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Tactical knives can be used in a wide range of situations. They are useful to emergency rescue, law enforcement and military personnel. They are also great for outdoor enthusiasts, and prepper.
Blade Shape
There are many different blade shapes available for tactical knives. Each type has its own strengths and weaknesses based on the intended use cases. In general, tactical knives with fixed blades have a large stomach for efficient slicing as well as a point that is easy to manipulate during puncturing tasks. However, the overall shape of a tactical knife’s point and spine may be more important for determining its ability to penetrate tough materials.
The drop point style blade, for example is perfect for hunting and EDC, as it features a pronounced curvature from the spine to tip. This larger angle offers greater strength and control compared to other designs. The rounded tip also reduces accidental punctures in inflatable watercraft and around livestock. The wharncliffe style is a classic design of kitchen knife with a straight edge, long piercing tips, and a wide range of uses.
A tanto blade has a strong point and straight edge. This is ideal for piercing materials such as wood and bone. The curved tip also makes it ideal for penetration in situations where one can’t use the entire point of the blade.
The tactical folder also often includes a one-hand opening or assisted-opening feature to make it easier to deploy the blade in emergency self-defense or first aid situations. This is an important safety feature, allowing a wounded soldier or special forces operator use the knife even if their hands or arms have been injured or compromised. Additionally, it’s a good choice for anyone who prefers the ease of use and portability of a pocket knife over a fixed blade model.
Blade Material
The material used to make the blade of a tactical tool can have an important impact on its performance. It should be easy to sharpen, durable and corrosion-resistant. There are many different types of metals that can be used in the construction of knife blades, each offering unique advantages for specific cutting tasks.
Stainless steel and carbon steel are known for their corrosion resistance and ease in maintenance. Damascus is known for the distinctive banding pattern and mottling. However, there are also several other alloys that can be used in the fabrication of tactical knives.
VG-10 steel is one of these alloys. It is similar to 154CM as well as ATS-34, but has a bit more chromium added for improved corrosion resistance. It is a fine-grained steel that can be very sharp and provides good toughness.
Another popular option is D2 steel. It combines high levels carbon and chromium, with molybdenum or vanadium. It is known for being tough, durable and hard, making it an excellent choice for tactical knifes that will be heavily used.
Other alloys that are commonly used include BD1, which have excellent corrosion resistance and toughness. These steels can be found in military knives and defense knives as well as custom and surgical knives. The intended use and the edge geometry are also important factors to consider in selecting a blade for your tactical knives. You should choose a blade that has a chisel- or V-shaped edge as these are the sharpest. If you can, choose an aluminum alloy that supports these edges. This will increase the overall sharpness of the blade and its durability.
Handle Material
The handle, also known as the grip, is an integral component of a tactical blade. The handle is what keeps the blade in position and provides a comfortable, secure grip. Micarta, G-10 and carbon fiber are the most common handle materials. These can be paired with metal (typically in the form of liners and hardware) or, in some cases, inlaid into metal scales.
Synthetic handles can be made from polymers or resins. They come in many colors, shapes, and textures. They are less expensive and offer a similar level durability to metallic handles. They are easy to maintain as they are resistant to moisture and can easily be wiped clean. These handles can be designed to have different gripping properties depending on the material. Some are textured, or have checkering or other patterns, while others are smooth and glossy.
G-10 is another popular option. It is a laminated fiberglass composite. This material is commonly used for knife handles because it’s lightweight, durable, and has a great look. It is available in different colors and can be finished differently to improve gripping. G-10 is very easy to clean, and it can be sterilized. This makes it a great choice for tactical knifes.
FRN or Zytel, a combination fiberglass and polymer, are also synthetic handles. Both are very durable. These are good options for tactical knives which will be used frequently, as they can withstand harsh environments and heavy use. Like rubber, these materials are inexpensive and require little maintenance. They do, however, require molds and equipment to produce, so they are usually reserved for production knives.
Sheath Material
Sheaths that I make for tactical knifes are often vacuum formed from Kydex. These materials are rock-solid dependable and extremely durable. Since several decades, they have been used to make outdoor and military knife sheaths. These sheaths are designed to fit snugly around a belt or strap and hold the knife securely in place, not allowing it to flop around or jiggle when being worn. They can also be adjusted to hold the knife at different angles, making it easy to access.
My sheath expanders and anti-flop cord are described below. The blue shock cord (also known as bungee, ockky or bungee cord) is secured by an independent sewn tubes at the uppermost end of the belt loop. The snaps are nickel-plated steel and hold the cord in place with tension. They won’t slide out of position or unlock. The anti-flop shockcord helps keep the knife handle in place and prevents it from flinging out of the body when being worn. It also provides visual assurance that the sheath on the holster is secure and ready to be used.
Leather sheaths must be treated and conditioned regularly to avoid drying out and cracking. They should be cleaned with leather cleaner or a mixture of 1:1 water and alcohol, then treated with a leather conditioner like Briwax or Renaissance wax. Avoid any chemical solvents like brake cleaner, mineral spirits or denatured alcohol as these will soften and weaken the adhesive bonds of the leather, and pull resins and oils out of hardwood sheath handles, causing them to shrink.
Lock
Finding the best tactical knife to suit your needs can be overwhelming with so many different blade types and materials, lock mechanisms, and other features available. It is important to think about the tasks you’ll be using the knife for and then choose features that match. Finding the best tactical knife for you may not be as difficult as you think.
When choosing a knife for tactical use, pay attention to the locking system. This is because a weak lock mechanism can lead to an unwanted closing of the blade while you are using it which could seriously injure or even kill you. A robust locking mechanism ensures that the blade will remain open until you’re ready to close it.
Liner locks are the most common lock on tactical knives. They are easy to operate and reliable but don’t have as much strength. They work by moving a spring bar away from the tang of the blade to keep it open. The blade is closed by manually shifting the spring bar back. This mechanism is ambidextrous, and it works for both left- and right-handed users.
Frame locks are the strongest and most durable locking mechanisms. They are usually found on premium EDC models, but can also be seen on budget knives. These locks are made by incorporating a part of the knife’s frame into the mechanism, creating a solid locking system that is nearly impossible to unengage accidentally.
The compression lock is another great option. This system is a hybrid of the liner lock and the frame lock. It uses a leaf-like spring from a steel liner to wedge between the tang ramp and a stop pin. To defeat this lock, you would have to physically crush the spring bar between ramp and stoppin which is impossible with even the strongest tools.
