BladeforumsTop ten tacticals

fudo

fudo

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OK, since there is quite a bit of criticism of Blade magazine's list of top ten tactical folders, and since this is one of the most informed groups around, on this subject. What is our top ten?
 
I'll throw some production folders out there. If I personally were picking my top ten tacticals there would undoubtedly be some fixed blades and customs. I would also put the Spyderco Wegner in there as it was one fabulous tactical knife albeit very uner rated. I am listing these in no particular order.

Sebenza
Sere 2000
Benchmade 710
Benchmade AFCK
Spyderco Military
Spyderco Endura
Camillus EDC (a little on the small side though)
Buck Strider
Buck 110
Emerson Commander
 
Originally posted by shootist16
I'll throw some production folders out there. If I personally were picking my top ten tacticals there would undoubtedly be some fixed blades and customs. I would also put the Spyderco Wegner in there as it was one fabulous tactical knife albeit very uner rated. I am listing these in no particular order.

Sebenza
Buck 110
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Since when did the Sebenza become a tactical knife? I guess my Toyota Corolla is a sports car. And the Buck 110? Are you for real?:rolleyes:

Mike
 
Originally posted by Medic1210
Since when did the Sebenza become a tactical knife? I guess my Toyota Corolla is a sports car. And the Buck 110? Are you for real?:rolleyes:
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I wouldn't call the Sebenza "tactical," but the Buck 110 sure can be!
 
How is the Buck 110 any more tactical than a Sebenza?!

I recall that one BFC member said that his 110 was at the height of biker chic back in the day. So maybe it was tactical for him, back then.

To me, the term tactical also implies speed of presentation (relative to other knives made in the same era). Thumb nicks aren't too fast, compared to thumbstuds (let's just consider the conventional openings, none of the crazy tricks). So I don't consider the 110 a tactical knife, but more of a hunter's multipurpose knife. But if you put a thumbstud on the blade, you could probably convince me that it's a tactical.
 
No real order:

Al Mar SERE 2000
Benchmade 42 (or the other variants)
Spyderco Police
Spyderco Military
Emerson CQC7
Microtech SOCOM
Microtech Tachyon/Dragonfly
Benchmade 910 Stryker
Spyderco Endura
Spyderco Civilian

Kershaw Scallion just in case you run up against a gang of hobbits.
 
Originally posted by AlphalphaPB
How is the Buck 110 any more tactical than a Sebenza?!

I recall that one BFC member said that his 110 was at the height of biker chic back in the day. So maybe it was tactical for him, back then.

To me, the term tactical also implies speed of presentation (relative to other knives made in the same era). Thumb nicks aren't too fast, compared to thumbstuds (let's just consider the conventional openings, none of the crazy tricks). So I don't consider the 110 a tactical knife, but more of a hunter's multipurpose knife. But if you put a thumbstud on the blade, you could probably convince me that it's a tactical.
Click to expand...

Well, if you grab the knife by the blade (tip up) and fling the handle open you can have the Buck 110 open pretty quick. That is why I would consider it tactical. It was tactical before tactical was even a word. ;)
 
I put the 110 in there, not because it would be my first choice, but because it is considered by many to be the first production tactical. I think it should be in there. One can get a one-armed-bandit for the 110 that makes one hand opening a breeze.

I listed the Sebenza because of my definition of what a tactical knife is. There is an excellent thread where this definition is discussed. http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=231784

Sergiusz Mitin defines tactical knife as:

[*]The blade adequately long to perform heavy cutting tasks and to be reasonably efficient in self defense situations, say 3,5-inces at least;
[*]The handle adequately big to provide enough leverage, good handling comfort and security to perform these tasks;
[*]Entire construction strong enough to apply full user’s force and – if required – also weight for cutting (not for prying!);
[*]Strong and reliable locking device is definitely required to protect user’s fingers on casual negative (in closing direction) load;
[*]Pocket-clip equipped handle is quite welcome for easy access;
[*]One-hand opening device is mandatory for fast and easy deployment.

I believe the Sebenza definately fits in this role.
 
I would say the large sebanza could very well be considered a tactical folding knife with it's construction and size.
More people have carried a Buck 110 for defense and edc than any other knife made. I wouldn't have listed it or really even thought of it as "tactical" but sometimes we consider tactical by "look" and not use, it very well may have been used in more "tactical" situations than any other knife out there if truth be known. So like I said I wouldn't/didn't list it but can very well see it.
 
In no specific order...

