If I were asked what knife brands were known for their tactical knives, I would blurt out Spyderco and Cold Steel without even having to think about it.
Spyderco has knives named Military 2, Para Military, and Police 4 Lightweight where Cold Steel likes to fly a little more under the radar with knives like the Warcraft Tanto, Double Agent, and Recon 1. If pressed harder, I would offer up the Benchmade AFO II, an automatic tanto knife that is an acronym for “Armed Forces Only.”
These are classically designed tactical knives, four of which I, as a civilian, have carried as my everyday carry (EDC) in the past. But as things evolve in the military and law enforcement worlds and new knife materials are being introduced, the look and feel of a tactical knife is changing. We are seeing a change in the design of tactical knives.
Where these knives were generally just black handled and paired with blades that were treated or coated to be non-reflective (think: stealth), greens, browns, and grays have been added into the mix. Though this adaptation does cause some overlap with survival knives and EDC pocket knives, the need for tactical knives is still two-fold: for utility and as a line of defense.
Editor’s Note: This guide received an update on November 21, 2024, naming the Hogue EX-01 our choice for the best folding tactical knife. This change was made for various reasons, including the overall build quality of the knife, the materials used, and its performance in testing.
The Best Tactical Knives of 2026
Sniper Bladeworks MAMU Fixed-Blade Knife
Specifications
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Performs an expanded array of tasks with ease
- The ergonomics are top-notch
- The sheath has numerous carry options and can be adapted to carry a ferro rod or other required items
- Made in USA
Cons
- It will make you do more things with it outside
- It may cause you to plan expensive outdoor adventures with your friends
When I first wrote my review of Sniper Bladeworks MAMU ($195) in March 2023, I referred to it as the “perfect knife for the end of the world.” After using it many times since, I haven’t changed my mind. The fact is that the MAMU was toiled over for a long time before it was released to the public. And the person who designed it, Lance Abernathy, may have just been designing a knife for the end of the world.
Available in a variety of handle colors and in a satin finish or PVD-coated blade, the MAMU is a reliable and adaptable full-tang behemoth that has been purposely kept under $200 to prove that even one of the best knives in the world doesn’t need to cost its weight in gold. It has an incredible feel in your hand that lets you do a lot of demanding work without getting fatigued easily.
From slicing and chopping, to piercing and splitting, the MAMU’s ergonomics aren’t like any other, non-Sniper Bladeworks knife that I have ever used. That said, you can expect this level of advanced ergonomics across the Sniper product portfolio.
420HC is a stainless steel that has stood the test of time — just to be pushed aside by newer steels deemed more premium. But the fact of the matter here is while 420HC may not hold an edge as well as some steels that were designed to replace it, it’s easy to sharpen and will go toe-to-toe with almost every other steel out there in terms of abrasion and corrosion resistance.
The MAMU comes complete with a customizable injection-molded sheath that sports a DOTS belt clip. That clip alone is a law enforcement and military favorite. I digress, the sheath has a pronounced notch that’s designed to hold the blade in place, in any direction. This allows for the MAMU to be mounted to your belt or pack strap in any orientation that suits you. For tactical applications, mounting the MAMU horizontally across the small of your back will give you an edge over whatever you’re going up against, as they won’t see it coming.
If you’re looking for a knife that pairs well with the MAMU I recommend their Skinner, as it’s designed for smaller, more intricate tasks.
Check out our review of the Sniper Bladeworks MAMU Fixed-Blade Knife here.
CIVIVI Concept 22
Specifications
Pros & Cons
Pros
- D2 tool steel blade
- Innovative blade shape
- Smaller form factor
Cons
- Blade-to-handle ratio is a learning curve
I’m not sure if saying that we had a lot of fun testing out Civivi’s Concept 22 ($110) matches the true grit tone of tactical, but hey — we had a lot of fun testing out this knife. Part of the reason for that was the large belly on the modified tanto-shaped D2 blade.
Tanto blades don’t usually get fat bellies on them. They’re usually thin and sleek. But here on the Concept 22, juxtaposed against the less robust handle profile, the experience is much more flowing, as if you were holding a scalpel.
