The word “tactical knife “ is an imponderable specification used to describe a particular kind of knives, normally indicating a military or combat-oriented weapon.
I have been named the “Godfather” of the tactical knife but I will say that no one created either the name or the class. There have been several grantors to tactical sort of knives, which have developed over the years and have taken on various profiles, sizes, and accessories.
I have provided much thought to a combined meaning and have decided on a few necessities for a design to be termed “Tactical”.
Essentially, a tactical knife is an instrument for survival.
That can intend:
An adversarial circumstances with man or beast, a challenging time in a forest, jungle, or desert, an immediate necessity to free oneself or another by immediately cutting a rope, strap, or another complication. Such conditions can be found on boats, rock climbing, camping, strolling in a park, on a city street, or practically anywhere, and normally present themselves with little or no notice.
I suggest here at BestDamascusKnife some design recommendations for the “Tactical” knife which, I am sure will stir some dispute.
The Tactical knife blade obliges to do two duties; to cut (or slash or slice), and to penetrate (or stab or puncture). (An instance of this is explained elsewhere in this book under the title “Mud Tire Murder”). The demand for a solid and strong blade shape is clear in any “Tactical” knife.
Some blade forms which are called “ tactical” are not, in my view, fit for those goals. The traditional Karambit Blade or sheepsfoot forms are dangerous as slicing weapons but less useful in penetration. Additionally, the luxury of a Karambit point precludes any dangerous penetration into difficult targets such as animal hides, leather clothing body protection, or tires.
The “Tactical” knife, folder or fixed blade, requires to be immediately available to the hand in a useable manner. For a folder, a reliable pocket clip is normally used after the initial Spyderco/Sal Glesser design. There are several repetitions of the pocket clip but all support the knife to be taken snugly in the on-hand pocket for expeditious retrieval and deployment. A one-hand opening feature is also a vital factor since the off-hand is often engaged withholding a gadget to be cut, hanging on to a rope or ladder repelling off an enemy, etc.
The fixed blades in sheaths or pocket knives in containers manage to be quiet on the draw because of the demand for reliable hooks. Other carry designs such as hanging hooks, unique clothing pockets, etc. can be helpful but without a reliable pocket clip, I would withhold points on the subjective “Tactical” scale.
The “Tactical “ knife must be protected in the hand in any situation. The sharp corners and edges, extremely protruding finger grooves, sharp curves, and beautiful bumps can impede or prevent the knife being held in reverse or sometimes uncomfortable but important positions. One can not foresee every state in which the knife may be employed, so every conceivable position in the hand must be provided for. Additionally, some form factors should be used which give some least security for the fingers to prevent the hand from sliding forward in a penetration move. A solid grip is required for a “Tactical“ knife. “Slippery when wet” should be heeded when creating such a knife, fixed or folder. Shiny glitz, glitter, and schmaltz serve to decrease grip strength and should be evaded. The designing or decoration such as bolsters, fancy steels, or colorful, artistic additions is irrelevant to the design and meaning of the “Tactical” knife so long as they do not diminish hand convenience, approachability, or grip.
What Is A Tactical Knife?
What Is A Tactical Knife
- It has a synthetic, grippy handle (normally)
- This knife has a non-reflective blade coating
- This knife is intended for hard and quick use
- Aesthetics invoke military purposes
- The Spyderco author Sal Glesser once declared a tactical knife is any knife you have with you when you necessitate a knife.
A Short History Of Tactical Knife
A Short History Of Tactical Knife
The word “tactical knife” was invented in the mid-1990s to describe a look with special features. About fixed blades, the features involved a non-reflective blade joined with either no protector or one of stainless steel. Some yet use brass and others include titanium for guards, while some use black zirconium. Currently, zirconium’s cost prevents both creators and specialists. If the cost gets down you can suppose to see more zirconium for guards. The handle materials should be synthetics, including but not limited to Micarta®, G-10, and carbon fiber. Though, these three are far and away from the most famous handle elements on today’s custom tactical fixed blades.
Over the preceding time, grip elements have developed from wood, leather washers, and even cast brass and aluminum to the modern synthetics. In the mid-’90s, originally Micarta was used. Linen, paper, and rag Micarta were the staples of the day. The G-10 then came along, giving more colors and arrangements. Over the preceding five years, carbon fiber has frequently become a handle element of choice.
The non-reflective blade was achieved by various methods, the most popular being a belt satin finish. As the name suggests the finish was used just by using a sanding belt. This gave the blade a good-looking cover that was not reflective.
The Key Feature Of Tactical Knife: Non-Reflective Finish
The Key Feature Of Tactical Knife Non-Reflective Finish
Another way was sandblasting. While giving a non-reflective finish, this method had difficulty. The sand produced micro pits in the steel. The pits held moisture, driving to blade rust. That started to replace the sand with silicon glass beads that did not leave pits and created a more even, flat-gray, non-reflective finish.
Best Buys For The Blade Readers
Best Buys For The Blade Readers
The Walter Brend and BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame® member Chris Reeve were the first enthusiasts of methods earlier used on firearms to blacken their blades or knives.
Chris used a black Gun-Kote® finish first on, and the Chris Reeve Knives yet does today. The Brend was asked to create blades with a black finish and he applied Parkerizing to make it. Both finishes were directed to scratches. The marks were particularly prominent when the knife was merged with a Kydex sheath.
Today finishes such as those from Cerakote® and other speciality outfits can give options not just of color but further of surface designs for your blade.