When the Boy Scouts say “Be Prepared” they mean make sure you can tie knots, know what plants are edible, and can lead group sing-a-longs in tune. When we say it, we mean you need to get yourself the best gear possible to deal with being trapped in a sinking car, fighting off a North Korean invasion, or spending your sweet Paid Time Off lost in the Adirondacks. For a solid piece of kit that can handle all that, we suggest you begin with an unbeatable tactical knife.
Tactical knives have one of the broadest definitions of any knife around. They should be usable as combat knives, able to go with you behind enemy lines, capable of being turned into a multi-tool that you can deploy during a family camping trip, heading into the untamed wilderness, or when doing home improvements in your penthouse. A high-quality tactical knife is supposed to be made with fighting and working in mind and act as a military-styled multi-tool. To this end, we’ve dug up the 8 best tactical knives made for both fighting and for general survival so that you are always prepared.
Smith and Wesson Border Guard 2 Rescue Knife
Pro: Inexpensive
Con: Stiff locking mechanism
True Tactician: Nearly every tactical knife on the planet has an intent that isn’t necessarily tactical. Some go for combat, some for self-defense, some are survival knives for stripping bark or cleaning game. The Border Guard 2 is the mold of a true knife for the completely tactical operator. A safety belt cutter built into the handle along with a glass breaking pommel make this perfect for rescue workers who may not even need to open the blade. The 4.4 inch blade made of 440C stainless steel is sharp as hell and split between a serrated part for cutting rope and a smooth tanto tip with a saber grind for cutting anyone who doesn’t appreciate it. Interior teflon washers make deployment very fast and smooth and a textured handle made from aircraft aluminum complete an impressive package. If you want a decent EDC for a reasonable price, then this should be your go-to. [Purchase: $23]
MTech USA Xtreme MX-8054
Pro: Impressive grip
Con: Heavy
Hard Core: With a total length of 11 inches, a blade that is fully 6 inches, and a thickness of 5mm this is a fixed blade knife made for fighting without apologies. The handle is G-10 fiberglass laminate with quadruple screws on each side that will keep it from ever coming loose but also allows you to replace it due to wear, or if you prefer something either softer or harder for your needs. The pistol grip complete with deep finger grooves and jimping on the back make this a knife that is meant to be used harsly without sacrificing your grip or losing your blade even when it hits bone or sticks in whatever you happen to stab. The tanto end is aggressive and built for jabbing hard and repeatedly. It weighs in at 13oz. making it a little on the heavy side, but that heft is earned through high-quality 44 black stainless steel. On the edges of the finger guard are holes right near the balance point so it can be lashed to a branch to form a spear for…let’s say “fishing” while separate lanyard and strap holes on the pommel allow it to be strapped anywhere depending on your tactical survival needs. [Purchase: $29]