The Concept 22 is one solid piece of D2 tool steel. D2 is incredibly tough and resists both abrasion and corrosion. However, that corrosion resistance only goes so far, as D2 does have enough carbon in its composition to cause spots of rust to develop if not properly cared for. The black stonewash finish on the Concept 22 eliminates that problem, and it also allows the blade to move smoother through sticky situations. I won’t go as far as to consider it Teflon-coated, but it’s definitely an improvement.
There is a little balance between love and hate with the Concept 22 and that comes in the handle shape and size. The handle, which utilizes good and grippy textured G10 scales, has a great flow to it. These ergonomics allow you to really put in a lot of work without getting worn out.
However, when compared to the size of the blade, the handle is actually undersized, which makes chopping and slicing a little more complicated. Once you realize that you need to adjust your approach and come in at a higher angle than you normally would need to, the problem is solved.
Overall, at just under 10 inches and at 7 ounces, the Concept 22 is sized nicely for open or concealed carry. Concealed carry isn’t as big of an issue with knives as it is with guns, but part of being tactical is being elite and unassuming. That may sound weird when most people who subscribe to the tactical lifestyle look like they’re going to stomp a mud hole in a horde of zombies. But this knife isn’t the knife you need to broadcast to the world in any type of defense situation. It’s the knife that comes out when you want to surprise someone or something.
Check out our full review of the CIVIVI Concept 22 Knife here.
Hogue EX-01
Specifications
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Build quality
- Advanced ergonomics and grip
- Great balance between size and weight
Cons
- 4” blade makes it iffy to carry in some states
If we told you how many tactical folding knives were out there in the market today, it would burn off both of your ears. That said, it should be no surprise that Benchmade Redoubt has been removed from this top spot and replaced with the Hogue EX-01 ($250).
Knives are continuously being released in the tactical category and we expect there to be more turnover here than anywhere else. Does this make the Redoubt any less of a knife? Not at all. That knife is a total gem when it comes to tacticality and practicality. The EX-01 just proved to be more vital to the category in testing.
Hogue Knives is known for its exceptional attention to detail and precision, which makes the build quality of the EX-01 overly admirable. The fact that it was designed by acclaimed knifemaker Allen Elishewitz tips the scales in what you should expect from the form and function of this full-sized knife. That said, at almost 9” long, the EX-01 is about as big as it gets with folding knives.
However, even with its 4” 154CM drop point blade, it’s still really lightweight — 5.6 ounces — and balanced. This makes the EX-01 the prime choice for the Best Folding Tactical knife because you’re getting a lot of knife without it being unruly. This makes for an easy carry as well as deployment.
In terms of carry, the EX-01 fits well in your pocket and will do well on a vest, pack, or any other place you might want to carry it where it is still easy to access. In the field, its size plays a crucial role in its performance. The EX-01 can cut through zip ties and rope with ease due to its increased amount of leverage. It can also cut through thicker material and pierce easily because there’s more handle for you to control and push the knife with.
154CM is a cult classic when it comes to knife steel. Paired here with the textured and patterned G10 handle scales, you’ve got a knife that will stand the test of time. Those folks who are used to pressing the button on their button lock to release the blade will have a bit of a learning curve to contend with, as the button on the EX-01 doesn’t do that. However, its lower profile and ability to be locked work well with gloves and ensure that the blade will not close unless you want it to.
Yes, you read that right. You can lock the lock so it won’t unlock.
Spyderco Subway Bowie
Specifications
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Designed by French knifemaker and martial artist Fred Perrin
- It’s an itty-bitty Bowie knife
- ABLE lock
Cons
- May be too large for some users (there’s a mini version for those folks)
Neck knives have a whole vibe of their own that screams self-defense. Unless it’s a puukko-style knife, that’s a whole other thing. I’m talking about small form-factor knives in Kydex sheaths that hang from a ball chain around your neck and are designed to be deployed as your last line of defense. And that, my friends, is exactly what the Spyderco Subway Bowie ($173) is.
The Subway Bowie is made from LC200N, a stainless tool steel with a high nitrogen content that gives it excellent corrosion resistance and is incredibly tough. Spyderco then made a great steel into an incredible one by adding a black ceramic coating to the blade, which makes it non-reflective and stealthy.
Ceramic coating is not only strong and durable on its own, but it also improves those already present qualities of the LC200N steel. LC200N also keeps an incredible edge, but when it’s time to resharpen or hone it, you can bring it back to razor-like conditions which makes the Subway Bowie even more intimidating than it already is.
