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Last Updated on August 24, 2024 by Paul Clayton
Table of Contents
The Best Tactical Knife Review
Are you looking to buy the best tactical knife available? Our in-depth guide has been written to answer all your questions and provide our top recommendations.
As buyers, we are presented with so many types of tactical knives on the market that it’s understandably difficult to choose the best option. To make your buying decision easier, consider the following questions.
How much do you want to spend? Do you want a fixed blade or a folding knife? What do you want to use the knife for?
If you’ve previously bought knives, you might prefer to purchase something from a specific brand or manufacturer. You might also want to buy something with a particular color or look a particular way. Other buyers prefer to make decisions based on the knife’s specs, blade material, length, or type of handle.
These are all legitimate wants. There is no right or wrong way to buy a knife. As long as you’re happy with your purchase and feel you’re getting a knife that best meets your requirements, that’s all that matters.
What is a Tactical Knife?
When we began reviewing and researching tactical knives, we quickly concluded that the definition of ‘tactical knife’ was quite open to interpretation among knife manufacturers. Some so-called ‘tactical knives’ were little more than gimmicks, while another manufacturer’s ‘survival knife’ would make an ideal tactical knife. To help us better make recommendations, we’ve created some criteria to help us define what a tactical knife is and isn’t.
These aren’t hard and fast rules; they are more things to consider when choosing your next tac knife.
What’s the Difference Between a Tactical Knife and a Regular Knife?
Unsurprisingly, most people can’t distinguish between pocket and tac knives. The actual differences can be rather subtle and not at all noticeable. The main differentiator is the purpose.
If the knife has been designed and built to meet a specific need, it can probably be considered a tactical knife. Special forces, SWAT, EMTs, and Police Officers may carry knives made to meet a need; these will be classed as tactical knives. These professionals may carry more than one knife to meet more than one requirement.
The founder of Spyderco has been quoted as saying, “A tactical knife is any knife you have with you when you need a knife.” I think this is a fair definition, with one caveat: as long as the knife performs the job you want. If you’re required to cut some canvas away and the blade snaps on the first attempt, this is a failed tactical knife; it’s not done its job.
A tactical knife may also feature one or more of the following traits:
- Grippy synthetic handles
- Non-reflective blade
- Made for quick access
- Designed for hard use
- Practicality over Aesthetics
Full or Partial Tang?
In knife terms, the ‘tang’ refers to the blade sections extending into the knife’s handle. There is more than one type of knife tang, with the various types offering certain advantages or disadvantages. The best is arguably the Full tang, which means the tang extends down the entire length of the knife.
Half-tang and its variations typically extend halfway into the hand or less. They are weaker than full-tang and are generally present on cheaper knives. If you can, only consider full-tang knives, as the extra length equates directly to a safer, more robust, and more reliable knife. However, tangs do not apply to folding knives.
Get a Grip
Knife handles can be made from various materials, both man-made and naturally occurring, including horn, bone, wood, rubber, and leather. We always suggest using synthetic materials for a tactical knife, as these will generally offer the best grip and toughness you’d expect. Other materials may look nicer, but they might not be up to the job regarding hard use.
Types of Tactical Knives
We can reasonably roughly divide knives into two categories: fixed blades and folding knives.
As the title suggests, folding knives are knives that fold. They can include pocket knives as well as numerous other types of folders. The folding knife market is heavily saturated, with many manufacturers and vendors providing myriad options. The most common types are multi-bladed, double-bladed, single-bladed, and Swiss Army style.
These can range from the size of your fingertip to something that would only fit in a bag. Most folding knives are made with portability in mind, either designed to fit comfortably in a pocket or a tactical pouch.
As the name suggests, fixed-blade knives are fixed, unable to fold or reduce in size. They are generally stronger, more durable, and thicker than any folder. Of course, you can use a folding knife to butcher a bear, but a fixed knife is the right tool.
Examples of fixed-blade knives are camping, hunting, survival, skinning, and gut-hook knives. The most significant disadvantage of a fixed-blade knife is portability; they are seldom convenient enough to take with you everywhere. Remember, the best knife is the knife you have.
