overall length of 7.75 inches the Zero Tolerance ZT0350TS folding knife is a sturdy folding blade cutting tool made in the USA. Have you ever seen a bad tool or product that is made in the USA? Me neither. I don’t say that everything that is manufactured in the states is perfect but it can be a good quality indicator.

It features a high-quality S30V stainless steel blade with a tungsten DLC coating, a 3D machined G-10 matte black handle for good grip and added comfort, a blade length of 3.25 inches and a comprehensive feel and look.

Other features include:

  • Very sharp blade right out of the box protected against corrosion and other bad treatments
  • Belt clip unit with aluminum inserts that push right out with your fingers
  • Great ergonomics
  • Small and lightweight design, perfect for stealthy situations
  • Being a folder you can easily carry it with you for self-defense.

This is a straightforward combat folder knife. It has an easy to pull form factor, a lightweight build, and can be deployed quickly making it a very good pick as your next self-defense knife. At the price it is a great choice, considering that your life is worth the money.

===> See the Pricing and Reviews on Amazon.

Spyderco Street Bowie Blade Plain Edge Knife, Black

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The first bowie knife was created by James Black in the early 19th century for Jim Bowie, from which the knife’s name comes. Since its first appearance at a duel known as the Sandbar Fight, the Bowie knife has come to represent many knives. Basically, now the term Bowie refers to any large sheath knife with a crossguard and a clip point.

A long favorite among savvy users around the world, the Street Bowie incorporates most of the original version with some tweaks and perks that make the experience so much better. It boasts a flat-ground VG-10 stainless steel blade with a durable black ceramic coating, a straight clip point that centers the tip on the knife’s centerline for the best control and an injection molded polymer sheath which has a high retention while still providing great grip.

Since Spyderco is a company that not just manufactures knives but also innovates, the Spyderco Street Bowie includes many of their technologies like:

  • The versatile G-Clip attachment which supports both belt and clip style carry, making it incredibly easy to carry around.
  • A non-reflective titanium carbonitride coated blade made on the demand of several military customers that needed a more resistant, reliable and sharp blade to fulfill their tasks.

The current Spyderco Street Bowie is basically a redesign of the older FB04 which was made in collaboration with Fred Perrin, a former French Army Commando. It became better and better as time passed, to become this versatile, high-quality knife that everybody loves. We think you will love it too.

===> See the Pricing and Reviews on Amazon.


5. Best EDC Knife

Kershaw Black Blur Glassbreaker Knife with SpeedSafe

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Do you want a good everyday knife to get your job done no matter what? Well, the Kershaw is a great pick. Shortly it features one of the fastest and safest openers on a folding knife at the price, a quality Sandvik 14C28N with a DLC coating and partial scallop serration blade, an anodized aluminum sheath with trac-tec inserts and a tip up or tip down pocket clip.

Generally speaking, an EDC knife should be mainly an easy to carry one, so that you will always have it with you like your phone. The Kershaw is perfect at this aspect having a weight of 4 ounces and a closed length of only 4.5 inches, perfect for hiding it in your back pocket every now and then. But a good EDC knife is not just carry-friendly. It should be capable of doing everyday tasks and even emergency situations that call for such a knife. Frankly, the Kershaw is good enough at most of the tasks, due to the great combination of features Kershaw took care to assemble in this knife:

  • The razor sharp blade is not just with the name, it is for real. You really need to be cautious when using this knife because only a gentle touch to the blade is enough to make the blood pour out of your limbs.
  • The SpeedSafe Assisted Opening as said, in the beginning, is a fast system to help you be ready even when the environment is moving lightning fast.
  • The small serrations on the end side of the blade offer great convenience when cutting a rope or a strong thread.
  • A great thing to have with you that might save your life one day is the small glass breaker on the back of the knife that has a very small surface of contact which along with a high pushing force breaks most glass types, even reinforced car glass.