So here’s the gross part. This knife is intended to be worn like a necklace, under your clothes. So it’s going to get sweaty and grimy. But it’s nice to know that you have this incognito line of defense hanging around your neck. I don’t exactly know the breaking point of the ball chain, but I do know that it’s strong enough to allow you to pull the knife out, but not so strong that you can be strangled by it.
This is about as true grit as it gets folks. This knife is the epitome of tactical. It’s meant to do one thing — and that’s not opening your mail. Just like handguns, the Subway Bowie is made for self-defense. Yeah, you could probably use it in a jam for meal prep and kindling prep, but that’s not what martial artist-slash-custom knife maker Fred Perrin designed it for.
Benchmade Claymore Tanto – 9071BK-1 Knife
Specifications
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Size-to-weight ratio
- Ergonomics
- Coated CPM-D2 Steel
- Red dot blade lock indicator
- The Morse code easter egg
Cons
- It’s a big knife
- The spring is intense
Automatic knives are a gamble in the civilian world. Each state has its own regulations and laws limiting who can carry them — but a couple of things are certain: if you’re in law enforcement or the military, you can legally carry them without any hassle. And the second thing that’s true about automatic knives, when they look and feel like the Benchmade Claymore Tanto ($260), they’re about as tactical as it gets.
Available with black or ranger green handle scales, as well as a handful of blade combinations, the Claymore was originally designed for law enforcement and military personnel. Benchmade saw the need for a lightweight and durable automatic knife that could be used for everyday carry as well as self-defense.
Made from coated CPM D2 tool steel and Grivory handles, Benchmade hit the mark as the Claymore has a great size-to-weight ratio and is built to last; right down to the intense spring that fires the blade open with the press of a button.
Out of all of the knives I have had the pleasure of testing for GearJunkie, the Claymore is the one pocket knife that made me pump the brakes, realizing that this knife isn’t made for just anyone. Sure, anyone can use it — but it’s really made for people who know what they’re doing in a technical setting with a knife that excels in technical prowess. It’s a lot of knife and a lot of power in a balanced package.
Ergonomically, the Claymore is designed to do a lot of different tasks, really well, and that includes protecting you. The handle shape is designed to protect your hand, as well as keep it in place. Which you’re going to want when you press that button and the aggressive tanto-style blade comes flying out. The blade can also be locked with a slide lock behind the actuator button.
Benchmade considers the Claymore its “toughest folder to date.” After getting to handle it and put it through the use and abuse that I tend to do with the stuff I test, I would have to agree. This is kind of funny, as the knife is named after something intended to blow things to pieces. Either way, in the long run, it’s hard not to be impressed with this knife, the materials Benchmade chose to include, and its robust — if not indestructible — build.
Check out our full review of the Benchmade Claymore Tanto Knife here.
Zero Tolerance 0006
Specifications
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Cerakoted CPM 3V build
- Simple design
- Sheath hangs low to avoid interference
Cons
- Belt loop on sheath could be more durable
If you’re looking for a belt knife that you can bring to war or just a weekend in the great outdoors, the 0006 ($400) from Zero Tolerance is the knife for you. Zero Tolerance is known for its tactical approach to knife design and overbuilt execution. This is what’s drawn people to its knives for years, and the 0006 is no exception.
If it were a couple of inches longer, then it might be more apt to be out on the battlefield. But at under 11”, and with its long, drawn-out drop point CPM 3V blade, it’ll do just as well in the woods. Taking that a step further, the 0006 is really just a bushcraft knife with a handguard; making it look tactical. That look is carried over through the chunky G10 handle scales as well as the included Kydex sheath that can be mounted in a variety of configurations for easy carry.
That said, that’s why the 0006 earned the title of “Best Bushcraft and Tactical Combo”. It bridges the gap, and — if I am being honest, brings a lot of naming conventions and knife categories into question. Knives like the 0006 blurs category lines, but it’s not alone. I think of the similarly designed Demko FreeReign that I determined was “Tactical Meets Bushcraft”. Or the Benchmade CLA, which — even by Benchmade’s own admission — falls under both the EDC and tactical categories.
