A tactical knife is an essential device for military missions or survival situations. Whether you are a law enforcement officer, a soldier, a street warrior, a hunter, or a fisherman, a tactical knife serves as a weapon and a tool for all types of outdoor scenarios.
The 8 Best Tactical Knives
- Smith & Wesson SWHRT9B 9-Inch Fixed Blade Knife
- Ka-Bar 1220 7-Inch US Army Fighting/Utility Knife
- SOG Seal Strike Fixed Blade Tactical Knife
- Gerber LMF II Infantry Knife (Our Top Pick)
- TAC Force TF-705 Spring Assisted Folding Pocket Knife
- Cold Steel Recon 1 Tactical Knife
- MTech USA Xtreme Tactical Knife
- Kershaw Blur Knife
Our Top Pick for the Best Tactical Knife
Our top pick for the best tactical knife is the Gerber LMF II Infantry Knife. Wherever your mission takes you, into the wilderness, desert, or urban jungle, the LMF II Infantry knife is your go-to tactical knife.
Originally designed for tough military applications, this outstanding survival knife delivers a fantastic performance in any type of emergency. Whether you need to cut firewood, build a shelter, slice through a seat belt, or break glass, the LMF II has got you covered.
Check the price on AmazonTough Multifunctional Tools
If you are working or playing in the great outdoors you need a tough, rugged tactical knife. As opposed to a Swiss Army knife or a pocket knife, a tactical knife has a thicker blade, a sharp edge, a strong handle, and it may even have additional safety features such as an integrated glass breaker. This multifunctional knife can be wielded as a weapon for combat or self-defense purposes and doubles as a multifunctional emergency/survival tool for cutting small tree branches, rope, or wood or breaking a window.
How to Choose a Tactical Knife
To be able to choose the right tactical knife, you need to consider basic features such as blade design, blade type, blade length, blade steel, and handle.
Overall Blade Design
The most common type of blades for tactical knives are a straight-edge (sometimes called a plain-edge or fine-edge blade), or a combination blade. A combination blade features a straight edge on one side and a serrated edge on the other side. The tip of the blade can be a clip-point or a drop point blade. Each type of blade is suited for a different purpose and will have its own advantages and disadvantages.
– Fixed Blade Knives
Fixed-blade knives are a great choice for combat or self-defense purposes and survival cutting tasks. These sturdy knives usually have a longer full tang blade and a solid handle. A fixed blade knife may also have a handguard or a bolster, which protects your hand from accidentally sliding forward onto the blade and cutting yourself while you cut, parry, slice, or dice.
A full tang design, where the knife’s tang extends into the knife’s handle, gives the knife extra strength. The problem with a fixed blade knife is that you cannot fold the blade down which makes it hard to carry unless you keep it in a sheath or attach it to a MOLLE patch on your tactical backpack.
– Folding Blade Tactical Knives
If you are a street warrior, wilderness enthusiast, or survivalist, and you need fast access to the blade, a folding or spring-assisted tactical knife is the ultimate portable everyday carry tactical knife. At just the press of a button or the application of slight pressure, the blade springs into action and the locking mechanism keeps the blade securely in place until you need to close the knife.
The folding tactical knife folds down into an extremely compact size that is just right to carry concealed in your pocket or tactical backpack.
As folding tactical knives have shorter blades and do not have a full tang design, they may not be as strong as a fixed-blade knife.
Blade Type
– Straight-edge or Plain-edge Blade
A straight-edge blade, which is also called a plain-edge blade is the ideal knife for clean cuts and they are easier to sharpen than serrated blades.
– Serrated-edge Blade
If you need to saw through tough fibrous material like rope, a serrated blade is the blade of choice. If you want a multi-functional blade, the SOG Seal Strike Fixed Blade Knife has a combination of a straight-edge and partially serrated blade.