I’ve always thought you get what you pay for, meaning if you want a serious piece of kit, you’ll need to pay a little more for the privilege. There are a ton of cheap $5 knives available to buy online, and they can be a bit of cheap fun, but if you intend to use your tactical knife in any practical way, I would suggest spending at least a little more to get something that’s not going to fail on you. We have attempted to cover every budget in our recommended knife range with some dirt-cheap options that are reasonably competent. Still, if your budget stretches to $40 or more, then the quality of the knife you’ll receive is much better.
You’ll end up with something that will last years or decades of use.
Ergonomics
Along with build quality, ergonomics is one of the features of a knife that needs to be well thought out and seamlessly implemented. It would be best to have a knife that feels comfortable in the hand even when put under stress or during a prolonged use session. The knife should feel natural in the hand, and no sharp edges or pinching should be felt when the knife is in use.
You should feel confident in its use without worrying about losing your grip. Experienced designers and manufacturers will ensure a knife meets and exceeds these criteria. When you receive your knife, ensure it fits snuggly in your hand and is not too small or too large. If it feels uncomfortable or wrong, return it and choose another model.
Size
A big knife does not necessarily mean it’s a better knife. A knife choice should be driven by the purpose for which you intend to use it. Remember, the best knife is the one you have when you need it. A machete might be a great choice if you need to hack through a Bolivian jungle, but it will be useless if you don’t have it with you due to its size.
That’s not to say that big knives don’t serve a purpose; they certainly do, but a tactical knife doesn’t need to be big; it needs to be portable and something you can carry with you everywhere you go.
Materials
There are two areas of interest in a tactical knife regarding materials used: the blade and the handle. Blades can be made from a massive selection of steels, and it’s tough to say one type is the best. Each type generally offers various advantages and disadvantages, so picking the steel that best suits your needs becomes a task. Steel is primarily made up of two main components, iron and carbon; other elements can be added to change the properties of the resulting steel.
Most blade steels contain other elements such as phosphorus, silicon, manganese, and sulfur. This creates an alloy that might make the resulting blade harder, more corrosion-resistant, or better at taking an edge. Any decent manufacturer will use quality, proven alloys in the construction of the blade. Just be wary of knife offerings from China or Pakistan; they might not be made to the standards we expect in the West.
Blade Materials
You’ll frequently come across the following materials in knife blades:
Carbon Steel generally has a carbon content between 0.5% and 0.95%; the higher the carbon content, the harder the resulting blade will be. However, they can be brittle and rust if not cared for correctly.
Stainless steel is available in a vast range of grades. Some are better suited to pots and pans rather than knives. Be sure to verify the hardness of the stainless steel before making a purchase. Just because the steel is resistant to corrosion doesn’t mean it won’t rust, and it doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for you.
Titanium is usually alloyed with carbon. It can be great when used to coat another metal type, such as steel, but it’s often too flexible for a knife to be made purely of titanium. The exception would be if you needed a flexible knife, for example, for filleting.
Damascus steel is often nothing more than a marketing gimmick and is rarely found in its proper form. It’s often confused with folded steel, which it does share some similarities. I recommend avoiding anything marked as Damascus steel unless you’re looking for something nice to look at, which will only be used as a display piece.
Handles
Knife handles can be made of many materials, including Steel, Aluminum, plastic, wood, bone, G-10, and rubber. The perfect handle is comfortable and natural and provides exceptional grip under adverse conditions. Consider the environment where you’ll use the knife before purchasing.
Wood and bone might look nice and make a great gift, but if they’re subjected to oil, sweat, or intense heat, they will likely break or wear loose. From a tactical point of view, I would suggest sticking with synthetic materials.
Steel, G10, Titanium and Aluminium all make good choices. Any handle that feels natural, suits your grip and handshape is going to make a good choice.
Knife Handles
Below, we’ve listed some of the popular available handle options.
