How to Choose a Reliable and Functional Tactical Knife

Tactical knives are a special category of knives designed for use by military personnel, rescuers, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. They feature a robust design, reliable materials and thoughtful ergonomics. A good tactical knife can become your faithful assistant in a variety of situations — from cutting up game to self-defense.

Key Features of the Best Tactical Knives

What are the best tactical knives? They should have a blade made of high-quality steel that is resistant to corrosion and retains its sharpness for a long time. The knife handle should provide a secure grip even with wet hands. Many tactical knives have a partial or full serrated blade sharpening, which expands their functionality.

The following types of steel are usually used for tactical knives:

1. 154CM is a high-carbon stainless steel, which has good hardness, strength and corrosion resistance.
2. S30V is a powdered stainless steel with excellent wear resistance, hardness and long-lasting sharpening ability.
3. D2 is a semi-stainless tool steel that is very hard and wear resistant, but requires care to avoid corrosion.
4. AUS-8 is a Japanese stainless steel that combines good hardness, strength and corrosion resistance. Easy to sharpen.
5. CPM-M4 is a high strength tool steel with very high wear resistance, hardness and corrosion resistance.
6. N690 is an Austrian stainless steel with properties close to 440C. It holds an edge well, is durable and resistant to corrosion.
7. Elmax is a powder stainless steel with high hardness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance.

When choosing, it is important to consider the balance between hardness, strength, ability to hold an edge and ease of sharpening and maintenance. Much depends on the specific tasks.

Advantages of Tactical Fixed Blade Knives

Tactical knives with a fixed blade deserve special attention. Unlike folding models, they are more durable and reliable. The monolithic design allows them to withstand serious loads without the risk of breakage. Such knives are often equipped with a sheath for convenient carrying on a belt or equipment.

Cheap Tactical Knives: What to Look for

If you are choosing your first tactical knife and are not ready to spend a lot, pay attention to inexpensive models from well-known manufacturers, such as Ganzo, Adimanti, Civivi. Among them, there are decent options costing up to 5,000 rubles. Of course, they may be inferior to the top knives of more famous brands in popularity, but they are quite enough for most tasks.

How much does a good tactical knife cost

In general, the price of a good tactical knife can vary from several thousand to several tens of thousands of rubles depending on the brand, materials, size and configuration. But even an inexpensive quality model will serve you for many years with proper care and correct operation.

How to Choose Your First Tactical Knife

When choosing a tactical knife, focus on your tasks and budget. Study ratings and reviews, read owner reviews. And remember that a good knife is, first and foremost, a reliable and safe tool, not a threatening weapon. Use it wisely and within the law, and it will not let you down in difficult times.