– Drop-point Blade
A drop point blade has a very balanced design. It is curved on both sides; one side is sharp and the other side is flat. The sharp pointed end is thick and strong so it is ideal for challenging cutting tasks such as cutting into wood or slicing up meat.
– Clip Point Blade
The clip point blade knife looks like its end has been clipped off which gives it a tapered, razor-sharp edge. Its super-sharp edge is ideal for stabbing as allows you to insert and withdraw the knife faster. The clip point blade is not as strong as other types of blades so it is not designed for heavy-duty tasks.
– Dagger or Spear Point Blade
A dagger or spear point tactical knife, such as the Smith & Wesson, has a double-edged reinforced blade, which makes a great knife for piercing. You can use it as a throwing knife or you could lash it to a stick and use it to catch fish. The downside of the spear point blade is that it has a small cutting edge so it may not be ideal for slicing.
Blade Length
Small 3 to 4-inch blades are ideal for light cutting tasks, and they make the knife easier to fit in the pocket of your tactical jacket or tactical pants. Medium-sized 4-4.7-inch blades are highly versatile and can be used for most cutting tasks. Larger-sized 5-7-inch blades give you a great reach and can handle tougher tasks, but they can be bulkier and heavier.
Blade Steel
– Stainless Steel or High Carbon Steel
Tactical knives are either made of highly polished stainless steel or high carbon steel.
Stainless steel is strong and sturdy and highly rust, stain, and chip-resistant, which means it is low maintenance. Tactical knives are made of 7Cr17MoV high carbon stainless steel or 420 stainless steel.
– High-carbon Steel
High-carbon steel, especially steel that has a Rockwell Hardness Level of HRC 56-58 or 1095, creates hard, durable blades that can hold its edge very well. The problem with high-carbon steel is that it rusts easily and it can be hard to sharpen. Some manufacturers use a special anti-corrosive black coating to protect the blade from rust such as the Ka-Bar 1220 7-Inch US Army Fighting/Utility Knife.
Ergonomic Handles
How a knife feels in your hand while you are using it is very important. Handles can be made of rubber, ballistic reinforced, or glass-filled nylon, fiberglass, aluminum, or leather. All of these materials are very good choices for a tactical knife. Also, look for a handle that features an ergonomic design, with an anti-slip, textured, contoured, or molded grip, which gives you more control over the knife.
In addition, a jigged handle or finger grooves provide you with the ultimate comfortable grip and control.
Additional Features
– Sheath
Keeping your knife at your side for quick and easy access is important. A sheath allows you to safely store and attach the knife to your belt for quick and easy access and will maintain the blade’s sharpness.
– Lanyard Holes
For even more portability, lanyard holes are great features for everyday carry. You can use the lanyard hole to attach the tactical knife to your belt or backpack.
– Glass-breaking Tip
For extra tactical tool versatility, a carbide tip can be used for emergencies such as breaking a window in your home, vehicle, jeep, or helicopter.
8 Best Tactical Knives – Reviews
1. Smith & Wesson SWHRT9B 9-Inch Fixed Blade Knife
Smith & Wesson are the expert weapon designers, which makes its SWHRT9B 9-Inch Fixed Blade Knife an excellent choice for outdoor tactical survival and everyday carry.
The 9-inch tactical knife has a sharp dual-point dagger 4.7-inch full tang blade which is made of strong 7Cr17MoV high carbon stainless steel and it has good edge retention. Whatever type of tactical scenario you find yourself you can face it with confidence as the knife is quite lightweight at 7.7-ounces and the blade will not slip due to the security of the handguard.
For a secure grip in all weather conditions, the black TPE rubber wrapped handle has a contoured shape that feels comfortable in your hand.
The knife has a convenient belt or boot sheath, a blood groove, and a lanyard hole so you will always have quick and easy access to your dependable tactical knife.
Smith & Wesson offers its tactical knife in a limited edition and the original version.
