Boot knives provide a nice balance between convenience and concealment. On the one hand, you can carry a bigger knife in your boot than you can in your pocket. On the other hand, a boot knife is invisible, while a big knife in a hip sheath is inconspicuous, and can get you arrested in some places.
But you’re a savvy consumer. You don’t want just any boot knife; you want the best boot knife. That’s why you’re doing your research. There’s a lot of smoke and mirrors out there in the marketing world, and even third-rate manufacturers tout their knives as “the best”. So how do you separate the quality blades from the duds?
No worries. We’ve got you covered.
We’ve looked at dozens of popular boot knives, and chosen the 15 that we think are the best. When looking at these knives, we’ve considered several factors: quality material, reliable manufacturers, ergonomics, and reasonable pricing are all important.
Of course, some knives are better than others for different purposes. For example, a serrated knife is great for sawing through rope, but not as useful for skinning a buck. That’s why we’ve chosen a wide variety of sizes, styles, and prices. No matter what you’re looking for, we’re confident that at least one of these knives will be the perfect one for you.
So before you read any further, consider what you’re going to use your boot knife for on a daily basis. One person’s prized possession can be another person’s most regretted purchase.
Best Boot Knives
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1. Gerber Ghoststrike
Features
- Compact, Skeletal 420Hc Steel Frame
- Black Ceramic Coating For Minimal Reflection + Corrosion
- Diamond Texture Rubber Handle For Superior Grip
- Modular Sheath System For Concealed Or Open Carry
- Includes a neoprene ankle wrap with sheath mount
The Gerber Ghoststrike is a 7-inch boot knife with a 3.3-inch drop-point blade. The high carbon blade is razor-sharp and easy to sharpen and has a ceramic coating that’s attractive and corrosion-resistant. The handle is a bit of a mixed bag.
On the one hand, it has a diamond textured, rubberized coating that provides plenty of grip even in wet conditions. On the other hand, it’s extremely slim, so people with larger hands may have a hard time holding it.
The slim design is a nice feature when it comes to concealment, though. This knife lays tight against your ankle without creating a big bulge. The sheath comes with an ankle wrap, so you can even wear it without the need for a boot. This makes it a good option for joggers, or for anyone who prefers sneakers to hiking boots. Alternatively, you can wear it on your belt.
The Ghoststrike is one of the more expensive ones on our list, but Gerber is a premium brand, and this knife is one of their best.
Pros
- Slim, lightweight design
- Ankle wrap for secure carrying
- Modular sheath can also be worn on your belt
- Textured, rubberized handle
- Corrosion-resistant ceramic coating
- Sharp drop-point blade
Cons
- A thin handle can be hard to grip
- On the pricier side
Why It’s Recommended
If you don’t mind paying top dollar for a top-quality boot knife, the Gerber Ghoststrike is an excellent choice.
2. Kershaw Secret Agent
Kershaw Secret Agent
$25.59 in stock
Free shipping
Features
- 8Cr13MoV stainless steel blade with high carbon is heat treated for performance, hardness and durability
- Handle is reinforced synthetic polymer encased by textured rubber for grip security; reinforcement provides increased strength, stiffness and stability
- Tech rich black oxide coating converts steel to magnetite to boost appearance and corrosion resistance
- High performing sheath provides clip for belt or UWB carry and slots for leg carry straps; both ensure users’ preference for accessibility
- Blade’s first edition survives torture test seen on Survival Bros; fans claim it slices through plastic, aluminum, kelp, rope, jellyfish and fiberglass
The Kershaw Secret Agent is an 8.5-inch boot knife with a 4.4-inch blade. This makes it one of the biggest boot knives around, and it’s definitely not for everyone. That said, if you need a knife with a sharp, versatile blade, this is it. It’s made of black oxide coated carbon steel, and has an edge that can cut through a tire like some knives cut paper. The blade does dull quickly, but it’s easy to sharpen.
The main problem with this knife is the sheath. It has a convenient belt clip and lanyard holes for lacing it to your bootstrap, but there’s no ankle strap. That’s an odd choice for a boot knife. While the nylon sheath is durable, it’s also excessively wide, making it uncomfortable to carry for long periods of time.
The Secret Agent is affordable, surprisingly so considering the quality.