If you’re considering a wooden handle, hardwood is the only viable option. I admit that I love the combination of wood and metal; however, from a tactical point of view, I would suggest another option.
Like wood, Horn is another popular option for certain types of knives. Again, aesthetically, they look great and would be an excellent choice for a skinning or hunting knife, but I would choose something else for my tactical tools.
ABS is a common choice at the lower end of the market. It’s incredibly hard-wearing, rugged, and cheap to produce. However, it can become brittle if exposed to direct sunlight for too long. It’s also not particularly grippy, especially when wet. Choose something else if you can.
Bone is commonly available as a handle material. Due to its rough nature, it can be pretty grippy. It can be dyed to almost any color you can think of. However, I wouldn’t recommend it for a tac knife.
Paracord for a handle presents an exciting option. It can serve the dual purpose of providing a good grip and a length of paracord to be used in an emergency. It’s potentially a good choice.
Metals such as titanium, steel, or aluminum are prevalent for tac knives. They’re hard-wearing and can provide an excellent grip if treated correctly. I recommend them.
G10 is probably the best choice for a tac knife. It’s very grippy in all conditions, whether wet, dry, or cold, and it’s additionally very comfortable to hold and use. It’s recommended.
Blade Style
At their most basic level, knives are simple designs with a sharp edge and point—that’s all they are to them. As designs became more complicated over the years, the shape and style of the blade began to take on distinct names. These designs were primarily made with a specific purpose, allowing for increased specialization for the knife.
If you need to poke something, there’s a blade design to match; if you need to pry, there’s another matching design. Many designs exist today, but drop and clip points are the most common.
Tac knives are available in various blade styles, from Tanto point to spear tip and everything in between, they all specialise in fulfilling a specific need. The blade edge can be plain, serrated, or a combination of the two, half jagged, half straight. My personal preference is a thick blade with a drop point and half serrated edge, this means to knife can be used for a variety of purposes and I won’t feel like I’m carrying around something flimsy.
This is a personal preference, so feel free to pick something that better suits your requirements.
The Types of Blade Tips
In your search for a tac knife, you might come across any of the following blade tips:
A straight-backed blade is perhaps the most common type. Its telltale design includes a flat back and typically boasts a curved edge. The flat back is often advantageous, allowing the user to exert extra pressure with the other hand. It’s an excellent option for most knives.
A clip-point blade looks like a standard point clipped at the back, creating a thinner and pointier tip. It’s ideal for precision cutting or when additional control is needed. The legendary Bowie Knife is an excellent example of a clip-point blade.
Clip points can either be straight or concave. A trailing point is easy to spot, featuring a back that curves up, which improves the slicing capability. The curve is sometimes called the ‘belly,’ and a knife featuring a large belly is exceptionally well suited for skinning.
As the blade curves, it is often lighter and more maneuverable. This style is usually found in fillet knives.
A drop-point blade is similar to a clip-point blade in some respects, but while a clip-point features a concave back, the drop-point is convex. This design is not as good at piercing, but it’s more robust overall. Many modern knives feature a drop-point blade as it’s versatile and functional in most applications.
A spear-point blade is standard in daggers and other piercing weapons. It features a symmetrical design with a thicker spine running down the center. These can either be sharpened on one side or both.
A needle-point blade is similar to a spear-point, but it’ll taper far more to create a sharper point. The blade is often very sharp but not very strong. It’s commonly used in daggers.
The needle-point is also symmetrical but tapers much more sharply. Therefore, it is not particularly strong but can be used effectively to pierce or penetrate. Stabbing is the needle-point blade’s strong point, and you tend to see this blade mostly on daggers intended for close-range combat, just like the spear-point.
A tanto tip is shaped like a chisel and was inspired by Japanese swords. This type of blade has the advantage of increased strength, making it a great option for a tactical knife.
Knife Steel Differences
There are tens if not hundreds of different types of steel available, and not all are good for knives. Going through every type of steel is a bit beyond this article, but we can generalize the common types found in knives and give you a rough idea of what to expect.
