Best Tactical Folding Knives

There’s no fixed definition of what a tactical knife is. It can be a combat knife, a utility knife, or a knife that just looks cool. For our purposes, we’ll be going with the Wikipedia definition: “a knife with one or more military features designed for use in extreme situations”.

The words “extreme situations” are key. These aren’t primarily fighting or self-defense knives. They’re utility knives that can be used for fighting as a last resort. This is doubly true for folding knives, which are typically too short to be useful in a fight. Therefore, the best tactical folding knife will ideally have other features, such as a clip point for easily trimming fishing line, or a lanyard pipe for easy carrying.

We’ve picked thirty of the most popular tactical knives to review. We’ve done this with an eye for versatility, durability, and quality of the grip, as well as any extra features. We’ve also tried to choose knives with a variety of uses, across a broad price range.

Best Tactical Folding Knives

1. TAC-FORCE

This knife is just big enough to be useful in the field. At only 3 ¼ inches, you won’t be chopping wood with it, but it has a sharp, carbon steel blade with a drop point that’s perfect for skinning, although it’s a bit short for field dressing. It comes with up to two lines of engraving, and the spring-assisted opener has steel nubs on both sides of the blade so it can be operated easily with either hand.

Unfortunately this knife isn’t waterproof. If it gets wet, you’ll want to let it dry thoroughly before closing it.

Pros

• Beautiful burl wood handle
• Free engraving
• Ambidextrous spring-assisted opening
• Carbon steel blade
• Stable drop-point tip

Cons

• Only 3.25 inches long
• Not waterproof

Why It’s Recommended

This TAC-FORCE is beautiful and functional. As with all engraved items, it makes a great gift, but it also works well enough to take with you on a camping trip.

2. Spyderco Endura 4

The Spydercro Endura 4 is an ultra-lightweight, ultra-slim folding knife. It weighs only 2 ½ ounces and has a four-way clip so you can carry it in either pocket, tip-up, or tip-down. The stainless steel blade is corrosion-resistant and has a large hole so it’s easy to open with a gloved hand. It’s 3 ¾ inches long, which is good enough for most purposes short of field-dressing a carcass.

The fiberglass-reinforced handle is very durable and is textured for a good grip. Unfortunately, it’s not very ergonomic, and can be downright uncomfortable to work with. Other than that, this knife is just about perfect.

Pros

• Stainless steel blade
• Textured nylon handle
• Ultra-lightweight at 2.5 ounces
• Large blade hole
• Four-way belt clip

Cons

• The grip is not very comfortable

Why It’s Recommended

This is a fantastic knife if weight is your primary concern. If it were any lighter, it would disappear.

3. Spyderco Manix 2

The Manix 2 is a high-quality, stainless steel utility knife that will cut just about anything. The blade has a large hole for easy opening with either hand, even if you’re wearing gloves. The locking release is a switch that can be easily operated with either thumb.

The ergonomic grip is manufactured from textured G10 fiberglass, which is very durable, but not so hard as to be uncomfortable. The blade is a bit short – only 3.37 inches – so it’s not useful for all purposes. That said, it opens easily, locks securely, and is tough enough to take a beating. If you can afford the steep price tag, you won’t be disappointed.

Pros

• Tough stainless steel blade
• Large blade hole
• G10 fiberglass handle
• Ambidextrous locking release
• Ergonomic grip

Cons

• Expensive
• Blade is only 3.37” long

Why It’s Recommended

Quality, quality, quality. And it’s also ambidextrous. The only reason not to buy this knife is if you need a bigger one.

4. Kershaw Onion

The Onion’s blade is made from low-carbon tungsten steel, which makes it both corrosion-resistant and extremely durable. It will take some time to sharpen, though, due to the toughness of the steel. The assisted opening can be operated with an ambidextrous flap, or with a right-handed thumb stud. The belt clip is also reversible.

The blade is quite short, at 3 ³/₈ inches, so it won’t be useful for all purposes. It’s still great for cutting fishing line, though, or for cutting food on a camping trip.

Pros

• Durable tungsten steel blade
• Ambidextrous assisted opening
• Anodized aluminum handle
• Reversible belt clip

Cons

• Relatively short, 3.4” blade

Why It’s Recommended

The Onion is a well-designed, solidly built knife that will work well for most hunting and fishing purposes.