Pros
- Great-quality
- Affordable price
- Strong, durable and sharp
- Resilient 7Cr17MoV high carbon stainless steel
- Double-edged full tang blade
- Good edge retention
- Black rubber wrapped handle
- Contoured handle design provides a secure grip
- Handguard prevents slippage
- Convenient belt or boot sheath
- Lanyard hole
- Blood groove
Cons
- Blade may need to be sharpened out of the box
- Sheath is not very durable
2. Ka-Bar 1220 7-Inch US Army Fighting/Utility Knife
One of the most popular tactical knives with outdoor enthusiasts, the iconic Ka-Bar 1220 7-Inch US Army Fighting/Utility Knife features a solid and dependable design. It features a razor-sharp straight edge/clip-point fixed blade that is made of 1095 Chrome Vanadium high carbon steel which has a Rockwell Hardness of 56-58 HRC. The full-tang 11 7/8-inch blade is powder coated for added durability and it holds its edge very well.
You can handle this stunning knife with ease as it has a beautiful brown leather handle that is combined with a carbon steel pommel cap.
Keep the knife ready for action in the heavy-duty rich brown thick leather sheath which can withstand any type of tactical abuse you can throw at it.
The leather handle feels very hard out of the box but if you treat it with a leather conditioner it will soften up nicely.
Ka-Bar offers a limited lifetime warranty on its superb tactical knife.
Pros
- Excellent quality
- Very good value for money
- Great for collectors, combat, military and outdoor survival
- Strong straight edge blade holds its edge well
- Full-tang 1095 Chrome Vanadium high carbon steel blade
- Powder coated for additional strength and durability
- Razor sharp edge
- Beautiful brown leather handle combined with a carbon steel pommel cap
- Heavy-duty thick rich brown leather sheath
Cons
- Expensive
- Leather on the handle is very hard
3. SOG Seal Strike Fixed Blade Tactical Knife
With a sharp straight/partially serrated blade and a rugged design, the SOG Seal Strike Fixed Blade Tactical Knife is ideal for tactical urban applications.
This Bowie-style knife has a 4.9-inch straight/partially serrated stainless steel blade that has been heat-treated for extra strength and the black titanium nitride coating protects against corrosion. Its partially serrated edge allows for quick cuts and the sharp clip point tip can pierce tough material.
Whatever type of outdoor scenario you need to work in, the knife has a full tang, well-balanced design, and the ergonomic high-impact glass-reinforced nylon handle has stainless steel banding, which makes it very strong, lightweight, and comfortable to use.
The tactical knife also comes with a deluxe black hard-molded nylon sheath that includes a built-in cord cutter, and a ferrochromium fire starter and sharpener.
You can either keep the tactical knife in the sheath or can use the lanyard hole and attach the knife to your backpack.
The knife is covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
Pros
- High quality
- Good price
- Ideal for tactical urban applications
- Partially serrated blade allows for quick cuts
- Sharp blade tip
- Rugged Bowie knife design
- Black coating stops corrosion
- Glass reinforced nylon handle has stainless steel banding
- Full tang
- Well-balanced
- Ergonomic, lightweight, and comfortable to use
- Deluxe black hard-molded nylon sheath
- Sheath has a built-in cord cutter, and a ferrochromium fire starter and sharpener
- Lanyard hole
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Blade is a bit thin for heavy-duty cutting
- Plastic parts can bend easel
- Blade can lose its edge easily
4. Gerber LMF II Infantry Knife
A highly versatile fixed blade tactical knife, the Gerber LMF II Infantry Knife delivers a superb performance.
Whether you need to cut firewood, build a shelter, or slice through a seat belt, the Gerber LMF II knife is designed to adapt to a wide variety of survival situations, so you can face any scenario with confidence.
Made in the US, Gerber has designed a sensational knife. The high carbon stainless steel 5-inch partially-serrated fixed blade drop-point blade is strong, incredibly sharp, and is powder-coated for extra durability.