However it’s defined and wherever it lands, I think that the 0006 fits nicely in both worlds. Its Cerakoted, high carbon 3V blade is ample for cutting, slicing, and being batoned for prepping kindling, but could also really prove effective in a combat situation. The 0006 lacks some of the modern ergonomics that we’ve seen in other knives, but that is a customary trait for both tactical and bushcraft belt knives.
The big picture here is that this knife is tougher than some of the rest and rest assured that you can rely on it. Check out our full review of the Zero Tolerance 0006 Knife here.
Benchmade Redoubt Knife
Specifications
Pros & Cons
Pros
- CPM-D2 blade steel
- Lightweight for its overall size
- Excellent grip and hand feel
- Designed to be abused
Cons
- Lives in the shadow of the Bugout
- People hate on Grivory handles
- Gunk can get encased inside the knife easily
- Maybe on the larger side for EDC fanatics
In the world of Bugouts and Bailouts — choose the Benchmade Redoubt ($200) and be rest assured that you’ve got a workhorse of a knife that won’t flex on you under duress.
Man! That felt good getting out there into the world. I do appreciate both the Bugout and Bailout from Benchmade, but they’re light-duty knives — with the Bailout being a little more robust. But neither of those knives is as robust as the Redoubt.
Just like I can’t understand people who get overly concerned about pack weight, I can’t see getting all twisted up over the weight and size of your knife, relatively speaking. When the shit hits the fan, I want a knife I can rely on. A solid part of what makes up a tactical knife is reliability. That said, this is why the Redoubt is the Best Tactical Folding Knife of 2026.
Designed to be an EDC knife that could be used for self-defense, the Redoubt was originally available with gray Grivory handle scales that featured a textured green inlay for increased grip. In January 2024, Benchmade released the Redoubt Blackout which is the same as the original Redoubt only with black handle scales and textured inlay.
Both knives feature a Cerakoted CPM D2 drop-point style blade and black hardware. Making both knives a great choice for tactical applications, with the Blackout variant aimed at flying just a little more under the radar.
I tested the original Redoubt in February 2023 and was heavily impressed. Designed in the same vein as Benchmade’s iconic Griptilian line, the design used for the Rebout was familiar and comfortable. As a fan of D2, I was eager to test out the CPM powdered version but initially skeptical about the need for it to be Cerakoted. I soon got over that when I realized how smooth the blade slides in and out of wet, sticky, and gummy materials — and then wipes clean with little effort.
With Benchmade being one of the few brands that I believe can execute tactical, survival, and everyday-style knives incredibly well, I think the Redoubt exemplifies what a tactical folder needs to be — whether it’s blacked out or not.
Check out our full review of the Benchmade Redoubt Knife here.
Tactical Knives Comparison Chart
| Knife | Price | Weight | Blade Shape | Blade Length | Steel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sniper Bladeworks MAMU | $195 | 1.05 lbs. | Drop point | 5.46” | 420HC |
| CIVIVI Concept 22 | $110 | 7.7 oz. | Modified tanto | 4.8” | Black stonewashed D2 |
| Hogue EX-01 | $250 | 5.6 oz. | Drop Point | 4” | 154CM |
| Benchmade Redoubt Knife | $200 | 2.8 oz. | Drop point | 3.55” | CPM-D2 |
| Spyderco Subway Bowie | $173 | 1.5 oz | Clip point | 2.8” | Black ceramic coated LC200N |
| Benchmade Claymore Tanto – 9071BK-1 | $260 | 3.87 oz | Tanto | 3.60” | CPM-D2 |
| Zero Tolerance 0006 | $400 | 10.3 oz. | Drop point | 6” | Cerakoted CPM 3V |
How We Tested Tactical Knives
For this year, we relied solely on tester and knifemaker Nick LeFort to work with these knives and get a sense of their worth. Bringing together years of product knowledge as well as a keen sense of what kind of situations we’re going to get into, he worked with our editors to find the right knives that would meet GearJunkie’s standards for such high accolades.
Unlike testing survival knives, you don’t need to go out looking for a fight to test out tactical blades. But a good tactical knife should be able to get you out of your run-of-the-mill Saturday night knife fight. That said, how do we test for that? Well, we don’t.