5. Smith & Wesson Border Guard

The Smith & Wesson Border Guard was designed specifically for first responders. The handle has a built-in glass break and seatbelt cutter, and the blade is serrated on the bottom half for sawing. At 4.4 inches in length, it’s also long enough for personal protection, but the blade is screwed in very tightly so it’s hard to open even with the thumb studs.

The handle is made from rust-proof textured aluminum and is ergonomically designed. This knife comes at a relatively low price considering all the features.

Pros

• Features a glass break and a strap cutter
• High carbon drop-point blade
• Very affordable for the quality
• Textured aluminum handle
• Ambidextrous thumb studs

Cons

• The blade is very tight

Why It’s Recommended

The glass break and strap cutter make this knife ideal for first responders, tow truck drivers, and anyone who wants to have an emergency escape knife in their vehicle.

6. Elk Ridge Pakkawood

The Elk Ridge Tactical comes with a free engraving – 2 lines of up to 10 characters each – which makes it a nice, personalized gift. The Pakkawood handle is available in 45 different stain colors and includes a matching leather sheath.

The blade itself is on the short side, at 3.45 inches, and is made from low-quality satin steel. The knife also isn’t waterproof, so its usefulness in the field is dubious. It opens easily, though, thanks to an ambidextrous tab on the back of the blade. All in all, it’s a solid knife for use around the house, and the price is very reasonable.

Pros

• Free engraving
• Beautiful Pakkawood handle
• Ambidextrous opening tab
• Includes a leather sheath
• Very affordable

Cons

• Low-quality steel blade
• Not waterproof

Why It’s Recommended

This knife makes a perfect gift for groomsmen. It’s also great for birthdays and anniversaries.

7. Elk Ridge Ballistic

The Elk Ridge Ballistic is a beautiful piece of work. The Pakkawood handle has a gorgeous, deep red grain, and comes with free custom engraving up to 30 characters. It’s spring-loaded and requires minimal effort to open. The blade is made from carbon steel which is both sharp and easy to sharpen. This knife has a safety locking mechanism. To close it, you’ll need to press the small tab inside the handle.

This is a good knife for everyday use, but not for hunting or camping. While the handle is ergonomic and easy to hold, it’s not waterproof. It’s also only three inches long, which limits its usefulness in the field.

Pros

• Includes free engraving
• Ergonomic wood handle
• Easy to open
• Sharp, carbon steel blade
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Only 3 inches long
• Not waterproof

Why It’s Recommended

This knife is ideal for gifts. It’s nice enough to give to groomsmen, or for anniversaries or birthdays.

8. Gerber Gator

The Gerber Gator was inspired by an alligator, which performs better in the water. This stainless steel knife is corrosion-resistant, and the nylon handle has a rubbery feel that won’t slip when it’s wet. This knife is made in the USA, and it shows in the quality of manufacturing. For the price, it’s a really nice piece.

The 3 ¾ inch clip point blade is perfect for cutting the fishing line, although it takes a few seconds to open since there’s no spring assistance. That said, it’s easy to close; the locking release is on the back of the handle.

Pros

• Stainless steel clip point blade
• Rugged nylon handle
• Easy to use locking release
• Made in the USA

Cons

• Opens slowly
• No pocket clip

Why It’s Recommended

This knife is a good choice if you want a durable, waterproof pocket knife for everyday use. It’s also good for hunting and fishing.

9. MTech

This is the last engraved knife on our list, and it’s by far the most beautiful. Not only is the handle made of solid hardwood instead of Pakkawood, but it’s also ergonomic, with indentations for your fingers. The blade is made from stainless steel, so it’s corrosion-resistant, but it’s relatively short at only 3 ½ inches.

The engraving is done by hand, and the engraver typically have them shipped within two business days. Although this costs more than the other engraved folding knives we reviewed, you get much better quality. This knife isn’t just good looking; it also works.

Pros

• Solid hardwood handle
• Includes custom engraving
• Stainless steel blade
• Ergonomic grip

Cons

• Relatively short, 3 ½” blade

Why It’s Recommended

If you’re looking for a beautiful, functional gift for an outdoorsman, look no further. It also makes a high-quality groomsmen’s gift.

