The Best Tactical Knives 2023

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Tactical knives are designed specifically for combat or emergency situations, and they are often distinguished from other types of pocket knives by their feature sets, which are intended to assist in these roles. These features might include things like black-coated blades, which are designed to be less visible and have less drag, as well as tanto blade shapes, which are better suited for push cutting and piercing.

Tactical knives may also have features like automatic deployment mechanisms or deployment aids like waves and flipper tabs, and they are generally built to be very tough and durable, even at the expense of practical considerations.

It’s worth noting that the term “tactical” is often used very broadly and can be applied to a wide range of products, from pocket knives and bracelets to pens, boots, rings, axes, lights, hairpins, and even toilet seats and owls. However, when it comes to knives specifically, the term typically refers to a type of knife that is designed for combat or emergency use and has certain features that assist in those roles.

Top 5 Tactical Knives Review 2023

Tactical knives are an essential tool for anyone who works in a hazardous or emergency-prone environment, and they are also popular among collectors and enthusiasts. With so many options on the market, it can be tough to know which tactical knife is the best choice for you.

In this review, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 tactical knives based on their performance, durability, and overall value. Whether you’re looking for a reliable knife for self-defense, emergency situations, or everyday carry, there’s a tactical knife on this list that’s sure to meet your needs.

TOPS Knives US Combat Knife

The TOPS US Combat Knife is a modern update to the iconic Ka-Bar Fighting/Utility Knife, a design that has been used by the United States Marine Corps for nearly 80 years.

Designed by Marine Corps veteran Laci Szabo, the TOPS knife addresses some of the common complaints about the Ka-Bar, such as its thin rat tail tang and thin blade and tip.

The TOPS knife has a 7.5-inch blade made of 1095 steel and finished with a black powdercoat. The full-tang construction, thicker spine and quillons, and micarta handle scales all contribute to the knife’s improved strength and durability.

The clip point blade shape and nylon sheath add to the knife’s versatility and functionality. The knife weighs 17.5 ounces, making it significantly heavier than the Ka-Bar. However, the added weight may be worth it for the improved features and design of the TOPS knife.

CRKT Minimalist Bowie

The CRKT Minimalist series, designed by custom knifemaker Alan Folts, is a popular line of budget-friendly knives that come in a range of blade shapes, including Wharncliffe, cleaver, clip point, drop point, spear point, hawkbill, and tanto. This SMKW exclusive version is made with tough D2 tool steel, a step up from the budget steels used in other models.

The Minimalist knife has a 2.13-inch blade with a clip point shape and a bead-blasted finish. The handle is made of micarta with a spartan design, and it has deep finger grooves for a secure grip. The knife comes with a paracord lanyard and an adjustable belt clip, allowing for versatile carrying options. The knife weighs 1.6 ounces, and the total weight with the sheath is 2.2 ounces. Despite its small size, the hollow-ground blade allows for an acute edge and easy resharpening. Normal blade maintenance should prevent rust from forming on the D2 steel, which is slightly more prone to corrosion than some other types of steel.

Cold Steel SRK

The Survival Rescue Knife (SRK) from Cold Steel has been highly regarded for over 30 years. It is often copied by other companies, but the SRK has remained the go-to choice for Navy SEALs during BUD/S training. This reliable design is rugged, simple, and affordable.

The base model of the SRK is made in Taiwan with SK5 high-carbon steel, which is known for its toughness and wear resistance despite being very affordable. In testing, it proved to be very durable and had decent edge retention, and it was easy to sharpen in the field using basic sharpening stones. Cold Steel also offers higher-end models made with premium steels, such as DLC-coated CPM 3V. The handle is made from Cold Steel’s Kray-Ex, a rubberized polymer with deep checkering for a secure grip in any environment. The SRK comes with a sheath made of fiberglass reinforced nylon. The blade measures 6 inches and has a clip point shape. The knife weighs 8.2 ounces.

Cold Steel Black Talon II

The Black Talon II knife, produced by Cold Steel, is a dedicated people-opener designed to effectively slice through flesh.

Based on Spyderco’s Civilian model, the Black Talon 2 is a beefed-up version that incorporates Cold Steel’s Tri-Ad lock, textured G10 handle scales, a recurved blade made of premium American S35VN steel, and a Demko thumbplate for automatic deployment.

The blade, which is available in both plain and serrated edges, has a stronger tip than its predecessors, which helps to prevent it from snapping off under heavy use.

The Black Talon 2 has a 4-inch blade with a satin finish, and the handle is made of G10. The pivot type is phosphor-bronze and the knife weighs 4.8 ounces.

The Black Talon 2 is a formidable weapon and should be handled with caution due to its sharpness and effectiveness at slicing through flesh. However, its strong construction and reliable lock make it a reliable choice for those who need a knife for self-defense or emergency situations.

Hogue EX-F03 Hawkbill

Hogue Knives, based in Nevada, is known for producing high-quality, American-made knives like the EX-F03 extreme fixed-blade model. The EX-F03 is made from a single piece of 154cm steel, which offers a good balance of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness.

The EX-F03 has a 2.25-inch hawkbill blade with a stonewashed finish and G10 handle scales with a textured, ergonomic design. The skeletonized tang and hollowed-out handle scales help to reduce weight, and the finger ring is integrated into the G10 handles. The knife weighs 3.13 ounces on its own, and the total weight with the sheaths is 5.2 ounces. The included sheaths allow for versatile carrying options, and the orientation of the hawkbill blade can be adjusted for either right- or left-handed draw.

Things to always look out for before buying Tactical knives

Tactical knives come in a variety of forms and sizes, making it easy to find one that meets your specific needs and local restrictions. These knives are commonly used for combat or emergency situations and are characterized by specific features that assist in these roles. They can be found at sporting goods stores or online at a range of price points.

There are two main types of tactical knives: fixed blade and folding. Fixed blade knives are those with a blade that is securely affixed to the handle and lacks a pivot. They are known for their straightforward design and user-friendliness, but most inexpensive models have a weak metal “tail” that is prone to breaking. Folding knives, also known as pocket knives, have at least one blade that folds into the handle and do not require a bulky sheath. They are convenient to carry and legal in most municipalities, and can be useful for everyday tasks.

When selecting a tactical knife, it is important to consider the blade shape and steel type, as well as the blade length and handle material. The blade shape and general geometry have a significant impact on the utility and longevity of the knife, with some tasks requiring a thicker, more powerful blade and others calling for a thinner, slicier blade.

The type of steel used also affects the knife’s durability, hardness, and edge retention. The blade length is also an important factor to consider, as it can affect the knife’s versatility and local laws may have restrictions on the maximum length allowed. Finally, the handle material can impact the grip and resilience of the knife, with options ranging from traditional materials such as wood and leather to modern options like rubber, G10, and micarta.