Pros
- Rubberized synthetic polymer grip
- Can be carried on your ankle or your belt
- Black oxide coated steel blade
- Affordable
Cons
- Sheath is a bit wide for comfort
- Ankle strap not included
Why It’s Recommended
The Kershaw Secret Agent is durable, and affordable. It’s the best boot knife we’ve found if versatility is your biggest need.
3. Schrade SCHF19
Schrade SCHF19
$15.99 in stock
Free shipping
Features
- DIMENSIONS: 7 inch (17.7 cm) overall length with a blade length of 3.6 inches (9.1 cm) and a weight of 2.1 ounces
- DURABLE: Blade is made of reliable 7Cr17MoV High Carbon S.S. with a black, thermoplastic elastomer handle
- DEPENDABLE: Quick and easy access with the convenient leather sheath with a belt loop and boot clip making it ideal for everyday carry
- SECURE: Have confidence that the blade will not slip with the security of the quillon
- BE PREPARED: Knife features a lanyard hole for added security when in use
The Schrade 7-inch Fixed Blade Boot Knife has a 3.6-inch carbon steel blade that’s as tough as nails. The textured handle is engineered from textured thermoplastic for plenty of grip. However, it’s only 3.4 inches long, which is a bit small if you have larger hands. What it does offer is a wide quillion, so your hand won’t slip forward no matter how slick conditions are.
The leather sheath is high quality, and has a belt clip that will also fit over your boot, although there’s no ankle strap. While we liked the blade overall, it’s very dull out of the box. This is a common issue with blades that are made in China, but it means you’ll need to sharpen it as soon as you open the box.
On the other hand, there aren’t many high quality boot knives out there at this price point. If money is tight, this knife is an excellent choice.
Pros
- Textured thermoplastic handle
- Wide quillion for safety
- Easy to sharpen, carbon steel blade
- Leather sheath with belt/boot clip
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Relatively short handle
- No ankle strap
- Requires sharpening out of the box
Why It’s Recommended
It’s hard to find a high-quality knife on a small budget. The Schrade 7-Inch Fixed Blade Boot Knife fits the bill.
4. Gerber StrongArm
Gerber StrongArm
Free shipping
Features
- StrongArm tactical knife features a black handle and a fine edge, full tang 420HC steel blade
- Durable survival knife has ceramic blade coating and rubberized diamond texture grip
- Break through hard surfaces in emergencies with the tactical knife’s striking pommel
- Four mounting pieces and sheath can be used for mounting on MOLLE, belt, or in drop-leg fashion
- Gerber gear is proudly made in USA at Gerber's Portland, Oregon factory
The Gerber StrongArm is a 9.8-inch boot knife with a 4.8-inch, drop-point blade. The blade is engineered from carbon steel, and has a ceramic coating for corrosion resistance. It’s extremely sharp, but the honing is uneven, with obvious variations in thickness along the length of the blade. This is a minor complaint, but it’s worth noting. If you prefer a serrated blade, it’s also available with that option.
The handle is 5 inches long, which is great for people with larger hands. It’s also rubber coated for easy gripping. The nylon sheath is very well designed, with an ankle strap, as well as the option to wear it on your belt or even mount it on MOLLE webbing.
This is one of the more expensive knives on our list, but it’s a Gerber, and it’s backed by their lifetime warranty. That alone is worth the extra money.
Pros
- Ceramic coated, carbon steel drop-point blade
- High-quality nylon sheath
- Ankle strap included
- Can also be mounted on your belt or MOLLE webbing
- Available with a plain or serrated blade
- Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
- Uneven honing
- Pricey
Why It’s Recommended
The Gerber StrongArm is a high-quality survival knife that’s backed by Gerber’s lifetime warranty.
5. Ka-Bar Becker Necker
Ka-Bar Becker Necker
$52.42 in stock
Free shipping
Features
- Used by all brances of miliary and service members
- Great for collectors and outdoor services
- Tested to ensure quality and durability
- BK11 Becker
- Neck knife made of 1095 Cro-Van steel
The Ka-Bar Becker Necker is marketed to be worn around your neck on paracord. However, the sheath is designed to mount on a TDI belt clip (not included), which can be used to carry it on a vest, on your belt, or, yes, in your boot. The overall length is 6 ¾ inches, with a 3 ¼-inch blade, and it has a slim enough profile to carry discreetly just about anywhere.
The nylon sheath is extremely durable, so you don’t need to worry about dropping it or accidentally cutting through it. The clip-point blade itself is engineered from high-quality carbon steel that’s both sharp and easy to sharpen. While the handle is ergonomic and features a rubberized grip, the slim design can make it hard to hold if you’ve got bigger hands.
