Top 10 Best Tactical Knives 2020 – Reviews And Buying Guide

Ever heard of the old saying “Never bring a knife to a gunfight?” Well, though it holds some elements of truth, it is an ambiguous and misleading statement. I mean, there is more to it than just that. To be precise, it says nothing about tactical knives. As opposed to standard and regular knives, tactical knives sound deadlier and in fact very lethal when on the hands of an inexperienced handler. Their design is purely utilitarian and most come with a significantly rugged appearance. Owing to this design, tactical knives can be used for a range of purposes more so for self-defense and as a military utility tool. Taking all this into consideration, one can safely say, "You can bring a tactical knife to a gunfight".

Even so, not all tactical knives are equal. I mean, the kind of knife you have by large determines how "tactical" or useful it is. For this reason, it is imperative to take some time to read through this review to establish which tactical knife best suits your needs and preferences.

Types of tactical knives 

This review is going to focus on two types of tactical knives. These include:

• Fixed blade knives are designed with tangs which make it possible to integrate bolsters or guards to prevent you from accidentally sliding your hand on the blade. They are an ideal choice if you are looking for a knife you can carry around for self-defense. Since these tangs are attached on the blade, they offer additional strength to the structure of the knife.
• Folding knives allow you to fold the blade into the handle using a self-assisted mechanism. They are easily concealable and perfect for both self-defense and outdoor activities.

Top 10 Tactical Knives Reviews 2020 - Comparison table 

Top 10 Best Tactical Knives Recommendations:

1. Smith & Wesson SWBG2TS Tactical Knife

If you are an aficionado of tactical gear, you must have heard or the Smith and Wesson company. Most of their tactical gear is legendary and their knives are no exception. Whether you are an outdoor connoisseur or just a tactical knives collector, you will be impressed by the SWBG2TS Tactical Knife for several reasons.

The knife is designed to be versatile which implies that it can be used for a wide array of purposes. It comes with a sturdy 4.4” Tanto serrated blade which includes a horned cutting blade. The design also features an inbuilt seat belt cutter and glass breaker to free you when the unthinkable happens. Besides this, it comes with a meticulous serration blade which makes it an ideal choice for outdoor escapades.

Pros

• Strong and durable carbon oxide blade.
• Easy carry pocket clip which also makes it easy to access the knife.
• Liner lock for extra blade security
• Textured Tec-Trac handle inserts
• Ambidextrous thumb knobs for easy right and left-hand handling

Cons

• No spring assistance
• Requires two hands to unlock the knife
• Might be big to some users

2. MTech USA Xtreme MX-8054 Tactical Knife

The MX-8054 is among the few tactical knives with a Tanto style blade and crafted from high grade 440 steel.  The blade is designed with functionality and durability in mind which makes it a valuable tool for outdoor activities.

With its 11inch overall length, a 5.5-inch steel Tanto blade, a blood groove, and serrations on the back, the MX8054 is a worthy contender for any hunting, camping or fishing enthusiast. The handling itself is impressive since it comes with rugged grips for extra friction regardless of the weather conditions. And just in case, there is also an extended guard to keep you safe in case anything out of your control happens. The design also features a Lanyard hole which makes it possible to attach a cord to wear the knife on the neck. If you would rather not, you can operate it from its nylon sheath.

Pros

• A heavy-duty nylon sheath makes it safe and secure.
• A highly functional 5.5 inches blade
• Lanyard hole to wear the knife around your neck
• Strong grip for safe wet weather handling.
• Extended guard for extra safety.

Cons

• Its fixed blade lacks flexibility
• Some users have complained that the finger loops are small for big hands.

3. Benchmade Contego 810 Tactical Knife

Benchmade is a hallmark of quality when it comes to tactical gear and this tactical knife is a testament to this. The Contego is a foldable knife crafted from high-grade steel and featuring a wide array of specs that will impress any hunter or those working in a fast response and emergency industry.

The knife is brash, big and aggressive. Besides, it is crafted from CPM-M4 stainless steel which gives it unrivaled toughness and resistance without compromising its flexibility. With this impressive flexibility, it can be seamlessly operated on one hand, be it your left or right. The Tanto blade is designed to support a range of tactical operations including an inbuilt carbide glass breaker and sharp powerful tip that can perforate virtually any, material.

Pros

Manufactured from highest grade M4 steel

• Crafted from high-grade M4 steel.
• Moisture and water resistant.
• Ambidextrous operation and strong AXIS lock.
• Reverse Tanto blade.
• Has a deep carry pocket clip.

