tactical knives???

neal8929 said:
A cheap 20$ walmart knife would do just as good in self defense as a 100$ knife. Human or animal skin is not that hard to cut through.
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Wrong.
A $20 knife is fine if you intend to MURDER people, as you then have more control as to targeting and angle of attack.
Defense situations are sudden and unpredictable, and that extra lock strength is necessary for the odd angles you may have to counter from.
Murderers can get away with crappy knives, especially since they attack with suprise so as to avoid resistance.
A regular person will get more benefit from a higher quality knife, whether from campcraft, defense, or just plain old pride of ownership.
 
Off topic: LuciousClay thank you for serving :thumbup:

ok back on topic, I respectfully disagree with you opinion on the whole 20 dollar knife from walmart ideal neal, but it is your opinion and everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
 
I think the word tactical was inserted to differentiate from traditional. (well, it kinda bloomed with Emerson, Terzuola, Crawford, etc)
 
overused word, but there is definitely a need for "tactical" items, ie, lights, clothing, knives.

most people dont need anything tactical, but i try not think less of someone who likes, but doesn't "need", any tactical item. there are exceptions, of course.

it becomes a joke with over the top marketing, not to mention the knife market is inundated with such items.

imo tactical = quickly deployed, durable, reliable, and most often black (or dark).
 
"Tactical knife" is poor English in most cases. Tactic means 'planned action' so tactical as an adjective just doesn't apply to knives. Tactics lie in the brain, not the knife.

Calling a Spyderco or Emerson folder 'tactical' because it is designed with self-defense in mind is not unlike calling a chef's knife 'delicious' because it is designed with food-prep in mind.

A better term is 'sport-utility' folder.
 
that may be true, but its just semantics.

we all know what is meant when an item is labeled as tactical.

tactic can also just be a reference to an act or maneuver.
 
As far as traditional type folders go I have come to really appreciate my kershaw double cross. I just wish they would make it in a higher end steel. It seems to be the best cross between traditional and modern utility. Tactical knifes have come to represent so many styles that I think the term really gets overused. There really is no use arguing the point as to why a person carries this knife or that knife and the offense that people are taking with regards to this discussion really boggles my mind. The fact is that the buck 110 could have been considered a tactical knife if someone would have coined it as such. It has a single large blade and a backlock, but try telling someones grandpa that he is silly for carrying such an obviously offensive knife and I bet you get slapped. Some models out there are obviously geared toward self defense but there are so many that fall into a gray category that I really do think a term like heavy utility would be more appropriate. Ok, I am done now, and yeah I realize that I am very long winded tonight.
 
Get over it! While a tactical knife should be capable of being used for CQB, this is not - and I emphasise not- its most common (and I would argue not even its primary use). Tactical knives are used far more often for mundane, everyday tasks - rarely are they used for fighting or self-defence - but in a pinch - one you can depend on to not let you down - whether it's freeing a boat prop or whittling a piece of wood on the back porch.

I quote from Abe Elias - Knives Illustrated, Aug'08
"A tactical folder is a knife used by people who need a dependable piece of solidly built equipment, a folder that gives you - in all cases - confidence."
 
Depends on what the OP is calling a tactical knife.
I suspect it's based almost solely on looks.
Black synthetic handles, black coating on the blade, angular blades, etc.

IMO what makes a blade "tactical" is that it has properties that enhance it's usefulness in a fight -- where tactics are used, thus, tactical. Having a black handle and/or black finish does not make a tactical knife. IMO an old-fashioned wood handled Bowie knife is more tactical than 90% of the blades billed as "tactical".

Why carry a tactical knife? Well, like I said, because it has features that make it superior to a non-tactical knife for use in a fight. One-handed opening, for one. A sure grip, no matter how ugly. A guard on a fixed blade or heavy detent in the handle, etc.

Why not a $20 Wal-Mart soecial instead of a $100 knife? Because that knife is $20 for a reason. Contrary to popular myth, you want a strong knife in a fight. Something that can handle odd angles, being twisted around, etc. You've pretty much screwed yourself if you end up "sticking it in and breaking it off". Because now you don't have a knife, and people who attack other people these days rarely do so alone anymore.
 