Gerber has added a unique, pointed black stainless steel butt cap that can be used to smash glass when you need to escape from a crashed helicopter or a car. The butt cap is physically separated from the knife’s tang to provide insulation and protection against stray wires and absorbs any shock from hammering or impact.
Featuring a comfortable well-balanced design, the over-mold glass-filled Coyote brown ballistic nylon handle prevents hand blisters, provides a secure grip, and has a fire-retardant coating. It is very versatile as the handle has lashing holes, so you can tie the knife to a tree branch and turn it into a spear for catching fish.
The ballistic MOLLE compatible nylon sheath features a built-in blade sharpener and you can attach it to your belt or MOLLE vest or you can use the lanyard hole to tie it to your backpack.
Gerber offers a limited warranty on its superior tactical knife.
Pros
- Outstanding quality
- Great value for money
- Affordable price
- Highly versatile
- Ideal for tactical situations
- Field-tested
- Made in the US
- Fixed blade drop-point blade is strong and incredibly sharp
- Powder-coated for extra durability
- Unique, pointed black stainless steel butt cap
- Overmolded glass-filled ballistic nylon handle has a fire retardant coating
- Well-balanced design
- Lashing holes to convert the knife into a spear
- Lanyard hole
- Ballistic nylon sheath has a built-in blade sharpener
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Not full-tang
5. TAC Force TF-705 Spring Assisted Folding Pocket Knife
If you are a wilderness wanderer or work in the emergency services, the TAC Force TF-705 Spring Assisted Folding Pocket Knife is destined to be your new safety buddy.
The 3¼-inch, 3mm black stainless steel combination serrated/straight-edged blade is strong and sharp. You can use this reliable knife for cutting rope, small branches, or self-defense.
Offering quick and easy one-handed deployment such as a switchblade knife, this spring-assisted folding knife locks securely into place with the use of its liner lock. To close the knife, there is a curved lever on the underbelly of the knife, just press down and the blade will lock back into place.
This knife’s sturdy aluminum handle features a bottle opener and a glass breaker on the end, which can be used to punch out the window of a car in an emergency. It also has a pocket clip to keep it close for quick access.
TAC Force offers a wide range of colorful styles to suit your lifestyle.
Pros
- Excellent quality
- Great price
- Sturdy and well-made
- Ideal for survival, emergencies, or self-defense
- Razor sharp thick blade
- Black stainless steel blade
- Serrated/straight-edged blade design
- Spring assist folding knife offers rapid one-handed deployment
- Blade locks securely into place with the liner lock
- Sturdy aluminum handle can be used as a bottle opener and glass breaker
- Pocket clip
- Colorful styles
Cons
- No sheath included
- Can take a while to learn how to close the blade
- Not full tang
- Not ideal for heavy-duty use
6. Cold Steel Recon 1 Tactical Knife
Cold Steel is famous for crafting superb knives and weapons and its Recon 1 Tactical Knife is an excellent choice for hardcore military, martial arts, or survival situations.
Designed for challenging outdoor conditions, the razor-sharp 4-inch/3.5mm serrated/straight-edged blade is made of imported Japanese AUS 8A stainless steel, which has been vacuum heat-treated and sub-zero quenched for extra durability. The tough PTFE Teflon black coated finish resists rust and eliminates glare and the blade’s additional lubrication allows it to glide through tough material with less friction.
The 5.3-ounces knife feels solid in your hand and the handle’s G-10 laminate scales are contoured and scalloped for a superior non-slip grip and the thumb disc allows for easy opening. For your safety, Cold Steel has introduced a revolutionary Tri-Ad locking mechanism, which effectively reduces lock failure.
You can keep the knife close by for quick access with the extra-strong pocket clip which is also completely ambidextrous.
