High end folding tactical knife companies

A lot of folks think military and tactical... funny thing is most knives used by military are used to cut mre's and do the common tasks that everyday people do, just a little more often and you don't get to sharpen it as often. There are so few knife related deaths in regards to the war on terror or any war. One of the most badass guys was the Sgt. who wrote house to house, and he actually killed two guys with his ballistic plate
 
I've always liked the look of the Blade-Tech MLEK. Looks like a high quality piece. TOPS make some folders that are well regarded.
 
I think tactical is an overhyped and misused word. But if there is a general set of qualities that is essential to most knives labeled "tactical" it seems to be

1. Easy to open, can be opened quickly.
2. Reliable locking mechanism.
3. Reasonably durable.
4. A protective finish that does not wear/scratch easily or appear too flashy
5. Reasonable ergonomics/weight/balance
6. Blade steel - corrosion resistance/toughness/edge retention

Though not all knives marketed as "tactical" necessarily possess all qualities or excel in all of them. I've seen some ridiculously heavy folders that weren't comfortable to hold or had locks that were annoying to release.

In reality, a lot of non-tactical knives already share these qualities.
 
As has been mentioned "tactical" is overused and really has nothing to do with how a knife can be used. It just seems to be a descriptive word for a a kind of look that a knife has.
 
Smith & Wesson. After all, how much more tactical than "H.R.T." or "Extreme Ops" or "Homeland Security" can it possibly get? :cool:
 
I don't think anyone has mentioned Chris Reeve yet with the Sebezna.

Can someone explain to me why someone should/would pay nearly $400 for an otherwise featureless folding blade? I'm sure it's tough as nails but still... $385... Ouch!
 
Here is a definition of a tactical folder that I like. I think it is from Les Robertson.

Definition of a Tactical Folder:
A tactical folder as "a knife used by people who need a dependable piece of solidly build equipment, a folder that gives you -- in all cases -- confidence".

The OP was talking about PRODUCTION not custom knives.
 
T.K.C. said:
Here is a definition of a tactical folder that I like. I think it is from Les Robertson.

Definition of a Tactical Folder:
A tactical folder as "a knife used by people who need a dependable piece of solidly build equipment, a folder that gives you -- in all cases -- confidence".

The OP was talking about PRODUCTION not custom knives.
Click to expand...

Yes I was asking about production knives, but I now have quite a few suggestions to consider, so thanks to all who chimed in.
 
Hi TKC,

Thanks for giving me credit...but that is not my definition. Interesting thoughts though.

My definition of a tactical knife...non-reflective blade, Titanium frame and/or bolster, stainless steel guard (fixed blade..if it has a guard) synthetic handle/scale material.

Remember "Tactical" is a marketing term to describe a particular style of knife.

It has nothing to do with quality, reliability, etc.

Each person has their own standards for that.
 
I can't believe Microtech was only mentioned once. Yeah Benchmade has the HK Snody lineup if Snody's customs are too pricey for ya. I wouldn't say CRK or Strider are tactical. Striders are too....big and bulky more of a HARD USE/tank knife. Rick Hinderer's knives are the same thing, I like to think of them as a cross between Strider and CRK basically a classy yet bomb proof knife.

I use to collect mostly tactical knives, but now a days it's probably more 50-50. You have to have a few "people friendly" knives and a few tactical/cool looking knives.
 
Also check my other thread about pohl force for really convincing tactical products that at least in Europe are competitively priced.
 
Yuna knives. This one.

zombie slayer.
zombiekilleryuna.jpg
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