Hey Guys,
I have been acquiring a few more traditional knives lately. Curious to know how members feel about traditional knives and tactical knives. Do you use one or the other exclusively? It brings up another thought, what is a tactical knife. For me it is a single bladed knife, with a lock, and a pocket clip of some kind.
I'll start off with my thoughts.
My collection is probably 75% tactical 25% traditional. I just find tactical knives to be easier to use on a day to day basis.
And for purely an intellectual exercise I am going to post the exact thread on the Traditional Knife Forum and the General Knife Forum
Edit: You guys have brought up a good point, tactical has certain connotations, maybe "Modern VS. Traditionals" would have been a better descriptor. It just didn't sound as good.
I am 41 and have carried a knife since I was a kid. after decades of using a traditional knife such as a SAK or Case canoe butterbean, I bought several tactical knives. About 10 years ago I went back to my trusty Victorinox Pioneer SAK and have never looked back. The reason I prefer a traditional knife is that I am a Dad that works in an office. After carrying a Tac knife for a while I realized 2 things.
First: the Tactical knife seem to scare people. it was just a Smith & Wesson special S.W.A.T with a 3" blade but when I busted it out people looked at me as if it was a gun. I never had that response with my SAK or my little case Butterbean 2.5" blade.
Second: I found right away that I missed the extras on my SAK. As a father I often used the screw drivers to fix a toy on the go, open battery lids, or to pry little things open. I OFTEN used the awl (reamer) to pull nails out of the wall when hanging pictures or painting. I dont want to have to carry a knife AND a multi-tool. I like to carry as little as possible.
So in the end I found having JUST a blad wasnt enough for me. My EDC has to also be a tool. I find Tac knives too much of a knife, and multi-tools too much tool (I am not handy lol)
I feel it depends on your life style. If your in the military, a police officer,fireman, outdoorsman, or a handyman then a tactical knife or multi-tool would be great. As I said I am a Father, and Office worker that isnt a handy guy at all. So for me I use my knife to open bills, remove splinters, cut strings on jackets, or clothes, and cut a picture out of a magazine. I like the SAK for the screwdrivers and awl.
Each person will prefer a knife style based on their lives.