Here are some experiences that I have purchased and tested. I hope my personal opinion helps you understand more about some best tactical knives made in the USA on the market today.
Let’s get started with top 10 highest-quality military knives.
Top 10 The Best Tactical Knives for Self Defense & Fights
1. Kershaw Blur Black (1670BLK) Pocket Tactical Knife
Product Details
- Recommended: Everyday, Work
- Included Components: 1560 hunting-folding-knives
- Handle Material: 6061-T6 aluminum, Trac-Tec inserts
- Blade Material: Sandvik 14C28N
- Style: Smooth Edge
- Blade Length: 3.4 Inches
- Power Source: AC/DC
Overview
From my point of view, Kershaw Blur folding knives are one of the most popular pocket knife options on the market today and are also the high end tactical knives for the money you can buy.
Kershaw is famous for its quality, but this knife is also very budget-friendly. This is also my top brand in the best combat knife in the world.
Talk about some features of this knife and why I love it so much. I’m most excited to tell you that the great edge of this knife can hold its sharpness throughout testing it. Ergonomically, it’s fantastic and feels nice in hand.
It’s very comfortable in the pocket. I think this is light to carry. So that will serve you well for a long time.
This version has a wide range of colors. I am a big fan of blue-black. It looks strong and doesn’t show any defects.
However, the jimping on the top is not aggressive, but it’s good enough. It locks my finger in there pretty well with my thumb. It has a thumb stud that supports opening and closing the blade with one or both hands.
[amazon box=”B0009VCA0I” template=”horizontal”]Pros:
- Easy to use
- Great Thumb Stud
- Strength, durability and added safety
- Easy carry in all conditions
Cons:
- The jimping on the top is not really aggressive.
Verdict
This great EDC knife is for anyone who needs a reliable knife, including hunters, anglers, outdoor enthusiasts, and people who love fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, camping, and more…
2. Spyderco Tenacious Value Tactical Folding Knife
Product Details
- Recommended: Camping
- Special Feature: Foldable
- Included Components: C122GBBKP
- Handle Material: Fiberglass
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Style: American
- Blade Length: 86 Millimeters
Overview
Spyderco Tenacity differs slightly from many other models on this list. It is highest-quality tactical pocket knives under $50.
It can come with a whole combo for special features. For example, it’s textured together and has an easy opening for access when removing and cleaning it.
The biggest difference is the jagged edge at the base of the blade, making it ideal for cutting minor branches in the forest or when walking in a brush. The blade is 3 39 inches long, and the edge is flat.
To some people, this knife may seem a bit too big and won’t fit well, but I like this point. It feels very solid and can cut off things like the strapping, tube, or even wood. Overall, I like this blade.
Besides, I can switch the pocket clip around tip-up, tip-down, right side, or left side, making it an excellent option for left or right-handed people.
Maybe I don’t have many things to complain about this knife. At around $54, this is perfect for camping or trekking.
[amazon box=”B007CK1MNU” template=”horizontal”]Pros:
- Bigger Blade
- Opening easily with a sizeable hole
- Delicate design
- Reasonable price
Cons:
- A bit heavy
- Not fit pocket
Verdict
Again, I highly recommend you should buy this knife. It’s worth your money.
3. SOG EDC Tactical Knife
Product Details
- Special Feature: Lightweight, Foldable
- Included Components: See description
- Handle Material: Glass Reinforced Nylon
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Style: Flash II Drop Point-Satin Straight
- Blade Length: 3.5 Inches
- Power Source: AC/DC
Overview
Flash II is equipped with a 3 1/2 inch blade, and SOG technology provides an easy solution to open the blade with one hand.
The handle is glass-reinforced nylon, and the black finish looks almost like carbon fiber material. The SOG Flash is a knife to carry daily.
The overall length of this knife is eight inches. The blade length is 3.5 inches, and the handle length is 4.5 inches.
One thing I do like is the speed of the deployment. It is one of the best deployment knives. That opens quickly and smoothly. In Particular, its blade looks very nice, sharp, and has a great structure.
Compared to the other tactical knives of the same size, this is quite lightweight. And I like the pocket clip. So, I can bring it everywhere.
