The term “tactical knife” was coined by knifemaker Bob Terzuola to describe knives designed for combat, self-defense, and other emergency situations. Perhaps more than any other knife, these knives need to be durable, deploy quickly, and withstand the most extreme use. Spyderco founder Sal Glesser once said, “A tactical knife is any knife you have,” and a well-chosen tactical knife can quickly get you out of your worst day. We will do our best to help you.
Below is a detailed introduction to some of the most popular tactical knives. All of the knives below are ready to handle whatever life throws at you.
Since its release, the M16 series has become a pocket knife used by soldiers. Although not very expensive, it is built like a tank and worthy of military operations. With a wide selection of blade styles, locks, handle materials, and sizes, you can find the knife that best fits your needs without breaking the bank.
- 3 inch tanto blade
- Black GFN handle
- LAWKS Liner lock with safety lock
- flipper opener
- 2.30oz
The gold standard in tactical knives is the Pro-Tech Tactical Response series, with the most popular model being the TR3. It’s been over 20 years since it was released, but it’s still a hot seller among military, law enforcement, and security personnel because it’s one of the best tactical knives of all time. Its handle holds securely in any grip, its tip is perfectly aligned with the midline of the handle, and it snaps open with a privilege only available to Protec.
- Type III hard coat anodized aluminum handle
- 3.5 inch 154CM blade
- Push button automatic opening/closing
- 3.73 oz
- Made in America
SRK stands for Survival and Rescue Knife, and despite being affordable, it is overbuilt for its demanding tasks. With a 1/5-inch blade and ultra-durable SK-5 tool steel, this knife can split, chop, and pry anything. The handle is made of a rubbery polymer that only increases its grip when wet. When not in use, the knife easily stows away in its snap-fit hard plastic sheath, allowing it to be stored vertically, horizontally, or even upside down.
- 6 inch black coated SK-5 blade
- rubberized handle
- polymer sheath
- 8.20oz
The name of the game in the tactical folder is speed and strength, and the Spyderco PM2 delivers superior performance in both respects. The blade opens super fast thanks to the adjusted detent and Spyderco’s trademark round hole opener. Compression locks can also withstand more abuse than most people can give them. The distal tapered blade has a needle-like tip, making it easier to penetrate than most knives on this list. This knife has been a bestseller for over a decade because it’s versatile, as a tactical knife should be.
- 3.4 inch CPM S45VN blade
- G-10 handle scale
- compression lock mechanism
- round hole opener
- 3.75 oz
- Made in America
Benchmade set out to create an automatic knife that would hold up to the rigors of deployment while minimizing weight, and the result was the Claymore. They managed to squeeze an oversized and overbuilt locking button, secondary safety lock, 3.6-inch blade, and 8.6-inch overall length into a barely noticeable 3.87-ounce size. It’s a knife you’ll be happy to have with you, whether you’re on or off duty. It comes with black and green handles, tanto and drop point profiles, both serrated and plain edges, and even a mini version.
- Cerakote finish 3.6 inch CPM D2 blade
- Steel reinforced Grivory handle scale
- Push button automatic opening/closing
- 3.87oz
- Made in America
The John Wick movie is a love letter to the tactical industry. Keanu Reeve’s character is seen using top-of-the-line tactical gear, including a custom HK P30L, Taran Tactical TR-1, Benelli M4, and of course Microtech Ultratech. Tuned for perfect double action, this knife is certainly worthy of a fictional assassin, but it’s also a smart choice for law enforcement, military personnel, or just a self-defense-minded civilian. One of the best things about the Ultra Tech is its long, thin, yet durable blade. This makes the knife feel solid in your hand and allows you to stab like no other knife. With hundreds of variations, including blade styles, handle colors and textures, and edge shapes, it’s easy to find one that suits your tastes.
- 3.375 inch blade
- Anodized aluminum handle
- Double-action out-the-front mechanism
- 3.60oz
- Made in America
Many people would like to own an automatic car, but are restricted by local laws. In some cases (ask your attorney if you are unsure), a spring-loaded knife may be a suitable alternative. The SOG Trident AT-XR uses a powerful spring-assisted opener and sturdy His XR lock to ensure the knife opens quickly and stays open no matter what. Big, bad and ready for anything!
- Black D2 tanto blade
- polymer handle scale
- Spring-assisted opening
- XR lock mechanism
- secondary safety lock
One of the world’s oldest combat knife styles is the karambit, which originated in Southeast Asia over 1000 years ago. Originally used as a farming tool, it quickly became popular as a combat knife thanks to its wicked claw-like curves that cut much deeper than its size. Now, the LionSteel LE One combines ancient design with modern technology, including an integrated aluminum handle, ultra-fast Emerson wave opener, and modern blade steel, making it one of the best tactical karambit on the market today. We offer !
- 3.25 inch CPM Magna Cut Blade
- Flipper, thumbhole, wave opener
- Reversible deep carry pocket clip
- Integrated aluminum handle
- 4.80oz
If you’re in the market for an automatic car, it’s almost impossible to beat the Boker Kalashnikov given its price. Its construction is very similar to the rifle it is named for, with a simple design, explosion-proof durability, and user-serviceable construction. It’s like a knife that keeps clicking, whether you drop it in the mud, pry out a staple, puncture a tire, or dig a bullet out of a vest. In fact, the more you use it, the more it gets damaged and looks better!
- 3.25 inch D2 blade
- coated aluminum handle
- push button automatic opener
- 3.70oz
Ernest Emerson is one of the great names in tactical knives. actual, Emerson CQC-7 will be put up for auction In 2013, it was more than $35,000. why? Because the Navy SEAL whose knife was in his pocket when he and his team took down Osama bin Laden donated it to a charity auction. Fortunately, Kershaw makes his CQC-7K. Like its more attractive cousin, it’s powerful, opens quickly, and can handle active combat areas, but it uses lower-grade blade steel to keep the price down. Perfect for any tactical mission.
- 3.25 inch stainless steel blade
- Steel frame locking mechanism
- Thumb disk and wave opener
- Black G-10 handle
- 5.09 oz
Tactical knives are all about being ready. You never know when you might be in a car accident, trapped in a burning building, or encounter someone plotting evil in the dark. A tactical knife is a knife that you carry around “just in case”, and in the words of everyone’s mother, “It’s better to have one and not need it than to need one and not have one.” If you don’t have a tactical knife, it’s time to get one. It’s a dangerous world out there, so you need to be prepared for it.
