tactical knives???

[AMRaider]

...If you were attacked by someone would you really care about how the knife feels or looks or functions?...

Yes. It doesn't matter what the situation is; It is important to me that my knives feel right and function well no matter what the task. I would have difficulty keeping a knife if it didn't feel right in the hand.

...A cheap 20$ walmart knife would do just as good in self defense as a 100$ knife...

Heaven forbid I am ever in a situation where I would have to defend myself using a knife. All else being equal, I would have more confidence in a $100 knife versus a $20 knife in performing any task. I have purchased cheap knives in the past and it has been my experience that generally, you will get better performance if you spend a little more.

...Human or animal skin is not that hard to cut through...

I dissected a cat while in college. It's skin was plenty tough, but maybe my scalpel was just dull.

...Camping, whittling, throwing, now that is where you need a good strong knife!

I agree. I like to have a good strong knife in all situations.

 

[chipped]

I'd say pocket clips and one-handed opening are the key.

Other than those issues, I'd carry a more traditional/classical knife or a SAK most of the time. I think that's a big part of the attraction of Sebenzas, the fusion of modern conveniences and engineering with classiness.

 

[Josh K]

Again more "Tactical" bull.

I prefer that my knives have refined ergos, a solid handle, strong lock, and a higher end blade steel. Opps. I just described a "Tactical" knife.

Take the Spyderco Military. It's generally accepted as a "Tactical" knife and marketed (targeted) as such. It's got a big blade, light weight, large hole, strong lock. What it isn't however, is "Tacticool." There is a difference between designing a knife for SD or hard use applications and designing it so everyone will go "Oh. Tactical knife. 440C premium surgical stainless blade steel. :drool:"

I'm currently EDC'ing my CF millie. It makes a very useful knife. Cutting bread, sandwiches, boxes, people's heads off. It's "Tactical" but it's also very "Functional." People who say that it must be a good knife because it's designed to look "Tactical" are ignorant. Add that to the fact that something like 89% of all knife related assults/murders/attacks are done with common kitchen knives.

 

[enderwiggin]

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.

I find I enjoy this post much more if I imagine Steve Urkel reading it aloud.

Of course, at least Urkel would probably take the time to become informed about what a tactical knife is before lecturing people on their uses.

And he probably wouldn't be trolling.

 

[stabman]

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.

Thank you.
I agree that it's weird how some people have to put down what others like to feel better about themselves. I mean, I personally do not own any slip-joints, other than one Swiss Army knife, but I can see their usefulness, and appreciate the beauty of many of the fine designs out there. I certainly wouldn't make fun of someone because they prefered slip-jointed knives.
I also do not see the need for a cell phone or a laptop computer, as I live my life perfectly contentedly with neither, but I don't laugh at all my fellow students who tend to have both. They seem to get some use out of them, so it's all good.:thumbup:

 

[rick43t3]

Thank you.
I agree that it's weird how some people have to put down what others like to feel better about themselves. I mean, I personally do not own any slip-joints, other than one Swiss Army knife, but I can see their usefulness, and appreciate the beauty of many of the fine designs out there. I certainly wouldn't make fun of someone because they prefered slip-jointed knives.
I also do not see the need for a cell phone or a laptop computer, as I live my life perfectly contentedly with neither, but I don't laugh at all my fellow students who tend to have both. They seem to get some use out of them, so it's all good.:thumbup:

It's funny I just took a walk and on my way back I checked out a Addidas travel bag on the ground in the woods. I have seen this bag there for at least a 6 months or more. I shook it and I heard some change in there. I picked it up and took it home. I emptied the bag, and to my suprise a Swiss army Tinker fell out. I also got $2.80 in change and a nice 14ct gold ring. Not bad for a little walk. I sprayed wd40 on the knife and let it soak in now I can open the blades and gadgets and it is in good shape. I'll put the change in my large piggy bank and in the spring when we go to Las Vegas, I will go to my buddies bank, and get the change counted for free. I had $77 in change this year, and I won $550 at craps the second night I was there. I take just the change I save, with me. I have a bank card so I don't take cash until I need it. i have had alot of luck out there, and I do pretty well. Now I have a nice SA knife, an Addidas nylon bag, a gold ring, and $2.80 in change. I guess about $200 find. I found 17 cents yesterday as well. I told my buddy, who always picks up change on the street(he is a millionaire) he loves to here these type of things, It's a riot with that guy. He asked how much I found yesterday too. Like the saying goes, money goes to money.