Pros
- Carbon steel clip-point blade
- Durable nylon sheath
- Easy to attach with paracord
- Slim profile
- Sheath is designed for TDI belt clip
Cons
- No ankle strap or clip
- Difficult to grip for larger hands
Why It’s Recommended
The Ka-Bar Becker Necker is ideal for anyone who wants a sharp blade with a slim profile.
6. MTech USA Xtreme
Features
- Tactical fixed blade knife sized just right for carrying in your boot
- Two-tone, double half-serrated blade made of 440 stainless steel
- G10 handle offers a superior grip in even the wettest of conditions; lanyard hole on end
- Includes leather sheath for easy and safe carry
- 9-inch overall length
The MTech USA Xtreme is a 9-inch boot knife with a 5-inch blade. This makes it one of the larger knives on our list, possibly too big depending on how big your boot size is.
Provided you can carry it, this is a beast of a knife. The double-edged, stainless steel blade is corrosion-resistant and holds its edge extremely well. This is a hybrid blade, which means the front half of the knife has a standard edge, while the back half is serrated. The standard edge is a bit dull out of the box, so you’ll need to sharpen it before you put it to use.
The G10 rubberized handle is easy to grip and has a wide quillion to prevent your hand from slipping forward over the blade. It comes with a high-quality leather sheath that’s designed to be worn on your belt, but the lanyard hole makes it equally easy to tie to your bootstrap.
Pros
- Double-edged, stainless steel hybrid blade
- G10 rubberized handle
- Wide quillion for safety
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Too long for people with smaller feet
- Needs sharpening out of the box
- No ankle strap
Why It’s Recommended
MTech is a well-known brand with quality products especially boot knives. The USA Xtreme is no exception.
7. SOG Snarl
SOG Snarl
$40.40 in stock
Features
- 2.3 INCH FULL TANG KNIFE BLADE: The Snarl is a compact fixed blade tactical knife, hunting knife, EDC knife or neck knife with sheath; measures 4.3 inches in total length
- 1.9 OUNCE 9CR18MOV STAINLESS STEEL FIXED BLADE: This satin-polished full tang pocket knife, tac knife, outdoor knife and pelt knife is ultra-discreet and designed to be nearly indestructible
- KYDEX SHEATH AND UTILITY NECK KNIFE CHAIN: An easy-clip camping knife and hiking knife with fixed blade handle; clip this sharp knife sheath anywhere or secure with the neck knife chain
- MULTI-GRIP DESIGN BY JASON BROUS: An oversized blade ring finger choil, ring pommel and jimping offer solid grip variety for this tactical pocket knife and boot knife with sheath and clip
- SOG KNIVES FOR LIFE: Take care of your tactical knife and we’ll take care of you; SOG fixed blade knives with sheath are built to last; we consider all repair and replacement requests
The SOG Snarl is a small, lightweight boot knife with a unique, one-piece design. The overall length is 4.3 inches, with the blade portion measuring only 2.3 inches. As such, this is a great knife for concealing just about anywhere on your body. It ships with a neck chain and the nylon sheath is well designed, with a belt clip that’s equally useful on top of your boot.
The entire piece is crafted from corrosion-resistant stainless steel, and the blade is razor sharp out of the box. The grip has holes for your forefinger and ring finger, with a cutout on the bottom for your middle finger. However, the stainless steel is very smooth, and there’s nothing to stop your middle finger from slipping forward if the blade encounters resistance.
Pros
- Small and lightweight
- Comes with a neck chain
- Unique one-piece design with ergonomic grip
- Sharp, stainless steel blade
- Nylon sheath with carrying clip
Cons
- No protection for your bottom finger
Why It’s Recommended
The SOG Snarl is an excellent choice if you want a small, convenient knife for everyday tasks.
