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
Amazon.com
1. TAC-FORCE
Features
- PERFECT SIZE - 3.25" long blade, 3mm thick. Knife is 4.5" long overall with blade closed. Weighs 5 oz.
- PERSONALIZED - Your choice of up to two lines of text and an icon (optional) are professionally engraved on one side of the handle, deep into the wood so the text is dark and easy to read
- TOOLS - Also has a rope cutter, can opener, and glass breaker
- STAINLESS STEEL BLADE - Partially serrated, 3CR13 black, stainless steel blade can handle any job with its razor sharp edge. Features a burl wood handle with belt/pocket clip, so you always have quick, convenient access to your knife.
- UNIQUE GIFT - This personalized pocket knife makes the perfect knife for men for Father's Day, a 5th Anniversary (wood), graduation, birthday, Valentine's Day, or Christmas
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
Spyderco Endura 4
Features
- Front-Runner - The Endura 4 sets the standard as one of the best-selling folding knives ever made. All members of the Endura 4 family include a four-position clip, a high-strength back lock mechanism, and Trademark Round Hole.
- Wide Spectrum of Handle Colors - Whether you enjoy bright colors or neutrals, our Endura 4 Flat Ground knives are designed to suit every taste. We offer Black, Blue, Green, Gray, Orange, Purple, Zome Green and Brown.
- Light and Durable - This Endura handle is fabricated with Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon. FRN is a polymer mixed with glass fiber that is injection molded and formed into a sleek textured handle, creating a lightweight yet high-strength knife handle.
- Low Friction - This knife features a blade ground with flat bevels that extend from the spine all the way to the cutting edge. This grind reduces drag during cutting and decreases overall weight.
- A Secure Grip - To provide a non slip grip, these knives are molded with our patented pattern, Bi-Directional Texturing. This texture pattern consists of opposing graduated steps radiating outward from the center of the handle.
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
Spyderco Manix 2
Free shipping
Features
- Ready for Anything - The Manix 2 is an extremely capable full-sized folder that is known for it's strength and performance. Its broad blade provides exceptional cutting power, while its textured index finger choil and thumb ramp allow a forward grip.
- A Secure Grip - It's scaled G-10 handle has a unique non-slip checked texture. This handle provides a special kind of comfort, creating a reliable, long-term carry.
- Dependable - If you are looking for control and precision, look no more. This knife features our PlainEdge grind which is known for creating a smooth and exact cut.
- Low Friction - This knife features a blade ground with flat bevels that extend from the spine all the way to the cutting edge. This grind reduces drag during cutting and decreases overall weight.
- High-Strength Lock - The Ball Bearing Lock features a patented compressive lock that wedges a ball bearing between a fixed anvil and the blade tang. The mechanism also serves as a detent to hold the blade in the closed position.