Although he’s got a formidable build, tester Nick LeFort isn’t about to get into a scrap over a knife guide, nor would we expect him to — NOR IS THAT REALISTIC! So, he looked for a few specific traits when selecting which knives earned these accolades:
1. How well does it carry?
With tactical knives, carrying them is all about ease of access. It’s also about concealment. A neck knife like the Spyderco Subway Bowie excels at both. But so does a big behemoth like the Sniper Bladeworks MAMU which can be worn horizontally across your back and concealed by your shirt.
2. How easy is it to control?
You want a good tactical knife to be an extension of your hand. It needs to flow and maneuver in such a way that you know it’ll hit its mark. The ergonomics of the CIVIVI Concept 22 aid in its overall execution and effectiveness.
3. How tough is it?
Tactical situations are demanding, so the knife you’re relying on needs to be tough as nails. The combination of its full-tang construction coupled with the fact that 3V is incredibly strong steel is a major indicator that the Zero Tolerance 0006 is a tough knife that meets the tactical standards.
Additionally, the tactical knife landscape is evolving. Where most folks might think that tactical knives are black blades with black handles, that’s not always the case anymore. It’s not uncommon to see earth tones like OD Green, Coyote, and Wolf Grey — colors commonly used by the military — being used in tactical knives nowadays. This factor has greatly expanded the tactical knife segment.
So, What Did We Do?
After our team at GearJunkie got together and narrowed down a pile of knives for LeFort to test out, and he did just that. LeFort is a bit of a wanderer, by nature. He likes to get outside, get remote, and get to work. But, as we identified earlier in this article, in order to be considered an award-winning tactical knife, it has to be easy to conceal and access. So, LeFort wore these knives, concealed, in public. Seeing that he didn’t call us for bail money — we’re confident that he found that all of the knives on this list can be easily concealed.
In terms of access, he tested to see how easily these knives could be deployed when concealed. But he also tested out how well they could be accessed when openly carried. Regarding fixed blade candidates, LeFort looked for the various ways the knife could be mounted to a belt or pack strap. Then he tested their pull in those situations; was there a struggle where the belt moved with the knife, or did the clip keep it in place, allowing for the knife to release easily?
From there, it was testing as usual. LeFort is a major contributor to our knife tests, as well as a multitude of these guides, and has found a regime for testing out toughness, corrosion resistance, and ergonomics. A tactical knife might not be one you wear every day.
So, it’s important to make sure you are familiar with how it acts and reacts. LeFort found this to be more important with folding knives which have the added complexity of opening and lock mechanisms.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Tactical Knife
With the ever-expanding lineup of tactical knives on the market, picking the right one for you could be a mission of its own. Though we think the list we’ve pulled together for you is top-notch, we also realize that everyone has their own set of wants and needs.
Our goal is to show you what we think is the best of the best so you can make an informed decision regarding which tactical knife is the best for you. That said, here are some things to consider when you head out to buy your next tactical knife.
Automatic Folding Knives
For years, one defining factor of tactical folding knives is that a majority of them were automatic. Automatic knives are button-actuated blades that have a variety of laws and regulations surrounding them that determine who can carry them. Being that tactical knives were aimed at military and law enforcement personnel, this makes perfect sense, as they aren’t beholden to the same laws and restrictions civilians are.
What I can say about automatic knives in 2026 is that most of them are still considered “tactical”. However, with brands like CRKT coming out with knives like its Michaca and Minnow that are being marketed as EDC and work knives, even that distinction is loosening up.
Furthermore, laws are changing all the time. Antiquated ideals, like the ones enacted in the Federal Switchblade Act of 1958 are starting to be overturned and updated so that more people can carry automatic knives in more places. Yes, that wasn’t a typo — 1958.
The last thing you need to happen to you is to find yourself on the other side of the law and have your knife taken away from you while you’re getting hauled off to jail. We recommend you download Knife Rights’ LegalBlade App. It’s designed to keep you informed about rules and regulations on a state-by-state basis.
That said, if you do get pinched, Knife Rights has put together a set of guidelines of what you should and should not do.
Blade Shape
Like all knives, the shape of the blade on a tactical knife plays a crucial role in how effective that knife will be. Tanto, drop point, and clip point blades are generally preferred for tactical knives because they can perform tasks like slicing and chopping, as well as piercing and stabbing.