8. SOG Instinct
SOG Instinct
Features
- 1.9 INCH SMALL TACTICAL KNIFE WITH SHEATH: The SOG Instinct Mini is a small fixed blade knife for your EDC gear and protection knife kit; tactical knife measures 4.8 inches in total length
- EDC NECK KNIFE: 1.4 oz. lightweight knife is a great everyday carry; use this full tang knife as a belt knife or boot knife with swivel sheath clip, or as a neck knife with the included neck chain
- SATIN 5CR15MOV STAINLESS STEEL: Straight-edge clip point with durable steel construction can handle hard use as a back-up hunting knife or military knife; full tang blade makes the knife more solid
- TEXTURED G10 HANDLE: G10 handle with finger grooves and jimping enhances the ergonomics, grip, and blade control of this compact tac knife; get maximum control from the Instinct Mini
- SOG CARE: SOG knives and tools are built to last but may require initial tuning adjustments along with regular cleaning, lubrication and sharpening; we consider all repair and replacement requests
The SOG Instinct is a 4.8-inch boot knife with a short, 1.9-inch blade that is legal to carry virtually everywhere in the US. It has a slim profile, discrete enough for any pocket or boot. The clip-point blade is crafted from stainless steel and is corrosion-resistant. However, it’s made in China, so the usual caveat applies: you’ll need to sharpen it before any serious use.
The handle has an ergonomic design and is coated with textured G10 rubber for plenty of grip. The nylon sheath fits snugly, with no wiggle room or extra play. It has a clip that’s well suited for your belt, pocket, or boot. The neck chain gives you another carrying option.
This knife is right in the middle of the road in terms of price. It comes with a limited lifetime warranty from SOG, which covers any defects in materials or workmanship.
Pros
- Slim and lightweight
- Textured G10 rubber handle
- Can be worn on your boot or your belt
- Includes a neck chain
- Durable nylon sheath
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Needs sharpening out of the box
Why It’s Recommended
The SOG Instinct is a high quality knife with an ergonomic handle. It’s great for everyday carry.
9. Kobun Fixed
Kobun Fixed Blade
$42.99 in stock
Free shipping
Features
- Cold Steel Kobun Fixed 5-1/2" Tanto Blade Boot Knife Secure-Ex Sheath Kraton
The Cold Steel Kobun Fixed Blade Boot Knife is a 9 ¾-inch boot knife with a 5 ¼-inch blade, making one of the longer knives we’ve reviewed. Needless to say, people with smaller boots will want a smaller knife for more comfort.
If you can carry it, though, this is a very effective knife. The stainless steel blade holds its edge extremely well, which is ideal for anyone who uses their knife on a daily basis. However, it arrives slightly dull, so you’ll want to sharpen it as soon as you receive it.
The rubberized handle is large enough for any hand, and has a rubberized grip to keep your hand from slipping. It comes with a leather sheath that’s snug enough to hold your knife in place without being so tight that you end up cutting it on the draw.
Pros
- Textured, rubberized handle
- Stainless steel, Samurai-style blade
- Well-designed leather sheath
- Holds its edge very well
Cons
- Needs sharpening out of the box
- Too large for people with smaller boots
Why It’s Recommended
The Cold Steel Kobun holds its edge remarkably well, making it perfect for heavy daily use.
10. Old Timer
Old Timer
$24.54 in stock
Free shipping
Features
- DIMENSIONS: 7.8 inch (19.8 cm) overall length with a blade length of 3.8 inches (9.6 cm) and a weight of 3.9 ounces
- DURABLE: Blade is made of reliable 7Cr17MoV High Carbon Stainless Steel with sawcut delrin handle slabs
- DEPENDABLE: Quick and easy access with the convenient brown, leather belt sheath making it ideal for everyday carry
- SECURE: Have confidence that the blade will not slip with the security of the front bolsters
Schrade’s Old Timer Fixed Blade Boot Knife has a classic design, but modern engineering. Its overall length is 7.8 inches, with a 4-inch, stainless steel spear point blade. It’s incredibly sharp out of the box, so no need for sharpening. The wood handle is absolutely gorgeous. However, it comes with a downside: it’s polished very smooth, so there’s nothing to stop your fingers from slipping.
The sheath is crafted from beautiful brown leather and holds the knife very snugly. On the downside, it’s got a large flap with slots for carrying on your belt. This would be nice if it were a belt knife, but Schrade advertises it as a boot knife, so this choice is a bit bizarre. Still, you can use paracord to tie it to your bootstrap.
Overall, this is a well-designed knife, and it’s inexpensive.
Pros
- Classic wood handle
- Sharp, stainless steel spear point blade
- Beautiful brown leather sheath
- Affordable
Cons
- Sheath is not designed for boot carrying
- Handle is very smooth
Why It’s Recommended
The Schrade Old Timer is a great boot knife if you value looks as much as you value quality.