Everything is perfect except for one feature. This is because the locking mechanism moves so freely. When the knife is deployed or when I close the blade and lock, I can still move the locking mechanism back and forth. However, It is not a big deal.
[amazon box=”B000BSZDRQ” template=”horizontal”]Pros:
- Reasonable price
- Lightweight
- Deloy quickly and smoothly.
- Safe locking
- Good for concealing
Cons:
- The locking mechanism moves so freely.
Verdict
It is a cool tactical knife to purchase. You know, if you are a girl and need something to protect yourself, I think you need this one in your pocket. This tactical carry knife is light, and you still feel comfortable while carrying.
4. Gerber Ghoststrike Tactical Fixed Blade Knife– Best Knife For Police
Product Details
- Included Components: G1005
- Handle Material: Rubber, Rubber
- Blade Material: High Carbon Steel
- Style: Sheath
- Power Source: AC/DC
- Item Dimensions: LxWxH 8.5 x 3 x 1 inches
- Item Weight: 3.6 Ounces
Overview
Unlike the three folding knives above, this is a fixed good combat knife – a loyal soldier’s companion on the field.
It is an excellent knife if you are looking for a discreet fixed blade. That’s easy to access and can be drawn at a moment’s notice.
It’s a favorite among first responders and is excellent for tactical situations. The blade is made from 420hc steel, and it comes in two colors: stainless or black it has a diamond texture rubber handle, which gives the user an excellent grip.
This best fighting knife comes with a modular sheath system for open, and concealed carry, and there’s even an option to purchase an ankle wrap.
It is about six inches long, and the blade is about three inches long. The handle is covered by rubber.
What makes me most happy is that I can hang it on any part of my body. It can sit on the belt or be worn with either a boot or low-cut shoe. The sheath mounts to a thin neoprene ankle wrap comfortably against your leg. It is small enough to carry.
This knife is automatically designed as a self-defense knife. So, this is a backup knife for police officers and soldiers.
Unfortunately, after a year, the quality got some problems. I also saw that the top part of the coating disappeared. That is where the locking mechanism is going to go over. Besides, the rubberized handle had some damage because the rubber coating was too thin.
[amazon box=”B00KCCOVVU” template=”horizontal”]Pros:
- Lightweight
- Small
- Good for self-defense
Cons:
- The quality of the coating not too well
Verdict
Overall, It looks very cool and very tactical. I think it is suitable for men, especially soldiers or police officers who are always in dangerous situations and must be on high alert for self-defense.
5. Ka-Bar 7.0 Tactical Knife For Fighting
Product Details
- Recommended: Hunting
- Special Feature: HARD SHEATH
- Included: Components X
- Handle Material: Rubber
- Blade Material: Carbon Steel
- Style: American
Overview
When talking about this knife, I have to say that it is genuinely the best military knife. This is probably one of the most famous knives and very popular in the military.
I have recently used this knife for hunting, camping, and hiking. Besides serving in the military, this knife serves as a survival knife. However, I think I am still better for fighting purposes.
I love its handle so much. The handle materials, in my mind, are much more durable and long-lasting than on the original leather stacked version of this knife.
It has a round shape and fits in my hand. However, If I do lots of hand-to-hand combat and swing or slash, the knife tends to spin in my hand because it’s so rounded.
I also want to mention the metal guard, which protects my hand when moving. Unfortunately, I cannot get mobility and skill in the finer cutting tasks like wood processing.
Interestingly, I find it quite amazed at the balance of the knife. It is excellent. Not many people notice this point.
[amazon box=”B001AIAIP8″ template=”horizontal”]Pros:
- High quality
- Reasonable price
- Great balance
- Quick deployment
Cons:
- Not suitable for finer cutting tasks.
Verdict
Other knives are more for your survival or bush crafting, so this is a utility-fighting knife. In my opinion, it is the best killing knife. I like that this combines the great old-school way of building something in craftsmanship and some modern materials. And it is outstanding, incredible to the price you can pick.