We highly recommend this knife for everyday use. If you consider it has what it takes, you can make yourself a really nice present with the Kershaw Black Blur Glassbreaker Folding Knife.

===> See the Pricing and Reviews on Amazon.


6. Best tactical folding knife

Benchmade BKC Bedlam Axis Folding Knife

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This knife is not for everyone for sure. Unlike other knives this one doesn’t even look as an ordinary tactical knife from the beginning. It has a premium look and feel that many other brands envy and is made with incredibly durable materials that will ensure it’s high resistance and reliability over time.

It has a 154 CM steel blade with a nice black finish, a G10 handle with an amazing grip and feel, actually, it has some of the best ergonomics compared to other folder knives. It also features pin locks to secure the knife into a fixed blade. Guess you haven’t seen these features on other cheaper folding knives so often, is it?

As speaking of feels, it is a bit bulky which means that is not going to be your typical pocket folding knife, but since it behaves very well in both states, this shouldn’t be a problem. As you would’ve expected, like the previous Columbia River Knives and Tools this knife is manufactured in with extreme care and responsibility by knife experts to ensure that you get the best of the best.

Considering the price tag and all it’s best features, this is a truly unique and professional folding knife. All the perks and features make the experience so much better and can give you a great advantage in places where other knives might stumble. Do you want the best from both worlds(folding and fixed blade)? Or maybe the best for the money? Or maybe the unique one? Well, the Benchmade BKC Bedlam Axis Folding Knife covers all of them and is the best choice.

===> See the Pricing and Reviews on Amazon.


7. Best rescue knife

Cold Steel 27TLCTH Hunting Folding Knives, Black

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The Cold Steel Recon 1 ComboEdge is similar to its brother Spear Point Plain Edge. Since they are from the same series, there are a lot of similarities, but also a lot of important details that makes it suitable for rescue and emergency situations.

The blade on this knife is very special and is worth saying a few words about it. Firstly it is a vacuum heat-treated stainless steel blade with a tough PTFE finish that helps it resist rust and eliminates glare, a thing you will surely need when rescuing someone because you don’t want annoying light reflections that make you go blind while somebody’s life stands in your hands. It measures 4 inches and has some perfectly crafted small serrations that help a lot when you need to cut a rope or a hardened thread, a situation you will surely find yourself in, on a rescue mission or emergency.

The handle has G-10 laminated scales which are contoured and scalloped to produce a fine nonslip grip and great ergonomics. It is thin, extremely sharp and incredibly, though, being capable of aiding you on your next mission.

I forgot to mention that the blade has a superior lubricant which causes the blade to slip through even though materials by minimizing friction. This means deep cuts are not a problem for this knife.

But when you have such a tough blade, problems like the resistance of the lock come in that can really ruin your day. Cold Steel had this in mind when they manufactured this knife and they used a revolutionary Tri-Ad lock which practically precludes lock failure.

Excellent grip and ergonomics along with a high-quality blade and an almost indestructible lock system make the Cold Steel Recon 1 ComboEdge a perfect companion for your next rescuing missions and for a small amount of money, one day, it will probably save someone’s live.

===> See the Pricing and Reviews on Amazon.


8. Best Survival Knives

SOG Super Bowie Fixed Blade SB1T-L – Black Tini 7.5″ Aus-8 Blade, Leather Washer Handle, Leather Sheath

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SOG is well known for delivering excellent quality knives and tools for many experts around the world. Their devices are proven to be well made by U.S. law enforcement and the U.S. Special Forces that used S.O.G. products for decades. The founder and chief engineer, Spencer Frazer, still helps with the creation of every S.O.G. products. The S.O.G. knife and tools are recognized for the performance and fantastic style, gaining recognition all over the world. People in the military, law enforcement, and industrial customers use S.O.G. knives on their toughest and challenging missions.

S.O.G. Super Bowie Fixed Blade will remind the experts of the original S.O.G. Bowie, and it’s because it’s a new version of the previous Bowie.

