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The Best Tactical Knives of 2024 [Tested]

Claymore
We've tested them all from budget folder to military preferred. Find out the best tactical knives that are battle proven and in our kit.
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    The knife world is full of options, especially when talking about tactical knives.

    So, what is a tactical knife, and what makes one worthy of your time? We cut through the clutter to help you choose the best blade for your needs.

    Claymore
    Claymore

    Whether you’re embarking on your first tactical gear purchase or you’re an experienced enthusiast looking to enhance your collection, our curated guide simplifies the selection process.

    Disclaimer: Each state has its own laws regarding knives, so be sure to check the laws in your area. Not all knives are legal in all areas.

    THE QUICK LIST

    1. Best Overall Tactical Knife

      Benchmade Claymore

    2. Best Folding Tactical Knife

      Kershaw Emerson CQC-7

    3. Best Self-Defense Knife

      Spyderco Yojimbo 2

    4. Best Multi-Use Tactical Knife

      KA-BAR

    5. Best Dagger Blade

      SOG Pentagon FX

    Table of Contents

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    How We Tested the Best Tactical Knives

    Misc Pocket Knives

    Every product featured in this article is based on our Pew Pew Tactical team’s experience. Our staff comes from a wide range of backgrounds, including the military, law enforcement, and everyday carry. Many of these knives listed below are our personal everyday carry and has been tested for thousands of hours.

    There’s no official definition of a “tactical knife,” so we’re using three criteria and a value proposition.

    • Aggressive Grip Material: You might have to depend on this knife in wet or cold environments…with or without gloves. So, we put an aggressive grip material and pattern on the list.
    • Speedy One-Handed Opening: You won’t always have two hands ready to open a tactical knife.
    • Purpose-Built Blades: Is it going to be for self-defense, offense, or clandestine use? We’re looking at purposeful blades made of great steel that fulfill their goal.
    • Bang-For-The-Buck: We’re looking at a wide range of prices, so there’s something for every budget that will perform and last.

    Best Tactical Knives

    1. Benchmade Claymore – Best Overall Tactical Knife

    Pros

    • Rugged design
    • Option to choose between a serrated or straight blade
    • Blade maintains sharpness over time
    • Reliable automatic deployment with safety features

    Cons

    • Not the easiest to sharpen compared to other knives
    • Auto opens not legal in all areas
    • Pricier

    The Benchmade Claymore delivers a rugged, out-the-side automatic knife for the toughest missions in life.

    Unlike other automatic knives, this is a blade that’s not sensitive to rough and tumble use. While most automatic knives might be best used for self-defense tasks, this is a working man’s or woman’s knife.

    Benchmade used CPM-D2 steel — D2 doesn’t hold back. You can work it to the nub, but it’ll take you a decade or two. It won’t bend, chip, or break easily.

    Sean's EDC claymore

    The Claymore earns its name as a beefy knife with its 3.6-inch blade. Users can pick between a serrated or straight blade. I’m partial to a straight blade, personally but to each their own.

    It’s not the easiest to sharpen, but the blade keeps its edge for a long period of time.

    Hit the button and watch your fingers as it flies out the side and locks in place. A safety keeps it from opening in your pocket, and it allows the blade to keep locked in place.

    2. Kershaw Emerson CQC-7 – Best Folding Tactical Knife

    Pros

    • Affordable
    • Useful for both self-defense and everyday carry
    • Versatile blade

    Cons

    • Limited to right-hand users
    • May not be as durable as higher-end options

    I like the Kershaw Emerson CQC-7 because it is an inexpensive production knife based on a time-tested Ernest Emerson Design.

    The hollow ground clip point blade is perfect for self-defense as well as EDC tasks. Its thumb disk on the spine of the blade acts as an easy opener for normal uses.

    The wave on the back of the blade, known as the Emerson Wave, was designed specifically for Navy Seals in self-defense situations.