11. Schrade SCHF44LS
Schrade SCHF44LS
$21.99 in stock
Free shipping
Features
- DIMENSIONS: 12.7 inch (32.2 cm) overall length with a blade length of 7.6 inches (19.4 cm) and a weight of 5.1 ounces
- DURABLE: Blade is made of reliable 7Cr17MoV High Carbon S.S. with a black, thermoplastic elastomer handle
- DEPENDABLE: Quick and easy access with the convenient leather sheath with a belt loop and boot clip making it ideal for everyday carry
- SECURE: Have confidence that the blade will not slip with the security of the quillon
- BE PREPARED: Knife features a lanyard hole for added security when in use
The Schrade Needle is a large boot knife that measures 12.7 inches in length. This will make it too big for many people. However, the 7.6-inch blade is an absolute monster. It’s forged from stainless steel and has a double-edged, hybrid design that’s razor-sharp right out of the box. The thermoplastic handle is textured for easy grip and has a wide quillion to keep your fingers where they belong.
The leather sheath is very snug. It’s got a slim profile considering the size of the knife and is well suited for carrying in your boot. Considering the low price, this is a fantastic knife. That said, we do have some concerns about its durability due to the short tang, which doesn’t even extend halfway through the handle.
Pros
- Double-edged, stainless steel hybrid blade
- Textured thermoplastic handle
- Wide quillion for safety
- Snug leather sheath
- Affordable
Cons
- Very long
- Short tang
Why It’s Recommended
The Schrade Needle is a vicious self-defense knife that’s also useful for hunting, fishing, and camping.
12. Buck Knives OPS
Features
- RAZOR SHARP TANTO BLADE- 3" Tanto 154CM Stainless Steel Blade delivers excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and is suitable for heavy cutting applications. Overall Length 6-1/4" Weight 2.5 oz.
- STURDY, LIGHTWEIGHT- Full Tang Construction and very strong, designed for heavy use. Holds up to piercing, scraping and prying with tough materials. A great choice for a high performance knife in the field
- SAFE AND SECURE GRIP - The Contoured Grip with Deep Finger Groove and Injection Molded reinforced nylon G10 handle provides a comfortable and secure grip while you work.
- COMFORTABLE, VERSATILE SHEATH- The knife snaps securely into a black polypropylene and leather sheath. Can be carried on your boot, around your neck, or on your belt either horizontally or vertically for quick and easy access
- MADE IN THE USA - FOREVER WARRANTY - Since 1902 Buck Knives has offered a lifetime warranty on our knives because we believe in the integrity of our products. This knife is proudly made in the USA.
The Buck Knives OPS Foldable Boot Knife is 6 ¼ inches long when opened, and collapses to 3 ¼ inches when closed. The sharp, stainless steel tanto blade is 3 inches long. The handle itself is ergonomic, with a wide quillion and deep indent for your forefinger. It’s coated with G10 rubber, providing plenty of grip.
This knife has a slim design, perfect for concealment, and comes with a versatile leather sheath that’s perfect for a boot knife, but can also be worn on your belt. Buck Knives backs the OPS with their forever warranty, which means that they’ll hone it or repair it not just for you, but for anyone who ever owns the knife, even a hundred years from now.
Pros
- Stainless steel tanto blade
- Ergonomic handle with G10 rubberized coating
- Slim, folding design
- Durable leather sheath
- Comes with a forever warranty
Cons
- Expensive
Why It’s Recommended
The Buck Knives OPS Foldable Boot Knife is the best boot knife that money can buy in terms of both quality and customer service.
13. Smith & Wesson
Smith & Wesson
Free shipping
Features
- DIMENSIONS: 9inch (22.9 cm) overall length with a blade length of 4.6 inches (11.6 cm) and a weight of 3.5 ounces
- DURABLE: Blade is made of reliable 8Cr13MoV Black Oxide High Carbon Stainless Steel with a black, rubberized handle
- DEPENDABLE: Quick and easy access with the convenient leather boot or belt sheath making it ideal for everyday carry
- SECURE: Have confidence that the blade will not slip with the security of the finger guards
- BE PREPARED: Knife features jimping and a lanyard hole
The Smith & Wesson EDC Boot Knife has an overall length of 9 inches. The stainless steel blade is 4.6 inches long, and has a sharp edge that stays sharp even after heavy use. Beware of the marketing, though. They market it as a double-edged blade, while in reality, the second edge requires sharpening. This is for legal reasons, but it’s still frustrating if you were expecting a double-edged knife out of the box.