6. Ontario Co. 8846 Tactical Knife
Product Details
- Recommended: Fighting, Everyday Carry
- Special Feature: Foldable, Locking Blades
- Included Components: RAT-1
- Handle Material: Stainless Steel
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Style: Folding Knife
- Blade Length: 3.6 Inches
Overview
The Ontario RAT-1 is one of Ontario’s most popular knives. Ontario has been producing knives for a long time, and RAT 1 is an excellent knife because it’s a solid knife at a good price.
If you’re looking for something within everyone’s reach, this is one of the great tactical knives.
This flat grinding blade is manufactured using AUS-8 steel, a quality steel knife. Although it will not keep up with S30V, AUS-8 is usually durable and easy to sharpen. It also keeps its advantages consistently, but you may need to grind it more often than other steels.
The reason why I love it is that it is really small and fits my pocket. At 4.5 inches when closed and weighing only 4.5 ounces, the RAT-1 creates a decent companion that doesn’t take up too much space.
I get it out of my pocket, open it with one hand, use it, and then retract it with one hand and put it back in my pocket.
But, I got some troubles the first time I deployed it. I have difficulty finding the position for my thumb. What’s more, the tip is not symmetrical. Anyway, it is not a big deal.
[amazon box=”B001E8EM2E” template=”horizontal”]Pros:
- Great in cutting performance
- Ease of use
- Fit the pocket
- Excellent to carry every day.
- Sharp and durable
- Reasonable price.
Cons:
- The tip is not symmetrical.
Verdict
In my opinion, this is probably my number one carry folding knife I’ve got. It’s kind of a standard bushcraft knife or as a full-service backup in case something happens. I’d say it performs exceptionally well. It is also the best cheap tactical knife.
7. ESEE 6P Tactical Fixed Blade Knife
Product Details
- Handle Material: Carbon Steel
- Blade Material: Carbon Steel
- Item Dimensions: LxWxH 11.75 x 2.75 x 12.5 inches
- Item Weight: 12 Ounces
- Blade Shape: Drop Point
- Blade Edge: Flat
Overview
It is one of the high-end military knives for survival. There are many reasons why I put it on this top list, particularly the top-rated killing knife.
The blade is made from 1095 high carbon steel with a 5.75-inch cutting edge. The blade is about 3/16 of an inch thick, but it features a full flat grind, and that’s a good compromise between strength and slicing efficiency on a knife.
I’m not sliding around at all. I got a friendly deep finger guard right, and then obviously, the jimping, I can get real deep stabs in with my knife. So I could use this in a tactical situation to defend myself against a wild animal or enemy in a combat situation.
The great thing about this knife is how well it balances that large blade and the handle to create something that’s still pretty agile in hand.
On the spine, it allows me to get my finger in front of there, with the thumb on the back, and it allows for exact control on those smaller tasks as far as what this blade shape is good.
I think it is the most terrific point of this knife. Because it can do heavier tasks like cutting a big wood and works well at things like butchering and food preparation—that’s great for multiple jobs.
Besides, the finger guard is just awesome. I’m not going to slide up and hurt myself. But, I have to admit that it is safe.
The sheath offers nice retention, and it carries easily with a bunch of holes along the side, which allow it to attach to the included accessories so I can put it on my belt or lash it to your backpack.
I think I have no complaints about this knife because it is perfect.
[amazon box=”B003W9CK90″ template=”horizontal”]Pros:
- Tough and durable
- Easy to carry
- Suitable for multiple tasks
- High warranty
Cons:
- A bit expensive but it worth
Verdict
So, the ESEE-6 has been a longtime favorite for those who want a no-nonsense fixed blade that can take a ton of abuse when you need it. It deserves the good tactical blade.
8. KA-BAR TDI Law Enforcement Knife– Best Defensive Knife
Product Details
- Special Feature: Reversible
- Included Components: TDI LAW ENFORCEMENT-BLACK
- Handle Material: Stainless Steel, Metal
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Style: Plain Edge
- Power Source: AC/DC
Overview
Unlike other knives, KA-BAR TDI Law Enforcement Straight Edge Knife has an amazing shape and a particular function. I will show you how effective this knife can be.