    Kershaw Emerson CQC-7

    When pulled correctly from your pocket, the wave will catch on the side of the pocket and pull the knife open and lock in a matter of seconds, leaving one hand free while still deploying your blade.

    Even if you never use it in self-defense, it is a great way to impress your buddies.

    3. Boker Plus Strike Automatic – Best Auto Open Knife

    Pros

    • Solid build quality at an affordable price
    • Can use with gloves
    • Slide lock safety prevents accidental opening

    Cons

    • Blade material may not be on par with more expensive models
    • Again, auto opens are not legal everywhere

    The Boker Strike is an incredibly well-built, solid automatic knife for the price.

    It comes with an aluminum textured handle and burly drop point blade with plain or partially serrated edge options.  

    The Strike is big enough to use with a gloved hand yet compact enough that it doesn’t take up all of your pocket.

    Boker Plus Strike Automatic

    With the built-in slide lock safety, you’ll never have to worry about a misfire in a pocket or in hand. The Strike walks a pretty perfect line between reliable, usable, and affordable.

    4. Cold Steel Recon 1 – Best Rugged Tactical Knife

    Pros

    • Extremely durable
    • Tri-Ad lock for security
    • Ambidextrous design
    • Grippy G-10 handle

    Cons

    • Bulkier design
    • Heavier than other tactical knives

    The Recon 1 is an overbuilt workhorse.

    Outfitted with Cold Steel’s Tri-Ad Lock, you can trust this folder will perform under any stress you can throw at it.

    Cold Steel Recon 1

    The Recon 1 comes in a few different blade patterns, but my personal favorite is the tanto, especially for tactical applications.

    With all of its strong qualities, this Cold Steel is not lacking in refinement — premium steel, grippy G-10 handle scales, and fully ambidextrous design make the Recon 1 a pretty sweet package for the money.

    cold steel recon 1 fire
    Cold Steels Recon 1 is great for starting fires.

    We also loved it in our Best EDC Knives article.

    5. Spyderco Yojimbo 2 – Best Self-Defense Tactical Knife

    Pros

    • Fast one-handed opening
    • Excellent ergonomics and grip

    Cons

    • Not as versatile for other tasks
    • Pricey

    The Yojimbo 2 is a serious self-defense knife designed and perfected by close-quarter combat expert Michael Janich.

    The unique Wharncliffe blade shape is designed to ensure maximum surface contact in any situation. The iconic hole in the blade (also known as the “Spydie Hole”) makes for fast one-handed opening and manipulation.

    The Yojimbo 2 pairs amazing handle ergonomics with grippy G-10 scales to ensure a secure purchase regardless of how you are holding the knife.

    Spyderco Yojimbo 2
    Spyderco Yojimbo 2

    While purpose-built for self-defense, the Yojimbo 2 is the perfect size for EDC which allows you to keep it close at hand all the time.

    6. Classic Ka-Bar – Best Multi-Use Tactical Knife

    Pros

    • Proven versatility and durability
    • Comfortable leather handle
    • Large blade

    Cons

    • Impractical for everyday carry
    • Lacks modern features

    The Ka-Bar isn’t the most modern knife on the market, but it remains one of the most versatile knives on the market.

    What do you need a tactical knife for? Fighting and self-defense? Camping? Hiking, hunting, all the other tasks you could ever face in this big mean world?

    Well, the Ka-Bar can handle it. This tool has proven itself throughout several wars, including World War II, Vietnam, and the Global War on Terror.

    What I Carried KA-BAR (2)

    The Ka-Bar’s 7-inch blade features a small section of serration that allows you to rip and tear into thicker materials.

    The blade sports a big belly allowing for deep cuts and solid slices. You can skin game, sharpen stakes, and cut deep without a ton of effort.

    Its handle is wrapped in leather for a sure grip, and the clip-point blade makes it fairly versatile.

    The classic Ka-Bar has stuck around for decades for a reason, and it’s still a solid, multi-use tactical knife.