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
Kershaw Onion
$62.99 in stock
Free shipping
Features
- SpeedSafe Assisted Opening makes for easy, safe and ambidextrous one-handed opening
- Reversible pocketclip makes storing the pocketknife a breeze; choose to change the tip position of the blade or even the side the knife carries; sits deep in the pocket for discreet carry
- Thumbstud perfectly placed for accessibility and ease of opening with just the push of a thumb
- Handle reinforced with inset Liner Lock to give extra strength, durability and added safety
- Trac-Tec gives quality grip and allows for easy carry in all conditions including freshwater, marine, snow, mud and messy skinning
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
Smith & Wesson Border
Free shipping
Features
- DIMENSIONS: 10 inch (25.4 cm) overall length with a blade length of 4.4 inches (11.2 cm) and a weight of 8.8 ounces
- DURABLE: Blade is made of reliable 7Cr17MoV Black Oxide High Carbon Stainless Steel with a black aluminum handle with Trac-Tec inserts
- DEPENDABLE: Quick and easy access with the convenient pocket clip and ambidextrous thumb knobs making it ideal for everyday carry
- SECURE: Have confidence that the blade will not slip with the security of the liner lock
- CONVIENIENT: Glass Breaker And Seatbelt Cutter
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
Elk Ridge Pakkawood
Features
| Binding | Misc. |
| Brand | Elk Ridge |
| Color | PW002 |
| EAN | 0638845875776 |
| EAN List | EAN List Element: 0638845875776 |
| Item Dimensions | Length: 4.5 |
| Label | Gifts infinity |
| Manufacturer | Gifts infinity |
| Product Group | Sports |
| Product Type Name | SPORTING_GOODS |
| Publisher | Gifts infinity |
| Studio | Gifts infinity |
| Title | Free Engraving - Quality Elk Ridge Pakkawood Handle Folding Knife |
| UPC | 638845875776 |
| UPC List | UPC List Element: 638845875776 |
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
Features
| Binding | Misc. |
| Brand | Elk Ridge |
| Color | Black / Rosewood |
| EAN | 0638845875660 |
| EAN List | EAN List Element: 0638845875660 |
| Item Dimensions | Length: 4.75 |
| Label | Elk Ridge |
| Manufacturer | Elk Ridge |
| Product Group | Sports |
| Product Type Name | SPORTING_GOODS |
| Publisher | Elk Ridge |
| Size | 4.75" Closed |
| Studio | Elk Ridge |
| Title | Elk Ridge Free Engraving - Quality Pocket Knife |
| UPC | 638845875660 |
| UPC List | UPC List Element: 638845875660 |
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
Gerber Gator
$51.73 in stock
Free shipping
Features
- Gator grip handle texture for maximum grip
- Lock-back design
- Ballistic nylon sheath
- Overall Length: 8.5", Length Closed: 4.96"
- Blade Material: 420HC Stainless Steel
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
Features
| Binding | Misc. |
| Brand | MTech |
| EAN | 0756250927559 |
| EAN List | EAN List Element: 0756250927559 |
| Label | MTech |
| Manufacturer | MTech |
| Package Quantity | 1 |
| Product Group | Sports |
| Product Type Name | SPORTING_GOODS |
| Publisher | MTech |
| Studio | MTech |
| Title | Personalized Engraved Wood EDC Pocket Knife Groomsman Best Man Wedding Party Contour Grip |
| UPC | 756250927559 |
| UPC List | UPC List Element: 756250927559 |
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
Spyderco Manix 2 XL
$178.16 in stock
Features
- MORE TO LOVE - The Manix 2 XL is an oversized version of the Manix 2 with a blade that is just under four-inches. This knife is perfect for bigger hands and tasks that demand a longer blade.
- A Secure Grip - It's scaled G-10 handle has a unique non-slip checked texture. This handle provides a special kind of comfort, creating a reliable, long-term carry.
- Dependable - If you are looking for control and precision, look no more. This knife features our PlainEdge grind which is known for creating a smooth and exact cut.
- Low Friction - This knife features a blade ground with flat bevels that extend from the spine all the way to the cutting edge. This grind reduces drag during cutting and decreases overall weight.
- High-Strength Lock - The Ball Bearing Lock features a patented compressive lock that wedges a ball bearing between a fixed anvil and the blade tang. The mechanism also serves as a detent to hold the blade in the closed position.
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
Free shipping
Features
- Sharp Blade Out of The Box - Hardened high carbon stainless steel sharpened to perfection before we ship it. Keeps its edge sharp for your everyday uses.
- Seat Belt Cutter and Glass Breaker - The semi-serrated blade cuts through rope or nylon in no time. The reinforced handle can smash your car window.
- Easy to Open and Close - Use the thumb studs to deploy the blade with a flick of the wrist one handed. The liner lock keeps the blade securely open and lets you close it with the push of your thumb, one handed.
- Feels Good in the Hand - Ergonomic handle prevents blisters and fits hands of all sizes. The molded textured G10 material handle gives the right amount of grip. Has a nice weight to it. Finger guard and thumb rest.