Aside from the benefit of that ability to your success in a combat situation, a blade that can pierce and stab is also well suited for breaching. Tanto blades, in particular, are great for prying, which is the primary movement in breaching.
Knife Steel
The amount of knife blade steel and handle materials out there is pretty impressive. But, where the handle materials seem to have stabilized, there’s new steel coming out every year. As you can see from the above selection of eight knives, there are seven different knife steels.
Our recommendation is to consider each steel on a case-by-case basis. But they should still meet or exceed the following requirements:
Corrosion Resistance
The last thing you want is your knife turning orange on you out in the field. Especially if you’re planning on using it to prepare food. All of the steel mentioned in this guide either has exceptional corrosion resistance or has been coated to eliminate the occurrence of rust.
Abrasion Resistance
Some people consider this property to be more form than function. But in all reality, your blade can easily get scrapped up which can lead to chipping, which then could lead to blade failure.
Edge Retention/Ease of Resharpening
No matter what knife you carry, the worst knife you could carry is a dull one. That being said, you want to look for knife steels that either excel in edge retention or can be easily resharpened.
Handle Material
When it comes down to handle material it’s all about grip. Tactical knives don’t usually have a large variety of handle scales. For instance, you’re not likely to find a tactical knife with a wood, bone, or leather handle. They may be out there, but they’re far from common — because they don’t provide the excellent grip the common materials do.
G10 & Micarta
G10 and Micarta are both extremely strong materials. Both excel in grip whether your hands are wet or dry which is why those two materials are so popular with EDC, survival, tactical, and bushcraft-style knives.
Nylon & Plastic
Nylon and plastic are also great handle materials because they’re durable and lightweight, but they’re also generally textured. It’s this texturing and styling that increases the grip on a knife with these materials.
Note: Nylon and plastic handle scales can be called a litany of names. Some of the more popular names are: FRN/Zytel (Fiber Reinforced Nylon), GRN (Glass Reinforced Nylon), GFN (Glass Filled Nylon), and Grivory (Injection Molded).
Ease of Use
Ergonomics
A good knife will feel right in your hand. From the shape of the handle scales to the overall thickness, and even texturing, ergonomics can be the difference between you being confident with your knife or leaving it in your drawer at home. When you consider a knife, put it in your hand and give it a good squeeze. Then, push down hard on a hard surface. If everything feels right, that’s your next knife.
Sheath
For the most part, tactical knife sheaths are made from Kydex or Bolatron. Both materials will outlast every being on this planet, and both can be vacuum-formed. However, Bolatron tends to edge out in form retention and durability over Kydex. That said, they’re both great for the job.
Carry
Folding knives are easy to carry — have pocket clip; will carry. If they have a deep carry clip, then they’re easier to conceal. In regards to fixed blade knives, which are arguably the most popular of the tactical knife forms, they need to be carried in a variety of configurations.
In the military, they’re generally worn on vests. In law enforcement, they’re generally clipped to a duty belt. But that can change depending on the situation. A good tactical sheath will allow you to mount it vertically, horizontally, and even upside down.
Lock Mechanism
Without fail, you will find yourself in a position where you need to rely on the lock on your knife more than you expected. Arguing that most tactical folding knives are automatics, the locks are usually button locks. These button locks are also how you deploy the blade and can have a lock of your own. Just like you take the safety off your firearm when you’re stepping into the shit, you want to make sure the button is unlocked.
In most tactical situations, time is everything. Having to fiddle around with a button lock takes your focus off of defending yourself and is a risk you don’t want to take.
A Note on Awareness
We try to keep things light and fluffy here at GearJunkie, which is why we saved this section for last: If you treat carrying a tactical knife like carrying a firearm, you’re putting yourself in the right mindset.
Tactical knives tend to be larger and more aggressive which makes them more noticeable. In terms of automatic folding tactical knives, they are a major bone of contention in terms of who can carry them and where. It is important to know where you are when you’re carrying knives like this and where they are when you’re not carrying them.
Even if you are someone in the military or law enforcement, you need to be aware of laws and regulations unless you wear your uniform everywhere you go. Modern society is more sensitive to guns and knives than it ever has been. When you’re dressed like a civilian, act like one or be prepared to identify yourself if the going gets weird.