The rubberized handle is comfortable and grippy, with a wide quillion to protect your fingers. It comes with a leather sheath that’s low-profile for carrying in your boot, while still compatible with most belts. All of this comes at a low price, which makes it a great value.
Pros
- Sharp, stainless steel blade
- Rubberized handle with wide quillion
- Leather sheath is designed for boot or belt use
- Affordable
Cons
- Only one edge is sharpened
Why It’s Recommended
The Smith & Wesson EDC Boot Knife is marketed specifically for law enforcement and has the quality to back it up.
14. Tactical Warrior Tanto
Tactical Warrior Tanto
Free shipping
Features
| Binding | Misc. |
| Brand | Armory Replica |
| EAN | 0744633198962 |
| EAN List | EAN List Element: 0744633198962 |
| MPN | HK1152BK-1 |
| Package Dimensions | Height: 70; Length: 830; Weight: 2; Width: 210 |
| Package Quantity | 1 |
| Part Number | HK1152BK-1 |
| Product Group | Sports |
| Product Type Name | SPORTING_GOODS |
| Title | Tactical Warrior Tanto Full Tang Emergency Outdoor Survival Gear Boot Knife . |
| UPC | 744633198962 |
| UPC List | UPC List Element: 744633198962 |
Let us be upfront here. We’re not fans of budget knives. When you’re buying something that your life may depend on, it’s a good idea to spend at least as much as you’d spend on lunch. That said, if you need a boot knife now and money is short, the Tactical Warrior Tanto Foldable Boot Knife is a solid choice.
The carbon steel tanto blade is 3 inches long, and the overall length is 6 ¾ inches, although it collapses to 3 ¾ inches when folded. The nylon sheath is nice and snug, and designed specifically to carry in your boot. The ergonomic handle also has a built-in safety whistle, which is a nice touch. On the downside, the blade is fairly flimsy, and will need to be sharpened out of the box.
Pros
- Carbon steel tanto blade
- Slim profile
- Snug sheath designed specifically for boots
- Built-in whistle in the handle
- Very inexpensive
Cons
- Flimsy blade
- Needs sharpening out of the box
Why It’s Recommended
If you absolutely must buy a budget knife, the Tactical Warrior Tanto Foldable Boot Knife is the best of the bunch.
15. Rothco Raider II
Rothco Raider II
Free shipping
Features
- Quality tested and ensured for maximum durability
- Designed with only the toughest, roughest users in mind
- Comfort and performance come hand in hand with rothco
The Rothco Raider II measures 7 inches in overall length and has a 2 ½-inch double-edged carbon steel blade. While the blade holds its edge very well, it comes fairly dull, so you’ll need to sharpen it before you put it to use. The molded plastic blade is textured and has a wide quillion for added protection.
This knife ships with a leather sheath that’s nice and snug, and will mount on your boot or your belt with equal ease. The whole package has a slim profile and fits in almost any size of boot. All in all, it’s a great deal, especially considering the low price.
Pros
- Double-edged carbon steel blade
- Holds its edge well
- Textured grip with a wide quillion
- Snug leather sheath
- Mounts on your boot or your belt
- Small and lightweight
- Affordable
Cons
- Blade needs sharpening out of the box
Why It’s Recommended
The Rothco Raider II is a well-designed boot knife with a double-edged blade and a small profile.
Key Considerations
If this is your first time buying a boot knife, you probably have a few questions. That’s okay. It’s what we’re here for. Here are some of the most important things you need to know before you make your purchase.
What Are Boot Knives Used For?
Boot knives, like other knives, can be put to any number of uses. These include:
- Hunting and fishing. Hunting and fishing require you to carry a lot of gear, sometimes for long distances. Carrying a boot knife allows you to cut fishing line or gut a deer without having to add a knife to your already heavy tackle box or field bag.
- Camping. If you’re a camping enthusiast, you know that a knife is the most important tool in your kit. You can use it to cut rope, shave wood for tinder, or prepare food. A boot knife can lighten your backpack, and you’ll always have it with you.
- Survival situations. When you’re miles from the nearest road, a knife can help you out of any number of jams. You can use it to cut paracord for a tourniquet, or slice clothing away from a wound. Even in the city, a knife can help you force open a window during a house fire, or cut a seatbelt after a car accident.