It’s a straight side and fixed 7.5in AUS-8 metal blade on the knife, with clip point shape for fast and deep puncture. It’s easy to sharpen it and delivers fast performance anytime.

The gridlines are incredibly accurate, and the black TiNI finish looks elegant. The handle is well balanced and has an ergonomically contoured design. it’s made of leather washers and has a brown appearance, for a natural look and comfortable grip

The knife also comes with a lanyard hole, leather lanyard, and a leather sheath. The sheath is black, and features snap closure and belt loop for secure attachment.

Whenever in need, you may sharpen the blade with the stone included. The knife comes with a limited lifetime warranty, which says a lot about the manufacturer’s confidence in its products.

Even if the price may throw some customers off, the knife is a wise investment to make for tactical purposes.

===> See the Pricing and Reviews on Amazon.

Benchmade Contego Folding Knife, Combo Edge, BK Blade 810SBK

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Also a folding knife, latin for „protect” or „shield” the Benchmade Contego ComboEdge is built with toughness and durability and is a perfect pick as your next survival knife. We said it before and we say it now again. You will probably be better off with a fixed blade knife in any situation that requires endurance and resistance, but Benchmade did such a great job with this knife that we had to nominate it as one of the best survival knives. Here is why.

First, it is big, has a bold look and an aggressive handling. The 4-inch blade is best characterized by the words big and bold. It’s made of CPM-M4 steel with gray or black Cerakote, it has a blade thickness of 0.156 inches, pretty thin compared to other knives, which means that you will get a hell of a sharp blade with which you can cut anything from hardened ropes (with some help from the serrations at the end of the blade) to thick tree branches. Some people even said that they could use the knife’s blade to shave, as an indicator of how sharp it is.

The lock mechanism is an Axis type which is pretty though and break-proof but not something to really praise about because there are better mechanisms out there. Still, this is not something to really worry about unless you are a knife maniac that makes a thousand opens and closes a day.

The weight of this knife is perfect. It has a great balance and can open with only a flick of the wrist. Benchmade made two models, one with serrated blade and one with a plain one. It is up to you if you need the serrations. Some like them and some don’t so consider this when choosing the model.

The Contego Folding Knife ComboEdge is a pleasure to use. It kind of makes sense when you think about it. It has a decent price, it is manufactured by a reputable company, it has many of the traits you hardly find on even more expensive knives, it fits really well in the hand (great ergonomics) and has a razor-sharp multi-functional blade. We really consider that this is a great purchase if you are in need of a survival knife like this.

===> See the Pricing and Reviews on Amazon.


9. Best Commando/Special Ops Knives

Rothco Genuine British Commando Knife with Leg Sheath

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From scratch, this is a knife with a very long and somehow thick blade. It is a great pick for commandos due to a handful of reasons that I will speak about later in this review. The Rothco Genuine British Commando resembles the original Fairbrain-Skyes fighting knife which became famous during World War 2 when issued mainly to British Commandos, the Airborne Forces and the SAS in the Normandy Landings.

Due to it’s tapered, sharply pointed blade the weapon is optimized for thrusting. Of course thrusting it is the main plus on this knife but it doesn’t mean it is limited to only that. Not even close. Having a Carbon steel blade with cutting edges it is ideal for inflicting slash cuts upon an opponent or maybe just cut different objects, ropes, parachutes, etc.

It is designed with toughness and with the original British commando in mind so that you get a high-quality knife that only special ops and military man are capable of handling. The comfort and performance come hand in hand with the Rothco Genuine British Commando Knife due to its high-quality leather sheath and ergonomic zinc serrated handle design.

As said, in the beginning, the blade is not for the weak and is the main reason why this knife is so good. Being a 7-inch carbon steel one it is very light and resistant to any hard usage, and at that length, it is easy to reach your enemy and not get your cover blown.