Cons

• The operational mechanism is manual

4. Tool Logic SLP2 Tactical Knife

If you are after a compact tactical knife, you will be impressed to learn that this model is a small pocket rocket packed with functional and exceptional features.

Most notable, it is designed with a 3” partially serrated blade and a one hand action thumb notch for easy manipulation. And if you are an outdoor enthusiast, there is a magnesium alloy fire starter to light up your hunting camping and trekking endeavors even in extremely wet weather conditions.

Besides this, it is packed with several survival features that will come in handy when lost or looking for your way out of the jungle. Speaking of which, there is a waterproof flashlight and emergency whistle. In terms of safety, it is designed with a belt clip and a safety lock to protect you from injuries while on the go. All you have to do is clip the knife on your tactical pants and safely head out to your outdoor antics.

Pros

• Comes with a folding blade
• 3” serrated blade
• Safety clips to attach it your pants
• An attached waterproof flashlight and whistle
• Compact and easy to carry around

Cons

• Might be small for those looking for large blades.

5. Gerber Contrast AO Knife

Design and innovation are at the heart of this tactical knife. The overall design facilitates for one-handed use on both the right and left hand.

Besides this, the design is ergonomic which makes it comfortable to handle. It also comes with a lightweight yet strong G10 steel blade which gives it the resilience and will to overcome adverse weather conditions. There is also a mattle black handle which ensures a strong grip while its contrasting blade exudes a low profile tactical blade.

Despite being lightweight, the blade is capable of handling all types of heavy duty cutting jobs. There is also a pocket clip to attach the knife to your pants so that you don't lose or forget carry it with you when going outdoors.

PROS

• Assisted opening
• Easy to handle and light to carry.
• 2.0 mechanism to facilitate one-handed use
• Lanyard hole to attach a neck cord.
• Pocket clip to ensure easy portability.

Cons

• Users have complained of the opening mechanism is hard to operate.

6. Ruger 2 Stage Veff Knife

Taunted by many as the benchmark of tactical knives, the 2 stages's designed is inspired by the famous and popular Ruger Rifle from which it derives its name. It is sturdily unapologetic, rugged and solid looking.

The design features a folding blade with rugged looks and a strong serrated blade all of which are inspired by the Ruger Rifle. The blade is an impressively solid and stonewashed 3.8 Veff blade. It is also designed with a pocket clip distinguishing it from everyday knives into a tactical knife you can always depend on.

Pros

• Folding blade with a strong lock assist
• Multi-position pocket clip.
• Serrated blade.

Cons

• Crafted from Chinese steel.

7. Gerber Applegate Covert Knife

Gerber has earned the distinction as a manufacturer of tactical knives for the US military using the best practices and high materials. As a testimony to this, the Applegate comes with a plethora of exceptional features which makes it a perfectly balanced knife when it comes to strength and usability.

It is fitted with a 154 centimeters blade coated with titanium nitride to exemplify strength and flexibility. Its 3.78-inch blade is also very strong and dependable. In addition, it comes with a patented Roto-Lock which makes it safe and easy to handle. Its glass filled nylon handle facilitates for a strong grip under all weather conditions.

Pros

• Strong and well balanced.
• Patented root-Lock
• titanium nitride coated Double-bevel

CONS

• Doesn’t come with a protective sheath.

8. Gerber Decree Knife

This is more of a modified Tanto Blade crafted from S30V steel with a black ceramic coating. This coating protects the Decree from corrosion and rust giving you peace of mind even when using it under wet weather conditions. In other words, it is designed to last.

The overall design makes it easy to access and slip knife that is available on demand. The handle is made of rubber moldings which provide extra grip when under use. The modified Tanto blade offer super piercing and cutting abilities while still remaining sharp. Besides, serrations along the blade further boost your cutting powers while its tempered glass breaker capability makes you a useful participant in any search and rescue missions.

Pros

• Easy and fast deployment
• Textured grip ideal for all weather conditions.
• The modified Tanto blade offer superior pricing and cutting capabilities
• Crafted from strong S30V steel
• Pommel for breaking tempered glass

Cons

• Doesn’t come with a protective sheath.

9. Schrade M.A.G.I.C Folding Knife

MAGIC stands for multipurpose assisted generational and innovative cutlery. Translated in all the aspect of an outdoor enthusiast, this implies that you are buying one of the most functional tactical knives out in the market.