Spyderco Endura
Syderco Military
CRKT M16 series
CRKT KFF Professional
Emerson Commander
Emerson CQC-7
Microtech SOCOM
Microtech LCC
Benchmade Ares 730 (and other Axis models)
Buck Strider

This is just my vote based on what I've checked out and what I've read. I haven't spent too much time with the Emmersons and Microtechs cause they are out of my reach.

However, at least I got back into the spirit of the post and voted for something rather than criticise th poor guy who started it ;)
 
And, at the risk of being flame-roasted....

I forgot about the
SOG Flash II (I'd rather have that than the Buck Strider)
 
And then there's the ......
Camillus Cuda Maxx
Cold Steel Voyager


Oh boy, forget it, I can't pick just 10
:confused: :footinmou :grumpy: :rolleyes:
 
These are the ones that I have kept and carry.

Benchmade AFCK
Spyderco Chinook
Spyderco Ayoob
Large Sebenza

The top three have holes, the bottom a stud.

FWIW:)
 
:rolleyes:
dunno.gif
I guess it all comes down to the word "tactical" being used all too often these days. I guess it is any knife you have on you when a "tactical" situation pops up. Personally, when I think of the word tactical, I think of something pertaining to Military, Police, or SWAT tactics etc. This would be knives designed specifically for this purpose. I still don't consider the Sebenza to be in this class. Don't get me wrong, the Sebenza is a top notch knife that is built like a tank, but not designed to be "tactical" by how I see it. To each his own.

Mike
 
Originally posted by AlphalphaPB
To me, the term tactical also implies speed of presentation (relative to other knives made in the same era). Thumb nicks aren't too fast, compared to thumbstuds (let's just consider the conventional openings, none of the crazy tricks).
Click to expand...
Originally posted by im2smrt4u
Well, if you grab the knife by the blade (tip up) and fling the handle open you can have the Buck 110 open pretty quick. That is why I would consider it tactical. It was tactical before tactical was even a word. ;)
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The knife wasn't designed to be opened like that, was it? There's also the problem of scooching your hand down onto the handle again, presenting the risk of droppage or cutting yourself, in an urgent situation.

I just think that the 110 might have been considered a tactical knife 20 years ago, but now it has been kicked out of the category by the newer knives that are more specifically designed to be quickly opened.
 
I think the Buck 110 belongs on the list.Just like a '57 Chevy may not compare all that well to todays cars doesn't mean it wasn't a great car once,one that is still talked of and lusted after,one that had a big influence.

If its a top ten current list it still belongs.Why? Well most think of tacticals as a knife for both SD and utility use.Well guess what? alot of people still think of their 110 as a last ditch SD knife as well as utility.Sure there are many more better suited new knives but the masses still think of the 110 in this way.So to a large number of people it fits the "tacical"knife role even if they haven't ever heard the phrase tacical knife.
 
Let me drop in here and suggest that in order for a knife to be considered "tactical," one has to be able to practice combative tactics with it. That means that a trainer variant MUST be available.

I don't care how fast you can open it. I don't care how well-built it is. I don't care how cool-looking it is. If you can't learn to use it and practice with it hands-on as realistically as possible, then what good is it?
 
I'd go for:
-Benchmade AFCK
-Emerson CQC7
-Emerson Commander
-Buck Strider
-MOD Dieter
-KFF
-M16
-Buck 110 (I think it should be here)
-Spyderco Endura
-Benchmade Stryker

Matt
 
I guess I am missing something on this notion of something being "tactical" or not. I carry a pocket knife to cut stuff, etc...in fact, the other day, my Umfaan was very useful in getting a receipt out of the ATM.

So, help me out here, out of curiosity, how many have actually used a knife in a "tactical" situation, where having a "tactical" vs. non-tactical knife made or would have made a difference? I see a lot of talk about things being "tactical" but I wonder what it really boils down to. For just folks on the street, it seems a little overblown. Is it mainly just a marketing word used to increase the price or sell more of a particular unit or is there something more?

I am guilty of purchasing some stuff because it looked cool or was the hot product of the moment, but when I lay a CQC7 next to a Sebenza, they both look like they could kill or hurt somebody very badly, they're both made very well, they both seem to be very strong. I'd run like hell if somebody came after me with either one (or I'd shoot them).

So, from a the standpoint of sharing some knowledge or expertise with me (as opposed to flaming me) why all the focus on "tactical"? Aside from Police/EMT/Military, etc., is it really necessary or even realistic?

BTW, I do believe in being able to protect yourself. I have a carry permit and use it on a regular basis...but I wouldn't necessarily label my tool as "tactical". Using terms like this might also make a particular item the target of the politically motivated. Words have meaning...just look how the term "assault-(fill in the blank)" has been abused.

No need to flame, just looking for an experienced, realistic perspective.

Regards,

Mike
 
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