It is a great overall knife for special ops or commando missions at both a decent price and a high-quality standard. If you consider it has what it takes to have it with you in your next mission we really think this is a great purchase.

===> See the Pricing and Reviews on Amazon.

Smith & Wesson SW3G Special Ops M-9 Bayonet Special Force Knife, Green

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With a 7-inch plain edge blade the Smith & Wesson is a great Special Ops Bayonet for the true specialist. From the beginning, you need to know that this is a soldier’s tool. It is best used for what it is made for, as a bayonet. Long story short, it has a black-coated stainless steel 440C blade with saw back, a black polymer handle, a nylon scabbard, an overall length of 12.75 inches , a weight of 14 ½ oz, an ergonomic shape, a not so razor-sharp blade as it needs to be, and a good feel in the hand.

Just by looking at it, you can tell that it is the perfect knife to sneak by your enemy’s back and make the fatal cut with only one move. It basically can tackle everything from fierce adversaries to flor or fauna that stays in your way. That’s why you will need to keep this knife close to you at any time. The manufacturer includes a scabbard with a sharpening stone which is nice if you ever feel that the blade is not sharp enough.

It comes with a belt clip, but you can also attach it to a gun preferably a big one, and a lifetime limited warranty. As other tactical knives, it also comes with some legislative restrictions so be aware if you want to make the purchase.

As a conclusion, if you don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars for a professional bayonet this is the definite choice.

===> See the Pricing and Reviews on Amazon.

Gerber Mark II Knife [22-01874]

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The Mark 2 is a true masterpiece. It is one of the best-selling knives in the world. After half a century, the Mark 2 is still in top for everyone who wants the best out of their money.

Pros:

It features a 420HC steel blade with a black oxide coating and double serration with a length of 6.6 inches, an overall length of 11.6 inches, and a weight of 12.5 ounces. Unlike many other tactical or military knives, the Gerber Mark 2 has an aluminum handle and a ballistic nylon sheath. This means the endurance of the handle is ensured.

The sheath and blade are non-reflective and quiet so you won’t get half blind neither get your cover blown when taking the knife out.

Lifetime warranty that covers your knife’s damage straight from Gerber, one of the most reputable knife brands in the world.

Cons:

The single thing that can be considered as a downgrade is the razor edge which after some usage time it needs to be sharpened to avoid bad cuts.

This is the true killing knife. It may sound a little horrific but that’s what it does best. It was designed for survival during the worst missions. Basically, you get killer quality and a good price in a knife that’s preferred by tens of thousands or maybe hundreds of thousands of army men that fought in Vietnam, Korea, Chad, commandos and special ops professionals around the globe. Treat yourself.

===> See the Pricing and Reviews on Amazon.


10. Best Police/Law Enforcement Knives

Ka-Bar TDI Law Enforcement Knife Fixed Blade

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As a police officer, you may have everything under control in most situations. And that’s a nice feeling. When the suspect is handcuffed and everything goes as planned. But there’s also another feeling that is way more unpleasant. It’s when things get out of the hand. Somebody probably grabbed your primary weapon or you ran out of bullets. That is when you reach for the KA-BAR. More of a last option knife, the TDI Law Enforcement Knife does it’s job best when an officer cannot access the handgun and his/her life is in danger. It draws similar to a pistol, and the reversible sheath makes it easy for left-handed officers to switch on the other side of the belt for faster withdraws.

It is very easy to handle, when you are cutting something there is a nice finger space where the blade is not razor-sharp especially for not getting hurt but also for added comfort. Also, it can be used in two ways, regular grip, and reverse grip. Mainly when you keep it in a regular grip, the blade has a 15 degrees inclination angle and it forms a straight axis with your hand which makes it perfect for stabbing and slashing. In reverse grip, you can use it while under assault to make fatal cuts.

As speaking of technical details it has an AUS 8A Stainless Steel blade, a patented Zytel handle material, an HRC of 57-59 CR(similar to the KA-BAR full size), a blade thickness of 0.125 inches, a hollow grind, an overall length of 5-5/8 inches and a weight of 0.20 lb.

