What Is The Best Tactical Pocket Knife

engraved pocket knife

The best tactical pocket knife is dependable, tough, and more common than you think. Pocket knives are some of the most useful tools you can imagine, and having quick access to one has a plethora of benefits. From boring ones to life-changing ones, you can accomplish countless tasks. You can save people from a burning vehicle, you can defend yourself from an attack, or you can hunt for dinner.

Everyone should own at least one tactical pocket knife. Whether you find yourself in the woods, in a war zone, or you are a first responder, these types of knives are designed to withstand some of the toughest stuff nature can throw at you.

Many people have misconceptions about pocket knives and their uses. Some even consider them not safe to carry. In this article, we will give you some tips and information about pocket knives and why you should own one.

What Is a Tactical Pocket Knife and Is It Legal?

best tactical pocket knife

While some consider them to be self-defense knives, others consider them to be utility knives. The truth is, they are both. A tactical pocket knife is a knife designed to be used for a wide range of purposes. Purposes such as camping, hunting, emergency rescue, everyday needs as well as a self-defense tool. The best tactical pocket knife will get the job done day in and day out.

But are they legal to carry on a daily basis? In short, yes. Laws vary from country to country regarding pocket knives. In many countries including the US, it is legal to carry a pocket knife. The pocket knife, whether it’s a tactical or a Swiss-army, should clearly be used for utility.

Even if it’s legal, you should know the laws thoroughly. Can you carry it at school, how long can the blade be, do you need a folder or you can carry it in your pocket? Get familiar with the rules and regulations before you buy a pocket knife, otherwise, you can end up with a fine for carrying a weapon, have your pocket knife confiscated, or even get yourself arrested.

Uses and Benefits – The Best Tactical Pocket Knife

There are many great pocket knives out there, but not all are built to perform under demanding situations. The best tactical pocket knife can be the difference when trying to help others in distress or defend yourself.

But beyond life-saving situations, a pocket knife can be used for a day to day tasks. You can use a pocket knife to open packages and parcels, cutting loose threads, cutting fruit, cutting zip ties, or sharpening a pencil. A pocket knife can come useful throughout the entire day to:

  • Slice fruit and veggies.
  • Open packages.
  • Open cans.
  • Carving.
  • Strip wire.
  • Open a wine bottle.
  • Cutting rope.

There is nothing you can’t do with a quality pocket knife.

A tactical pocket knife is especially handy when camping. Even if you are not camping, but you find yourself lost in the wilderness, a pocket knife can be the difference between life and death.

A quality pocket knife can be used to cut firewood, start a fire, defend yourself against a wild animal, cut rope, and prepare your dinner as well. A pocket knife can be used for all kinds of preparations in the wilderness.

Features to Consider Before Picking Up One

Before you purchase a tactical pocket knife, you need to make sure the knife is easy to use, secure, and effective. The last thing you want is your knife breaking or failing when performing a critical task.

What type of stainless steel you need, the length of the blade, and whether you need a serrated blade or a plain blade, are all features you need to consider before getting a pocket knife.

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Blade Material

Pocket knives are usually made from carbon steel or stainless steel. Carbon steel on tactical knives is not generally a good idea, because it is prone to chipping and snapping. Stainless steel thrives in most conditions and it’s perfect for small pocket knives.

Blade Length

Depending on what task you are performing, the length of the blade can make a big difference. Small blades are the ones that are from 1.5 to 2.7 inches long, and they are perfect for intricate tasks. Medium blades vary from 3 to 4 inches, and they are large enough to perform most tasks. Large blades are over 4 inches and are often too large to carry discreetly and in many countries illegal.

Blade Edges

The serrated edge is better for cutting tougher materials, the plain edge gives you better control and cleaner and more precise cuts, while a pocket knife with a combined edge can gives you the best of both worlds.

Conclusion

Because of their versatility, pocket knives are carried and used by firefighters, law enforcement, and military personnel. A pocket knife should be part of your everyday life too. You can use them for self-defense, mundane tasks, or even for emergency rescue. Having the best tactical pocket knife can save your life or the life of another person.