This is a last-ditch option for law enforcement agents to protect their handguns. If someone tries to grab it from them, you can carry this on your weak side. Then, you can pull it out very quickly and deploy this faster than you can deploy a folding knife.
Its sheath has a reversible pocket clip, which is so cool. I can carry it inside or outside the waistband.
When using it, I feel great in hand, forward carry and reverse carry. Jumping on the top of the sheath helps me push off when I am drawing the knife. It’s designed to be drawn like a handgun.
Of course, the outstanding feature is concealability. When I wear it on my belt and hide it under my T-shirt, No one can recognize it.
From my perspective, It doesn’t have the utility or fighting ability of other knives. And I can not use it in different tasks because the blade is too short.
[amazon box=”B001H53QAI” template=”horizontal”]Pros:
- Super lightweight
- Carry everyday
- Very concealable
Cons:
- Short blade
- Mediocre sheath
Verdict
To sum up, this knife makes an excellent choice for personal protection. You can clip it onto or purses for a female. It is a great backup knife.
9. SOG Survival Knife
Product Details
- Special Feature: Water-Resistant
- Included Components: See description
- Handle Material: Glass Reinforced Nylon
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Style: SEAL Pup Elite – 4.75 Inch Serrated Blade
- Blade Length: 4.75 Inches
Overview
The appearance of this knife is amazing. The signature ridges on the spine give this knife an unmistakable look. Also, the blade features a long swedge and a nice hollow grind that keeps resistance behind the tip to a minimum. This is a knife for stabbling
Standard versions feature a smooth spine, while the elite versions feature a ridge spine, which can be used for rudimentary notching and filing.
It also gets a nice cutout at the blade’s heel, which enables you to hook your index finger over the guard and extract the blade if it gets stuck in your target. It also allows you to conduct smaller jobs.
The most beautiful feature is the clip point design. It is nicely reinforced. I get deep into a stab but strong enough that you’re not going to worry about what you’re stabbing into
Compared to other knives. I highly evaluate its sharpness. I have tested cutting a branch and some wood. It works effectively.
The handle on the SOG seal pup is nice; it’s made of glass-reinforced nylon, which is tough and durable. I like this glass-reinforced nylon, particularly with the texture and finger grooves. It’s slim and thin; it fits my hand. That’s awesome with full tang construction.
The sheath is also great and has a lot of functions. There’s also a pocket on the front, and you can put something in it. This sheath holds the knife very tight.
[amazon box=”B000PW5NAA” template=”horizontal”]Pros:
- High sharpness
- Ease to control
- Reasonable price
- Tough handle
- Lightweight for its length
Cons:
- Difficult to conceal
Verdict
If you want a compact fixed blade, this one should be high on your list of the highest-quality survival knives and top hunting tactical knives on the market. It is suitable for camping, hunting, trekking, and fighting.
10. Benchmade – Griptilian 551 Tactical Knife – Best Duty Knife
Product Details
- Recommended: Multipurpose
- Special Feature: Reversible, Lightweight
- Included Components: 1
- Handle Material: Glass Reinforced Nylon
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Style: Plain Edge/Satin Finish
Overview
It is still quite popular with outdoor enthusiasts due to the blade’s solid structure and overall length.
The blade is a bit longer than others on this list, measuring 3 45 inches. However, when the knife opens, the entire knife has a total length of 8 8 inches. It is made of CPM-20CV steel and has a blade fixing point.
I can flip it closed without putting your fingers in the way and above me a little more safely. In addition, it will hopefully prevent any damage to me and my gloves.
One of my favorite things about this particular knife is the locking and the opening. It’s an ambidextrous knife. So I can open it on either side and have many different things to open it.
I love this knife, but I still have some complaints about its handle. I don’t think I like its rounded handle so much. The handle is made of glass-filled nylon. When I hold the handle, it feels not as tough as it is. It is just my opinion.
This will help guarantee your self defense knife is always ready for duty.