Pros
- Excellent quality
- Great value for money
- Designed for hardcore military, martial arts, or survival situations
- Japanese AUS 8A stainless steel
- Blade has been vacuum heat-treated and sub-zero quenched for extra durability
- Tough PTFE Teflon black coated finish resists rust and eliminates glare
- Additional lubrication allows the bade to glide through tough material
- G10 handle has laminate scales that are contoured and scalloped for a superior non-slip grip
- Revolutionary Tri-Ad locking mechanism
- Thumb disc for easy opening
- Extra strong pocket clip
Cons
- Expensive
7. MTech USA Xtreme Tactical Knife
The MTech USA Xtreme Tactical Knife is a great choice for military applications, camping expeditions, or survival training.
MTECH USA XTREME has designed a tough tactical knife with a 440 stainless steel black 5½-inch, 5.5mm black tanto blade which is super strong and sharp.
The G10 fiberglass laminate handle offers you a superior grip in wet conditions. Its deep finger grooves and jimping allow for extra control and the quadruple screws keep the blade securely attached to the handle.
You will be ready for any type of tactical action as MTECH USA XTREME includes a black ballistic nylon sheath to keep your tactical knife safe and secure.
MTECH USA XTREME offers the tactical knife in 2 colors; stylish black or a black handle with a stunning gold finish blade.
Pros
- Great quality
- Very good value for money
- Very affordable price
- Ideal for heavy-duty military applications, camping expeditions or survival training
- Strong and sharp 440 stainless steel black tanto blade
- G10 fiberglass handle offers a superior grip in even the wettest of conditions
- Deep finger grooves and jimping
- Quadruple screws
- Black ballistic nylon sheath
- Extra thick 5.5mm blade
- Available in black or black/gold
Cons
- Heavy
8. Kershaw Blur Knife
A popular choice with many tactical practitioners, the Kershaw Blur Knife is the ultimate rescue knife and it is always ready for action. You can use the Blur tactical knife for hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, utility chores, survival, and military use.
Proudly crafted in the US, this tactical knife has a high-performance Sandvik 14C28N steel blade that is extremely sharp and the black diamond-like-carbon (DLC) coating makes the blade extra hard and corrosion-resistant.
The most impressive feature of the Blur knife is its scalloped serrated/straight edge on the slightly recurved 3.4-inch blade. This special design offers excellent slicing, piercing, and cutting capabilities, especially through tough fibrous material.
For on-demand blade operation, the reliable SpeedSafe assisted opening allows for smooth one-handed blade deployment at just the flick of your thumb on the thumb stud.
The Trac-Tec inserts on the durable anodized aluminum handle ensure you a secure and comfortable grip in rough outdoor weather conditions or environments. The jimping on the handle near the blade gives you additional gripping power and the liner lock keeps the blade securely in place.
Designed for easy everyday carry, the Blur knife is very lightweight at just 3.9-ounces and the deep-carry ambidextrous pocket clip allows the knife to ride low in your pocket. You can even use the lanyard hole to attach the knife to your backpack.
Kershaw offers a lifetime warranty.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Affordable price
- Made in the US
- Partially serrated/straight blade
- Extremely sharp blade
- Can cut through tough fibrous material
- Provides excellent slicing, piercing, and cutting capabilities
- Cuts through tough fibrous material
- High-performance Sandvik 14C28N steel with a DLC coating
- Durable anodized aluminum handle features Trac-Tec inserts
- SpeedSafe assisted one-handed opening
- Liner lock
- Deep-carry ambidextrous pocket clip
- Lanyard hole
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Blade gets scratched easily
- Poorly designed opening stud
Our Top Pick for the Best Tactical Knife
Our top pick for the best tactical knife is the Gerber LMF II Infantry Knife. Wherever your mission takes you, into the wilderness, desert, or urban jungle, the LMF II Infantry knife is your go-to tactical knife.
Originally designed for tough military applications, this outstanding survival knife delivers a fantastic performance in any type of emergency. Whether you need to cut firewood, build a shelter, slice through a seat belt, or break glass, the LMF II has got you covered.
Check the price on Amazon