    What I Carried Beretta and KA-BAR
    Beretta and KA-BAR

    What do you think of the KA-BAR? Rate it below!

    Readers’ Ratings

    4.98/5 (2389)

    Your Rating?

    7. Best Fixed Blade – Gerber StrongArm – Best Fixed Blade Tactical Knife

    Pros

    • Affordable
    • Solid full tang construction
    • Versatile sheath for different carrying options
    • Durable with a ceramic coating on the blade
    • Rubberized grip for comfort

    Cons

    • Fixed blade is less discreet than a folder
    • 420HC steel is good but not top-of-the-line

    You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a good, solid tactical knife.

    I own two Gerber StrongArm knives and only own two because it was a BOGO deal. I’ve never needed to even use the second because the first one I’ve opened has taken a beating without complaint.

    14. Gerber Strongarm in Log
    Gerber Strongarm

    The Gerber StrongArm is a simple but affordable fixed-blade tactical knife that features a 420HC, 4.8-inch blade that’s also a full tang blade. At the end of the handle sits a lanyard loop and a glass or skull-breaking pommel, depending on your needs.

    Its sheath can be oriented vertically or horizontally or even on a MOLLE platform. Plenty of options make the Strongarm easy to carry, regardless of how you’re planning to carry it.

    This knife uses a rubberized diamond coating that’s plenty comfortable but also provides a solid grip when in use.

    It features a ceramic coating on the blade for better durability, and it’s fairly capable of resisting the world. Hell, mine has been used as a knife, shovel, pry bar, and more, and it just keeps on keeping on.

    8. SOG Pentagon FX – Best Dagger Tactical Knife

    Pros

    • Dual-sided dagger blade
    • G10 grips for a strong and comfortable hold
    • Constructed with high-quality S35VN steel
    • Removable grips for a thinner, more concealable profile

    Cons

    • Not as versatile for everyday tasks
    • May not be legal in all jurisdictions

    Daggers have always been an awesome option for the tactical knife. The dual edges make it easy to cut one way or another and to change direction quite quickly.

    SOG’s Pentagon FX utilizes a dual-sided dagger blade with a modern design from tip to hilt. S35VN steel is used for a durable blade that is absurdly sharp.

    SOG Pentagon FX
    SOG Pentagon FX

    A dagger doesn’t offer the same versatility as other knives, but it’s one heckuva knife for self-defense and fighting.

    That blade is a full tang design with a set of G10 grips. G1 is a heated and compressed fiberglass-derived material that is strong and also super grippy by nature. It clings to your hand and doesn’t slip from your grip.

    If you need to reduce the size, the grips can be removed for a thinner, more concealable knife.

    The Benchmade Pentagon FX shows what a dagger should be in 2022 and stays sharp, ready, and eternally useful. Just don’t cut yourself…

    9. Cold Steel Safe Maker 1 – Best Backup Tactical Knife

    Pros

    • Compact and easily carried for self-defense
    • Push dagger design is intuitive

    Cons

    • Very specialized use with limited everyday functionality

    The Cold Steel Safe Maker 1 is a self-defense push dagger through and through.

    Many LEOs carry one behind their magazine holsters on their duty belt.

    Cold Steel Safe Maker 1

    If someone were to go for the officer’s gun, the officer could put a control hand over their gun and pull the push dagger with their other hand to neutralize the threat.

    Short of full-on self-defense, the push dagger does not have much use. A lot of people will carry push daggers as backup blades. As you know, one is none two is one.

    10. Benchmade Claymore OTF – Best Out the Front Tactical Knife

    $360
    at BladeHQ

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Pros

    • Sturdy CPM-D2 Tool Steel
    • Fast and easy opening
    • Reliable deployment and retraction

    Cons

    • Still illegal in some jurisdictions
    • Expensive

    The Claymore was such a solid offering from Benchmade, they streamlined it into an out the front version. This double-edged knife still comes in D2 tool steel so it’s sharp and will hold edges a long time.