[amazon box=”B000NZPFMK” template=”horizontal”]Pros:
- High quality
- Good ambidexterity
- Ultra-sharp
- Solid structure
- Open in many ways
Cons:
- A bit expensive
Verdict
Anyway, if you’re looking for a self-defense knife, it is not a bad choice at all. It comes out of the box super sharp. I think it is an excellent folding tactical knife if you are eager to pay a bit extra money.
What Is A Tactical Knife, And Who Makes The Best?
Tactical knives are sharp, pointed knives that have serious damage and are used by soldiers on the battlefield. The knife is made of high-quality Titanium steel.
Some military knives have a very strong rubber or hard plastic handle. The hollow design can hold small items such as medical cotton, needles, hooks, etc. Other knives have a handle made from a close combination of high-quality wood and steel, giving them a high ruggedness.
Military knives are lightweight, ranging from 0.3kg to 0.8kg, making it easy to use. Therefore, this type of tactical knife is used in the military today, and many people are looking to buy it for self-defense, body protection, and decorating their living space.
There are some of the leading brands of the best EDC tactical knives like Gerber, Ghostrike, Ka-Bar, Kershaw, Morakniv, SOG, Spyderco, and so on.
The biggest difference between the brands is the steel, hardness, sharpness and balance, the coordination with the hands, and the hand movements.
A good knife must have high hardness, but at the same time, the blade must be elastic, flexible, not easy to abrade, and not broken.
How to use tactical knife effectively while on mission?
For a tactical knife, there are many different uses such as fighting, chopping branches, defending, sculpting, or merely cutting something.
Nowadays, most people carry a tactical knife for self-defense and camping.
Whether you use a folding knife or a fixed knife, you must first have a little knowledge about this knife, its strengths, and the level of damage it can cause.
For everyday purposes, the user will not cause too much difficulty.
However, to defend yourself with a knife, you must be trained to use a weapon.
Many martial arts and self-defense classes teach people how to hold a knife to defend themselves. Or you can refer to the free lectures on youtube and practice correctly. However, it is necessary to consult more experienced people to use it proficiently.
Each type of knife has a different usage. So learn carefully to avoid unnecessary injuries and proper use.
Types Of Tactical Knives
Pocket knife – Folding knife
With folding blades, pocket knives don’t take up much space and are ideal for hiking, backpacking, and everyday tasks. They also keep sharp edges protected inside the handle when not in use.
However, small folding knives lack sharpness and stability compared to fixed blade knives. Also, you have to be careful because the unlocked blade may accidentally fold down on your finger while in use.
Fixed knife
Fixed blades offer more strength, sharpness, and comfort than folding knives. Tactical fixed blade knives are easier to clean, but also heavier, take up more space and require a cover to carry them around safely.
Why Do You Need Tactical Knives? What does it do to help you?
A military knife is an indispensable item for any soldier on the battlefield, not only for self-defense and melee combat when clad in armor but also for many other effects that the soldier can take advantage of during the march.
Depending on the circumstances, the knife can be used to cook, chop firewood, or even use it to excavate trenches. In combat, in addition to melee as a close-range weapon.
Important Factors To Choose The Best Tactical Knife for Yourself
TANG
A straight and full Tang knife will be suitable for trekking, climbing, jungle, and expedition – activities that require a knife ideal for survival.
You can use compact folding knives for picnics, backpacking, or camping. This is a space-saving knife suitable for camping trips. The folding knives should only be used for light-cutting operations.
Note when choosing a folding knife, the knife must have a locking lever to avoid injury.
SIZE
Knife dimensions include blade length and knife thickness.
- Blade length: Survival knives are usually 5 – 12 in (12 – 30 cm) long. Some knives used for camping and camping are shorter in size.
- Blade thickness: A tactical knife needs a thickness of about 2-3 mm. When the thickness is thinner, the knife will easily be damaged by the strong force. When the blade is thicker, your knife will become heavy, not suitable for the journey to move much.
BLADE AND THE POINT
Are you wondering whether to choose straight or serrated blades? Of course, a straight-edged blade will be more specialized, easier to use, and maintain than a saw blade. However, there are now several lines that incorporate a fixed blade and a part of the saw blade to provide support when needed, for example, when cutting ropes, etc.
