What exactly constitutes a "Tactical" Knife?

S

Social cameleon

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Sep 2, 2001
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The term has been bandied about quite a bit, and I don't know whether it's a technical term, or just advertizing. Some of the blades I've seen with this dubious destinction range from one handed folders, (Which I associate the term with) to fixed full tang sheathe types, to "T" handle punchers. They have single/false/double edges, drop/clip/tanto points, and flat/wedge/double grinds. So far I haven't seen a tactical balisong, but I wouldn't be suprized to.
 
Tactical.....Hmm. A knife made for use in aiding military forces in securing strategic objectives?

If military knives are "tactical," then my Victorinox and Wenger Swiss Army knives are tactical. So is my Joseph Rodgers British Army knife with marlin spike and my Kabar USMC knife as well as my Aitor Spanish Army knife.

Anyway, look at all the modern one handers shown on knife magazines. That's what is being referred to as tactical. It's a marketing term ;)
 
Pretty much what I figured, but I'll stick to my origonal personal definition. A one handed folder, or automatic designed for rapid deployment, and presumably fighting. Everybody's got a definition, so I thought I'd get one too.
 
What makes a tactical knive?

A few less than utilitarian options incorporated into the design, choice of bead blast or black coating, and a little marketing.

:)
 
Originally posted by chrisaloia
I think an srk was the first tactical out there.
Click to expand...

SRK...Search and Rescue knife? If a member of the Coast Guard used a Camillus US Navy Marlin spike knife to aid in rescue operations, is the knife tactical? What if the same knife is used by an average working class Joe as a utility knife to open boxes, cut line and undo knots with the marlin spike, is the knife no longer tactical?

The term "Tactical Folder" is used to identify modern folding knife designs of a type originated by Bob Terzuola, but like Erik suggested, a little bead blast here, a little Ti-Ni coating there, holes or grooves in the handles, G-10 scales, Tanto points, one-hand opening devices, plus a little marketing and..... "Voila!"
You have yourself a tactical folder. :)
 
A couple of years ago, we took this question quite seriously. I guess most folks just know what a tactical knife is these days. We've taken an overused marketing term and made it mean something useful I think.

A tactical knife is one that is suitable for both a wide variety of utility tasks and as a self-defense tool. It should have a strong blade, particularly near the tip, and an ergonomic handle that provides a very secure grip in both forward and reverse grips, in both dry and wet conditions. It should have a carry system that holds the knife well while still allowing quick, one-handed deployment under difficult circumstances. Any knife that meets these simple requirements should be fairly tactical. It doesn't matter what it looks like, what it is made out of, or what your usual utility tasks are. If it works for you, it is your tactical knife.
 
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