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Combat knives: the best types of blades, sharpening rules. Tanto knives - the military heritage of the samurai Dagger form or spear-point

Judging by past selections, people like exotic knives with tanto-shaped blades.

Well, if so, let's talk about this in more detail.

In fact, traditional Japanese knives and short swords usually look like this.

On Ali, I found a couple of shops selling traditional Japanese swords and knives.



Delivery in both stores is quite expensive, there is a feeling that they ship from Japan - $40 for EMS. But if you take more than one item or cooperate with someone, then it is quite tolerable. Some expensive items have free shipping.

Although knives and swords in these stores are not cheap, I advise you to at least go and see, there are a lot of beautiful specimens.

Well, it’s not in vain that I showed a blade with a profile at the beginning of the selection - the traditional “Japanese tanto”. The fact is that the “American tanto” profile is now popular in the world, more reminiscent of chisels than ordinary knives. Things got to the point that the fashion reached Japan and they began to make blades with an “American tanto” profile in the traditional Japanese style.

A friend of mine gave me a review of his tanto-style knife, bought on Ali, and then took out the original, which was inspired by the Chinese. It's called Kanetsune Seki KAGE KB.

Pictured below is the original.


The knives differ significantly in size, but are very similar in style: a kind of deliberately rough rustic tool. A forged blade, a handle made from a shovel handle and all that ...

Knife with Ali closer.


The total length of the knife is 300 mm. Blade length 158 mm, butt thickness 5 mm. Convergence 0.8-0.9 mm.

At first, the knife seemed to me completely useless, a clean shelf, but in reality this is not entirely true. The products are slowly cutting, wood planing.

It costs $30.66 there, which is about 6 bucks cheaper than in other places.

While there are discounts in the store, let's see what else is interesting.

For example, at a fabulously low price, you can grab such a handsome man.



Total length 24 cm, blade length: 9.8 cm, blade thickness: 4.5 mm

The blade is made of excellent steel 9Cr18MoV. Hardness 59 HRC.

Imported sandalwood handle.

The knife costs only $17.78. With these settings, it's really cool! 37% discount valid for two more days

Well, one more option. Much more expensive, but very nice.


Overall length: 228 mm, blade length 98 mm, blade thickness 4 mm.

Blade steel: VG10 forged Damascus steel, 108 layers

Hardness: 58-60 HRC (vacuum hardened).

Ebony handle and scabbard

After such beauties, I want to show a practical working knife.


Overall length 210 mm, blade length 98 mm, blade thickness 5 mm. According to the manufacturer, the knife is forged by hand and hardened to a hardness of 64 HRC.

Now another beautiful knife in the spirit of minimalism.


It looks very cool, I advise you to look at the pictures on the store page.


Overall length 235 mm, blade length 98 mm.

Blade made of steel D2 hardness 58-60 HRC.

Ebony wood handle.

A lot of militaristic knives have a tanto-shaped blade.

For example, this one.


Knife total length 235 mm, blade length 100 mm, blade thickness 5 mm

Made from D2 steel with a hardness of 58HRC. ABC plastic sheath. Kraton handle.

Now let's talk about folding knives

Extremely powerful folding LDT BF2RCT reminiscent of the products of an Italian company.



Such a style of knives as tanto is known to us from Japan, it is also called a short sword. The blade length of such a knife can vary from 30 to 50 cm. As a rule, sharpening is used one-sided, and sometimes two.
By tradition, there is a jamon on the metal, the handle is removable, and it also has a removable guard.


Of course, a knife made according to this instruction bears little resemblance to a tanto, its blade is clearly not 30 cm, there is no jamon, and the handle is fixed on pins. However, the knife turned out to be quite good, despite the fact that it does not fit well under its name. However, remotely, its profile is somewhat reminiscent of a saber.

Materials and tools that the author used to make the knife:

List of materials:
- sheet steel with a high carbon content (it is this that can be hardened);
- wood for the handle;
- brass rods, rivets (or other material for making pins);
- epoxy glue.

List of tools:
- ;
- a good set of sandpaper;
- paper, pencil, scissors, drawing accessories (for making a template);
- ;
- glue;
- grindstone;
- different grit sandpaper;
- heat source (for quenching) and oil;
- drill with drills;
- clamps;
- wood impregnation oil.

Knife making process:

Step one. Draw a profile and cut out
First of all, you will need to show all your creativity. It is necessary to make a template for the future knife, this is done first on paper. If you wish, you can download a ready-made template from the Internet and change it to your liking.

Instead of paper, it is better to use thick cardboard, when you cut out the template, you can hold the future knife in your hands and make sure that it is comfortable.


Next, attach the template to the workpiece and circle it with a marker. Now the template can be cut out. For this difficult task, the author uses a grinder. We clamp the workpiece with a clamp or vice and slowly cut it out.