Whether you are a policeman that needs extra protection or just want an added security in your everyday life, this knife is a must.

===> See the Pricing and Reviews on Amazon.


11. Best field knife

CRKT SIWI Fixed Blade Knife: Compact and Lightweight Black Knife with Carbon Steel, Plain Edge Blade, G10 Handle and Glass Reinforced Nylon Sheath Case 2082

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Columbia River Knife & Tool Inc. is a pretty young American knife company established in 1994 by two former Kershaw employees that decided to open their own knife company. They practically skyrocketed in 1997 when the K.I.S.S. (Keep It Super Simple) knife was introduced. It was an apparent success right from the beginning, an event that helped them develop faster and bring better products to the market.

CRKT SIWI Fixed Blade Knife: Compact and Lightweight Black Knife come with a compact fixed blade made with the SK5 Carbon Steel blade. The blade comes sharpened and holds the edge for a reasonable amount of time. The black powder coat finish on the blade improves its tactical appearance. It’s a non-reflective and incredibly resistant black powder coat, which takes a long time to use.

The handles fit the 3.3” blade perfectly, with texture increasing the grip even in challenges environments. The jimping on the back spine is subtle and completes the look of the knife.

The sheath is made with glass-reinforced nylon, handling long time use.

It’s a simple, yet elegant and reliable knife with ergonomic design and limited lifetime warranty. Craftsmanship and appearance are impressive, and you shouldn’t skip when in need of a field knife.

===> See the Pricing and Reviews on Amazon.


12. Best throwing knife

Cold Steel Recon 1 Spear Point Plain Edge Knife

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The Recon 1 series kind of started a standard for tactical folding knives that is pretty hard to surpass. The Cold Steel Recon 1 Spear Point Plain Edge Folding knife is a popular knife among military and law enforcement personnel as well as civilians.

A bunch of features makes it suitable for throwing and here we can remind:

  • Very easy to carry around, due to its overall length of only 9-3/8 inches
  • 3.5 mm thick blade and ergonomic G-10 laminate handle make it both easy to throw the knife by the blade or by the sheath as you prefer
  • Stainless steel Japanese AUS 8A that’s been vacuum heat-treated and sub-zero quenched is an assurance that the blade won’t fail any matter how many times you decide to throw it.

Actually, the entire Cold Steel folding series of knives were tested by some specially trained men in a destruction test specifically to show the resistance of their knives compared to others. After more than 100 throws, the Cold Steel Recon 1 survived without a scratch being ready for the next challenge. This has to show just how serious they take quality standards.

To make the Recon 1 easy to open and carry the company provides you with a thumb stud and a strong yet small pocket clip.

Added all together, this makes for a great throwing knife. Great price, great specs, razor-sharp blade, and good design, the Cold Steel Recon 1 Spear Point is a must in every professional thrower collection.

===> See the Pricing and Reviews on Amazon.


13. Best zombie knives

Ontario 6143 493 M9 Bayonet System (Black)

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When in a zombie apocalypse it is vital to have a rugged, big, and razor-sharp knife in order to survive. Luckily the Ontario M9 Bayonet with Black Handle and Scabbard Designed for military is easily attachable to the M16 rifles and will probably save your skin when you run out of ammo.

It weighs 16 ounces, so this is not for frail men, it has a modified stainless steel black oxide blade with a non-reflective finish and small serrations on the back for easy rope cuts, the handle is made of textured thermoplastic nylon. The sheath has strap down loops and a pivot pin wich along with the knife forms an emergency wire cutter.

At an overall length of 12.125 inches, 7-inch blade with 0.235, this knife is not good just at clean fatal cuts but even fierce cold blooded slashes against the zombies.