- Self defense. A boot knife isn’t usually the best self defense tool. Normally, you’ll want to carry your knife on your belt or in your pocket, where it’s easy to reach. For that matter, a pistol is better for self defense than any knife. That said, a boot knife makes a good “plan B”, and it’s better than nothing if you have no better option.
- Everyday tasks. Cutting Amazon boxes and pulling staples may not be the sexiest use for your knife, but these and other everyday tasks are the thing you’ll be doing most often with any knife. Don’t sell yourself short planning for emergencies without considering more mundane situations.
What to Look For in a Boot Knife
Whatever you’re planning for, there are some things you’ll need to consider when you’re deciding what knife to purchase. Here are the most important ones:
- Size. Depending on your boot size, some knives may be too large to carry comfortably. The best way to test this is with a yardstick or other wide ruler. Slide one into the top of your boot and walk around. Adjust it until it’s comfortable, then check to see how many inches you’ve inserted it. This will be the longest knife you should consider. The length of the blade will also affect whether or not a knife is legal in your area.
- Weight. This is less important than size, but a heavier knife is usually of better quality. It also affects the legality of your knife in certain areas.
- Material. If we decided to write about every type of steel on the market, the result would be a book as long as The Lord of the Rings. Instead, let’s go over the basics. High carbon steel is soft, prone to rusting, and dulls quickly. However, it’s also easy to sharpen, and it’s flexible when you’re using it for prying. Low carbon steel – including stainless steel – is hard, takes longer to rust, and stays sharp longer. On the other hand, it’s harder to sharpen when it does get dull. It’s also prone to snap rather than flex under tension.
- Edge type. Broadly speaking, there are three types of knife blades: plain, serrated, and hybrid. Plain blades are ideal for slicing and stabbing, and are relatively easy to sharpen. Serrated knives are specialized for sawing, and tend to stay sharp longer. However, they’re also impossible to sharpen at home. Hybrid blades give you the best of both worlds, but dividing the blade into two sections means you’ll have less surface area for any one purpose.
- Handle. A lot of “tacticool” knives have handles that look like something out of a steampunk graphic novel. More often than not, these handles are uncomfortable or just plain slippery. A boot knife is a tool, not a fashion accessory. Choose a handle that’s comfortable and easy to hold on to.
Are Boot Knives Legal?
There are no federal laws regulating boot knives in the United States. However, most states and many municipalities have their own regulations. This leads to a confusing hodgepodge of laws. For example, in the State of New York, it’s legal to carry almost any knife. On the other hand, New York City only allows you to carry a knife that’s four inches or less, and it must be concealed.
Factors affecting knife legality include length, weight, whether they’re folding or fixed blade, whether they have a sheath, whether you’re carrying them openly or concealed, and whether they’re specifically designed as a weapon or a tool. This last point is vague enough to give even experienced lawyers a headache.
Before you make a purchase, the smart thing to do is check your local laws to make sure the knife you’re buying is compliant. The American Knife & Tool Institute has put out a handy state by state knife law guide to make this as painless as possible.
Bottom Line
When you’re buying a boot knife, a lot of factors come into play. The length of the blade, the quality of the metal, and the style are all important things to consider. However, there are a few other things we should mention.
One is the reliability of the manufacturer. We’ve listed a lot of knives by Schrade, Gerber, and other brand names like Ka-Bar and Kershaw. Now, a brand isn’t everything. There are plenty of perfectly good knives that are made by less well-known manufacturers. However, these companies don’t have the same track record as the big names. Stick to companies with a good reputation, and you’re guaranteed high quality and good customer service.
Another thing to consider is the price. There are a lot of times in life when it’s perfectly fine to go cheap. For example, generic body wash is generally just as good as the name brands. Knives are not one of those times. You may need to rely on your boot knife in a life and death situation. That’s not a good time to go cheap.
The Review
Best Boot Knives
If you're looking to buy a boot knife for your next outdoor adventure, read through our reviews of the best boot knives available today to help you find the most suitable product for your needs.
Review Breakdown
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Gerber Ghoststrike
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Kershaw Secret Agent
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Schrade SCHF19
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Gerber StrongArm
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Ka-Bar Becker Necker
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MTech USA Xtreme
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SOG Snarl
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SOG Instinct
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Kobun Fixed Blade
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Old Timer Boot Knife
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Schrade SCHF44LS
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Buck Knives
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Smith & Wesson Blade Knife
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Tactical Warrior Tanto
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Rothco Raider II
Best Boot Knives DEALS
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