While some knives can be an outdated weaponry item to have, many combat knives are still valuable. For example, a tactical combat knife can be used in an emergency, for a self-defense situation, and more. If you have an interest in tactical combat knives or combat knives, in general, let me help you find the best one. 

I have hand-picked the best combat knives that you can go for. How have I chosen them? Well, I have considered many things before listing them here. I have selected combat knives of high quality, fit into everyone’s budget, and are also reliable. 

While there is a galore of tactical knives, I want you to make an informed decision when you buy one. I remember my journey of getting hold of my first and the best tactical knife and the number of difficulties I faced. 

My list covered the 15 best combat knives, their features, price, and pros and cons. Also, I recommend Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight Signature knife because this is one of the best tactical combat knives to have. 

Here are the Best Combat Knives – Tried & Tested

#1: Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight Signature Knife 

This lightweight survival knife has an open-backed construction look, and the stainless steel liners on the FRN handle give it a classic look. The blade length is 2.92 inches when opened, whereas the overall length is 7.21 inches. The lock bar inside the handle’s interior allows a sturdy lock mechanism. The nitrogen-enriched high carbon steel ensures its durability. And the ergonomics of the handle make it easier to hold. This knife is exactly what you need as a first-timer.

Price: $119.00

Key Specifications 

The blade of the self-defense knife is made of premium CTS BD1N. It features high-carbon chromium and nitrogen-enriched steel blade. The knife is lightweight and easy to carry. The liner is on the FRN handle, which reduces the thickness of the handle. The blade offers cutting-edge performance and is available in a compact and portable design. It also features easy-to-lock use and has a compression lock mechanism, which allows the blade to open easily. 

#2: Ontario Spec Plus SP-1 Marine Combat Knife

The knife’s handle has finger grooves, which make holding it convenient. To ensure that the knife is safe to use, the handle also features a double finger guard. The blade length is 7 inches, and it’s a fixed blade knife. The addition of a Cordura/leather sheath makes the knife look stylish. Moreover, this knife-making company is famous. 

Price: $39.95

Key Specifications 

The blade length is 7 inches, and it is a full tang blade made of premium quality carbon steel. The handle has finger grooves and is designed to fit perfectly in one’s hands. It also has a double finger guard. The knife weighs 10 ounces and is made in the USA. It offers a lifetime warranty and comes in a combination of Cordura/leather sheath.

#3: Ka-Bar Full Size US Marine Corps 

This combat knife features a glass-filled nylon sheath, making it long-lasting and durable, and the edge angle is 20 degrees. The steel used in the blade is 1095 cro-van. The thickness of the blade is good, and its length is 5-1/4 inches. And, the length of the entire knife is 9-1/4 inches. The serrated edge is at the end of the blade.

Price: $64.14

Key Specifications 

The knife features a solid edge backstrap, and the blade has an epoxy coating. The ergonomics makes it easy to handle and use. This tang knife is 9-1/4 inches long, but the blade length is 5-1/4 inches and features a pointed blade. The partially serrated edge is towards the end of the blade. It weighs 4.8 oz, and the angle’s edge is 20 degrees. 

#4: Gerber LMF II Survival Knife

Gerber is known for crafting robust knives and tools. Along with it. The company also makes outdoor gear. The knives were initially created for the aircrew members. This Gerber survival knife has a razor-sharp edge, and the serrated blade will cut through anything you want. The sheath material used is ballistic nylon, and it also has a fire-retardant coating. It is made in the USA, and the handle is made of glass fitted nylon with TPV overmold. There is a break between the tang and the cap, which keeps the knife protected against stray wires. 

Key Specifications 

The length of the blade is 10 inches and is made of 420HC stainless steel. The handle is made of glass-fitted nylon and has TPV over-mold. The butt cap features an intelligent design that provides effective shock absorption. The sheath makes it a low-profile blade, which makes the blade look stylish. 