Stainless steel is probably the most common type of steel used in knives today; it’s durable, corrosion-resistant, and can make a decent blade. Within the stainless steel category, there are several grades, many of which create terrible knives, while others are great for knives. Ensure you get a stainless steel that’s good for practical purposes and not best suited for a kettle.
Carbon steel is an excellent choice for knife blades. They are strong and hard-wearing, can take an edge well, and can last a lifetime. The downside is that they are prone to corrosion if not cared for carefully. Carbon steel blades must be stored with a thin layer of oil or other protective substance to avoid rusting.
Best Tactical Knife
Kershaw Blur S30V
A Quick Overview
The first of the best tactical knives in this review is the Kershaw Blur S30V. If you’re into tactical gear, you might’ve heard about the Kershaw brand, as they’re one of the world-class leaders in this field. This particular model is, perhaps, their finest creation in the tactical knife sphere, and we intend to show you why.
Specs & Features
Firstly, this knife features a folding mechanism; it’s 4.75 inches long when closed and 8.25 inches long when opened. The half-serrated blade is 3.5 inches tall and features premium stainless steel. The handle is made of black aluminum and is just as durable as the rest of the construction.
Nearly all features of the Kershaw knife are plain and very easy to use.
Versatility
The Kershaw Blur S30V folding pocket knife is great value for money. It has plenty of diverse features that can be used in many situations. The blade is decently long and boasts a clean, nonserrated edge, making it ideal for cutting and piercing. The easy-handle grip is also very durable, so it’s safe to conclude that the Kershaw Blur S30V Folding Pocket Knife is incredibly versatile.
Aesthetics
This tactical knife looks all but ordinary – it excels in aesthetics. Several “gaps” in the main graphics and the serrated side make it look even more dangerous and edgy. When folded, the grip of this tactical knife is enough to make it pass as an “exquisite knife.” People who are looking for beautiful tactical knives shouldn’t skip this model.
Price
Ironically, the Kershaw Blur S30V Folding Pocket Knife doesn’t cost a fortune, even though it offers many benefits and advantages over similar tactical knives. It belongs to the “affordable” price point category and boasts a massive value for the buck.
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to WeAllJuggleKnives
What We Liked
Firstly, the Kershaw pocket knife’s mechanism is impeccable—it locks in quickly and neatly. The blade is very sharp and retains its edge well, but what we liked about this tactical knife is that it feels up to any job you might throw at it.
In addition, the Kershaw Blur S30V Folding Pocket Knife is an excellent value for money and is easily comparable to knives that cost twice as much.
What We Didn’t Like
The only problem we had with the Kershaw Blur S30V Folding Pocket Knife is that it doesn’t close as quickly as it opens – you’ll need to be a little rough with it until you get accustomed to it.
Pros
- Cost Effective
- Looks amazing and beautiful
- Outfitted with premium-quality features
- Superb level of versatility
Cons
- Hard to close
A Quick Overview
Like our previous pick, the Ruger 2-Stage Compact Folding Tanto Veff Serrated Edge Knife is a beautiful, highly versatile tactical knife. It has a sizeable blade, and although it lacks the features of other models, it can still be helpful in any number of situations.
Specs and Features
The Ruger features a military-grade handle—it’s very grippy and comfortable, making this knife extremely easy to use. The spring-assist mechanism will help you lock your knife in or out quickly.
This tactical knife is 9 inches long when opened and 5 inches long when closed, with a blade that is four inches long. The half-serrated side works like a charm when cutting anything heavy or durable, while the tanto point makes the Ruger 2-Stage knife excellent for piercing things. Lastly, the bottom of the grip is reinforced with metal, allowing you to use this tip to break glass safely in rescue situations.
Versatility
The Ruger 2-Stage Compact Knife is decently versatile. It features a glass breaker on the hilt, a serrated edge, and a superbly sharp edge. You could use it for self-defense, cutting, piercing, and breaking. There are more versatile models in our review, but this one passed the basic versatility checks.
