16 Of The Best Tactical Knives

Whether you’re planning for a family trip or a more difficult and exciting travel adventure, you’ll find yourself in need of a good tactical knife that can handle a myriad of tasks. Each outdoor expedition presents its different challenges but having a versatile, reliable, and durable knife can make a big difference.

Everyday pocket knives aren’t always the best option for more demanding tasks – they’re a touch small, fragile, and frequently not up to the task. Camping knives tend to be geared towards only camping tasks. So what do you do when you need a knife that is genuinely useful in a variety of situations, and that won’t fail you when your life or adventure is on the line?

That’s when you need a tactical knife.

Two main things stand out with a tactical knife: It is versatile enough to assist you with a myriad of cutting duties and is well suited as an excellent self-defense tool. Regardless of what your budget is like, the following high-quality tactical knives will help you handle all your cutting duties and help fend off bad guys!

1. CRKT – M16 – 14SF Special Forces Tanto Large Tactical Knife

The M16 – 14SF Special Forces Tanto, designed by Kit Carson in Vine Grove, Kentucky, is a special kind of blade, designed for military procurement specialists. The 98mm dual grind blade is made with titanium nitride coating for maximum corrosion resistance. It also features an automated linear safety pin that acts as an additional layer of protection during use.

The M16 stainless steel blade is extremely sharp with a comfortable grip, both with or without gloves. Because this is a folding knife, it is better suited for carving and cutting; however, its strength means it can accomplish various other camping activities.

2. Benchmade – 583SBK BARRAGE Tactical Knife

Benchmade has been manufacturing quality knives globally since 1988. They specialize in tactical knives as well as outdoor, hunting, and rescue weapons. Their 583SBK Barrage knife is a fine example of the durability and quality of the steel they use for their blades. It’s big, durable and is made from high-carbon stainless steel. A simple push on the stud springs the assisted opening system into action. Do you need to cut meat or sliced vegetables? No problem, the valox handle grip material will make one-handed knife use effortless.

3. SOG – BOWIE 2.0 Tactical Knife

If you could own only one tactical knife, perhaps the single best tactical knife with a fixed blade, this would likely be it. Hunting, fishing, camping, or hiking, this knife can handle almost any task you throw at it. The original bowie was created in 1986, and the company that made it has been around ever since. Bowie 2.0 builds on the authenticity of modern technology and materials.

The 11” knife is made with quality AUS-8 steel stacked with leather handles and a stainless steel crossguard and pommel. So, what makes it one of the best tactical knives you can buy? First, the thick and sturdy 6.4-inch long super sharp blade makes camping tasks easier. It also comes with a stacked leather handle that gives a comfortable feel, and the fancy sculpted crossguard keeps your fingers safe. Everything you can ask for in a blade. This is one hell of a tactical survival knife.

4. Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife

With a soliid build, this knife features razor sharp edges and an equally sharp serrated portion. The blade is made from high-carbon infused stainless steel (7Cr17MoV) and is shaped as a clip point. The black aluminum handle features a stainless steel clip and the blade uses a finger flip mechanism to open. With a 3.1 inch blade, it’s not a huge knife, but it will get the job in most cases. And best of all, it’s a very affordable tactical knife.

5. Gerber 30-001059 Strongarm Tactical Knife

One brand that continues to impress is Gerber. Gerber has been making survival knives for the US Military since 1968, and the StrongArm 30-001059 builds on that massive and long-storied success. The blade is made from premium materials like a full tang, serrated edge bade with ceramic coating. It is well suited for all conditions with its diamond texture rubberized handle. A striking pommel at the handle’s base breaks through hard surfaces, making it extra useful for everyday camp situations. This is a jack of all trades tactical knife, which you can use to cut, slice, and crack open items.

6. Gerber Prodigy 22-41121 Survival Knife

Another excellent addition to the Gerber family of tactical knives is the Prodigy 22-41121. This blade offers very similar features to the strongarm, with slight differences worth mentioning. The 420HC stainless steel blade comes with a black oxide finish with serrated edges. It also has a sheath feature that offers a friction-release thumb lock for added security. Gerber has been producing blades since 1986, and the 22-41121 Prodigy is a knife that’s among the world’s most formidable and most useful. A tactical 4” fixed blade comes with a textured soft-grip over-moulded handle and a hard sheath with ballistic nylon belt loops and straps, making it the perfect companion.

7. SOG Survival Knife E37T-K

It seems all the best tactical knives are manufactured in the USA. Others may be inclined to think otherwise, but it’s hard to dismiss the plethora of incredible collections of tactical knife companies that are American owned.