Some common types of blades:
1. Drop-point
Drop-points are powerful and flexible blades. Drop-point blades are thick, strong, and suitable for heavy operations. Knives must be subjected to high forces.
2. Clip-point
Clip-point blades are shaped like a sickle on the nose. This is a very thin and sharp blade. Clip-point blades are ideal for use in jobs that require meticulous precision.
3. Tanto
A tanto blade made of suitable material will form a powerful knife. Small tanto blades will be ideal for meticulous work; A large tanto blade will be a good suggestion for things like chopping, prying, or puncturing hard materials.
4. Needle-point and spear-point
A type of blade with two edges, a knife suitable for survival. This type of tongue is specifically designed to penetrate, poke, or launch (Used in hunting).
5. Sheepsfoot and Santoku
Strong blade type, suitable for food processing. This type of blade has a fixed blade from the hilt to the nose, not too picky so that they can be easily cut, minimizing the risk of accidentally cutting into your hands. Sheepsfoot and Santoku blades are suitable for picnics and camping.
MATERIAL BLADE
Which material is the knife made of? How about the hardness? Many people have questions about this issue.
Some common knife materials:
1. Stainless Steel
This is a regular knife material. Stainless steel is a kind of anti-rust and corrosion alloy. The proportion of components of the elements that make up the steel has a different strength, corrosion resistance, and rust.
2. High-Carbon Steel
High-Carbon steel is steel whose main components are iron and carbon, with outstanding hardness, but compensating for this type of steel, which is resistant to rust and corrosion, is not high.
HILT
The handle must feel firm, not slippery.
Some materials used to make knife handles:
Wooden handle: This is a material for knife handles with a high aesthetic and firm grip. However, it is easily damaged by water and moisture.
Rubber: This material limits water damage and aesthetics and gives the feeling of a firm grip. However, durability is not equal to a wooden handle.
Metals: For example, steel, aluminum alloys. Although this is a durable type, it is smooth and heavy, so there is little choice for making a handle.
SHELL SHELL
If you use a best tactical folding knife, you can skip this section!
For fixed knives, we should choose a sheath! Because the knife is a sharp and highly damaging item. We should take care when not in use to prevent damage to shared objects (in backpacks) and avoid accidental contact.
On the other hand, the knife case helps users easily put on pants and belts to carry around and use.
The requirement of a knife sheath should fit the knife size, the material is durable enough, and the size is thick enough to protect the knife.
Tactical Knives Related Questions
How should I care for my tactical knife?
After use, you should clean and wipe off with a dry towel.
If your knife has not been used for a long time, it will be very easy to rust.
Avoid using knives with alkaline substances (soap) or acids (lemon, sour fruits, etc.), or salted items. These substances will quickly damage the knife lock parts and the gaskets in the aluminum alloy body.
You can use regular sharpening wheels to sharpen the blades. However, if it is a saw blade, you need to use a special sharpener for the saw blade to prevent chipping.
Knives before storage should be wiped dry and stored in a dry place.
The above are some tips. I hope you find it helpful to care for the tactical knife.
How much does a tactical knife cost?
The cost is often between $50 to $200 depending on the quality and their functions. There are a thousand options that you can choose.
Conclusion: What is the best tactical knife?
This is quite subjective, but any tactical knife can work effectively. If you’re looking for something you can take with you for camping, trekking, and using for various purposes in your life at an affordable price, I mean you should own a Kershaw Blur folding knife. The highest-quality fighting folding knife is easy to carry everywhere.
With all my reviews above, I hope you are ready to get on for your own. Don’t hesitate to buy one. It is a must-have item. I am sure about that.
Again, whether you are a soldier or not, Kershaw Blur folding knife will be the best choice at a reasonable price and excellent design. You can carry it every day in your pocket to protect yourself.
So prepare a best tactical knife according to your needs, and remember to bring it as an inseparable thing when participating in the forest, climbing, exploring!
The 16th Sergeant Major of the Army, Sgt. Maj Christian Smelling was sworn in on August 11th 2009 and has held every enlisted leadership position ranging from cannon crew member to command sergent major