The best guns we advise you to put this bayonet on are the M16 and M4 carbines, the Mossberg 590A1, and the AR-15. We think that in a zombie apocalypse the Mossberg 590 is the best choice to combine with this bayonet because you can blow the Zombie’s heads off with only one shot and be sure that they don’t revive. Of course, you can choose another one that you consider would smash the head of the zombies better but on the ones listed above it fits best.

Don’t want to get your brain eaten by stupid zombies that come in your backyard? Well, when you run out of ammunition the Ontario Bayonet will always be there to save your ass. And now you can get it at a good price.

===> See the Pricing and Reviews on Amazon.

Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops SWA24S 7.1in S.S. Folding Knife with 3.1in Serrated Clip Point Blade and Aluminum Handle for Outdoor, Tactical, Survival and EDC

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Smith& Wesson knives are made to the same high-quality standards as Smith&Wesson firearms. No matter if you need a tactical knife, self-defense tools, or a multi-tool, you will always find reliable products at Smith&Wesson.

The Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops SWA24S 7.1in S.S. Folding Knife is an excellent example of the high quality and performance of Smith&Wesson knives. It has a foldable design, and it’s great to protect you in case of a zombie attack or anything similar.

7Cr17MoV Black oxide high carbon stainless steel was used for the blade, which comes with partially serrated clip point. The handle is made with aluminum and black finish for a more tactical feel. The textured material and finger indentions improve the grip.

The pocket clip allows attachment for fast and effortless access when in need, whereas the finger clipper and ambidextrous thumb knobs recommend it for every day carry. The knife also comes with jimping and index flipper.

The design is well thought out, with the security of liner lock reducing the risk of blade slipping.

The knife has the perfect size when folded and unfolded. It’s excellent for pocket-size when folded, and has the ideal balance when revealed.

The thumb studs ensure fast and effortless opening with just one hand. The only thing missing when having to use the knife is the zombies!

===> See the Pricing and Reviews on Amazon.


Conclusion

A good knife is a good knife and that’s all. Good knives are not cheap nor easy to find or to pick from the incredible variety available on the market. We did our best to include the best tactical or military knives in their categories of action. We hope you found what you were looking for from our list. By the way, you might want to check out our hunting knife reviews by clicking here. Anyway thanks for passing by and reading our reviews.

 

Read our other knife reviews:

The Top Choices For The Best Hunting Knife


Buyer’s guide

The variety of models of tactical knives, the different types of blades and handles, renders the selection process to be extraordinarily challenging and slow for a newbie.

Not only that, you need to know what you’re using the knife for, but you also need to know the fundamentals of tactical/combat knife. A buyer’s guide will help you focus on what matters the most on a tactical/combat knife so that you don’t get lost on track while scrolling through the numerous options.

Ergonomics

It’s one of the most significant factors to consider when selecting the tactical knife. An ergonomic knife will feel nice and steady in your hand, both when in use or in your pocket. It should always have a natural feel to it, with no sharp edges or pinching when applying pressure.

A good knife is almost like an extension of your hand, allowing a secure grip at all times. Besides, the knife has to have the right size and never be too small or too big for your hand.

Size

When it comes to knives, bigger isn’t better. On the contrary, the knife should always reflect the operations you need it for. You cannot use a machete for hammering the pummel of the knife. Big knives are heavy, and it’s not what you need when in the line of duty.

The knife feels nice and comfortable in your hand. The length of the blade matches the handle length, for the most convenient use.

Blade material

Various types of steel are used for the blade of tactical knives, and it’s not easy to decide on one. Steel is a combination of carbon and iron, and maybe some other elements. It’s why some blades are made with alloy steel blades.

However, you should always look for blades made of high carbon metals and stainless steel. Titanium and ceramic blades are also common.

Blade& tip design

Not only the material of the blade matters but also the blade design. The blade has to have a sharp cutting edge and a point. The purpose of the knife is tightly connected to the design of the blade.