I suppose the only tactical knives I have are:
- KABAR Camillus US Army
- and 2 BM Nimravii

I didn't get them because they were tactical, but because they are highly useful knives of varying design and materials.

Again, I say, let us not denigrate the usefullness of dew drops in the morn.....
 
stabman said:
Wrong.
A $20 knife is fine if you intend to MURDER people, as you then have more control as to targeting and angle of attack.
Defense situations are sudden and unpredictable, and that extra lock strength is necessary for the odd angles you may have to counter from.
Murderers can get away with crappy knives, especially since they attack with suprise so as to avoid resistance.
A regular person will get more benefit from a higher quality knife, whether from campcraft, defense, or just plain old pride of ownership.
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Wow, did you hit the nail on the head. I agree entirely with what you posted. If someone dosen't want a tactical knife, don't buy one. Why would some of these posters try to put us down? I'm missing the point I guess. All knives are good. This is BLADE FORUMS. What the heck! Everybody on this forum is supposed to be a knife lover, advocate, etc. If they are not, then maybe this is not the best place for them to be. We love knives of all types around here, some people have an interest in certain types or brands, but all in all, I believe this forum is for all knives.:confused:
 
slipjoint pirates live vicariously everytime they slice into an apple, or whittle a stick do not underestimate us!:D We can make a case peanut a terror inducing slab of delrin and steel, i created this flag to strike fear into the heart of the tacti-cool crowd. I first produced my pistol and introduced my stockman...
cheers
dread slippie-pirate ivan
pirates.png
 
StretchNM said:
Ninjas, stabbing cops, pirates, ......what if you're a denizen? Or maybe a corporate CEO? THese persons have a much greater need for tactical knives than most realize. What if you're a chef serving in a combat-free zone? Or a computer programmer in silicon valley? Or campaigning for position as vice-treasurer in Senegal? Or....Perhaps a hand-maiden to a time-warp professor?

Let us not denigrate the need for these highly-prized tactical cutting implements. Nor shall we loathe the paring of an apple or the gentle petting of warm puppies.
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OK I admit...I laughed...alot!
 
neal8929 said:
Why would anyone want a tactical knife? I am sick of seeing youtube reviews on knives with people saying a knife is good because it is "tactical". If you are ever truly in a life threatening situation that you would have to defend yourself with a knife, would you really care what the knife looks like or how it feels? A good utility knife is better than not having any knife, AND you can use it great for everyday tasks. Maybe if you are a ninja and constantly fending off foes, than yes a tactical knife would be the way to go. or a cop who wants to stab people, or maybe a pirate.
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What makes a good tactical knife often makes a good utility knife, the two are not dependant on distinct design criteria in every case. Consider...

Pocket clip for quick access. This has changed the way most people picture a pocket knife, and not just for tactical situations. People every day enjoy the convenience of pocket clips when doing mundane things, like breaking down cardboard boxes at work.

Opening hole for one handed operation. Again, a great "tactical" feature, but one that crosses over into utility. If you have an injured hand or arm, one handed access makes opening the knife much easier. If you have arthritis or nervve damage you will probably prefer them to nail nicks. Or if you just don't like having to put down what you're holding, take two hands to open a knife, then cut, you'll like one handed opening.

Secure grip. I don't have experience in stabbing people, but I'd imagine a secure grip would be preferable. For utility usage, I've come to appreciate textured G10 and contoured grips. It's nice not having to re-adjust my hand every slice I make into a cardboard box, or not having to be as concerned with cutting my hand because it slipped when working out in the cold with numbed hands, etc.

For many "tactical" features on knives, you'll find they can pose benefits for utility use as well. Locks, blade coatings etc. all have their place in utility knives IMO.

For example, I sometimes carry a waved Endura 4. It has an aggressive grip texture, wave opening device, locking blade, robust construction and so forth. I've never stabbed someone with it, but I do find it awfully convenient for whacking a thorn bush down when I'm walking through a trail in the woods or opening a package. Yes, I could do the same with a Swiss Army Knife. I could also walk to work. But I find the Spyderco, and driving, to be of great convenience.
 
Knives are tools to be used, just try not to be used by the tool that sold you on the idea that you need a tactical knife. If you do have to use it for defence the judge you get will throw the book at the nut that used the (super delux t-rex neck nicker), more so than the guy that used the traditional folder.
 
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