what is a tactical knife?

"Tactical" is a meaningless term used to lure in the novice, who knows nothing about equipment and hence would have no appreciation of better descriptive language. Every knife ever made is tactical; it would have had some proported use or it would never have been made. The implication that the thing may have some military association is equally useless. 99.9999999% of the time the military uses their knives, just as a civilian would use a knife, to cut open packages, cut cordage, light wood processing duties and anything else a knife may be used for. A soldier is probably a million times more likely to accidentally stab himself then he is to stab anyone else in self defense; and, even if so inclined, there is no specific insight that these guys in their teens and early 20s would have that you wouldn't have already learned as a knife enthusiats. I put "tactical knife" in the same category as "surgical steel", a meaningless novice lure and nothing more.

n2s
 
A "tactical" knife must be able to deploy on its own, attack and "disable" the attacker. Basically it has to be all black, needs nasty serrations and a blood groove of course. And to test all of these qualities you need to stab cardboard, and baton thru some wood/bone. I think thats a simple enough definition.
 
GentlemanlySteve said:
A "tactical" knife must be able to deploy on its own, attack and "disable" the attacker. Basically it has to be all black, needs nasty serrations and a blood groove of course. And to test all of these qualities you need to stab cardboard, and baton thru some wood/bone. I think thats a simple enough definition.
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Don't forget....it also must contain blood spatter while de-animating an opponent. :D

n2s
 
Any knife that will give you enable you to grow a Costa-esque beard and grant you the right to call yourself an "operator".
 
jimh0220 said:
For examples of this, please refer the Cold Steel web site or Busse subforum :)
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"Busse", Says the Beckerhead......remind me what the BK3 is, that's right it's the Becker Tactical Tool!
 
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First, you should probably read up on the root of such terms. 'Tactical' being that which carries attributes lending to a specialized role. not2sharp is correct, that in this way, all knives are tactical. As are your shoes. However, 'Tactical' in an offensive role is just that; the knife will be be specialized for combat, ie, harming humans. The particulars are just down to personal preference.
 
To me there are two general definitions. The most accepted being a non-glare blade (black or bead blasted) in a larger sized folder intended to take a lot of abuse, be one handed operational and lock open, and be effective in a combat role.

The more traditional definition (in my opinion) is simply a very useful blade. A blade that can and will be used in many situations that will help facilitate not only battle but transport, downtime, prep for battle, etc. Think about the swiss army knife. Not really a good choice for a knife fight but definitely a "tactical folder".
 
WillardCorspe said:
However, 'Tactical' in an offensive role is just that; the knife will be be specialized for combat, ie, harming humans. The particulars are just down to personal preference.
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I'm glad to be able to join a discussion about our favourite ways to use tools designed to harm humans.

But "tactical" is just one aspect of combat. When I was new I bought and carried 'tactical' knives, but now I prefer strategic ones. You know, those blades that disrupt supply lines, shut down enemy factories, and imperil entire cities. They may not have an immediately measurable impact, but we need to move beyond this short-term thinking and plan for the big picture with our everyday carry.
 
Largely a marketing term. In very general terms:

Fixed blade: relatively straight blade, handle material man-made (with the exception of leather washers), often, but not limited to full tang (Ka-Bar are stick tang w/ leather washers), often, but less frequently at time passes, including some serrations...a trend falling by the wayside. Color will be muted...sometimes just black. Often with coated or colored blades too. Sheaths tending toward synthetic material and tending toward multiple carry options (MOLLE, lashing, etc).

Folding: for those above that apply ditto. Plus: Locking blade. One hand opening. Usually pocket clip. In the folder world there is a very strong tendency toward stainless steels.

I think if you look at the real world there are probably a lot of policemen, SWAT team members, Soldier, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen carrying a stag handled stockman pattern. And of course there are going to be hunters and fishermen carrying ESEE knives.
 
keepright said:
I'm glad to be able to join a discussion about our favourite ways to use tools designed to harm humans.