Step two. We grind
After cutting, the profile will turn out to be very rough, the edges will be uneven, they will have notches. The profile along the contour must be brought to the ideal. To do this, we need a sharpener, or a grinder with a grinding disc. If there are problem areas on the blade, they can be processed manually using a file.


Step three. We form bevels
The manufacture of bevels is a very crucial moment, the cutting characteristics of the knife depend on them. The wider the bevel, that is, the smoother the sharpening angle, the sharper the knife will be, and the easier it will sharpen.

But there are some nuances here, a thin blade cuts well, but it does not withstand loads well if you chop with a knife. So you will need to find some middle ground.


To make the bevels even and symmetrical, first mark everything. Draw a line on the blade on both sides, to which the bevel will reach. You also need to split the blade lengthwise into two so you can see the center line as you grind. Usually, a drill of the same diameter as the thickness of the workpiece is used for this.

Let's start sanding. This work will be done quickly and professionally. But not everyone has such a device, in extreme cases, you will need a grinder with a grinding disc. We clamp the workpiece with a clamp and proceed to grinding.
Some craftsmen form excellent bevels using ordinary files. But all this is laborious and requires experience.

Step four. Metal grinding
Now let's start grinding the metal, here you would again need a belt grinder. If not, everything will have to be done manually. We first use coarse sandpaper to level the planes, clean off rust and remove other defects. Then we gradually take the sandpaper finer and finer, and so on until the knife shines like a mirror.
Many craftsmen recommend moistening sandpaper in water, so it is cleared of chips.


Step five. Drilling holes for pins
Be sure to complete this step before heat treating, as it will be extremely difficult to do later. You must also complete all major metal work before hardening.


In the workpiece, you need to drill two holes in the place where the handle is located. They are needed to install the pins, respectively, we select the diameter of the holes depending on their thickness. There may be more pins, two is a classic option and this is quite enough for a reliable assembly of the handle. The author decided to drill three holes in the handle.

Step six. Metal hardening
If you used special steel for making a knife, which has a high amount of carbon in its composition, it can be hardened. For this case, you will need an oven and a permanent magnet. If you do not know the grade of steel used, then a permanent magnet will help determine the degree of heating for hardening. If a magnet is brought to the heated steel, and it will not be attracted, then the metal is heated to the desired temperature.


Steel is usually heated to a temperature of 700-900 degrees. In principle, you can get it in a small furnace and with the help of coal. Coals will need to be inflated with a hair dryer, vacuum cleaner or other similar device.

As soon as the steel warms up, it is time to extinguish it. To do this, you will need oil, mono motor or vegetable. In oil, the metal does not cool as quickly as in water, so the risk of deformation of the workpiece is reduced. The author immerses the workpiece for 15 seconds, while being careful, as the oil ignites and emits a strong odor. After hardening, handle the workpiece carefully as the metal will be very brittle.

In the end, you need to leave the metal, this will make it elastic and the knife will not fly apart. If you drop it or throw it into a tree. Vacation can be done in a conventional household oven. We heat it to a temperature of 200-215 degrees Celsius and put the workpiece for an hour and a half. After that, turn off the oven and let it cool down with the knife closed.

Step seven. Knife cleaning and polishing
After hardening, there will be scale and traces of burnt oil on the knife. It all needs to be cleaned up. We take fine sandpaper, WD40 or plain water and proceed to cleaning. Gradually move to the smallest paper and in the end, if desired, polish the metal.


Step eight. Handle Assembly
Now we need to make blanks for the pen. We attach the knife with the tail to the boards and circle with a pencil. We cut out two blanks using a jigsaw or other band saw. However, if you don’t have a jigsaw, it’s not scary, you can cut out the rough outlines of the handle, then it will still be sanded anyway. Blanks can be easily turned to the desired profile on a grinder or with a file.

Finally, you have to drill holes in the wood for the pins, exactly in the same places as in the metal.

A combat knife is the earliest element of a person’s defense or attack, the very first weapon that a person made and began to use. After many years, the improvement of many types of weapons, the possibilities of their use, the combat knife was not lost among the many types of weapons and became a truly faithful companion of strong men.

Over the past decade, their appearance has not changed much. Of course, taking into account the development of modern technologies, the principles of approaches to the manufacture of knives have changed, and better materials have also begun to be used. In the manufacture of modern knives, ergonomic methods and convenience for the owner are increasingly being used.

Combat edged weapons in shape and in general are somewhat similar to a predatory shark, which appeared one of the first among predators, managed to survive and is one of the most dangerous predators in the modern aquatic environment.

According to some experts, it is believed that the value of a combat knife in modern combat is minimal.

