The Best Tactical Knife Options for Outdoor Adventures
When it comes to knives, there is one type that stands out from the rest: tactical knives. These knives are designed to be robust and highly effective in high-pressure situations. Whether you’re a hunter, an outdoorsman, or just want to feel a bit more secure, tactical knives are the way to go.
In this article, we’ll review some of the best tactical knife choices of 2024. We’ll break down different elements of what makes a great tactical knife and then look at some of the top models that have earned a good reputation with customers and on the market. No matter your needs or preferences, you’re to find a great knife among the choices on this list.
Our Top Picks
- Choosing a Tactical Knife: A Buyer’s Guide
- People Also Asked
- Which tactical knife should I buy?
- What are the different types of tactical knives?
- What is the difference between regular and tactical knives?
- How do I sharpen a tactical knife?
- What are the safest ways to carry a tactical knife?
- How long should a tactical knife last before needing replacement?
- What are the benefits of owning a tactical knife?
- Are there any differences in quality between different brands of tactical knives?
- Related Reviews
Comparing the Top Tactical Knives of 2024
Best Overall
The Swiss Safe 3-in-1 Tactical Knife is an ideal tool for military personnel and first responders. It has been carefully designed for tactical use with its high-performance steel blade, lightweight aluminum handle, and pocket clip.
The knife also offers exceptional fast deployment thanks to its assisted opening with a flipper tab for reliable one-handed opening. The stainless 3.5-inch long, 3-millimeter thick steel blade makes this knife both strong and durable, and the 5-inch closed length allows it to fit comfortably in Swiss Safe Knife Holsters.
This knife offers a variety of features that make it incredibly versatile. It has a glass breaker, seatbelt cutter, and blade serrations that are all ready for any emergency situation. Plus, it features a secure handle texture that ensures a rock-solid grip and a deep-carry pocket clip that allows you to discreetly carry the knife when needed. With its versatile features and secure handle texture, it provides the perfect solution for any situation, making it our top choice overall.
Pros
- Solid construction
- Great spring action
- Available in several colors
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- Clip may not hold up over time
Best Quality
The Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Tactical knife is a must-have for anyone looking for an EDC, outdoor, tactical, or survival knife. Featuring a 7Cr17Mov black oxide, high carbon stainless steel blade, it offers superior strength and durability. The blade has a serrated 3.1-inch clip point that allows for precise cutting and slicing, while the jimping and serrations provide additional grip and handling. The aluminum handle, with its convenient pocket clip and finger flipper, ensures quick and easy access when needed. And the ambidextrous thumb knobs add to the knife’s secure locking mechanism.
The knife is both lightweight and comfortable, weighing in at just 3.5 ounces. Its 7.1-inch overall length makes it a great size for anyone seeking portability without compromising efficiency or performance. Plus, it’s the perfect size to conveniently fit in pockets or backpacks when not in use.
Pros
- Has razor sharp edges
- Affordable price point
- Heavy-duty metal clip
- Comfortable to hold
Cons
- Can be difficult to open
Most Versatile
RoverTac’s Pocket Multitool Tactical Knife is a great option for any outdoors person. With its solid stainless steel and black oxidation body and aluminum handle, it’s highly durable and perfect for cutting and piercing. This folding tactical knife also has a secure locking mechanism – the liner lock ensures that the blade and screwdriver stay locked in place during use. This knife even comes with a durable nylon sheath with a belt loop for quick and easy access.
This multi-tool tactical folding knife is loaded with added features that are sure to make camping, fishing, and hiking trips easier. This includes a 3.15-inch knife, pliers, wire cutter, bottle and can opener, and the ability to work with nine different screwdrivers. The versatility of this product means less bulk to carry around since it replaces the need for having multiple tools in your camping gear.
Pros
- Highly durable and sturdy
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- Brand offers a lifetime warranty
- Works as several different tools
Cons
- Might be too heavy for some
Best Everyday Carry
Snake Eye’s Everyday Carry Karambit Tactical Knife is the ideal tool for any situation. Thanks to its convenient size, it can be taken anywhere without any trouble. The knife measures 9 inches in overall length when opened, and features a 3.85-inch stainless steel haw bill sharp blade. The handle is made of aluminum and is approximately 5 inches long. And it even includes a belt clip for easy concealment when necessary.
This option makes an exceptional everyday carry knife. With its distinctive karambit-style blade, you can trust that the knife will stand up to any challenge or situation that you may encounter. Plus, it comes in a variety of stunning colors, so you can find one that matches your unique personality.
Pros
- Sharp and effective stainless steel blade
- Comes with reversible pocket clip
- Features a durable, and functional design
- Available in many different colors
Cons
- May pop open
Best Value
The ALBATROSS EDC Cool Sharp Tactical Knife is a modern marvel of craftsmanship and technology. Featuring a spring-assisted pocket knife for rapid one-handed deployment, this knife has a 440 stainless steel blade for superior sharpness and reliability. With a length of 2.7 inches, the blade is strong enough to tackle any difficult job while being compact enough for easy storage. Plus, the handle measures 3.8 inches when closed, with an overall length of 6.5 inches when open, and weighs only 4.8 ounces when fully loaded.