    To activate the knife, you simply push the button away from you with your thumb. The retract the blade, you pull the button back toward yourself.

    Benchmade Claymore OTF

    Pressures required to open or close the knife are a good balance between being too hard and too soft. This one won’t go off in your pocket and give you a bad surprise.

    The blade is 3.89″ long and .116″ thick. Including the handle, the Claymore OTF has an overall length of 8.9″ in a slim profile. Pocket clips are deep carry and an improvement over the original Claymore.

    The Claymore OTF is a fast knife that’s sharp and ready to go in a hurry, but be sure to check local laws in your area before you put that kind of cheddar down!

    How to Choose the Best Tactical Knives

    Choosing the best tactical knife depends on your intended purpose of the knife. Are you looking for a general purpose tactical knife or something for self-defense? Tactical knives come in various forms, each suited for specific tasks.

    To better help you choose one, let’s take a look at the different types of tactical knives and the different purposes it can be used for:

    • Automatic knives: deploy at the press of a button, offer quick access in urgent situations.
    • Pocket knives: compact, foldable, and ideal for everyday carry.
    • Fixed-blade knives: sturdy, reliable, and suitable for outdoor activities.
    • Assisted knives: feature a mechanism that helps to open the blade quickly, blending manual control with ease of use.
    • Carry knives: designed for easy and discreet carry, ensuring readiness without drawing attention. Understanding these types helps in selecting the right knife for your needs.

    After understanding the different types of knives, here are some other factors to consider when shopping for one:

    • Material: High-end steel is what you want for quality knives. Popular blade materials include stainless steel (440C, VG-10, or S30V) and high-carbon steel (D2 or CPM-S35VN). High quality steel will prevent corrosion and stay sharper longer.
    • Size & Weight: If this is an EDC, size matters (no pun intended). Choose something that fits your needs and make sure to check your local regulations about the legal size you can carry.
    • Ease of use: Whether it’s an automatic knife or manual, make sure it’s easy to manuveur. Also, be sure to check with your local regulations to make sure this is something you are allowed to carry.
    • Safety: Make sure the knife has a reliable locking mechanism to keep the blade secured.
    • Brand Recognition: It’s always a good idea to go with a reputable brand that also offers warranty for a peace of mind.
    • Budget: The last limiting factor is of course your budget. While high-end knives may offer great material and craftsmanship, there are some great budget picks. We’ve highlighted a few that is both great in terms of quality and won’t break the bank.

    Why Carry a Tactical Knife?

    When looking for a tactical knife, you want to consider a few things.

    Grippy, grippy

    First, what will you primarily be using the knife for?

    Second, what tactical conditions will the knife need to perform under, and finally, how does it fit in your hand? Just like anything in life, the coolest, most expensive gear does you no good if it doesn’t fit you and your needs.

    But why carry one? It boils down to preparedness and/or occupation. LEO, first responders, and the military understand the importance of a good duty-built knife.

    31. Gerber Principle Voda Tactics

    Tactical knives still have an important place for those who are not on the front lines daily. A good tactical knife can be the difference between escaping a car crash, defending yourself, and helping others in distress, or not.

    Obviously, you don’t want to bring a knife to a gunfight, but as a last line of defense, it could make the difference when it counts.  

    So, while there are many great knives in the world, not all are built to perform under strenuous situations. The last thing you want is for your knife to fail when trying to perform some critical task.

    What About Serrated Knives?

    Normally this would boil down to preference, but with a tactical knife, it boils down to use.

    If you are going to be cutting through the webbing or rough material, or won’t be near a sharpener for a long time, then a serrated or partially serrated edge is for you.

    serrated tomato

    But if you want a good slicer and self-defense knife, then the plain edge will be your jam. You want the right tool for the job.