Another part of awareness is the condition your tactical knife is in. For fixed blades, that’s as simple as making sure the blade is sharpened and free of imperfections in the blade edge. For folding knives, you want to make sure that the blade is sharp and free from imperfections, but you also want to make sure it’s in good working order. This means making sure the lock mechanism and the actuator button work.
And if you forget all of that, just remember this simple equation: Out of Sight = Out of Mind!
Price & Value
Knife pricing isn’t as cut and dried as most of us would like it to be. Yes, just like with any other consumer good, factors like materials, design, and function all play into the final price of a knife. However, there are a lot of things going on behind the scenes that determine what we pay at the store for a knife.
How much material a knife manufacturer buys has a major impact on the price you pay for a knife. Material prices, in general, will fluctuate based on how much of each item is being bought overall. We’ve most recently seen this with MagnaCut, which became a popular steel seemingly overnight. As more brands adopted it in their knives, the overall price of the steel itself went down.
Tactical knives also start at a higher price when compared to other knife categories. Where we usually consider anything under $100 a budget knife, in the world of tactical knives, the budget starts at $100. This can put the premium category up past $500. However, when you consider what these knives are being used for and who is using them, the pricing starts to make a little more sense.
This brings up the brand name factor. Knives from brands like Benchmade generally retail for more than similar knives from other brands. It’s not outside the realm of reason that you’re paying into the brand as much as you are the product. In the case of Benchmade, you’re also buying free sharpening for life as well as a pretty significant lifetime warranty.
With that being said, we’re going to break knives down into the following three categories based on pricing in general. But, to be fair, in the production knife world, there are no clear and defining lines between Budget knives, Mid-tier knives, or Premium knives. The following is a generalization of what you can expect from each category.
Budget
Budget knives are usually made from more affordable materials. Does this make the knife any less useful? No. A budget knife should do everything you would expect it to. However, it may require more maintenance to keep it up and running.
Unlike other knife types, where budget knives usually top out at $100, budget-level tactical knives usually start at or around $100. This is due to things like build quality, blade finish, and how it carries. Believe it or not, a sheath and its hardware can have a noticeable impact on the price of a knife.
In the case of the CIVIVI Concept 22, you have a full-sized knife made from black stonewashed D2 steel that has textured G10 handles. These are common materials that are considered affordable. Albeit, you’re using a lot of here which raises the price. However, you also have a sheath with a Tek-Lok-style belt clip. Those alone can retail for $20. The point here is that carry and convenience play their role in the retail price of a tactical knife.
With tactical knives, the budget category is also the smallest and has the narrowest price range of all three tiers.
Mid-Tier
A majority of people carry mid-tier tactical knives around. They range from $150 to $350 and offer great ergonomics, materials, and carry/deployment options. We see the highest occurrence of automatic knives in the tactical category as well. Some would argue that this is the most efficient and effective way to deploy a knife, but with that comes cost.
The bits and pieces that make up an automatic mechanism add to the build complexity of the knife — so, that feature needs to be paid for. It’s also more desirable and comes with some legal hurdles, so the appeal is there as well.
Consider the Benchmade Claymore. At $260, you’re getting a fully automatic hellhound of a knife composed of durable materials. This knife was built to be used in battle. That type of exclusivity comes at a price. Benchmade is also a brand that people claim comes with a “brand tax.” In short, you’re paying for a name. That’s probably a little bit true, but you’re also getting a really well-built knife with a great warranty and a lifetime of free sharpening.
Premium
Here’s where things start to unravel in the tactical knife world, and we see it in tactical clothing and gear as well. In this arena, the tactical categorization is considered premium — across the board. Whatever it is, if it’s considered “tactical,” then it should be considered innovative, overbuilt, and made from the most reliable materials. And, honestly, that’s true. Tactical is also synonymous with combat-ready, field-tested, and a variety of other statements that allude to their level of quality.
If you take the Zero Tolerance 0006, for example, you have a tactical knife made from durable and desirable materials that is also made in the USA. It’s based on an earlier model that was vetted in combat. I know that sounds dramatic, but when you consider those factors — $400 isn’t really a stretch for a retail price.
This being the case, think practically before you buy a premium tactical knife. After you hit $500, start to consider what you’re buying and what it will do for you in the end.