Equipped with a pocket clip for secure transport, this knife comes with helpful accessories such as a seatbelt cutter and glass breaker in case of emergency situations. The knife also features a special anti-corrosive grease which allows it to open smoothly and prevents the need for frequent maintenance.
Pros
- Super affordable
- Four color options to choose from
- Great for everyday uses
- Easily portable
Cons
- Blade may not be sharp enough for some
Choosing a Tactical Knife: A Buyer’s Guide
When it comes to choosing the best tactical knife, there are several product features that you need to take into consideration. To help you make the right decision when selecting a knife, we created a handy buyer’s guide that’ll explain all of the essential features:
Things To Consider Before Buying a Tactical Knife
Blade design and material
The blade of a tactical knife should have a size and shape that is suited to the task at hand. The type of steel used in its construction is also important, as different types of steel offer different levels of strength and edge retention. Look for a blade made of high carbon or stainless steel for optimal performance.
Handle design and material
The handle should be comfortable to hold, with a secure and ergonomic grip. There are many handle materials to choose from, such as wood, plastic, rubber, or metal. Make sure to select a material that is strong and durable enough to stand up to daily or outdoor use.
Locking mechanism
A sturdy locking mechanism is essential for keeping the blade in place while in or out of use. Check for knives with strong liner locks or other types of locking systems that can safely hold the blade open or closed when needed.
Sheath
A knife sheath should be constructed of reliable materials and provide easy access to the knife when needed. Look for a sheath with good retention capabilities, such as molded Kydex or leather options that can keep the knife securely in place while on the move.
Weight
The weight of the knife should be appropriate for comfortable use without causing fatigue during long periods of use. Consider if you want a heavier or lighter knife based on your preferences and the tasks you plan on using it for.
Edge retention
Look for blades made using high-quality steels that can retain their edge over time with minimal maintenance required. Consider blades with hollow grinds for maximum cutting power and good edge retention. Other features like ceramic coatings can also help increase durability and longevity.
Price
As always, carefully consider how much you’re willing to spend before making your purchase, as prices can range from a few dollars to hundreds depending on the brand and quality. Look for knives that fit your needs and expectations without breaking your budget.
Warranty
Invest in a knife with an adequate warranty policy in case you need it replaced due to wear and tear or any other issue. Try to find warranties that cover defects in materials or workmanship, as well as replacement blades if necessary.
Brand reputation
Read reviews on different brands or ask friends or colleagues before purchasing to get an idea of a knife’s quality and reliability. Consider these opinions before investing in your chosen brand so you know what to expect from it in terms of performance and longevity.
People Also Asked
Which tactical knife should I buy?
The right tactical knife to buy depends on your individual needs and preferences. Generally speaking, popular options include fixed-blade knives with strong full-tang construction and a stout blade made of high-quality materials such as stainless steel or titanium. Features like ergonomic handles, a reversible or removable pocket clip, a serrated edge, the ability to fold, and a guard for extra hand protection are all good options when selecting a tactical knife.
What are the different types of tactical knives?
There are a variety of tactical knives available, including folding knives, neck knives, rescue knives, multi-tools, and throwing knives. Folding knives are typically the most popular option due to their convenience and portability. Neck knives are small and lightweight blades designed to be worn around the neck on a lanyard or chain. Rescue knives feature tools such as glass breakers and seat belt cutters designed for emergency situations. Multi-tools combine multiple functions into one utilitarian tool while throwing knives are specialized for recreational activities like target throwing.
What is the difference between regular and tactical knives?
The difference between tactical and regular knives is typically in their design and intended use. While regular knives can typically be used for a variety of tasks, such as food preparation and household tasks, tactical knives are specifically designed for heavier-duty activities like outdoor camping situations. Tactical knives tend to have stronger blades with thicker construction than regular knives, as well as features such as serrated edges or guards to offer additional protection against mishaps or accidents.
How do I sharpen a tactical knife?
In order to maintain the sharpness of your tactical knife blade, it’s important that you regularly sharpen your blade either professionally or at home using sharpening tools such as stones or honing rods. When sharpening at home, begin with a coarse stone before finishing with a finer stone in order to remove any burrs and polish the blade.
What are the safest ways to carry a tactical knife?
It’s crucial to follow all safety protocols regarding the carrying of a tactical knife in order to reduce any potential risk of injury from mishandling. In general, the safest way to carry a tactical knife is in its sheath, while folding models should be carried closed. Just be sure to follow all laws and regulations when deciding whether you want to carry a knife around or not.
How long should a tactical knife last before needing replacement?
A quality tactical knife should last for several years depending on its care and usage. But, if you find yourself routinely using your knife for heavy-duty tasks such as combat or survival situations, it may need replacing more often due to wear and tear on the blade's edge over time.
What are the benefits of owning a tactical knife?
Owning a quality tactical knife offers many benefits for camping and hunting use as well as protection against potential attackers.
Are there any differences in quality between different brands of tactical knives?
Although most brands strive for quality craftsmanship when designing their blades, certain brands may prioritize certain aspects more than others. This means that certain brands may specialize in features like strength and durability while others may emphasize aesthetics and style instead. This is why it’s important to do your research ahead of time so you know what specific features each brand offers.