Aesthetics
The Ruger looks incredibly pretty. It’s available in several color variations, including black, desert tan, and stonewashed. Whichever color you pick, we guarantee you’ll like this tactical knife in terms of aesthetics.
Price
Even though it’s not the cheapest tac knife in our review, the Ruger is relatively affordable. It belongs to the medium bracket of the “affordable” price point category and boasts quite a value for the cash.
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to Fun With Knives
What We Liked
The price of the Ruger knife is the first thing you’ll like – it’s a cheap, highly versatile tactical knife that surpasses most similar knives in value. The military handle is the feature we can guarantee you’ll like, but you’ll also find much use of the serrated belt cutter and the window breaker.
What We Didn’t Like
Some people point out that the spring assist mechanism is relatively weak. That’s only partially true—namely, Ruger’s locking (and unlocking) mechanism won’t just “spring out” at the exact moment you use it, but it works just fine.
Pros
- Superb belt clip and glass breaker features
- Long, versatile blade
- Ergonomic handle with an excellent grip
- Great price
Cons
- Weak spring assist mechanism
Benchmade Bedlam 860 Scimitar Knife
A Quick Overview
We have yet another great option, the Benchmade Bedlam 860 Scimitar Knife – the Spring assist open scimitar rescue pocket knife. This is more of a blade than a knife, as it’s very long, remarkably sharp, and outfitted with a razor-tipped point. As Benchmade makes some of the best tactical knife models out there, you should feel free to expect quite a lot from this one.
Specs and Features
First, the spring assists with the open scimitar pocket knife, which is made of a particular type of steel. It’s as durable as can be, and you can rest assured that you’ll be able to use it and put it through several years of hard work with little worry. This knife operates on a spring-assisted locking system, which is more reliable than our earlier picks.
The overall length of Benchmade Bedlam 860 is 9.7 inches, while the blade is 4 inches long.
Versatility
The Scimitar blade is intimidating and well-suited as a tactical knife. The knife comes from a significant heritage, which is Benchmade. Not only can the knife be used as a tactical blade, but it’ll work well in a range of scenarios that require a severe knife
Aesthetics
This is a rough-looking knife, but that doesn’t mean it’s not beautiful. People looking for elegant-looking knives should, perhaps, continue browsing through our selection of the best tactical knives, but this one doesn’t lack in this field of performance; it’s just that it performs better in other spheres.
Price
The knife is priced in the “luxury” category, but you’ll get a significant amount for that price.
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to BladeReviews.com
What We Liked
Apart from the low price and its tough-looking design, we liked the material of the Spring Assist open-saw-back Bowie rescue pocket knife. The stainless steel is very durable, and there are many other features you’ll grow to love, like the glass breaker and the seatbelt cutter.
What We Didn’t Like
While most of this knife’s construction is made of stainless steel parts, several gaps in the design somewhat impede the spring assist mechanism.
Pros
- Premium-quality stainless steel build
- Both edges are half-serrated
- Seatbelt cutter and glass breaker features
- Superb value for the price
Cons
- Some complaints about the mechanism
Blade Mate Survival Knives Tactical Folding Rescue Pocket Knife
A Quick Overview
We’re presenting Blade Mate’s tactical folding pocket knife to you – a neat, plain tac knife smaller than we’ve seen. It excels in many fields of performance, but we can safely conclude that its usability is only matched by its outward appearance. Let’s take a look at what it can offer you.
Specs and Features
The first notable feature of Blade Mate’s Tactical folding pocket knife is the seatbelt cutter—it will undoubtedly save your life during an emergency. Secondly, there’s the steel-tipped glass breaker, which, when combined with the seatbelt cutter, will be your means of escape during car collisions. The blade of this knife features stainless steel materials and a serrated edge, which is perfect for sawing and slicing.
The blade is 3.5 inches long and is fortified with a quality alloy that prevents corrosion.
Versatility
Although Blade Mate’s Tactical folding pocket knife isn’t outfitted with too many features, it’s versatile overall. This knife will be valuable to you during emergencies, camping, or survival exercises.