When performing special tasks, a combat knife is almost indispensable.

A combat knife used in special forces is, one might say, piece goods. In its manufacture, all parameters are taken into account:

  • blade length;
  • handle shape;
  • sharpening;
  • balance.

It makes no sense to give such types of combat knives into the hands of young conscripts and soldiers serving in the armed forces for a year. It can be used by specially trained people serving in special military units.

Features of combat knives

The purpose of a combat knife in the armed forces is to disable the enemy's manpower as much as possible. In accordance with the regulations and norms, it is in service with army structures and other special forces.

Understanding the specifics of a combat knife as a weapon for the destruction of a person, many countries have adopted special regulations that fix at the legislative level the status of a combat knife as a cold weapon, the difference from another type of knife and the procedure for storing it.

Combat knives may differ from each other in appearance.

And also in a constructive form, however, there are some constants that must be laid down without fail to ensure the fulfillment of functional tasks.

Professionals involved in the manufacture of a combat knife are trying to make edged weapons that would meet the following requirements:

  • the handle of a combat knife must have an ovoid or oval section, it doesn't have to be round. The reasons for this design are very simple: firstly, the handle of this shape is more comfortable in the hand, and secondly, the fighter can feel the position of the blade at the time of its use;
  • the handle of a combat knife should not slip in the hand. Today, for overlays, various types of plastic are most often used, which perfectly meet this requirement;
  • two-sided or one-and-a-half knife sharpening is desirable. The use of the blade in combat is much more effective if the fighter can use both sides of the blade and not reverse it;
  • the width of the knife blade is important, it should be at least 2.5-3 cm. In this case, the width of the slopes of the blade allows you to reduce the angle of sharpening the blade, which increases its cutting properties. With a stabbing blow with a similar knife, extensive wounds remain with profuse blood loss;
  • the shape of the knife blade is very important for melee weapons. The best option is leaf-shaped, with differentiated sharpening. This allows you to apply effective cutting and stabbing blows. The combination of differentiated and reverse sharpening is especially effective. A combat knife can also be equipped with serrated sharpening. However, the bevel on the butt of the knife should not be confused with its sharpening;

  • a combat knife must have a limiter on the handle. This is necessary so that during a stabbing blow the hand does not slip onto the blade. The handle with the limiter should be comfortable for the fighter, the limiter (often erroneously called the guard) should not be too large and interfere with intercepting the weapon;
  • the weapon has a length of 18 to 30 cm. The size is very important, if the blade of the knife is shorter than the specified length, then in battle it will be more difficult for them to reach the enemy, whose weapon can be longer. A length of more than thirty centimeters makes the knife too heavy and uncomfortable to carry and use. In addition, a knife that is too long is difficult to quickly get out and securely hide under clothing. The specified length is quite sufficient to damage the vital organs of the abdominal cavity and chest at any angle of impact. A knife that is too long is easier to knock out of the opponent's hand;
  • blade hardness. This is one of the most important characteristics of a knife. The blade must be made of high quality steel with a hardness of at least 47-55 HRC. The hardness of the blade allows it to penetrate well, it must be able to pierce clothing and, if necessary, push apart the fibers of Kevlar body armor.

Here's how to measure Rockwell hardness

The penetrating effect of combat edged weapons depends not only on the hardness of the steel from which it is made, but also on the shape of the knife blade. In the 90s of the last century, experiments began on the creation of blades from titanium and titanium alloys. In terms of strength, these materials are superior to steel, have less weight, and are not subject to corrosion.

In addition, they have anti-magnetic properties, which is very important for divers working with underwater mines. Such materials have an unpleasant feature: sharpening very quickly loses its sharpness.

For good penetrating power during stab strikes, the tip should coincide as much as possible with the axis of symmetry of the blade. That is, the tip of the knife should not be shifted to the side; when hit, the maximum force should be focused on it. In hunting knives, the tip is usually shifted slightly upwards, which is determined by the specifics of their use.

grams - the weight of a combat knife

The weight of a combat knife should be 200-300 grams. It is difficult to inflict a serious and deep wound with a lighter weapon, but if the knife is too heavy, it will create difficulties in its use.

The center of gravity of a combat knife should be closer to the handle, and not to the tip of the blade, in which case it is much easier to use it.

There are also requirements for the scabbard of a combat knife. The scabbard should be strong, light, conveniently and firmly fastened. The color of the scabbard is tactical (black or just dark). There should not be any fasteners to hold the knife in the sheath, they can prevent the weapon from being drawn at the right time.

The knife should be held in the sheath only by friction, not slip or fall out in any position of the body. The weapon should be easy to reach even with one hand without the slightest noise. The scabbard and their fastening should not interfere with the movements of the fighter and break his disguise.

