In the world of guns “tactical” gets thrown around a lot and sometimes things claiming to be tactical can be a little overhyped, or downright useless.
The same goes for the knife world.
So what makes a tactical knife? Well, we’re going to tell you…and give you a few models we recommend.
Then follow up with why you should carry a tactical knife and if you should go serrated.
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.
Summary of Our Top Picks
Table of Contents
Loading...
Best Tactical Knives
1. Kershaw Emerson CQC-7
First…our definition of a “tactical knife” is one that has:
- Aggressive grip material
- Speedy one-handed opening
- Purpose-built blades
I like the Kershaw Emerson CQC-7 because it is an inexpensive production knife based on a time-tested Ernest Emerson Design.
Usually, the words “inexpensive” mixed with a designer’s name should make you run for the hills, but this CQC-7 is a rare exception.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
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.
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.
2. Boker Plus Strike Automatic
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.
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
The Strike is big enough to use with a gloved hand yet compact enough that it doesn’t take up all of your pocket.
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.
3. Cold Steel Safe Maker 1
The Cold Steel Safe Maker 1 is a self-defense push dagger through and through.
Many LEO carry one behind their magazine holsters on their duty belt.
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.
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
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.
4. Cold Steel Recon 1
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.
The Recon 1 comes in a few different blade patterns, but my personal favorite is the tanto, especially for tactical applications.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
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.
We also loved it in our Best EDC Knives article.
5. Spyderco Yojimbo 2
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.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
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.
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. Benchmade Claymore
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.
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
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.
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.
7. The Classic Ka-Bar
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?
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
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.
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 do you think of the KA-BAR? Rate it below!
8. Gerber StrongArm
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.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
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.
The StrongArm 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.
The StrongArm 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.
9. CRKT Goken
James Williams, one of the most respected American martial artists, helped CRKT design a simple but effective knife known as the Goken.
The blade features a unique shape that allows for both deep slashes and quick stabs. CRKT uses a 3.69-inch blade made from 1.4116 stainless steel.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
This steel is plenty tough, with excellent corrosion resistance and great wear resistance. Altogether, it makes a dependable and tough blade for all your slicing and dicing needs.
CRKT describes the blade as an Osoraku Zukuri Modified Tanto Style Blade. I can tell you it’s got a nice corner for deep cuts and a scalpel-like tip that will dive deep and cut into whatever needs cutting.
That blade disappears into the handle and folds away for a nice and tight fit into the pocket. The flipper design ensures the blade opens with swiftness when needed, and the liner lock stands in place regardless of how dirty things get.
The grip itself grips back with an aggressive texturing that keeps the blade locked into your hand.
Who needs a big, sharp knife slipping around when it comes time to slice and dice? It’s clear that practical use was the goal of the Goken. Plus, it’s not a wallet killer, either.
10. SOG Pentagon FX
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.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
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…
Why Carry a Tactical Knife?
When looking for a tactical knife you want to consider a few things.
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.
Tactical knives still have an important place for those that 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.
To Serrate or Not to Serrate?
This is the question.
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.
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.
Now that you know what a tactical knife is and how to choose the best one for you, let’s dive into the top tactical knives.
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.
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.
48 Leave a Reply
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
I'll stick with the Microtechs I've been carrying one for 15 years. Both OTF and fixed blade
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.
Never by anything SOG. none of their products are worthwhile
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
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!
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.
Lots of oil and elbow grease
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!
A little disappointed that the Shivworks Clinch Pick or Push Dagger didnt make the list
+1, love my shivworks push dagger
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.
Agree, and honestly a sharp stick would probably be a better option in most situation. Especially a big sharp stick!
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.
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.
I have to say, I'm a little disappointed that you didn't review the Ka-Bar Tactical Spork!
An oversight, we're sorry :(
No joke, I love the Ka-Bar chopsticks.
Too bad there's only BladeHQ to choose from, apparently.
I’m disappointed he did mention the big K-Bar.
Microtech's Combat Troodon D/E was used in John Wick 2.
Benchmade 940-1...guess it is a good EDC but not tactical
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.
Absolutely love my Spyderco PM2.
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?
Did you read the whole article? The Microtech Ultratech has a glass breaker.
The pommel on the Gerber 06 works just fine as a glass breaker.
Why no fixed blades? “Tactical” doesn’t mean “Folders Only”.
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.
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'.
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.
#6 on the list.
No Chris Reeve
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.
Opinions are like assholes, everyone has one.Aside from the recon none of these would make my list.
Not one CRKT? C'mon man!
Benchmade.....or Geissele’s line of Abraham and Moses knives??? This list isn’t up to par
Raven Crest Tactical