Aesthetics
We’ve already mentioned that Blade Mate’s tactical knife excels in aesthetics, and the sole reason for that is quite obvious – you’ll be able to choose a plethora of color variations, including black, blue, cherry, covert black, pink, yellow, and the yellow box cutter.
Price
Blade Mate’s Tactical folding pocket knife is much more expensive than our previous picks. However, it belongs to the same price point category as most Tac Force knives in this review – the “affordable” price point category.
What We Liked
Essentially, this is a beautiful-looking knife—we liked the diversity of color options available. Still, its usability and versatility are pretty high as well.
What We Didn’t Like
This particular model has a bit of a cheap feeling.
Pros
- Great for the price
- Sharp and versatile
- Sturdy stainless steel materials
- Easy to use and lock in and out
Cons
- A bit heavier than an average tactical knife
Smith & Wesson SWHRT9B Stainless Steel Fixed Blade Knife
A Quick Overview
Smith and Wesson are two of the most famous brands in the arms industry, and it’s no coincidence that one of our top picks is a model from their assortment. The S&W SWHRT9B steel tactical knife is undoubtedly one of the best tactical knives you’ll find in your search, so let’s delve deeper into details without any further ado.
Specs and Features
With an incredibly long blade, the S&W SWHRT9B steel tactical knife will be your ideal weapon in the wilderness or emergencies. It’s made of high-carbon stainless steel and wrapped with back rubber on the handle so you can rely on it in your time of need. This plain knife doesn’t feature any spring assist or similar mechanisms.
Versatility
Firstly, the S&W SWHRT9B steel tactical knife is 9 inches long, with a blade of 4.7 inches – note that the blade of this knife is approximately 1.5 inches longer than what we’ve seen so far. This means this knife is ideal for self-defense and hunting but less valuable for camping and survival. This doesn’t mean it’s not versatile; it’s just a bit more straightforward and plain than most models we’ve reviewed.
Aesthetics
Regarding the story with plain knives, the S&W SWHRT9B steel tactical knife is a classy, elegant knife. It looks just fine, although it doesn’t particularly excel in aesthetics.
Price
This remarkable knife costs several bucks above your average tactical knife – it belongs to the upper bracket of the “affordable” price point category, and it just might be one of the best tactical knives under $20.
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to Skallagrim
What We Liked
Plain is helpful—if you agree with this statement, you’ll understand what we liked about the S&W SWHRT9B steel tactical knife. It features a very long blade and is one of the ideal steel weapons.
What We Didn’t Like
Most tactical knives are foldable; perhaps the only thing we didn’t like about the SWHRT9B.
Pros
- Classic design
- Extremely durable high-carbon stainless steel materials
- Wrapped handle
- Easy access and easy to use
- Very long and sturdy blade
Cons
- Too plain – not foldable
Tac Force TF-723FD Assisted Opening Tactical Folding Knife
A Quick Overview
Here’s a Tac Force tactical knife—the Tac Force TF 723FD assisted opening knife. It’s one of the cheapest knives we’ve seen in the Tac Force catalog, so this model might be perfect if you’re looking for a budget option.
Specs and Features
Tac Force TF 723FD assisted opening knife is a spring-assist knife that is easy to fold, allowing rapid deployment. It locks securely in place if you use the liner lock, and you can rest assured that you’ll be able to use it for years due to the premium-quality stainless steel materials it’s made of.
Versatility
This knife features a half-serrated edge, an aluminum handle, and a convenient pocket clip for safe and easy carry. It also has a glass breaker and a seatbelt cutter on the end, so it’s safe to say it’s pretty versatile.
Aesthetics
Some would say that the Tac Force TF 723FD assisted-opening knife looks more like a cork opener than a tactical knife, but that depends on your appearance. It doesn’t look appealing when folded, although the story is drastically different once you unfold it.
Price
This outstanding tactical knife comes at a shamefully low price – it’s one of the cheapest tactical knives in our review.
