looking for a high quality tactical knife

What you're describing is exactly what Chris Reeve aimed to do when he made the Yarborough and Pacific models. They are extremely resistant to corrosion in most atmospheres a traveler would face on this planet.

Those knives use S 35VN, and I really like that steel. You can also find it in some models Spartan Blades puts out, The Difensa and Harsey II.

Like others have mentioned, there are just a lot of options given your price range and what you're looking for. A lot of companies have tried to meet those needs. The knives others are mentioning are especially made for divers, who subject their knives to sea water daily. I don't think you need that much corrosion resistance, and would be very impressed with S35VN. Also, a maker named Bill Coye makes great tactical knives that are currently in high demand. The Ridgeback and Model 105. I would look at all these before making a decision.

Spartan Blades Difensa
Spartan Blades Harsey II
Coye Ridgeback
Coye Model 105
CRK Green Beret
CRK Pacific

These knives are generally compromises. You give a little here and give a little there to get the best all around performance. They retain some features that make them suitable for a combat tool, but they can handle pretty much everything - just not a good as a knife dedicated to each task.

Of course, there are cheaper alternatives

Look at the Fallikniven A1, Ka Bar's offerings, Ontario's combat type knives, etc. There are a ton of custom makers. Also, Knife Research, Fehrman and Busse may be a little closer to what you're looking for. Essee, Tops and Becker for more camp oriented tools that also retain combat effectiveness. Not to even mention folders - Strider, Zero Tolerance, Hinderer, Spyderco, and the list goes on.

Whatever you do, don't spend 300$ before looking at all these options. I highly suggest visiting a large knife store if possible and handling some for yourself.
 
bpeezer said:
I doubt he still wants the recommendations after six and a half years :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

:confused: how do people dredge up these posts... Google? Surely they don't all come from Google!

Oh well, if it popped up that means SOMEBODY is interested in it.
 
best allaround knife i have ever had is the cold steel srk, it might be a little cheap but it holds up great.
 
High quality steel... Rust resistant but very tough. Hmmm....

3V is excellent. But it will rust if neglected. Otherwise it makes for a fantastic knife steel. The closest thing to 3V I've found is Jerry Busse's Infi. Infi is more rust resistant than 3v. Having used both steels extensively, I doubt anyone could tell much difference between the two in a real life 'pepsi challenge'. Both are tough as nails and seem to hold an edge forever. Infi is less likely to chip on the edge. 3V seems to take a keener edge IMO. But like I said, the differences are very slight.

I salt water kayak with Infi. A simple rinse when I'm done fishing is all I've ever done... never even oiled it. I've had no probems save a few small specs. If you are planning on operating in salt water infi will be a great choice.

Oh... and welcome to bladeforums! Stick around a while, it is a great community...

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Thread is 6,5 years old, my guess is he already completed many thrilling backyard spec ops blade ninja missions in his backyard since then.
 
Isn't this the same fellow that was shot down flying over Russia in a spy-plane? Bet he used his knife to cut himself out of the wreckage.
 
Spend $25 on a Cold Steel GI Tanto and spend the rest of your money on gear. Seriously, this is one of the toughest knives out there at a ridiculously low price. I think it is the single best value for a tactical knife in the entire industry. Here is a user test.

[video=youtube;uHLIBtB8BOY]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHLIBtB8BOY[/video]

I also honestly believe that this knife is stronger than the Striders he mentions, especially considering the steels involved.

EDIT: I just realized this is a zombie thread. Well, I feel stupid. I'll leave this post here because the test is awesome.
 
I would recomend the cold steel recon 1 or the newest voyager i believe both come in tanto style and although most dont like serrations they can be very intimidating i would also recomend the sog flash 2 or the sog flashback if you're looking for a lightweight tactical knife you can edc with also check out the code 4 thats a nice knife as well i believe nutnfancy has a few recent videos on these knives you should check it out
 
How is this thread still alive? The OP asked the original, although very strange, question almost 7 years ago.
 
The thread is old, but the situation is still valid to some out there, and some new knives have come out since.

Spyderco Aqua Salt if you can find one, otherwise the Jumpmaster, Enuff H1, or the Warrior. The Enuff and Warrior are serrated though.
 
Its interesting to see how many recommendations for titanium blades there was 7 years ago, how times have changed...
 
Sorry -I know it's an old post but it helped me run across the Crusader Forge (aka Trident) knives which I think are very nice and I am buying a few (wow- long wait to get one). Spartans are nice too but nothing else I have really come across in all my searching has really knocked my socks off. So, because it helped me do that, I registered here so I could also share about these other great knives I have been buying lately. You won't find any better - the Tridents are about on par with these. Go to the website and check these out as well. Awesome tactical designs and some decent color selections. I really like the F-1 and the Lightning Spearpoint-----.25" thick 01 tool steel....58-59 HRC. Though they just started doing this Technical line of knives and are developing more options. James Behring has been making knives for a long time (learned from his dad, Jim Behring - Treeman Knives). Lots of high quality and great pride and craftsmanship in these products - great guys too....hope this helps someone else find a great quality knife!! Enjoy!!

http://www.behringmade.com/collections/behring-technical
 
I'd love to know why people respond to seven year old threads asking for knife recommendations.

Oh well. Any discussion that you see SOGs and Striders recommended in the same thread is always entertaining.
 
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