The design features a patented assisted opening. The entire knife is 7.1" long while its blade is 2.8". The blade is crafted from stainless steel and it is also foldable making it very easy to handle. There is also a pocket clip carry system which makes it possible to attach the knife to your tactical belt or pants. Overall, the design is highly ergonomic which means that it can be seamlessly handled by both right-handed and left-handed people.

Pros

• Ambidextrous handling
• Patented assisted opening mechanism.
• Safety and liner lock for extra security when closed and opened.
• Pocket clip to attach to your tactical belt or pants.

Cons

• Users have complained that the release mechanism sometimes fails.

10. Spyderco Assist Carbide Combination Knife

This tactical knife is precisely designed for rescue and fire personnel hence the reason it is marketed as a unisex knife. It is crafted in Japan with heavy duty VG10 stainless steel. The nylon handle is reinforced with fiberglass. It is also multidirectional implying that the blade can be operated in both reverse and forward actions.

Designed and crafted for professional use, it is a no-nonsense knife that can be relied upon to provide dependable and flawless performance when required. It is designed with a Cobra hood which is basically a metal cap which seamlessly guides the thumb for efficient and quick deployment. And like any other tactical knife designed for rescue and emergency mission, it features a retractable carbide tip for breaking tempered glass and an emergency whistle.

Pros

• An ergonomic design and comfortable handle.
• The tip is plain edged for precise cutting
• Bidirectional operation and carry.
• Built-in carbide glass breaker tip and an emergency whistle.

Cons

• Doesn’t come with a protective sheath.

Tactical knife buyer’s guide

When buying a tactical knife, there are several factors you need to take into consideration to ensure that you get a perfect fit. Having said that, here a five of the most important considerations you should bear in mind before finally settling on a knife.

Fixed blade vs. folding blades

• Fixed blade knives are designed with tangs which make it possible to integrate bolsters or guards to prevent you from accidentally sliding your hand on the blade. They are an ideal choice if you are looking for a knife you can carry around for self-defense. Since these tangs are attached on the blade, they offer additional strength to the structure of the knife.
• Folding knives allow you to fold the blade into the handle using a self-assisted mechanism. They are easily concealable and perfect for both self-defense and outdoor activities.

Blade length

This entirely depends on why you are getting a tactical knife. The longer the blade, the more the distance it can go in case of a self-defense situation. However, the long blade makes the entire heavy which can compromise the efficiency of how you manipulate the knife. Knives with longer blades are also harder to conceal.

When using a short blade, it demands to be closer to the aggressor so that you can effectively use it for self-defense. As a result of the short blades, they are normally lighter a feature which makes it possible to access and use them effectively in self-defense. Besides, they are also very easy to conceal.

Tactically speaking, fixed blade knives normally come with longer blades while foldable ones typically feature shorter blades. The ones with long blades are ideal for self-defense while those with short blades are perfect for emergency and tactical missions.

Blade material 

Tactical knives are made with different types of steel. And each of these comes its own strength and durability. Therefore, depending on the purpose of your knife, it is important to identify one that is crafted with a material suitable for your needs and preferences.  This boils down to toughness and strength. Strength deals with the ability of the blade to bend without breaking while toughness is the measure of how much the blade can resist chips and cracks.

Handle design

The design of the handle is very important for ergonomic purposes. Therefore, go for a knife that comes with a handle that seamlessly and effortlessly fits on your hand when gripping the knife down or up.

I'm saying this because there are those people who prefer holding the knife in an upward or downward position when using it for self-defense so as to be in a position to manipulate it easily. All in all, handle design is largely a personal preference. Even so, don’t just go for a handle with nice looks. Instead, insist on functionality and comfort when handling.

Handle material

The material used to line the handle by far determines how strong the grip is. Therefore, ensure that your knife comes with a handle that will give you a strong grip regardless of the weather conditions. These handle materials are categorized into two groups:

• Natural materials such as exotic hardwoods and stag antler.
• Synthetic materials such as Micarta, Delrin, Kirinite, and G10.

Natural materials are proffered because they are aesthetically pleasing while synthetic ones are chosen since they are tough. However, there are also exceptions in this case. Synthetic materials like Kirinite are strong but also have a decorative touch.

Bottom line

By now, I am sure that you have learned a thing or two or regarding tactical knives. With this information, you should be in a better position to make an informed decision. And always remember a tactical knife is only as good as it is tactical. Therefore, do your research, compare products and finally decide which of these tactical knives is best suited for your needs and preferences.