Traditional vs Tactical

JK Knives

JK Knives

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Just wondering why most here prefer traditional knives over tactical knives. Anyone have their own reason?
 
Just my opinion, but if im ever in a knife fight I want my blade facing downward (palm of my hand) and the butt of the knife facing upward (toward my thumb).

That way, when I punch or hit the attacker there is no chance of me slicing my ear off or cutting through my cheek when im swinging.

With my knife in this position it would allow me to follow through with my hits and cut the attacker when I swing.

That being said, no blade shape really matters over any other... Take that back. I guess a kerambit style blade would be the best design in this case.
 
I prefer traditionals for working, kitchen prep, or outdoor work for everything else I guess I carry a tactical knife. I always have an Emerson CQC-10 in my weak side pocket for weapon retention. I draw it reverse grip edge out drawn close to my body to stab outwards and gain distance while locking down on my holster with my right hand. Now having said all that why do I feel like I got some prac tac on me?:D
 
Typically my traditional have thinner stock and grinds. They are more useful for what actually need the knife to do, which is slice.

Traditional also tend to be more people friendly.

Try just feel right.

I still have modern knives, but they are a back up, notmally.
 
I prefer my knives traditional and my guns walnut and blued steel. I don't spend any time kicking in doors or "running ops", nor do I want to look like I do. Tactical is as tactical does. I'm VERY confident that my Camp & Trail, Hiker III, or incoming Mud Turtle XL would handle any and all "tactical" needs that I or any one else would ever have. And I don't have to look like a "high speed, low drag" wanna be.
 
I guess it depends on what you consider tactical and traditional. Even the Americanized version of the Tanto is based on a centuries old design, likely older than many designs people would consider traditional like the Bowie.

To me, using the word tactical to describe anything is just a way to try and help sell it. I like knives and I like that they come in an almost endless variety of shapes and sizes.
 
Two of the things that determine tactical or traditional are;
DECLARATION &
IMPRESSION

If Cold Steel was to make a Kephart similar to a JK, wood scales and all, but DECLARE it to be a tactical knife and do a video showing tactical and anti-personel use...then its a tactical knife

If John was to make a Kephart pattern with 1/4" stock, a blood groove, a blackened blade and Kraton handles with a Kydex sheath then certainly the impression would be that it was a tactical knife.

The only knife impervious to this kind of mischief was the JK version of the Herter's Improved Bowie (humped version):)

I think that most of us at times enjoy handling both styles (Love my Kabar USMC also)

Both types allow us to mentally project ourselves into scenarios that interest us.
 
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Has there ever been a TACTICAL slip joint? Other than the military issued general use or electrical folders of yore
 
Traditional for me, i prefer natural handle materials and carbon steel, i thunk their performance is all you ever need or i will anyway and i oike a knive i can sharpen, repair myself with the need for diamonds or 1000 dollar machines :p
 
I guess another reason I like traditional knives more is because im naturally drawn to "old" things. I really admire how things were 100-200 years ago. Im trying to slowly build my life toward those simpler times.
 
Here's a question. What about the Randall Model One, or the Kabar, are they "tacticals" or "traditionals"? Think hard about your answer!
 
They are traditional fighters. Fighting knives, in my opinion, are not necessarily tactical.
 
Traditional points[clip - randall, bowie - kabar, etc] have evolved into fighting/tactical/utility, modern day definitions.
Good defensive knives can be readily accessed & deployed under duress, in close quarters, with a variety of grips[forward, reverse, etc] & with built in guards[finger, thumb] to prevent slippage of grip & cutting of one's fingers.
Having attended MDTS practical small knife skills with both LEO's & active duty military, i learned how much i didn't know about carry & use of folding & fixed blade knives.
I like knives that exhibit characteristics of both varieties.
Today's popular defensive knife is the shivworks 'clinch pick'
 
Speaking of tactical knives I just bought this little beauty that someone bubba'd up. I plan to redo the edge, make it a true spear point, and probably take away a little bit of height from the blade. This to me will be the definition of a "tactical knife" it has one purpose and one function, to open as fast as possible and to stab and it should excel at both.
s-l1600.jpg
 
STAINLESS90 said:
Speaking of tactical knives I just bought this little beauty that someone bubba'd up. I plan to redo the edge, make it a true spear point, and probably take away a little bit of height from the blade. This to me will be the definition of a "tactical knife" it has one purpose and one function, to open as fast as possible and to stab and it should excel at both.
s-l1600.jpg
Click to expand...

Man, That knife should press charges against it's prior owner!
 
B JACKSON said:
Man, That knife should press charges against it's prior owner!
Click to expand...
I'm debating redoing it myself or sending it out to one of our members. For the price I honestly couldn't let it carry on in that state. When I get it I'll ask it to show me where they touched it on the grinder.[emoji33]
 
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