    Final Thoughts

    While tactical everything is all the rage, these knives stand out as truly “tactical” options that can cover you for most situations you’ll encounter.

    20. Gerber Strongarm on Hip
    Gerber StrongArm

    Now that you’re a pro on what the best tactical knives are, which one are you going to get? Did we forget the one you think should have made it? Check out our favorites in Best EDC Knives.

    Latest Updates

    • June 4, 2024: Added Benchmade Claymore OTF.
    • April 10, 2024: Added details on how to choose the best tactical knives. Moved various sections around and condensed a few titles.

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    51 Leave a Reply

    • David W. Rochlin

      The Ka-Bar is the closest to the classic here, but there is no mention of similar, but larger M3 Trench knife, or its grandfather, the 1918, the WWI trench knife with a knuckle duster (a non-lethal force option. 1918 reproductions are common and for perfectly serviceable, but not totally authentic versions, relatively reasonably priced. Both of them offer a perfect glass breaker, pommel, although in Grandpa's day, they called that tool a skull crusher. Remember to consult the local laws for open carry, not only the concealed carry, for your Trench knives as usually open carry is less restrictive. As a student of knife laws, I will warn that municipal laws can be more restrictive than State law in some cities. Even when you buy a kitchen knife, if it is too long, it can be illegal to "Conceal" in your shopping bag.

      September 8, 2024 6:41 pm
    • James

      Gerber auto 06

      June 4, 2024 6:56 pm
    • Tom Wither

      Enjoyed the article, but after heading to Blade HQs website for the Emerson, I found this note:

      Emerson Knives

      Until further notice, all Emerson knives will be sold directly through Emerson. However, items that are currently in stock are available for purchase. Emerson Knives was founded in 1997 by Ernest R. Emerson and wife Mary. Since then, it has become one of the most dominant forces in the pocket knife and cutlery industry. Bringing a dynamic and energy to the knife industry, Emerson Knives is helping to reshape the face of the pocket knife world as it is known today.

      I bought my mini CQC-7 from Emerson directly a few years back, and still find it a useful tool.

      May 3, 2024 6:54 am
    • Tim

      When I saw a push dagger in your list, I actually chuckled out loud. Couldn't find a Balisong or maybe a katana or something else you'd find in a bargain bin at a flea market to include instead? Perhaps something that looks like a dragon? A serious tactical knife would be a knife that is actually used tactically in some significant fashion. I would wager that Barlow knives have probably seen more actual tactical use than push daggers.

      May 29, 2023 9:46 pm
      • tirod

        About 2010 the carry and use of push daggers expanded to security professionals and embassy protection teams. The purpose was to be able to grab a short blade without dropping it to fend off a close attacker and gain distance needed to transition to the next level of force. One such knife was the Hideaway Knife from Front Sight, and in collaboration with Strider Knives became a favorite. Others were developed, their use in close combat trained, and all that led to the Benchmade SOCP. As time went by it's apparent the size kept increasing, but there are still many models available in the 2" range, including the Kabar TDI.

        Each style has its own pros and cons, choice is a good thing.

        September 12, 2023 6:11 pm
    • tirod

      BTW, I've been carrying a Boker Plus Strike for almost two years now and it's got the patina to prove it. I got the D2 blade which is the better bargain, a tool steel alloy with high chip resistance and keeps a good edge longer than some 400 series stainless. It's got a dark finish which does wear back yet remains dull. The aluminum alloy grips aren't as cold in winter as I thought they would be. Since it is an applied color its worn off the checkering quite a bit - nothing that a good cerakote job wouldn't fix up. But it does ride low on the clip exposing little of the handle which makes the color moot. Had this come in G10 it would be another $40 higher - no grips available from off shore suppliers that I have found yet - and IMHO it would be nearly perfect for a field knife. It's the first non G10 I have purchased in 20 years and in use doesn't disappoint.

      The button lock firing is crisp with no issues and the locking slide button will keep it that way open or closed. I carry it "off safe" and have had zero issues with it activating, other button lock autos I've had to learn to check to prevent it.