What is a Tactical Pocket Knife?

Tactical pocket knife

Everything you need to know about tactical pocket knives:

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Having a pocket knife is more common than you think, especially in the countryside (though it can still be useful in urban areas). Having quick access to a tactical pocket knife has so many benefits that it really can be a lifesaver. Literally (trust us, we’re experts!). A lot of people have some misconceptions about pocket knives, their uses and more importantly their safety. This article hopes to address that and give you all the information, instead of just one side.

Are pocket knives legal?

In short, yes. In the US and many other countries it is legal to own and carry a pocket knife. The pocket knife should clearly be for utility though, not as a weapon. This means a tactical pocket knife and a utility swiss army knife are very much fine, so long as their blade is under 4 inches, whereas a huge serrated knife is not okay and could be viewed as a weapon by the authorities.

The general rule of thumb for openly carrying a knife, even at school, is that 2.5 inches are the very maximum blade size. I’m not suggesting that you carry a knife to school, in fact, you probably shouldn’t, but you could technically. Most schools have strict rules about bringing in potential weapons, even if there are no laws against it. 

It is illegal to conceal and carry any non-tactical pocket knife or swiss army knife, especially bowie knives and dirks. It is also illegal to conceal and carry ANY knife when under the influence of alcohol or weed (in legal states). It’s dangerous and irresponsible not to mention illegal, just don’t do it.

What are some good everyday uses for pocket knives?

Tactical pocket knife

A tactical pocket knife has a huge range of everyday uses, they come in serrated pocket knife blades and straight edge pocket knife blades, they can be a really handy sidekick to get you through the day. Even if you don’t rely on using a knife regularly for work they can still come in useful throughout the day. You could use them to open parcels and packages, cutting fruit, cutting loose threads, sharpening a pencil or cutting zip ties. These things crop up daily, we would otherwise have to go traipsing off for a pair of scissors or a kitchen knife. Not a problem if we have our tactical pocket knife on us already. Read more about finding the most suitable pocket knife for you.

What if it’s someone’s birthday at the office, you’re all gathered around singing happy birthday, the birthday boy/girl has blown out the candles and oh no, no knife to cut the cake? Take out your knife and be the office hero! Get yourself a nice corner piece of cake.

Some not so everyday uses, but still important:

When camping it is always advised to have a tactical pocket knife on you, even if you arent camping but are in the wilderness it’s still highly recommended. A knife in the wilderness can be the difference between life and death. Your knife could be used to cut firewood, start a fire with a flint, fight off a predator, cut rope, or prepare your dinner when you kill and cook that predator. Your knife can also be the difference between you and boredom. It may not be the most thrilling use, but your knife can be used to whittle wood to pass the time.

Your knife can be used for cutting bait, gutting fish, cleaning the scales and after its cooked portioning it out. It can be used for all kinds of food preparations in the wilderness that would otherwise be impossible. Opening cans for example, without a pocket knife, is hard work. Cans were invented before the can opener, so that’s how they used to be opened!

Pocket knives can save lives.

stainless steel folding knife

The world is a dangerous place, its nice to have something to help you get through it one piece. Having a tactical pocket knife can save your life, the life of another person or the life of an animal.

If you, or someone else, are trapped in a burning car your knife can be used to cut away the seatbelt and escape the flaming wreckage. Any injuries sustained in the crash could be life-threatening and being able to slice away the injured person’s clothing to reveal the wound could be vital. You would also be able to fasten some makeshift gauze by cutting up bits of shirt or blankets.

If a dog is trapped, tied up to a tree, or in an abandoned house you would be able to quickly and safely free him by cutting his restraints. If not a tactical pocket knife, but a multi tool pocket knife can also come in handy.

Lastly in the worst-case scenario, someone is trying to attack you, you can pull out your knife and they may decide you aren’t worth the trouble and they’ll leave you be. I should warn you though, it’s always best to run. Only stand and fight if you have absolutely no other choice and its life or death.