#5: Cold Steel 27TLCTH Hunting Folding Knife

The G-10 laminated scale on the handle makes it one of the finest combat knives in the market. The Cold Steel Recon 1 pocket knife is thin and offers good ergonomics. The blade is super sharp and has a superior lubricant as well. This signifies that making deep cuts into objects is not a problem. In addition, it is small and easy to carry. The most significant plus point of this small combat knife is its ergonomics and fantastic grip.

Price: $92.01

Key Specifications 

The blade is made of vacuum heat-treated stainless steel and features a PTFE finish. The knife is rust-resistant and even eliminates glare. The blade length is 4 inches and can cut through the most challenging objects efficiently. The handle features G-10 laminated scales, which enhances its ergonomics.

#6: Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops SWA24S 7.1in S.S. Folding Knife

In addition, the super-sharp blade can cut complex objects easily. The overall length of this combat knife is 7.1 inches, and the blade length is 3.1 inches. It is a tiny knife, but not a small fixed blade knife. It is foldable, which means you can carry it with you wherever you go. The shape of the blade looks good, and the black color makes it look rough and tough.

Price: $20.28

Key Specifications 

Overall, the knife’s length is 7.1 inches, while the blade’s measurement is 3.1 inches. The combat knife weighs only 3.5 ounces, and it is durable. The blade is made of 7Cr17MoV black oxide high carbon, and the handle is made of aluminum. The knife gives you easy and quick access. There is a finger flipper, and the thumb knobs allow a user to hold it easily. 

#7: CRKT M16-14SF EDC Folding Pocket Knife

The knife is pretty long, with an overall length of 9.25 inches, while the blade length is 4 inches. Blade thickness is 0.14 inches, and the blade is made of high-quality material. It resists smudging, the handle is good, and cuts through different items. The handle is made of aluminum, which makes it lightweight. When it comes to usability, it is easy to hold. There are four-clip options, which are right, left, up, and down. 

Price: 111.56

Key Specifications 

The automated liner safety ensures that the knife is easy to carry and provides an additional layer of lock security. This tactical combat knife features a triple-point serration, which can easily cut through complex objects. It weighs 5.7 ounces, and the total dimension is 5 x 5 x 5 inches. It comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

#8: Kershaw Blur S30V Folding Pocket Knife

One can use this fighting knife for different activities, such as cutting rope, slicing fruits, cutting zip ties, etc. It features a black anodized aluminum handle that provides you with a good grip. Overall, the fighting knife has a rugged appearance. This can be used as the best military knife and is ideal for fishermen, hunters, homesteaders, and more.

Price: $77.74

Key Specifications 

• The blade is 3.38 inches long and is made of premium S30V powdered steel. 

• The weight is 0.5 ounces, and the style is a blur liner lock. 

• Handle material is good quality basic black anodized aluminum and is ideal for chopping, cutting, and slicing things. 

• It looks good and has a stone-wash finish. 

#9: FOX 479 G10 Black Emerson Wave Folding Karambit

One can use it as a hunting knife. Being one of the best carry knives, the quality of the knife is impeccable. It doesn’t have different blade shapes but offers quick deployment. The blade is 3 inches long, and overall, the length is 7.5 inches. The adjustable pocket clip lets you use the knife for different purposes. NC690Co stainless steel provides the much-needed durability and consistent edge that one would wish for.

Price: $127.46

Key Specifications 

It features a tiger claw, and the blade’s length is 3 inches, and the thickness is .11 inches. The blade is constructed using NC690Co stainless steel and is corrosion-resistant. There is an adjustable pocket clip, which makes it useful in different situations. The tip is razor-sharp, which makes it the perfect combat knife. 

#10: CRKT SIWI Fixed Blade Knife

In addition, it is small; hence, it is easy to carry. As far as the look is concerned, I am not that impressed, but it does the cutting job pretty well; hence, I don’t have any complaints. The blade also features a black coating, which makes it corrosion-resistant. In addition, it comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Therefore, if you find any defect with the workmanship and materials, you can use the warranty.