But "tactical" is just one aspect of combat. When I was new I bought and carried 'tactical' knives, but now I prefer strategic ones. You know, those blades that disrupt supply lines, shut down enemy factories, and imperil entire cities. They may not have an immediately measurable impact, but we need to move beyond this short-term thinking and plan for the big picture with our everyday carry.
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I appreciate your sarcasm, but I don't think this is a discussion on how knives are used to hurt people. I was under the impression it was about the terminology.

Like I said;

WillardCorspe said:
First, you should probably read up on the root of such terms. 'Tactical' being that which carries attributes lending to a specialized role. not2sharp is correct, that in this way, all knives are tactical. As are your shoes. However, 'Tactical' in an offensive role is just that; the knife will be be specialized for combat, ie, harming humans. The particulars are just down to personal preference.
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sjakh said:
a tactical knife is a totally black knife, with a partially serrated edge. Basically it is blacked out, so the victim cannot see which way the blade is coming at him/her at night. It is plain edge to start with to make a nice piercing cut and the serrations take care of the vital organs like a chainsaw. It must be tactically employed in all situations it is used. Whether it be stabbing someone or cutting string. The draw must be fast, smooth, and achieve maximum scariness.
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lmfao
+1
 
"Tactical knife" is one of the most annoying and overused phrases in the knife world. Normally used by idiots who know nothing about knives and think that if they buy one they will automatically become a soldier of fortune.

Any sharp piece of steel can kill someone. If you need to kill someone with a blade all you have to do is pick up a kitchen knife or a piece of jagged/sharp metal. But I'm sure all the highly trained mall ninjas here wouldn't agree to call a kitchen knife "tactical". But in reality any knife is tactical as it can kill someone. Yes, even your little Swiss Army Knife.

I have had my share of "tactical" knives. Yes, they are cool, neat to play around with, and fun to collect, maybe even fun to carry as an edc blade once in a while too. However you don't need an exaggerated blade grind along with an all matte black or camo finish to open a package or cut some rope. A cheap and PRACTICAL knife like a Spyderco would perform better in those aspects.
 
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What I find funny though, as much as lots of folks hate the term "tactical," you all know what it means. If someone posts "I'm looking for a tactical folder around $XX" everyone immediately starts posting suggestiongs, from CRKT, Benchmade, all the way up to the higher end such as Hinderer, Sebenza, Emerson, Strider, John W. Smith, David Mosier, etc. If I said a tactical fixed blade everyone would offer up KABAR, ESEE, Becker, all the way up to Fehrman and Busse.
As much as people say the term is a fake marketing tool, it still has a definition on Bladeforums.
 
tac·ti·cal [tak-ti-kuh l]
adjective
1. of or pertaining to tactics, especially military or naval tactics.
2. characterized by skillful tactics or adroit maneuvering or procedure: tactical movements.
3. of or pertaining to a maneuver or plan of action designed as an expedient toward gaining a desired end or temporary advantage.
4. expedient; calculated.
5. prudent; politic.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/tactical

It simply means modern and built with purpose in the context of cutlery. It is basically slang for a modern, high-tech knife.

In a folder: modern, strong locking mechanisms, fast, one-handed opening, pocket clip with placement options, any feature that provides added durability or quick function (Emerson Wave, Hinderer Lockbar Stabilaizer, IBKS or other pivot bearing systems)
In a fixed blade: advanced carry options, non-reflective/corrosion resistant coatings, inconspicuous design, advanced ergonomics, versatile design
 
sjakh said:
A tactical knife is a totally black knife, with a partially serrated edge. Basically it is blacked out, so the victim cannot see which way the blade is coming at him/her at night. It is plain edge to start with to make a nice piercing cut and the serrations take care of the vital organs like a chainsaw. It must be tactically employed in all situations it is used. Whether it be stabbing someone or cutting string. The draw must be fast, smooth, and achieve maximum scariness.
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Lmao.
 
sjakh said:
A tactical knife is a totally black knife, with a partially serrated edge. Basically it is blacked out, so the victim cannot see which way the blade is coming at him/her at night. It is plain edge to start with to make a nice piercing cut and the serrations take care of the vital organs like a chainsaw. It must be tactically employed in all situations it is used. Whether it be stabbing someone or cutting string. The draw must be fast, smooth, and achieve maximum scariness.
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Dude the sad thing is I think you actually believe what your saying here,...
 
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