One such company that continues to dazzle is SOG. This is a company dedicated to producing exceptional knives for the Navy Seals, but feel free to bring the SOG Survival knife E37t-k to your next camping trip. This is the kind of steel blade you can count on to perform with precision in any situation in any environment. SOG includes a hard-moulded Kydex sheath for versatile portability.

8. M21 – 12SFG Special Forces Drop Point Tactical Knife

The Columbia River Knife & Tool Company has established itself as one of the elite organizations creating high-quality tactical blades. The CRKT Special Forces Drop Point knife features a high-carbon stainless steel blade with corrosion-resistant coating. Because this is a folding camping knife, the blade length of 3.11 inches means it will be limited in some larger tasks around the campsite, but it is still more than capable of accomplishing small and medium-sized tasks. With an elevated handle position and a dual hilt blade guard, the blade will keep you safe and comfortable during sustained, heavy use. It also looks pretty badass if you don’t mind me saying so.

9. Zero Tolerance – 0223 Tactical Knife

The ZT 0223 is inspired by the heritage of classic military knives, designed by Tim Galyean and precision built by ZT. This version of their folding knife makes it easy to take on every job you throw at it. The blade steel offers exceptional hardness, wear resistance, edge retention while the titanium coating on the blade and handles protects, enhances performance, provides corrosion-resistant protection. A series of decorative holes drilled in the knife add subtle details to this handsome knife.

10. SOG Pentagon XR – Blackout Tactical Folding Knife

SOG calls this one the Pentagon XR Blackout, but just look at the beauty! The black colorway looks impressive on this blade, and it has the features to go with the look: the 3-inch stainless steel, wide spear point blade, and ultra-grip G10 handle – perfect for any camper. Additionally, the Pentagon XR features an ambidextrous smooth open and reliable locking XR Lock for added convenience. So whether you’re chopping firewood or delicately filleting a trout, this knife is packed with useful features for the modern-day camper.

11. Tops Knives Operator 7 Knife

If you’re looking for a camping knife that can take on the toughest of tasks and the harshest conditions, then the Operator 7 might be what you’re looking for. They went big with thick steel and handle to make a hefty, well-balanced knife that will excel as a workhorse tool. It also has that classic American fighting knife aesthetics that make it look every bit as good as it will perform.

12. Benchmade Fixed Adamas Fixed Blade Knife

The Benchmade Fixed Adamas Family is a great tactical knife that is extremely lightweight at only 5.66 oz. This knife will find its place with many survivalists and weekend warriors alike. The fixed blade with paracord handle wraps makes it a joy to use, and the finger choil allows the user to get great precision for more delicate cuts. The 4.2 inches of cutting edge will suffice for the vast majority of cutting tasks, and the weight will help the knife do a lot of the work itself. With its incredibly lightweight structure, you won’t even notice it’s there until you need it that is.

13. CRKT Provoke First Responder Tactical Knife

From an aesthetic point of view, the First Responder looks like it’s a strict combat knife. For the most part, it is, but you will also find this tactical knife to be incredibly useful for prying or slicing or carving smaller items around the campsite. That, of course, doesn’t mean it can’t have other all-around applications, and you can find many other uses for it. This is a warrior’s blade, but feel free to bring it along with camping.

14. Smith & Wesson SW7 Fixed Tanto Blade Knife

Whether you are a first responder, survivalist, or a knife collector, you can trust that your S&W tactical knife will be the tool you can rely on in any situation. This blade is made from high carbon stainless steel and is titanium coated for better protection against wear. It also features a flat pommel striking surface on the back edge, and a handgun grip textured handle with a unique rubber coating for better grip. If you are looking for a reliable tactical knife with a Tanto blade to take hiking, then go with the SW7.

15. Spyderco – Delica 4 FRN BLACK Knife

Spyderco has been continually refining their products since 1990. They have taken it to the next level with the Delica 4.The lightweight blade offers outstanding performance with a price tag that almost everyone can afford. The nylon handles also come moulded with reinforced fibreglass, and skeletonized stainless steel liners make the knife stronger without adding extra weight.

15. SOG Mini Pentagon KYDEX Sheath Tactical Knife

The SOG Mini Pentagon Kydex is a unique and reliable tactical knife. With a wonderful hardened stainless steel blade, this tactical knife is versatile enough for all your needs. Extremely lightweight and comfortable to hold, the Mini Pentagon also offers the choice between a straight or serrated edge for multiple cutting tasks. It also comes with a Kydex sheath. Small enough to be carried on your belt, boot, or vest, it can be concealed relatively easily.

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