10. Spyderco Manix 2 XL

The Spyderco Manix 2 XL is a larger version of the standard Manix 2. It has the same large blade hole, the same ambidextrous release switch, and a larger version of the same grip. The blade is 3.8 inches instead of 3.37 inches, which is pretty significant in a folding knife.

The ball bearings at the base of the blade are very smooth. It opens with very little effort and clicks securely into place when it’s opened.

Pros

• 8” stainless steel blade
• Large blade hole
• Textured fiberglass handle
• Ambidextrous thumb lock
• Ergonomic grip

Cons

• Expensive

Why It’s Recommended

Once again, the selling point here is quality. Spyderco makes a top-tier knife that you’ll never need to replace. Your grandkids will be using this knife.

11. The Atomic Bear

The Atomic Bear has a half-serrated drop-point blade that’s equally suited for skinning, descaling, and cutting fishing line. The black oxide-coated stainless steel has good corrosion resistance and is relatively easy to sharpen. The knife opens easily with either hand, thanks to the ambidextrous thumb studs.

The handle is made of G10 fiberglass and is surprisingly ergonomic despite the gimmicky design. This knife is very affordable, but has one significant drawback: the screws are loosely fitted and will need to be tightened from time to time.

Pros

• Black oxide-coated stainless steel blade
• Ambidextrous thumb studs
• G10 fiberglass handle
• Ergonomic grip
• Affordable

Cons

• Loosely-fitted screws

Why It’s Recommended

The Atomic Bear is a fantastic budget knife. It’s not the best on the market, but at this price it gets the job done and more.

12. Kershaw Link

The Kershaw Link’s blade is engineered from high-carbon, high-chromium steel. This makes it both durable and easy to sharpen, with a tough drop-point tip. It’s shorter than most blades, though, at only 3 ¼ inches in length. It’s long enough for everyday tasks, but serious outdoorsmen will probably prefer a longer knife.

The nylon handle is fiberglass-reinforced for added strength and has an ergonomic grip with a substantial fore guard to protect your fingers. The assisted opening can be operated in two ways: with the ambidextrous flipper, or with the right-handed thumb stud.

Pros

• Ambidextrous assisted opening
• Fiberglass-reinforced nylon handle
• Reversible pocket clip
• Easy-to-sharpen blade
• Ergonomic grip

Cons

• The blade is only 3 ¼” long

Why It’s Recommended

The Kershaw Link is one of the most inexpensive American-made pocket knives on the market. Considering the quality of engineering, it’s a steal at this price.

13. Kershaw Leek

The Kershaw Leek has a composite blade that combines a high-strength Sandvik 14C28N steel spine with a sharp carbon steel edge. It’s high quality, but it’s only 3 inches long. That said, it’s easy to open and ambidextrous. Press on the back of the blade and flick your wrist, and it opens.

The handle is slim and looks very innocuous when the blade is closed. While it’s made from high-quality powder-coated stainless steel, it has no texture for the grip and the curve on the fore guard is very shallow. This poses a safety issue when stabbing with the knife or using it in the rain.

Pros

• Drop-point composite blade
• Slim, discrete handle
• Ambidextrous assisted opening

Cons

• Poor ergonomics
• Grip is smooth
• Blade is only 3” long

Why It’s Recommended

This is a discrete knife for carrying in your purse or handbag. It’s useful for everyday household tasks, as well.

14. Spyderco Civilian

The Spyderco Civilian was specifically designed for undercover law enforcement agents who are unable to carry a firearm on their assignments. As such, it’s strictly a personal defense weapon. The tip is poorly angled for stabbing, and the s-curve makes the blade impossible to use for sawing wood.

The handle has an ergonomic grip and is manufactured from durable G10 fiberglass. This blade is the most expensive on our list, but the craftsmanship and materials are high enough quality to trust with your life.

Pros

• Specifically designed for self-defense
• Serrated, s-curve blade
• Large blade hole
• Ergonomic fiberglass handle

Cons

• Very expensive
• Only useful for self-defense

Why It’s Recommended

If you absolutely have to buy a folding knife for personal defense, this is the best in the business.