Price: $78.72

Key Specifications

The blade is made of high-quality carbon steel, which makes it corrosion-resistant. CRKT SIWI Fixed Blade Knife package includes a manual. It weighs 5.6 ounces, and the shape of the blade is a drop point. It features a plain blade edge, and the blade length is 3.3 inches. 

#11: Ontario Knife Company, M9 Bayonet, and Scabbard

The blade length is 7 inches, and the blade grind is a flat bevel. It has a zinc phosphate coating, and the handle is grooved for better grip. It’s a folding but pretty large knife; hence, if you need a long knife, buy it; else, choose another one from the list. Moreover, the weight can be a letdown for a few.

Price: $141.16

Key Specifications

The handle is made of zinc and is grooved, which provides an optimum grip. The blade length is 7 inches, and the overall length is 12.25 inches. The overall knife weighs 16 ounces, and the lock type is fixed. The blade grind is flat bevel, and the knife is made in the USA. 

#12: 991513 SOG Seal Pup Elite TiNi Knife with Kydex Sheath

The deep finger grooves offer better grip. The blade has a spine rasp for thumb replacement, filling, and notching. It features a straightedge and a fixed blade, which is 4.85 inches long. For the handle, glass-reinforced nylon is used. The knife includes a belt loop and a black Kydex sheath. 

Price: $65.03

Key Specifications

Better ergonomics with deep finger grooves. Glass reinforced nylon black handle that fits perfectly in the palms. The company provides a limited lifetime warranty, and the blade’s length is 4.85 inches. 

 

#13: Smith & Wesson 10.6in High Carbon S.S. Fixed Blade Knife

The blade material is high carbon stainless steel. The edge is plain, and it weighs 7.05 Oz. It is a tanto blade with a tanto point blade. The blade’s length is 5.2 inches. The durable tanto blade is made to last long, and the TPE handle makes the knife convenient to handle. In addition, the design is such that it won’t slip.

Price: $49.39

Key Specifications 

Handle material is thermoplastic elastomers, and the blade material is high carbon stainless steel. The weight of this knife is 7.05 Oz. The blade provides you with a tanto point blade, which makes it durable. The blade’s length is 5.2 inches, and the overall length is 10.6 inches. 

#14: Oerla TAC Knives OLX-004 Fixed Blade Outdoor Duty Straight Knife

The sharp blade at this price is pretty impressive. The handle provides you with a deep index-finger indentation, which allows you to have a better grip. The blade is made with precise cryogenic tempering, which enhances the crystalline structure of the edge and makes it tough. It’s made to last long and it’s one of the best combat knives to have, which can also come in handy when you need to cut something challenging during an emergency.

Price: $28.50

Key Specifications 

The design is ideal for vertical and horizontal carry. The handle material is fiberglass, while the blade material is alloy steel. The blade length is 3.9 inches, and it weighs 9.5 Oz. The blade’s shape is straight back, and the edge is a compound bevel. 

#15: SOG Seal Pup Elite Tactical Fixed Blade

The total length of the knife is 9 inches. SOG Seal Pup Elite Tactical Fixed Blade weighs 5.4 Oz, making it easy to carry. The handle is made of glass-reinforced nylon, which provides excellent grip and requires no maintenance.  One can use it for camping, hiking, rescue, belt, boot, skinning, and as a military knife. The blade is partially black titanium nitride-coated.

Price: $82.13

Key Specifications 

The knife is back, and the blade is made of stainless steel. The blade is 4.75 inches and weighs 5.4 Oz. For the handle, glass-reinforced nylon is used. The partially black titanium nitride-coated blade is razor-sharp and sturdy. 

Types of Combat Knives

Combat knives are available in multiple types. Therefore, it is always better to learn about each type to choose and buy the best combat knife for your needs.