- Great Knife for the Price - Features only seen on high level knives like a molded G10 handle, lifetime warranty, 3 inch drop point with serrated hardened stainless steel blade covered with black oxide, open frame handle. Dimensions: open 7 in, blade 3 in, thickness 0.5 in, closed 4 in.
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
Features
- Retractable steel blade has carbon and chromium for strength and corrosion resistance. BlackWash finish creates worn look that hides scratches and prints
- As Kershaw’s patriotic model number 1776, the Link is made to be the best collectible utility knife of its kind
- For accessibility and safety, Link has a reversible pocketclip, liner lock, SpeedSafe assisted opening and built-in flipper
- With closed length of 4.4 inches, Link is the go-to tool when scouting, hunting, fishing or working around the home or office
- Both sharp and sturdy, the Link is discrete with one-handed opening for personal defense or protection during lifesaving emergencies
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
Kershaw Leek
Features
- 3" drop-point Composite Blade with a D2 steel edge and Sandwich 14C28N spine with black-oxide Blackwash finish
- Matching 410 stainless steel handle with Speed Safe Assisted opening, liner lock, tip-lock, Reversible pocket Clip and pre-drilled lanyard Hole
- Slim profile and non-reflective color allows more discreet carry in pockets, bags, packs, purses, Jackets, on belts or around the neck on a lanyard
- A great gift for campers, hikers, anglers, hunters, gardeners, hobbyists and backpackers
- Cutting edge of high-carbon, high-chromium D2 steel to take and hold an incredible edge; high-performance 14C28N stainless steel on the spine; BlackWash finish helps hide use scratches
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
Spyderco Civilian
Free shipping
Features
- One of a Kind -The Civilian model came to be in the 1990s Spyderco was approached by a specialized branch of U.S. law enforcement about making a knife for their undercover agents.
- Superior Quality - The Civilian has a patented reverse "S" blade that's intended to be used like an oversized claw. The tip is ground to an ultra-thin profile.
- Versatile - Deeply curved and full at the belly, the VG-10 ground blade excels in slicing and is available fully SpyderEdged
- A Secure Grip - Curved in all the right places for Ergonomic use and retention of the knife, the handle is black G-10.
- Easy To Carry - A two position clip supports discreet tip-up or tip down carry on the right side.
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
SOG Money Clip
$29.40 in stock
Free shipping
Features
- 2.75 INCH MONEY CLIP KNIFE BLADE: This wallet knife is a compact mini pocket knife and tactical wallet knife with clip; credit card knife secures cash, ID, business cards and more
- 2 OUNCE MINIMALIST KNIFE: This lightweight folding knife and EDC pocket knife makes a great neck knife and everyday carry knife with skeletonized structure letting you loop a chain for easy carry
- EDC KNIVES FOR YOUR EDC GEAR: A small knife and money holder in one, this stainless steel money clip card knife and edc utility knife is lighter than average pocket knives with its 8Cr13MoV stainless steel construction
- EASY-OPEN POCKET EDC TOOL WITH LINERLOCK: This money clip with knife is an easy-open lock blade pocket knife with linerlock; slim pocket knife is thinner than a pack of chewing gum
- SOG KNIVES FOR LIFE: Take care of your money clip pocket knife and we’ll take care of you; SOG folding knives are built to last, and we consider all repair and replacement requests
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!
The Review
Best Tactical Folding Knives
Check out the ratings of the 15 best tactical folding knives available.
Review Breakdown
-
TAC-FORCE
-
Spyderco Endura 4
-
Spyderco Manix 2
-
Kershaw Onion
-
Smith & Wesson Border Guard
-
Elk Ridge Pakkawood
-
Elk Ridge Ballistic
-
Gerber Gator
-
MTech
-
Spyderco Manix 2 XL
-
Atomic Bear
-
Kershaw Link
-
Kershaw Leek
-
Spyderco Civilian
-
SOG Money Clip
Best Tactical Folding Knives DEALS
We collect information from many stores for best price available