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to Peter von Panda
Firstly, we liked the price at which the Tac Force TF 723FD assisted opening knife comes. Though cheap, it’s also very durable and decently versatile due to the convenient features it comes supplied with.
What We Didn’t Like
Considering that the Tac Force TF 723FD assisted opening knife is available at such a low price, there’s nothing we didn’t like about it.
Pros
- One of the best budget tactical knives available
- The glass breaker and the belt cutter on the end
- Stainless steel construction
- Aluminum handle
Cons
- No major flaws
Gerber 06 FAST Knife
A Quick Overview
By now, it must be clear that Gerber makes exceptional-quality tactical knives. If you’re really into this brand but are low on cash, we suggest you give the Gerber 06 FAST Knife a shot. Let’s see what this quality knife has in store for you.
Specs and Features
Gerber 06 FAST Knife features a spring-assist mechanism that allows easy one-hand deployment. It’s outfitted with a liner lock to keep it steady securely and surely. The 3.75-inch blade is made of 7Cr17MoV stainless steel and features a serrated side and a razor-sharp edge.
The handle is made of top-shelf textured G10, which is incredibly grippy.
Versatility
Nearly all Gerber tactical knives are exceptionally versatile, and this one is no exception. It will be your ideal camping partner, and it won’t fail you in heated situations where you’ll come to rely on it for self-defense.
Aesthetics
The Gerber 06 FAST Knife is available in an anti-reflective black coating. This is one of the most beautiful knives you could have.
Price
This tactical knife is one of the best value options in our review. The Gerber 06 FAST Knife is not the cheapest knife available, but it offers incredible value for money. We suggest you try it out if you want a good-quality tactical knife.
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to FixinThatUp
What We Liked
Amongst the plethora of likable things about the Gerber-assisted opening folding knife, we liked it the most for its sleek looks and spring-assisted opening mechanism. It’s a beautiful-looking, reasonably priced, and very versatile knife that certainly deserves more attention than it’s already getting.
What We Didn’t Like
Being cheap, it’s only standard that not everything is perfect regarding this knife. Namely, the hilt is pretty uncomfortable, although it’s very grippy.
Pros
- One of the most affordable tac knives in this review
- High-quality features
- Exceptional durability
Cons
- Spring Assist could be stronger
Benchmade Mini Griptilian Knife
A Quick Overview
Benchmade makes some of the best-regarded and well-loved knives ever made. This brand offers exceptional tactical knives, and the Mini Griptilian Knife is one of their finest works.
Specs and Features
This exquisite tactical knife features a custom drop point—it’s somewhat curved and performs better than most standard tactical knives regarding self-defense and hunting. It is made of outstandingly durable stainless steel and comes outfitted with a G10 military handle, providing a massively superior grip. You’ll also get an adjustable belt clip.
Versatility
The Mini Griptilian Knife isn’t jam-packed full of (unnecessary?) features—it’s meant to cut and pierce things. There are no glass breakers or seat belt cutters, meaning this knife doesn’t excel in versatility. However, it is an accurate everyday knife in a conveniently compact package.
It’s easy to open one-handed, meaning you can use it in a pinch. If you could only have one knife, this would be a strong contender for the best choice, given that you can easily take it everywhere.
Aesthetics
If you want to look tough, this knife is probably not the one to choose. It excels at functionality over the aggressive factor. It looks fantastic, works well, and does everything you’d want a tactical knife to do.
Price
The Mini Griptilian Knife is one of the more expensive models in our review. It firmly belongs in the luxury price point category. However, it’s well worth the expense. I cannot recommend it enough.
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to Nick Shabazz
What We Liked
The looks, attitude, and sturdiness of this knife are all qualities you’ll love about the Mini Griptilian Knife. It’s incredibly durable, cuts through virtually everything as if it were butter, and even though it’s not the most versatile knife you’ll use, it’s an outstanding knife.
What We Didn’t Like
Even if we were to look past the not-so-affordable price, the Mini Griptilian Knife lacks the versatility of its less-expensive counterparts. This is the only field of performance where this tactical knife is lacking.
