All About Pocket Knives

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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



Bill

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!!

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

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

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

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

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