15. SOG Money Clip

The SOG Money Clip is exactly what it sounds like: a pocket knife that doubles as a money clip. It has a sharp, stainless steel clip point blade and a stainless steel handle with finger slots. This blade is tiny – only 2 ¾ inches long – and the handle is very small as well.

That said, the knife is very discrete, and can be carried in a boot if necessary, or simply used as a money clip. It opens easily with the ambidextrous thumb groove and has a standard liner locking release.

Pros

• Stainless steel, clip point blade
• Satin stainless steel handle
• Ergonomic grip
• Ambidextrous thumb groove opener
• Doubles as a money clip

Cons

• Very short blade
• Very short handle

Why It’s Recommended

The SOG is a great everyday carry knife for people who want an inconspicuous blade.

Key Considerations

When you’re looking at tactical folding knives, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. These include the quality and type of the blade, the mechanical design, the handle, and the overall size. Let’s take a quick look at each of these.

Blades

The type of steel used in your blade will make a significant difference in how it performs. One of the most popular materials is carbon steel, which is harder than stainless steel and therefore holds a sharper edge. Carbon steel sears down quickly under friction. This makes it dull faster than other steels, but it’s also easier to sharpen.

Stainless steel won’t hold as sharp of an edge, but it will stay sharp longer. When it does get dull, though, it takes longer to sharpen. There’s a special class of stainless steel called H1, sometimes known as super stainless steel or salt steel.

This steel is more than 50 percent alloy, usually a combination of chromium, nickel, titanium, copper and other metals. It performs similarly to stainless steel, but costs more and is significantly more corrosion-resistant.

The blade’s shape will also affect its performance. There are several possible blade shapes, so we’ll restrict ourselves to the three most common ones:

• A normal blade has a perfectly straight back. The edge curves towards the back to create a sharp point. Because the backs of these knives are flat and dull, you can use your free hand to push down on them, which makes them great for chopping. Most kitchen knives have a normal blade.
• A drop-point blade has a back that’s sharpened for about the last third of the blade, and tapers towards the main edge near the tip. The spine – the widest part of the blade – is between the back of the blade and the center axis. This design makes a drop-point knife harder to stab with, but gives you more control when cutting. For this reason, it’s popular among hunters for skinning and field dressing.
• A clip point blade has a concave curve in the back, forming a tip that angles sharply away from the front cutting edge. Oftentimes, this curve is sharpened, creating a secondary cutting edge. These knives are ideal for use as a pick, as well as for cutting fishing line with the secondary edge.

Knife Mechanics

Many folding knives have assisted opening devices. These knives can be opened easily, usually with your index finger. Note that you’ll still need to apply some pressure, since switchblades are illegal in many states.

Another mechanical consideration is whether or not the knife has a locking mechanism. These knives will lock in place once they’re fully open, and have a small tab that needs to be depressed in order for you to close them again. This is an important safety feature, since it keeps the knife from closing on your fingers while you’re using it.

Handle

A lot of tactical knives have handles that are designed to look cool, but aren’t very comfortable to hold. Take a good look at how the knife looks with the blade open, and see if there are any sharp points on the handle that will poke your fingers while you’re using it. You’ll also want the handle to have a guard that keeps your fingers from sliding forward, or at the very least a slip-resistant finish.

Size

While a giant, 10-inch folding knife may have a significant cool factor in its favor, it’s going to be illegal in many states. Check your local laws, but most US states ban folding knives longer than 6 inches. Besides which, the whole point of a folding knife is that you can carry it in your pocket. If you’re going to get a large knife, it usually makes more sense to get a standard knife with a sheath, not a folding knife.

Bottom Line

As you can see, tactical folding knives can differ significantly. From small pocket knives to tough survival knives to last-line-of-defense personal defense weapons, this is an incredibly broad category of the tool. At the end of the day, your best choice will be a knife that suits your purpose in buying it.

Are you looking for a small knife to carry for daily tasks, like slicing an apple for lunch? A basic pocket knife with a normal blade will get the job done. Are you hunting or backpacking? A utility knife with a drop-point or clip point will give you more options in the field. If you’re looking for a last line of defense, a police or military model like Smith & Wesson will be closer to what you need.

Visit the OutdoorWorld Reviews homepage for more expert information and tactical gear reviews, including a comparison of the bugout vs griptilian knives!