      BTW if you have some of the older Ganzo autos when they were $18 and free shipping they use the same spring, vendors sell a pair and now I have the Ganzo working and the Boker with a backup. The Ganzo went almost eight years with no spring issue - tempering seemed to be the problem as it snapped a spring tail off finally. No big deal in the knife world as the old spring backs were much worse with cracking as they were tempered at the same time as the blades! Too hard is how that doesn't work. A spiral or omega spring forces a different process and they last much longer.

      Boker (Not Plus), the other side of the house, should step up and offer the G10 version, it would be worth it.

      May 25, 2023 5:45 pm
    • Joe Nunzio

      My current EDC and most recently acquired personal favorite is the Cold Steel Crawford Model 1. IMHO - The bang for the buck @ ~$30-$35 is exceptional.

      May 24, 2023 4:34 am
    • Chuck Cochran

      I don't envy you trying to write this review Travis, and I would suggest that it really should be a Two Part Review consisting of the 10 best Fixed Blade Tactical Knives and the 10 Best Folding Tactical Knives. Comparing Folders to Fixed Blades is an Apples to Oranges comparison for the most part, because No Folder will ever compare strength wise to a Fixed Blade.
      That being said, I Like and use the Gerber LMF 2 Fixed Blade. This is the Military Spec Version of the Gerber Strong Arm. Just a little better built and runs in the $120 -$150 range.
      For Folders I carry one of the CRKT M-16 series (I forget which one I've got model wise, as the silk screen has worn off, but it was about $75 12 years ago). It's stayed tight and keeps its edge well. Easy to open one handed (and close).
      Having lost a $200 dollar Benchmade, I'm hesitant to spend more than $100 for a pocket knife. Having that stolen hurt, let me tell you.

      May 23, 2023 8:24 pm
    • Yetimandius

      There are a lot of American made knives in the tactical marketplace, I'd urge everyone to look at them when buying a knife. Kabar, of course, but Buck, ESEE, White River, Bark River, Tops, ZT, and the Grandaddy of them all Randall Made. There are many more, and there's a knife for just about any budget.

      May 23, 2023 6:31 pm
    • Robert M

      As a knife guy I'm happy to not see any of the gun maker's knives on this list, or at least Smith & Wesson. I was given a S&W ExtremeOps tactical knife as a gift and it is bar none the worst knife in my collection. Horribly stiff and sticky "action", to the point it's farcical to even call it that. Cheap steel can't hold an edge (or tip) to save its life, and the factory edge made WalMart kitchen knives look impressive. Kershaw CQC as your top pick is right on the money.

      May 23, 2023 1:48 pm
    • James Dean

      I always enjoy reading your reviews of products, especially knives. Although I'm not sure we have room for *any* more knives, I want these. Fantastic images, especially those from the pumpkin patch!

      November 21, 2022 5:05 pm
    • tony cecil

      I know you can't review every knife maker out there but fyi, you need to check out skallywag tactical.the mdv is one of the most interesting designs for a personal defense knife. the sheath alone is worth doing a article on. they have daggers that are nasty. and for a custom d2 knife they are priced right. i own and carry several of their products. your list has some nice knifes on it. and whichever one someone chooses to carry. please train, train,train with them. so if you ever have to defend yourself, you will be ready.

      October 6, 2022 9:52 pm
    • tirod3

      I will stick to just the introduction caution: being careful about what you carry in a particular jurisdiction. The recent SCOTUS decision on shall issue Concealed Carry has another aspect buried in the 2d and 14th Amendments - the word "arms" is not limited to "firearms." The national knife rights organization contributed to this victory with their support, and prohibiting carry of knives "because" will be assisted by this decision.

      MO pretty much dropped all the "daggers and dirks" nonsense, TX now allows automatics, and overall we are seeing the same roll back of restrictions that CCW is experiencing from the 90's on. You can say it's a two edged effect, new gun freedoms and new knife freedoms being recovered. Now there will be more.

