What defines a tactical knife?

Bryan · Post by **Bryan** » Sat Dec 10, 2005 4:24 pm

What is it exactly that makes a knife tactical? I've never really thought about it till now...

TKC · Post by **TKC** » Sun Dec 11, 2005 2:01 am

You know that is a really good question, that I can not currently answer. Hmmmm. Perhaps one of the other members can answer that.

TKC · Post by **TKC** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 3:46 am

What defines a tactical knife for YOU?

JOE62 · Post by **JOE62** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 12:58 pm

My opinion about tactical knives.
As far as pocket knives I would say they are a defensive weapon as opposed to offensive. They need to have a quick deployment so an assisted opening and pocket clip is a bonus. They should be sturdy and well made to hold up to hard use. A locking blade is essential so they don't close on you. I would consider just about any assisted opening knife tactical, most Benchmade knives tactical, something like a Buck 110 with a "flick it" attached would qualify. There are many others, these are just some examples of my opinions.
It could also just be based on the look of the knife.
Like I said though these are just my opinions and I'm sure everyone has their own. I'd like to hear what others think.

TKC · Post by **TKC** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 3:47 pm

Joe: I agree with what you said about hard use, easily deployed etc. I can open my Sebenza, Firetac, etc, fairly quickly. For me, it is a MUST to have dual thumbstuds, because I am very ambidextrous, and if something happens to my right hand, I want to be able to still be able to open my knife. I would consider my DMKnives Instigator, my Mission MPF 1 (all titanium), Buck/Mayo TNT, Hinderer Firetac, Chris reeves Sebbie, all meet MY qualifications for being a tactical knife. (Although my Sebbie, does not have dual thumbstuds.) I can delpoy any of those knives rapidly. They all have pocket clips. I also think it is important to have 1 knife, that is in the same pocket day in and day out, that one practices drawing out, until it becomes muscle memory. I also very much like Spyderco's spyderhole, as that makes it wicked easy to open with either hand!!

JOE62 · Post by **JOE62** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 7:18 pm

The spyderhole is a great feature. I tend to like knives with holes more than thumb studs. I have an old black bladed Endura thats fully serrated that I used alot. It wasn't as smooth as my Benchmade mini AFCK, but they both were easily worked with either hand. Now I switch my EDC between a S.O.G. Flash II or a Kershaw Whirlwind. Both are assisted and work ok either left or right hand. To do most of my dailly cutting I also carry a SAK or another type of utility knife. So those other knives really don't see alot of cutting. Lately I've been also carring a Case 2159.

TKC · Post by **TKC** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 11:48 pm

I really like the Spyderhole too, it makes opening wicked easy!! I have some Kershaw/Ken Onion's!! I collect green Case knives, but don't usually carry one. I would love to get a custom slipjoint.

JOE62 · Post by **JOE62** » Wed Dec 21, 2005 12:16 am

I'm not too familiar with the custom makers. I guess thats going to be my next area of collecting.
Being left handed I have checked out the left handed Case knives at Shepherd Hills. I've been thinking about getting one or two. I think they were trappers, but I can't remember for sure.

TKC · Post by **TKC** » Fri Dec 23, 2005 1:28 am

There are some amazing knife makers out there!! I became familiar with many of them, through forums like this, and seeing pix of their work. It is a lot of fun. I LOVE my customs!! I never thought I would be able EVER get my own custom knives!! I LOVE knives!!

Aaron · Post by **Aaron** » Fri Dec 23, 2005 2:08 am

I,m a newcomer to the tactical knives, but as of late, I've stepped in with both feet. I really liked the Darryl Ralph designed Camillus Heat. Then turned around and got the Blaze and the Sizzle. They along with a Kershaw Blackout , a Chive, a S&W Black ops, and a SOG Flash II. All have rotation as EDC's. I have probably went overboard on open-assist , but after I got one I just had to have another. Well you all know how that goes. A.D.

TKC · Post by **TKC** » Fri Dec 23, 2005 3:42 pm

Aron: Nice selection of knives there!! I am a HUGE Darrell Ralph fan!! I have a Heat and a Sizzle, but I gave the Sizzle to my spouse who absolutely LOVES it. I have 2 knives on order with Darrell Ralph; and AXD NG & a Gunhammer MT. Here is a link to his site: http://www.darrelralph.com/1mainframe.htm I am a big time knife knut. I have collected/carried a knife for the last 31 (soon to be 32) years!!

calico jack · Post by **calico jack** » Fri Dec 23, 2005 4:17 pm

I agree with opinions expressed so far (easy deployment, pocket clip, etc.), but for me, a tactical is truely defined by the lock. Deployment can be manipulated on folders by adding a clip-on stud to the blade groove. A small high-speed drill can add screw holes for a pocket clip. The true test(JMO) of a tactical is opening and closing with one hand. The advent of the liner lock made this process possible. There have been changes (Axis lock, Slide lock) and advances, and more will probably follow. But this, to me, is what makes a tactical a tactical.

