Best Tactical Knives of 2024
Tactical knives are always interesting because there are so many options, and many are very good at their respective jobs. Part of the problem is that “tactical” is such a broad term.
Are you looking for concealed defensive knives? Combat knives? How about survival knives? All of these could fall under the umbrella of “tactical knives.” To help the community, we’ve compiled a list of what we think are the best tactical knives out there.
We’ve combined our expertise with advice from active and former military service members, first responders, and martial artists (all of whom train with or use tactical knives regularly) to select the best knives from the many options available.
Some of these will be military-style knives like the legendary KA-Bar, and some will be from other suppliers, so there should be something here for everyone. We’ve also got some advice on choosing and the answers to our most frequently received questions.
10 Best Tactical Knives
Ka-Bar Fighting Knife
No list of tactical knives would be complete without the classic, iconic, and much-revered Ka-Bar. Also known as the USMC Mark 2 Combat Knife or US Navy Utility Knife, Mark 2, this legendary blade is what many people picture when thinking of a “tactical” knife.
The first run was shipped to US troops in early 1943, and by the end of the year, it had replaced the Marine Raider Stiletto as the primary combat and utility knife of the US Navy and Marines. Some wound up in the hands of the Army and Air Force as well.
Modern Ka-Bar knives are made with slightly different steel (D2 vs. the original's “1095 Cro-Van”), but the rest of the design hasn’t changed. The blade is still a whopping 8” long, and the iconic sharp clip point is still at the tip.
The most significant change is the handle material. Few are made with the stacked leather washers that made up the original Ka-Bars, and most have modern G10 or other synthetic handles that can stand up to the elements a little better. All in all, though, this is a legendary blade for a reason.
Learn more about Ka-Bar Fighting Knives
Ka-Bar TDI Pocketstrike
The Ka-Bar TDI Pocket Strike is the brainchild of John Benner from the Tactical Defense Institute (TDI).
The Pocket Strike balances compactness and usability with a blade length of 3.19” and an overall length of 7.75”.
Its drop-point blade style, complemented by a hollow grind and black finish, enhances its versatility, allowing for efficient slicing and piercing. The ergonomic handle is crafted from nylon and fiberglass, providing a secure grip for precise control and comfortable handling.
Weighing 6.4 ounces, the Pocket Strike maintains a lightweight profile, further contributing to its suitability for everyday carry. A ring loop on the sheath helps make deployment fast and easy, ensuring the knife is accessible when needed.
Learn more about the Ka-Bar TDI Pocketstrike
Kershaw Emerson CQC-7K
Next up is the Kershaw Emerson CQC-7K, a knife designed in collaboration by Kershaw and renowned knife designer Ernest Emerson. The partnership was clearly a success since this knife won the Blade Show's 2014 Best Buy award.
With a modified tanto blade, the CQC-7K offers a versatile combination of slicing and piercing proficiency. The blade's two-tone finish, with satin flats and a stonewashed grind, looks incredible while adding durability, edge retention, and corrosion resistance.
Crafted for comfort and functionality, the CQC-7K features a front scale made of textured G10, providing a secure grip even in challenging conditions. The stainless steel back, equipped with a solid frame lock mechanism, ensures rock-solid blade deployment and secure lockup.
The CQC-7K can be manually opened via the thumb disk or the patented Emerson Wave Shaped Feature, which allows for rapid blade deployment as the knife is withdrawn from the pocket.
This deployment versatility ensures quick access to the blade when needed, making it an excellent choice for everyday tasks and outdoor adventures.
Learn more about the Kershaw Emerson CQC-7K
Columbia River Knife & Tool M16
The CRKT M16 is standard in military exchange stores operated by the US Armed Forces and even more commonly carried by service members. It has a 3” tanto blade that's excellent for piercing tasks and a serrated portion that makes quick work of ropes and straps.
It’s a liner lock knife with a flipper opener, so operating it one-handed is straightforward. It also has a black GFN finish, making it resistant to scratches and rust. This knife is very affordable, so you don’t have to baby it or worry too much about losing it.
The whole thing weighs just a couple of ounces, too, so it's great to tuck into a pocket and forget about it until you need it.
Learn more about the CRKT M16 Family
Gerber 06 Auto
Next, we have the Gerber 06 Auto, another time-tested favorite of the US Military. It was designed to fulfill a contract request specifically for the Military, and boy, can you tell.
According to the contract, the knife had to be operable with one hand, easily deployable with gloves on, and able to stand up to being used and abused in the deserts of the Middle East or anywhere else US Service Members were deployed.
The 06 Auto easily meets all these requirements. It’s built like an absolute tank, and the S30V blade is relatively chunky and nearly 4” long. The handle is made of aircraft-grade aluminum, so it’ll never rust and remains reasonably lightweight.
Lastly, the controls are all oversized, so unlocking and deploying the knife is easy to do with wet or gloved hands or if you’re using your non-dominant hand for some reason. Overall, this is an excellent option if you like the idea of an automatic (and can own one in your state.),
Learn more about the Gerber 06 Auto
Benchmade Claymore
The Benchmade Claymore is a beast of an automatic knife designed specifically for use in hostile situations. It meets all the criteria for an excellent defensive knife while also getting the job done when hacking through ropes and webbing — or doing whatever else you might need a bladed tool for.