 

[hybernaut]

Shit just got TACTICAL.

 

[Lycosa]

"Tactical" is a marketing catch-word, and man, did it work!!

 

[hwpaintballer]

CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?.

:thumbup:

 

[Fred Sanford]

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.

I really couldn't have said it any better. I agree with Vivi 100%.

I like one handed opening pocket clip-able knives.

 

[elkins45]

I think Stabman pretty much put this thread to bed with his excellent response, and I thank Wutitiz for his use of the term 'sport utility knife'

Sport utility knife= a class of folding pocket knives generally possessing the following characteristics:

1. Has a single blade which locks automatically when opened
2. Can be opened with one hand by the use of a blade hole, thumb stud, etc.
3. Has a pocket clip for speedy access
4. Is constructed of robust materials which can tolerate considerable stress

I have a number of sport utility knives that I EDC, but I don't believe that I have any 'tactical' knives.

 

[Phil Elmore]

This thread is an obvious act of trolling.

 

[MHall52]

After what every one else said I don't really have anything new to add. However, after loving and growing up with knives, and 45 years of them, for a folder it is just my personal preference to want one which is beefy (big hands), is reliable, sturdy or stout, and is easy to open with one hand. To be honest, I don't know if there is a concensus on the definition of tactical.

 

[me2]

Bring on the Case Large Trappers with smooth one handed opening, and Blue/Black or Red/Black G-10 scales instead of all the attempts to replicate stag and I'm all over traditional knives. Conversely, start putting 1/16" thick, full flat grind, D2, S60V, S90V, S30V, 13C27, and 154CM, wharncliffe and clip point blades in knives with axis locks, pocket clips, finger grooves and adjustable pivots, and I'm back to "tactical" knives.

 

[So-Lo]

It's funny I just took a walk and on my way back I checked out a Addidas travel bag on the ground in the woods. I have seen this bag there for at least a 6 months or more. I shook it and I heard some change in there. I picked it up and took it home. I emptied the bag, and to my suprise a Swiss army Tinker fell out. I also got $2.80 in change and a nice 14ct gold ring. Not bad for a little walk. I sprayed wd40 on the knife and let it soak in now I can open the blades and gadgets and it is in good shape. I'll put the change in my large piggy bank and in the spring when we go to Las Vegas, I will go to my buddies bank, and get the change counted for free. I had $77 in change this year, and I won $550 at craps the second night I was there. I take just the change I save, with me. I have a bank card so I don't take cash until I need it. i have had alot of luck out there, and I do pretty well. Now I have a nice SA knife, an Addidas nylon bag, a gold ring, and $2.80 in change. I guess about $200 find. I found 17 cents yesterday as well. I told my buddy, who always picks up change on the street(he is a millionaire) he loves to here these type of things, It's a riot with that guy. He asked how much I found yesterday too. Like the saying goes, money goes to money.

Hello random

 

[Fred Sanford]

Hello random

LMAO.

Dude that makes 2 of us. That just gave me a good laugh this morning. :thumbup:

 

[SIFU1A]

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.

oh yeah lets all go back to the thrilling days of yesteryear and carry slipjoints lol.

incredibely enough some folks prefer knives with "useless" additions like say pocket clips, the ability to be opened one handed, decent locks, mundane stuff like that, and a lot of 'em arent even ninja's.