TKC · Post by **TKC** » Fri Dec 23, 2005 8:33 pm

I am particullarly fond of framelock knives!! For me, these make the best tacticals.

Mossdancer · Post by **Mossdancer** » Wed Dec 28, 2005 7:36 pm

I ABSOLUTELY THINK EVERY KNIFE SO FAR TALKED ABOUT ARE FANTASTIC. IM JUST OFFERING IMO A SMALL GLANCE AT WHAT I BELIEVE STARTED THE WHOLE THING OF TAC KNIVES. I DONT THINK ANYBODY SAID IT BUT BEING AS HOW IM NOT VERY POLITICALLY CORRECT THEY WERE FOR MAIMING, KILLING OR OTHERWISE SUBDUING THE ENEMY. READY AT AN INSTANTS NOTICE, TO SAVE YOUR OR YOUR COMRADES LIFE. THEIR PREDASESSORS WERE AND STILL ARE AT THE END OF A GUN BARREL.
THESE TWO ARE SELF EXPLANATORY. THEY DID BREAK EASILY THOUGH.
MOSSDANCER.
PS I WILL DEFER TO WITHIN ARMS REACH A PISTOL TO SAVE MY PROPERTY OR MY FAMILY.

JOE62 · Post by **JOE62** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 1:03 am

MOSSDANCER those two definitely are the classic tacticles.
IMO though the F-S handle was a little thin and I did hear that they broke easily.
The knuckle knife is just intimidating, It scares people just looking at it.
Either way they are a couple of great knives.

Mossdancer · Post by **Mossdancer** » Fri Dec 30, 2005 11:38 pm

BRIAN JOE62, ANYBODY ELSE INTERESTED
A MILITARY DEALER FRIEND OF MINE LET ME HANDLE THIS TREASURE FOR A FEW MINUTES THIS WEEK. THOUGHT YOU FOLKS MIGHT ENJOY.
ONLY HAD A FEW MINUTES FOR THE PICS, SO I HOPE YOU CAN SEE.
MOSSDANCER.

TKC · Post by **TKC** » Sat Dec 31, 2005 12:40 am

WOW!!

Bryan · Post by **Bryan** » Sat Dec 31, 2005 1:02 am

That's one heck of a piece of history there. Stuff like that gets me wondering who carried it and if it was ever used on a Yankee

etc.. Thanks for sharing those pictures Mossdancer. I love seeing stuff like that.

Bryan

El Lobo · Post by **El Lobo** » Sat Dec 31, 2005 2:33 pm

I'm gonna go out on a limb here.....and say that MOSSDANCER'S post shows a piece that qualifies as "TACTICAL Cutlery".

Bill

TKC · Post by **TKC** » Sun Jan 01, 2006 4:52 pm

El Lobo wrote:I'm gonna go out on a limb here.....and say that MOSSDANCER'S post shows a piece that qualifies as "TACTICAL Cutlery".

Bill

LOL! I think you are right!!

Mossdancer · Post by **Mossdancer** » Mon Apr 17, 2006 7:27 pm

If this qualifies as a tactical, is it an insectinator, or what?
W.B.

cutacroshorty · Post by **cutacroshorty** » Sat Apr 29, 2006 8:32 pm

I'm pretty sure my Buckmaster 184 is considered a tactical knife. What do you think?

Gr8Scout · Post by **Gr8Scout** » Sat May 27, 2006 9:35 am

What's a tactical knife might hinge on what the tactical situation one finds oneself in. Like life and death?

I'm drifting down a stream in my canoe, casting for smallmouth. To slow my craft, I'm dragging an anchor, which in this case is simply an old window sash weight, it's shape perfect for no-snag drifting with the current. But the worst happens, all at once! The current as picked up quickly and the anchor has in fact snagged. The the bow comes up, the stern goes down, but thank goodness I have a razor sharp fixed blade knife at my side. One quick swipe saves my sorry butt.

Not a heroic or courageous situation, like defending my lady's life and/or honor or my wallet, but 'tactical' just the same.

Phil

El Lobo · Post by **El Lobo** » Sat May 27, 2006 2:35 pm

Good point Phil.

It seems the term "Tactical" has been usurped by folks meaning an offensive/defensive weapon. Such is the language, I guess.

I too, remember when it was a strategic (designed for a task) or maybe an "of the moment" (immediate need) type term.

No matter, it's an interesting discussion subject.

Bill

markdeerhunter · Post by **markdeerhunter** » Mon Aug 14, 2006 4:41 pm

This is tactical.The Spyderco Manix! I love mine.Super strong and very comfortable.Opens with a flick of the wrist.
http://spyderco.com/pix/products/large/C95_L.jpg

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What defines a tactical knife?

What defines a tactical knife?

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