Fixed Blade

As the name suggests, a combat knife with a fixed blade will be fixed, and you can’t fold it in half.  Many knives come with a fixed knife. One famous knife-making company, Ka-Bars, is known for making fixed knives. These types will be a little challenging to carry since you can’t fold them, and you will have to take care of the whole knife. However, they will mostly come with a sheath so that one can carry it easily. 

Bowie Knife

Bowie knives date back to the 19th century. These knives were used during the American Civil War as well and were the first choice for every frontier, and even today, Bowie knives are preferred by many. Since they are so popular, today they are used as fighting knives. 

Tactical Knife 

Tactical combat knives are used for fighting, and that’s why they are often associated with combat knives. However, a good tactical knife can be used for other purposes as well, for example, for extra functionality. These knives are designed to help people when they are in a combat or self-defense situation. Tactical knives are also called utility knives because of their multipurpose usage. One popular example of these knives is the Swiss Army knife. It is a knife but comes along with many other tools.

Karambit Knife 

If you have seen a curved blade with a tiger’s claw, you probably have seen a Karambit knife. These knives are mainly designed as self-defense knives. The curved shape of the blade gives it a unique look. Using a Karambit knife will need some practice because it is different from other knives.

Folding Knife 

A tactical knife can come in a folding style. Unlike fixed blades, you can easily fold a folding blade. Carrying these blades becomes easy because they can be easily folded. Moreover, since they can fold, they also become safe to carry. There are many folding combat knives. If you want something easy to carry and small, you can try folding knives. They also are some of the best pocket knives.

The Best Tactical Knives Navy SEALs Use

Navy SEALs require knives that are not just sharp and robust but meet their requirements as well. Since they can find themselves in a challenging situation, their need for a knife has to be met. Some of the popular knives-making companies that navy SEALs trust are Ontario MK 3 Navy Knife, Fairbairn-Sykes, Glauca B1, WING-Tactic, Karambit, Ka-Bar, and a few others. These are the chosen knife-making companies for them. 

Buying Guide for Best Combat Knife: Things to Consider When Buying Combat Knives

Ergonomics

You will want your knife to inflict a lethal blow when needed, which is why ergonomics play an important role. The ergonomics is basically the design of the blade. The ergonomics should provide you with a good grip so that when you hold it, it doesn’t slip. Moreover, when you try to use it, you should be able to use it comfortably.

Size

The size of the blade matters. You need to know the purpose of buying the combat knife. Do you only want to use it during combat, or will you want the knife to be used for different purposes as well? Think about that. You will find small size knives and big size knives. Think about the situation where you would like to use and accordingly buy. 

Blade material

The best material to choose for the blade material is stainless steel. Choose a material that is corrosion, rust, and stain-resistant. This way, the blade will last long and stay secure. Also, a less maintenance blade will be a good choice because that will save your time.

Blade & tip design

The shape of the blade and tip will tell you how each blade will behave. There is no best blade shape, but you need to study each blade and tip type to make an informed decision. So, you have drop point, tanto point blade, perverse tanto, clip point, assist blade, bowie, coping blade, needlepoint, s curve, pen blade, spey point, and more. Better to do some research about different blade and tip designs and then choose. 

Weight

Always go for a combat knife that will let you perform well. And this is the primary reason why weight is essential. Pick a knife whose weight you will be able to handle and balance. If you lose the balance of the blade, it won’t perform well.

Handle

Finally, the handle should be slip-resistant and made of high-quality material. If the handle is weak, your hand can easily slip, and you may even injure yourself. Read about the description of the handle, and pay attention to the material used.

Verdict

Out of all the knives, I prefer and recommend Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight Signature Knife. The design of this Out of all the combat knives, I prefer and recommend Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight Signature Knife. The design of this knife is good, and it offers a good balance. So, if you want to buy the best combat knife, you can go for this one. The blade is sharp, made of the finest steel, and the handle offers a good grip. 

Do some research about each tactical knife as well, and once you find the one that suits your requirements, go for it. Pay attention to the price, blade material, sharpness, and handle material before buying.

Make sure to check our other reviews and buying guides: 

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and more!