The Beginning of Tactical Knives



Tactical knives first began as pre-tactical knives in 1990 when one of the best known knifemakers, Ernest Emerson, refused to use any part of a plant or animal that was endangered. He began incorporating exotic materials such as paua and abalone shells, rare woods and mother-of-pearl. The blades were either hand rubbed or highly polished. The pre-tactical knives were made famous by their bright colored handles and the prominent use of clip point blades. These knives were also noted for their precision locking mechanism and close tolerance. His early knives sold for $800 to $2000 each and once he became a respected knifemaker, he was able to concentrate on making the knives he really wanted to make and those were the knives for combat - folding Tactical knives.

Tactical Knife Trends

The latest trends in tactical knives are the folders. There are hundreds of designs and a couple of dozen patents for the manufacturer of these and other knives. Since they have an all business look to them, but work like a horse, they have built quite the following. This has prompted several new knife manufacturers and even the conventional manufacturers to jump on the bandwagon of the tactical knives.

Tactical Knife Costs

There are expensive Tactical knives and then there are more reasonably priced Tactical knives. One of the most recommended carrying folding Tactical knives is sold for around $99 and is made of Titanium handles and custom steel and comes with an interchangeable clip for ambidextrous use. It features the "Arc-Lock" locking system which has unmatched holding capacity and smooth, fast opening action, a self-adjusting locking mechanisms for long life, a positive close safety feature and the locking leaver is on the outside of the handle, not the interior. It has a lightweight and comfortable feel to it. Well worth the money!

There is a Tactical knife that carries a fixed blade that's interchangeable that can quickly change from a smooth-edge to a serrated edge in minutes. All that is needed is a coin or screwdriver and you're ready to go. This Tactical knife has a special locking frame that surrounds the blade and folds down into the handle. There are two different blade edges in one knife with this one. It has a detachable clip and lanyard hole giving you many carrying options, plus it's lightweight.

Tactical Knife Tests

Several of the rigorous testing's a Tactical knife must go through before it is certified ready for sale is blade toughness, tip breaking strength, sharpness and edge retention, two weeks saltwater immersion tests, gasoline and acetylene torch resistant, handle twist off limits, chopping, hammering, prying, penetration performance, cutting ability for six different types of rope and nylon line, low noise and low reflection factors and intense field hands on trials. This Tactical knife runs around $135. This fixed-blade Tactical knife is one you want to have with you in a dangerous situation.

Underwater Tactical Knife

There are Tactical knives made specifically for the underwater sportsman. One in particular has a fixed, stainless steel blade and skeleton handle. This knife works well hanging upside down or right side up and is well balanced, and carries with it an innovative sheath system. The way the handle and blade are fused together as an integrated part and its dagger type design, combined with the sheath and clip system makes this a great diver's knife.

Combat Tactical Knives

There are combat Tactical knives that are sold to military and police officers. Using three blades in one, they meet in the middle at the tip; this is a thicker Tactical knife that can infiltrate just about anything. It was tested on various materials such as denim and heavy duty outerwear and sliced through everything like it was nothing but air.

Small Tactical Knives

One of the smallest Tactical knives on the market today has a blade that is only 3.2 inches long. The entire knife, when expanded is a mere 7.9 inches. But how can you defend yourself with such a small knife as this? It packs a powerful sharp punch and police officers around the country are now carrying it in their utility belts or around their necks in the holder it comes with. It's so lightweight; many of the policemen and women in the trial forgot they were wearing it until it came time to use the knife. It can be carried all day. This knife is very inexpensive, but makes a great addition to your arsenal of self defense knives.