The Best Tactical Knives - Buying Guide

Posted by Kimberly J. Moore on August 29th, 2017

No matter whether we speak of a fixed or folding knife, the tactical knife is a tool designed to be used either in an emergency or a situation of imminent danger to the bearer.

In broad outline, we can differentiate between two types: fixed sheet and folding. The first are the classics, which were called "tactical" before. But over the years, manufacturers have focused on other features such as portability and concealment, which are reflected in the folding models.

For properly choose, read a best tactical knife review, we need to look at something more than an affiliated sheet. Depending on how we intend to use the knife, we must look for specific characteristics, such as material, an alloy used, resistance to external agents, etc.

COLD STEEL RECON 1

For a tactical knife to receive such a designation, it must be able to withstand the passage of time and elements. The textured grip, ergonomics and design of this model among other features, make it simply not disappoint at all. The stainless steel blade treated with vacuum heat and finished in black Teflon, avoids glare and is resistant to rust and maintains a consistent lubrication during cuts. With an excellent Tri-Ad Lock locking system and an amazing grip, it is undoubtedly an excellent choice.

SPYDERCO ASSIST BLACK BLADE

As its name implies, this model is designed to serve. But you do not necessarily belong to the fire or emergency team to take advantage, as it is a fantastic tactical knife that incorporates a blunt unbreakable point. With a VG-1 sawn blade (V Gold 10, high-quality Japanese steel) also incorporates glass breaker and whistle, and cuts without problems safety belts, ropes or any other fiber. A fantastic knife.

BOKER PLUS SUB COM

With a fiberglass reinforced nylon handle, this small, discreet pocket knife does not skimp on functionality. Perfect for a keychain, with a partially serrated blade, it becomes one of the best portable options.

GDC TECH SKIN POCKET KNIFE

This little jewel includes some very interesting peculiarities, for example, when it is closed, there is no metallic part uncovered, which makes it perfect to carry it in the pocket next to the mobile without fear of scratching it. With anti-child safety and ergonomics, the blade is made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel.

SMITH AND WESSON BORDER GUARD 2

One of the "purest" tactical knives on our list. With an 11.2 cm blade partially sawn, it incorporates Rompe-Cristales, lock Liner-lock, aluminum clip and allows to cut safety belts.

ZERO TOLERANCE HINDERER FRAMELOCK

Of course, we can not deny that he looks incredible. Made in the USA in collaboration with Rick Hinderer, known for his innovations in knives as the closing stabilizer that incorporates this model. The carbon fiber falls in love, and the general appearance is scaled to 0560. It offers a very good grip, and the clip that brings is of 4 positions, very appropriate for the model.

PARTS OF A KNIFE

Undoubtedly, the two main parts that make up a knife are the handle (handle) and the blade. The latter is the one that perhaps best defines a knife by its shape and materials. The tip, the contra filo, the guard or the spike among others, are essential parts of the design of any tactical knife that precise.

SHEET

It is the sharp part of the knife and goes from the point to the end. It can be smooth or sawn or a combination of both.

TIP

The tip of the knife should be thin and sharp. Used to make incisions, cut and dig.

LOIN

It is the opposite part of the sheet.

CABLE, GRIP, HANDLE

The handle holds the blade, and the blade pin extends down the handle. The spigot is usually fastened by rivets or enclosed in plastic or metal.

HEEL

It is at the opposite end of the tip and in some models, it is part of the spike. Also called "romp eco cos" and its function, it speaks for itself.

SPIKE

It is part of the blade and extends into the cable.

GUARD

It is mainly found in fixed blade knives and has different purposes: balance, add some weight and facilitate grip.

FEATURES TO CONSIDER

Below we detail the aspects that, in our opinion, should be valued when choosing the tactical knife that best suits your needs:

COLORS

Choosing color is not just an aesthetic question. The black finishes will always have a market, either professional or casual. Well because of the lack of reflections necessary for certain operations or because it reminds us of the classic models of the movies and that attracts other types of buyers.

On the other hand, more striking colors such as yellow or red stand out more against certain surfaces such as snow, or water so they are used by other types of units, such as firefighters, lifeguards, rescue equipment, etc.

WEIGHT

One of the basic requirements for tactical knives is portability, so weight plays a very important factor in this. In the finish everything will depend on the use, you are going to give, but in general, if you need to cut vegetation, for example, it may be better to look for another type of additional knife, always assessing weight, discretion, and portability of the whole.

SHEET TYPE

When choosing the ideal knife, you have to take into account the use that will be given. It is not the same to cut rope than wire by fatigue, for different purposes we have different leaves. Basically, we differentiate between smooth and sawn edge, although it is common to find models that incorporate a mixed edge.

MATERIALS

If we talk about the blade, certainly the best choice is good quality steel. How to know that steel is of good quality? Simple, it is not usually SO cheap. But today with high competitiveness among manufacturers, the quality of steel is usually good. The warm W1 (1% C) is considered the best, while the 440C is the most widespread. The 440A is somewhat cheaper than the 440B and somewhat more resistant to corrosion. But the hardness and wear resistance of the 440C even in extreme conditions make it the favorite choice for most manufacturers.

CAPE

Many are only fixed on the blade when the handle (grip) is just as important. It should be ergonomic, non-slip and durable. Always check the opinions of other buyers, as some models suffer from falls with low falls, and of course that is not something we want in a tactical knife.

FOLDABLE OR FIXED

It is very difficult to find a multi-purpose knife that stands out in all areas. That is why we recommend looking for a specific type for each purpose. Nowadays, security forces and bodies tend to use tactical folding knives, for their portability and less need to use. It is not the same to cut rope, clothes or vegetation, for example, so, depending on the objective, always look for the models that fit the best. Remember the classic "apprentice of everything, master of nothing".

A folding tactical knife will normally have a smooth and sawn mixing blade, a clip mechanism that allows it to be carried without a holster and a quick-release system that allows one-handed opening. As is evident, the locking mechanism must be secure and facilitate one-handed operation.