      June 26, 2022 12:18 pm
    • 1912Patriots

      I'll stick with the Microtechs I've been carrying one for 15 years. Both OTF and fixed blade

      June 23, 2022 10:02 am
    • Alternator

      The SOG Pentagon sucks azz. Very poorly designed blade that is SO thick that NO amount of sharpening will make it cut anything. Complete WASTE of high-end (and EXPENSIVE) steel. The sheath is also an overly complicated mess. Your knife articles are clearly not by someone who actually owns or uses very many knives.

      June 22, 2022 3:58 pm
      • Schaef

        Never by anything SOG. none of their products are worthwhile

        June 24, 2022 12:47 pm
    • JMASS

      Picked up my Boker on Vacation at a specialty knife store -Enjoy this knife - was happy to see it on this review. Now to purchase some others you've highlighted. Enjoyed the reviews, thanks

      February 25, 2022 3:30 am
    • Steve W

      I have been loving my Kerskaw 1830 Oh So Sweet for about 4 years now. I lost one. So I bought a replacement. Found the lost one. Now I have two!

      April 2, 2021 6:32 am
    • Jamie

      Do you guys have any recommendations for sharpening a high carbon steel knife? I have a sharpening stone but it just doesn’t seem to be getting the job done.

      February 19, 2021 1:09 pm
      • John Marlwell

        Lots of oil and elbow grease

        August 30, 2021 7:24 am
      • Evan Seelye

        The best sharpener I've found are those that have diamond (impregnated) surfaces. They come in many "grits" and with the finest, you can achieve razor blade sharpness. The coarser grits can 'take down' the toughest blades to get that perfect edge. Some are fairly expensive, but they (the sharpeners) like diamonds, last for a long time. I'm still using a couple of my "diamond steels" that I've had for almost 40 years! and they still do the job!

        December 27, 2021 7:09 am
    • Patrick D

      A little disappointed that the Shivworks Clinch Pick or Push Dagger didnt make the list

      July 12, 2020 3:37 pm
      • Bigdaddy

        +1, love my shivworks push dagger

        June 22, 2022 7:40 pm
    • Vic

      A folding knife is a pocket knife.. It is no more a Tactical/Fighting Knife than the man in the moon. It's very design is directed towards compactness and portability.. Not Fighting. Think of a Folding Knife as you might a Handgun.. It may do in a pinch, better thank a sharp stick. However, if your life or the lives of other innocents are on the line it is a poor choice if you are knowingly going into a fight.

      March 29, 2020 3:25 pm
      • Reiver

        Agree, and honestly a sharp stick would probably be a better option in most situation. Especially a big sharp stick!

        April 11, 2020 2:35 pm
      • Joseph

        I agree, further once your hand is soaked in blood, oil, or anything slippery, you are more likely to cut off one of your own fingers stabbing anything from a bone to to a belt buckle.
        The Marines got it right with the KA-Bar, that's a knife designed for a hand to hand combat.

        May 18, 2021 7:02 pm
      • Biggie

        Agree, only a fixed knife with a blade long enough to do serious damage should be included. Mine is an old Al Mar. They don't even make them like this anymore.

        April 5, 2022 5:18 pm
    • Tyson

      I have to say, I'm a little disappointed that you didn't review the Ka-Bar Tactical Spork!

      January 29, 2020 4:34 pm
      • David, PPT Editor

        An oversight, we're sorry :(

        No joke, I love the Ka-Bar chopsticks.

        January 29, 2020 7:35 pm
      • Mike Alexander

        Too bad there's only BladeHQ to choose from, apparently.

        May 20, 2020 7:48 pm
      • Steve

        I’m disappointed he did mention the big K-Bar.

        December 7, 2020 5:52 am
    • Dan

      Microtech's Combat Troodon D/E was used in John Wick 2.