Pros
- Exquisite outward appearance
- It comes with a complementary nylon sheath
- G10 comfort grip
- Stainless steel construction
Cons
- Pricey
Zero Tolerance 0350 Folding Pocket Knife
A Quick Overview
Here comes a fine tactical knife from Zero Tolerance – the Zero Tolerance 0350 Folding Pocket Knife with SpeedSafe assisted opening. It’s a highly robust knife that will take a significant amount of punishment, from batoning, prying, camping, cutting, and anything else you can throw at it; it’ll come through relatively unscathed.
Specs and Features
The Zero Tolerance 0350 Folding Pocket Knife is outfitted with a spring-assist mechanism and a liner lock—folding and unfolding it is as easy as pie, and you can pull it from its sheath in seconds. It also features black G10 scale handles and a pocket clip. It’s made of S350V stainless steel, which boasts impeccable durability and sharpness. The 3.25-inch blade is coated with a Non-reflective black Tungsten DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating.
Versatility
The pocket clip is the only feature contributing to the versatility of the Zero Tolerance 0350 Folding Pocket Knife. It allows for safe and easy carry, which is perfectly fine, considering that this is, after all, a significant practical tactical knife.
Aesthetics
Although the Zero Tolerance 0350 Folding Pocket Knife lacks versatility, its beautiful outward appearance more than makes up for it, it’s sleek, intimidating, and looks the part.
Price
This tactical knife is perfect for people needing a quality knife that will last several lifetimes. It’s expensive, but we’re confident it’ll work out cheaper than most models, given that it’s built to last.
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to Calvin Van Arragon
What We Liked
One thing we liked about the Zero Tolerance 0350 Folding Pocket Knife is its incredibly sturdy build quality. As for the other spheres of performance, they are not lacking, but some cheaper models are nearly as capable.
What We Didn’t Like
Compared to other tactical knives, the Zero Tolerance 0350 Folding Pocket Knife lacks versatility. It doesn’t feature the seatbelt cutter, glass breaker, or light, but it does what it’s supposed to perform as a capable knife.
Pros
- Exceptionally durable tactical knife
- High-quality stainless steel design
- Pocket clip
- Beautiful looks
Cons
- Mediocre versatility
- Uncomfortable handle
Boker Plus Subcom Pocket Knife
A Quick Overview
This is the last tactical knife model in our review. The Boker Plus Subcom Pocket Knife is perfect for people new to tactical knives, as it’s straightforward and inexpensive. Let’s see how it earned its place among the best tactical knives.
Specs and Features
The Boker Plus Subcom Pocket Knife is a plain fixed-blade knife outfitted with a few features, including a half-serrated edge, an incredibly compact package, and a reversible pocket clip.
Versatility
The level of versatility of the Boker Plus Subcom Pocket Knife is relatively low – it’s perfect for people yet to get familiar with tactical gear. Still, it doesn’t do anything special in particular, apart from the fact that it will let you cut or slice your way through most things.
Aesthetics
This is a great-looking knife with a unique look and feel. It looks pretty basic, and people who value minimalist knives will undoubtedly like it—those looking for more vivid models should try something else.
Price
The Boker Plus Subcom Pocket Knife is very affordable – it belongs in the middle ground between cheap and luxury, but that’s not to say it’s not any good. It most certainly is a very capable knife.
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to BudgetBugout
What We Liked
We adore the Boker Plus Subcom Pocket Knife’s price and beginner-friendly orientation. Consider this model if you’re packing up for a camping trip or need a new everyday carry knife.
What We Didn’t Like
The blade of this knife is relatively short, and there are absolutely no convenient features onboard – no glass breakers, no seatbelt cutters, so don’t expect a versatile knife. These features are almost always unnecessary, so don’t consider it a fatal flaw.
Pros
- Extremely affordable tactical knife
- Small and easy to conceal
- Half-serrated stainless steel edge
Cons
- Not very versatile
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