Don’t forget to also look at the thickness of the blade. When you plan to use the knife for poking or prying, the tip shouldn’t chip or get damaged. Clip point and drop point are the most common clip points for blades.

A straight edge is easy to sharpen, whereas a serrated edge will cut through anything, but requires a particular sharpener. Tanto points are fantastic for stabbing.

Many survival knives are made with a plain edge and serrated style, for more versatility.

Weight

Are you going to carry the knife in the pocket or attached to the waist? How you carry the knife counts a lot when selecting the tactical knife.

If you’re planning to carry the knife in your pack, you don’t have to watch out for the weight. But if you’re going to keep in on you, you need to pay attention to the weight.

Handle

You should check to see if the handle is hollow or not, but don’t skip the butt of the knife either (pommel). Should you want a lightweight knife, a hallow pommel is proper, but you’ll not be able to use the knife for hammering.

The weight of the handle is also significant. Once again, a hollow handle makes the knife lighter. A heavy knife handle will give you better control when using the knife. A sturdy blade needs a sturdy handle.

The grip is also fundamental on a tactical knife, and several aspects matter for a secure grip. The contour of the handle and the overall shape are the most important to name. A subtly contoured grip for guidance is what you find in a good tactical knife, so that your fingers find the best grip intuitively. It’s fundamental for a comfortable and secure grip. The finger contour may come with raised thumb studs for increasing the grip.

The material of the handle also matters, and you want rubber handles to have textured surfaces for a better grip.


Frequently Asked Questions About Tactical Knives

Q: What’s the best way to describe a tactical knife?

A: The tactical knife is made to be used in various situations, especially in life-threatening and challenging scenarios. The tactical knife is a tactical utility tool and is designed to be both a tool and a weapon, if necessary.

Pilots, military, SWAT members, police, and fire personnel use tactical knives, but hunters and outdoor enthusiasts include them in their gear too.

Q: How many types of tactical knives are out there?

A: Even if the market may overwhelm you with the variety of models, there are, in fact, just two types of tactical knives: the fixed blade and the folding knives.

Q: What’s particular about folding knives?

A: As the name suggests, the folding knives are foldable for a more comfortable carry in the pocket. You may find single-blade, double-blade, and multi-blade folding knives. The variety of sizes is impressive, which may slow down the selection process.

Q: Is the fixed blade knife more reliable?

A: The fixed blade is, in fact, more durable and robust, but also thicker and longer than a folder. You may never be able to slice open a bear with the folding knife, but you shouldn’t have any problems with a fixed blade knife.

Q: What does full tang mean?

A: The tang is the part extending into the handle. A full tang is a continuous element of metal onto the handle is mounted. The full tang knife is typically sturdier than any other type of knife.

Q: Why get a tactical knife with solid pommel?

A: The handle’s butt end is known as the pommel. You may find tactical knives with hollow handles and light pommels. Even if they’re reliable in basic scenarios, they’re not going to help you in survival scenarios. You won’t be able to hammer something with the pommel if it’s not stable.

Q: Is the sharp and robust point fundamental on a tactical knife?

A: If you’re going to find yourself in a life-threatening situation, an angled or rounded tip with an exotic look is going to be useless. You need a tactical knife with a drop-point blade with a sturdy tip, especially since the chance of having to pry at something is high.

Q: Is stainless steel the most common material for tactical knives?

A: Stainless steel doesn’t corrode nor rust, and comes in an impressive variety of grades. You need to check the hardness of the steel before choosing the knife. Even if it’s shiny and doesn’t rust, not all stainless steel blades are dependable for tactical missions.

Q: Should you look for high carbon stainless steel instead?

A: Since it’s also stainless steel, high carbon stainless steel doesn’t rust, but it’s more robust than other types of stainless steel.

Q: Why get a tactical knife with a carbon steel blade?

A: Carbon steel is incredibly durable, which makes it great for homemade knives. It maintains the right edge, but it may rust when not taking good care of it.

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