Modern folding knives have come a long way in terms of strength and durability, and automatic knives like this are nearly as strong as their fixed-blade cousins these days. The Claymore is (over)built with a 3.6” D2 blade that can take some abuse and is easy to sharpen.
The first third of the blade is also serrated, making quick work of fibrous material, roots, branches, and thin metal. This tool is a rugged knife for challenging situations and is popular with military personnel.
Learn more about the Benchmade Claymore
Microtech Ultratech
The Microtech Ultratech is a phenomenal out-the-front (OTF) knife that deploys like a striking viper. Simply slide the handle switch forward, and out it comes; slide back to retract. This rapid one-handed operation is excellent in a pinch, making this an ideal concealable defensive knife.
The whole thing weighs just 3.5 oz, so it disappears in a pocket. The sturdy aluminum handles are as close to corrosion-proof as you can get. With a dagger-style 3.35” blade, you have plenty of edge for most everyday pocket knife tasks and self-defense.
Lastly, Microtech makes the Ultratech in various blade styles and handle colors, so there’s something here for everyone and every use case. The back of the knife features a glass breaker, which is handy in a car crash.
Learn more about the Microtech UltraTech
Pro-Tech TR3
Pro-Tech has a reputation for making high-quality folders, and the TR3 does nothing to lessen that reputation. The TR3 is incredibly popular with military and first responder folk and is widely considered one of the best tactical folders ever made (if not the best).
The downside is it’s a little expensive compared to some pocket knives, but you get what you pay for here.
The TR3 features a 3.5” 154CM blade with an excellent factory edge (much better than you get on most knives) and a Type III hard-coated anodized aluminum handle. The black finish on the blade also helps to keep the whole thing free of rust and eliminates any chance of glare.
The safety also locks the knife closed, which keeps accidents to a minimum.
The knife weighs under 4 oz, so it disappears quickly in a pocket, which is excellent if you need something concealable and not cumbersome.
Learn more about the Pro-Tech TR3
Cold Steel SRK
The Cold Steel SRK (Survival Rescue Knife) has a long, impressive military heritage. The SRK is the knife given to Navy Seals as they start Basic Underwater Demolitions training, and it quickly became a combat-tested favorite.
E SRK weighs a scant 8.2 oz and features a Black Tuff-Ex finish designed to resist the elements and keep the blade corrosion-free, even when used as a dive knife. The blade is 6 inches long and shaped almost like a miniature Ka-Bar.
The design is excellent for piercing or cutting and keeps much of that original Ka-Bar legacy alive. If you want a robust and modern take on that classic design that still has an impressive military record, the SRK is a great option.
Learn more about the Cold Steel SRK
How to Choose the Best Tactical Knife for You
Choosing a knife in this realm will depend primarily on what “tactical” means to you and your use case. Still, no matter what you’re using your knife for, here are some things to remember:
Blade Steel
Your first consideration when choosing a hard-use knife should be the blade steel. You need a relatively high carbon content that will hold an edge without being overly brittle. Corrosion resistance is also crucial, as many tactical knives will be exposed to sweat, skin oils, chemicals, and water, which can all cause rusting.
If you want something cheap and durable and don’t mind keeping it oiled fairly regularly, stick to high-carbon steel like 1095. If you’re worried about corrosion — say you work near salt water or with corrosive chemicals — stick to blades made from H-2 or Magnacut.
Blade Length
For most users, a 2.5” to 3” blade length will be about the minimum to get the job done. If you’re looking for a defensive knife, something over 3” is necessary to stop an attacker effectively.
A 4” to 6” blade can be helpful for camp tasks and other utility chores, especially if your knife is the only blade you have with you. If you’re processing firewood or doing any bush crafting, shoot for 4” at a minimum.
Concealability
If you’re looking for a defensive knife for everyday carry or something you can otherwise keep concealed, a smaller fixed-blade or folding knife might be a better bet. Something lowkey and easy to carry is good. Aim for a deep-carry pocket clip and a thin profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a military-grade knife?
Military-grade knives are designed with the steel and blade geometry necessary to withstand rough use. In the field, they are used for everything from opening rations to digging to slicing through cables and nylon webbing.
What knife do Navy Seals use?
The Navy SEALs use the Cold Steel SRK during their BUDS (Basic Underwater Demolition) training. After that, they have some leeway in what specific knives they carry, so they use a variety of knives.
What knife do the Marines use?
Most people are familiar with the iconic Marine Corps fighting knife — the Ka-Bar — which was later designated the USMC Mark 2 Combat Knife. In more modern times, US Marines are rarely issued specific knives other than the OKC-3S bayonet, and even that is unit-dependent.
What is the strongest type of knife?
The strongest type of knife will always be a full-tang fixed blade. With no moving parts and a hefty amount of material supporting the blade, they will always be the most robust option when comparing similar metals and levels of artistry.
Final Thoughts
Tactical knives are often asked to fulfill various roles, from essential utility cutting to ropework to food prep. Sometimes, they’re even used for combat, though in the modern age, this is very much a last resort.
For general use in the field, it's hard to beat the classic Ka-Bar or similar-style knives. There’s a reason this design has been so enduring. Still, depending on your specific needs, another design might be a better option.
Whatever your needs, one of the knives here should work for you (or, more likely, more than one). We hope this has helped narrow down your selection and given you some guidance on picking the best tactical knife for you.
Check out the large selection of tactical knives on our website