      March 11, 2019 2:57 pm
    • jdjsjsososbbb

      Benchmade 940-1...guess it is a good EDC but not tactical

      January 18, 2019 1:46 pm
    • Paul Norling

      For God’s sake people, knifecenter.com has over 4000 different knives alone. Eric gives his opinion on 10 that he considered tactical and people get all butthurt because he doesn’t mention the knife grandpappy gave them.

      November 29, 2018 5:28 pm
    • John Public

      Absolutely love my Spyderco PM2.

      November 28, 2018 8:06 pm
    • Joel Kallgren

      Opinions all stink so here's mine. Seeing as most knives used for a "tactical" purpose will be carried by LEO's I find it hard to believe that none of these have a glass breaker?

      November 28, 2018 6:48 pm
      • Keith P.

        Did you read the whole article? The Microtech Ultratech has a glass breaker.

        May 20, 2019 2:58 pm
      • Arron Greenfield

        The pommel on the Gerber 06 works just fine as a glass breaker.

        July 3, 2019 7:42 am
    • Stev-o

      Why no fixed blades? “Tactical” doesn’t mean “Folders Only”.

      November 27, 2018 7:15 pm
    • John

      I see some anger over leaving out particular knife makers or brands of knife here, and I don’t think that’s too fair on the author. He did represent a broad swath of job-designed tools, and the knives he picked are good (maybe not always the best) examples of those jobs. At any rate, there is certainly nothing wrong with any of his choices here... except maybe one: and that is the folding Karambit he chose. I’m not much of a karambit fan. I think most techniques for “tactical” situations are better accomplished by other blades, but that’s a different argument to have. This karambit mentioned here has a blade shape that changes toward the end and decidedly leaves the karambit model. I would argue that’s an improvement, but it changes the function of the blade. Said shortly, if you want to represent the over-wrought techniques of that knife, then represent it with that knife. This one reads more middle-eastern dagger in the blade and karambit in the handle.
      After that I think all of my nit-picking boils down to better defining the expected roles of the knife designs presented, but like my response here, it would probably make the article too long too.

      November 26, 2018 12:14 pm
    • Steve

      Seeing that Benchmade is one of the innovators of the modern folding knives and has been for decades, I find it curious why not one of their knives is listed. I have and carry an Emerson made by Benchmade 20yrs ago. To leave Bechmade out completely is ridiculous and leaves the article suspect to the actual criterion used to formulate this 'list'.

      November 26, 2018 6:18 am
      • Shepherd of Fire

        Most pewpew articles have a very artificial, rushed, and sponsored feel to them these days. Too bad, because pewpew used to be a decently concise and honest place for informative articles.

        November 27, 2018 12:36 pm
      • Billy

        #6 on the list.

        June 23, 2022 8:03 pm
    • Tom

      No Chris Reeve

      November 25, 2018 5:05 pm
    • John A Bird

      Good information Zac! This gets the juices flowing but I can tell after looking at the peanut gallery, some nuts don't fall far from the tree. I would invite all who believe they can write a better article to please proceed.

      November 25, 2018 5:03 pm
    • Mike Skock

      Opinions are like assholes, everyone has one.Aside from the recon none of these would make my list.
      Not one CRKT? C'mon man!

      November 25, 2018 4:16 pm
    • Mayt

      Benchmade.....or Geissele’s line of Abraham and Moses knives??? This list isn’t up to par

      November 25, 2018 4:15 pm
    • Paul S.

      Raven Crest Tactical

      November 25, 2018 3:59 pm
    • Adam Beiting

      No Benchmade?

      November 22, 2018 10:15 pm
      • Paul

        My thoughts exactly

        November 25, 2018 4:10 pm
      • Dave Eckman

        Ditto on why benchmade left the lineup. Just ordered my AL 940 and was hoping to see it in the list. Lol

        June 22, 2021 5:02 pm