The majority of tactical
knives are a product of two different applications. Tactical knives generally
have specific designs and a special function dedicated to accomplishing a
specific task. For the purposes of this article, the term “tactical” will refer
to actions or a means that involve situations that are immediate or short term
in their duration in order to complete or achieve a specific task.
Tactical knives are used by
a wide variety of military, police and law enforcement, correctional and
emergency rescue personnel for numerous situations. This has led to the use of
many tactical style knives by hikers, hunters and others spending significant
amounts of time in outdoor settings. Many tactical knives have practical uses
and applications that can also serve the non-professional user as well. Although
it is nearly impossible to cover all the various types of tactical knives, we
can look at a few of the types of knives that are usually considered tactical
in their purpose.
Types of Tactical Knives
1. Boot Knives - This type
of knife is usually designed to be carried inside of a boot and its main purpose
is to conceal the knife. They may be attached by means of a clip or a strap.
2. Neck Knives - This type
of knife is designed to be carried on a cord or necklace around your neck and
can offer you an alternative to carrying a more traditional folding style knife
in your pocket. It also offers
concealment as well.
3. Pack Knives - This type
of knife is usually designed to be attached to a pack or LBE for easy access.
These are generally knives which may be too large or cumbersome for pocket or
belt carry. They usually include attachment loops or lashing holes to
facilitate this process and may include an accessory pouch.
4. Belt Knives - This type
of knife is usually designed to be carried in a horizontal or a vertical
position, depending upon the level of concealment that is desired.
5. Throwing Knives - This
type of knife is designed to be thrown. There are numerous throwing techniques
and styles and all require a great deal of skill.
6. Dive Knives - This type
of knife has more of a more practical than tactical use and is primarily
considered a tool for use by divers when working underwater. They do offer a
practical choice where corrosion or exposure to wet conditions may be a concern.
7. Rescue Knives - This type
of knife is generally designed with the ability to enhance rescue operations
and normally include functions for cutting seat belts, breaking glass or
cutting wire.
8. Combo Sets - These are
usually a set of knives that include both a folding knife and a fixed blade
knife that are carried on the same sheath or may be a number of the same type
of blade (i.e., throwing knives).
Tactical knives can come in
many different configurations depending upon the task that you require it to
accomplish. They are available in numerous blade configurations that may
include a spear point (i.e., daggers and boot knives), a drop point blade or a
combination blade that includes a partially serrated edge. The blades may also
come in a mirror finish, a satin finish or have a black coating on the blade.
They can also be found in different types and grades of steel (i.e., AUS8, 440
stainless) and in varying degrees of thickness depending upon your planned use.
The type of steel in your tactical knife will also determine its ability to
maintain an edge, be easily sharpened and be corrosion resistant. Blade lengths
will vary greatly depending upon whether or not your tactical knife is a folder
or a fixed blade.
The handles may be made of
high quality aircraft aluminum or other lightweight but rugged materials such
as G10 or Zytel or may be more traditional materials such as stacked leather
(i.e., Ka-Bar USMC) or a rubberized handle material. The handles may also
include a pommel that can be used to break glass or to hammer objects and may
or may not have a lanyard hole. Some also come with only the fixed tang which
is then wrapped with paracord to create a handle grip.
Most of the handles are
designed to handle extreme weather conditions and give you a firm and secure
grip while keeping weight to a minimum.
Tactical knives may also
come with either a nylon sheath or a Kydex style “hard” sheath. The quality of
the sheaths often depends upon the quality of the tactical knife being used.
Most dive knives come with rubberized attachment straps and polypropylene cases
to make them as water-proof as possible. Sheaths may also include accessory
pouches that allow you to carry additional items such as a sharpener, fire
starter or multi-tool.
There is a wide variety of
tactical-style knives on the market. When deciding which tactical knife will be
the best for you to use, it will serve you well to consider all the available
options and try to get a tactical knife that will meet as many of the possible
uses you may require to get the job done.
Got tactical?
Staying above the water
line!
Riverwalker
8 comments:
Knives are like firearms.....you can never have too many.
But, the DW may disagree.
Heh.
Bob
III
..."How many knives ya got there Ken?"...more than i could ever use, but not near as many as i want...lol
...like bob said too, tis'the same with shooters...
...Your in Our Prayers Brother...KeepTheFaith
Wow I had no idea that there where so many different types of tactical knives.
I need to get one for my boots.
Oh boy - here we go. Can't I just carry a knife that feels good in my hand and is sturdy and well manufactured and easy to sharpen?
I just want something for protection, and to carry with me in the case of an emergency - outdoors - your rescue knife description sounds perfect.
I don't have any skills or knowledge - so what do you suggest?
To: Tara
A good boot knife makes an excellent choice if you want something a little less obvious while still being easy to carry.
Thanks.
RW
To: anonymous 9:07
A decent rescue folder will serve in most cases but you should still consider a good fixed blade to go along with it.
I've found that a good fixed blade combined with a good quality folder will cover most situations.
Regards,
RW
To: Ken and Bob
Got lots of knives...but could probably find a use for just one or two more without too much trouble.
Thanks.
RW
Thank you so much for all of this - Agree with idahobob - you can never have too many :)
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