What is a Tactical knife?

mschwoeb

mschwoeb

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tac·ti·cal Audio pronunciation of tactical ( P ) Pronunciation Key (tkt-kl)
adj.

1. Of, relating to, or using tactics.
2. A. Of, relating to, used in, or involving military or naval operations that are smaller, closer to base, and of less long-term significance than strategic operations.
B. Carried out in support of military or naval operations: tactical bombing.
3. Characterized by adroitness, ingenuity, or skill.


We always hear about tactical knives. Just what is meant?

Does it mean a fighting knife? Or a knife that can chop through concrete blocks? Dont know that both can really be in the same category.

Getting curious about this one so lend me your keyboards and enlighten me.:D
 
I think the simplest way to define it is that a tactical knife is designed to be used for defense, i.e. fighting, whereas other knives are designed for specific utilitarian tasks, such as a cooking knife, a hunting knife, etc.
 
I'll bite since I've been praising my new Crawford KFF:D
Start with work. I am in a job which allows me to carry multiple weapons of various levels of force.I am also in a postion to be authorized to carry a knife on duty ( a conservation officer ) In fact I have numerous on me. 1) a multi-tool which as it name denotes is a tool for multiple uses - I use it all the time - from adjusting outboard motors - to opening boxes 99% of my duties can be handled with this knife/tool.
However I have a folding hunting knife I also carry. Finally traded in the old 110 :eek: Got a massive overbuilt folder from Micheal Cooper (L6steel). With this I will skin game, preform necropsies, it's strong enough to dig out evidence from tress and the ground. Clean it up with good alcohol gel it'll make lunch. In fact it makes a lot more lunches than anything else ( my district is 9,600 sq miles about the size of Vermont:D ) Anyway with both these knives or tools I clean them, admire the Cooper alot , but basically its open close and put away in a pocket until needed agin ( including the need to look at
Now with my KFF. I have a place specially picked for it. It took me a while to figure out where to put it. Combination of concealment vs accesibility. I practice pulling it out from this place and practice putting it back in place and opening it with and with out gloves. Same as off duty it has its own place on my wardrobe. That in itself makes it tactical: it becomes a tactic to draw and open and return. Techniques for its use are what I can find in books plus over two decades of serious MA training. The knife its self like I said in my "Prasie the KFF" post took 2 years for me to find. Went through a a mess of blades - spydies - chinook, police, etc.. MOD Hornet, CRKTapache, Customs like a Ferret folder, Marlowe, Some fixed blades by RW Clark, Livesay,necknives etc... the thing with them all was they were quality pieces, and fit my requirements of discreet carry along with what would be my primary way of using a knife in a defensive mode a slashining mode first stabbing secondary.Just didn't quite have a je ne sais quoi until this particular model...
So any knife can be used tactically IMHO. Just some because of quality build/design leave your mindfree of one less thing to worry about when complying with # 1&3 in your definition
just my 2 cents
 
From what I've seen, what are often referred to as tactical knives are not strictly fighting knives, but hard-use utility knives which can also be used for fighting. Of course any knife can be used for fighting. Aside from tactical folders, it seems the ability to pry is one requirement for a tactical knife. Fighting knives are usually lighter and not good for prying.
 
I think a lot of it is due to marketing. In marketing, it's known as product development and it is where you take an old product and put new features or twists on them to give a face lift which can rejuvenate sales.

The new improvements could be tangible -- like thumbstuds -- or intangible -- like the image it portrays.

Let's face it, practically any knife can be a tool or a weapon. The Emerson Wave feature, for example, is as useful for fast deployment in fighting as it could be for a rock climber to deploy his knife quickly to cut rope.
 
For me, the tactical knife is the knife, which is
A) possible to be always carried with yourself.
B) Can be used as a utility. Mostly for daily tasks, like sandwich-making and rope-cutting.
C) Usable as a self defence tool. Knife must be specially constructed for it.
 
Full Tang hit the nail on the head.

When you are doing product "branding" you have to introduce words or phrases that can make it easier for the customer to relate to. A common "language" if you will.

The term "tactical" identifies for most people a "military looking" knife. Bead blasted or satin finished blades, black handles (Micarta, G-10 or Carbon Fiber). Kydex or kydex lined cordura nylon sheath for fixed blades.

Definition of a fighting knife...Knife you have in your hand when the fight starts.

Definition of a survival knife...Knife you have when you are put into a "survival" situation.

Much like the term "tactical". The term "custom" has also become a marketing term as well as keeping it's literal meaning.

Back when I was an Infantry Officer in the 101st Airborne. I carried a Walter Brend Model 2. D-2 blade, satin finish, black micarta and a kydex lined cordura nylon sheath. Funny thing is at that time no one called that a "tactical" knife. It was just called a knife, or as I refered to it a BFK.
 
Agree with FTC and Les about this term abuse for marketing purposes and basically do not like this abuse.
However the term remains the term, it is commonly used and probably needs some definition. Here is my proposition:
  • The blade adequately long to perform heavy cutting tasks and to be reasonably efficient in self defense situations, say 3,5-inces at least;
  • The handle adequately big to provide enough leverage, good handling comfort and security to perform these tasks;
  • Entire construction strong enough to apply full user’s force and – if required – also weight for cutting (not for prying!);
  • Strong and reliable locking device is definitely required to protect user’s fingers on casual negative (in closing direction) load;
  • Pocket-clip equipped handle is quite welcome for easy access;
  • One-hand opening device is mandatory for fast and easy deployment.
Please complete if I have missed something important...
 
I agree with you Serg.

I would add that the concept of "Tactical" as opposed to "Strategic" implies an element of time. roughly, "a knife that can respond quickly to an imminent and potentially dangerous incoming in any given situation".

other than self defense against humans, examples of the above might be;

1. Cutting something away that might be preventing breathing.

2. Cutting something away that might be trapping or holding you or someone else in a dangerous potentially situation.

3. Defending yourself against a non human animal.

4. Getting into a small area that your finger cannot do.

All equating to there being a "time" constraint, IMO. I'm sure you can think of other possible examples.

sal
 
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