Blade design


Army knives of the Russian army

Continuing the theme of the use of a combat knife in modern combat, 2 vectors can be distinguished.

  1. Survival use.
  2. Simplicity in everything.

Firms that supply combat knives to the cold steel market focus more on the so-called cutting component than on the stabbing one. Therefore, the knife becomes smaller due to the reduction in length, but the blade becomes wider.

Let us give an example of a number of combat army knives used in the power structures of the Russian Federation.

"Lynx"

Produced in the Chelyabinsk region, namely in the city of Zlatoust for SOBR.

The blade assumes the shape of a dagger, sharpening - one and a half. The shape of the handle is spindle-shaped, with a small guard and a metal pommel. The knife can be made in 3 types: combat, for awarding, civilian use.


DV-1 and DV-2

Used by army units of the special forces of the Far Eastern Federal District. Knives DV-1 and DV-2 are identical, except for the length of the blade. The blade itself resembles a blade in shape and sharpening on the butt, the guard and pommel are made of high-quality steel.

The handle of the knife in its cross section resembles an oval and is made of wood (walnut). These combat knives have a groove in front of the guard itself, which makes it possible to very quickly get a stuck knife. The basis for the manufacture of the scabbard is genuine leather.


"Antiterror"

Melee weapons, a combat knife, specially made for the structures of the FSB of Russia. Due to the fact that the blade is given a leaf-like shape, this allows the knife to have excellent secant qualities. The cutting side has a sickle-shaped groove, which allows you to give an increment in length while maintaining the size of the blade.


Types of combat knives of the GRU special forces

Developed for the special forces of the GRU General Staff of the Ministry of Defense in TSNIITOCHMASH. By order of the GRU, the Elf combat knife was made, the main purpose of which is to help a special forces officer survive at any cost. Compared to other knives, the "Elf" is equipped with a rather narrow blade with a slight decrease in the butt line, with one blade formed by long descents and a false blade on the front of the butt.

"Elf" is equipped with double-sided sharpening.

Sharpening in this form greatly increases the combat characteristics of a knife with a narrow blade, respectively, stabbing blows are better delivered.

Due to adjoining the false blade sharpening, the quality of the use of the knife increases. After striking the enemy, a wound with profuse hemorrhage may appear. The knife is made in such a way that the blade can be pulled out of the body without much effort.

Due to the use of the knife in extreme situations, high-quality steel is used in the manufacture of the knife blade. The knife handle is made of aluminum alloy. The shape of the handle is round and has a sealed cavity. The delivery set includes a knife with a sheath made of genuine leather.


bayonet knives

We can say that the bayonet as an addition to the gun began to be used in the 16th century in some areas of modern Spain. At that time, they were not used as a bayonet-knife in the modern sense, but they resembled a dagger and were used to finish off a wounded beast.

century in Spain in the first addition to the gun began to use a bayonet

The bayonet-knives that were used by the Soviet troops originates during the First World War with the German troops, the greatest peak of use dates back to the fifties of the twentieth century, complete with AK automatic rifles.

We give an example of the most common of them.

After the adoption of the AK-47 by the USSR army in the late 40s of the XX century, in the early 50s a blade bayonet was made under the serial number 56-X-212 for use with a machine gun.


Characteristics of the bayonet 56-X-212:

The so-called experimental bayonet-knife for the AK-74 assault rifle was made in the mid-80s of the XX century. It was produced in small quantities at the Izhevsk plant. The entire batch was transported for testing in combat conditions on Afghan territory. This specimen included a blade with a symmetrical spear-shaped fighting end and double-sided sharpening.


Characteristics of the experimental bayonet-knife for the AK-74 assault rifle:

The 6X9-1 bayonet-knife with a scabbard, which is an integral part of the new equipment of Russian soldiers "Warrior", was produced by KAMPO JSC - a military plant of the Russian military-industrial complex, which is a regular supplier of edged weapons for the needs of the armed forces, special services, aerospace forces, firefighters.

Its main goal is to eliminate the enemy and military dogs when fighting in small spaces and when it is impossible to use firearms, as well as when biting barbed steel wires when passing into the enemy’s protected perimeter.


Characteristics of the bayonet-knife 6X9-1:

Blade steel

The basis for the manufacture of a combat knife is high-carbon steel, sometimes knives are made by forging.

Foreign combat knives are marked as follows: "high carbon steel", that is, if the proportion decreases in steel, the softer and more elastic the steel becomes. Thus, the quantitative content of carbon in the structure of the steel is very important, and the more steel with a high carbon content keeps sharpening better and longer.

In the case of a carbon concentration greater than 2% in the knife, the steel will simply not be forged. Through experiments and tests, the most optimal carbon content was revealed - about 1.25%.

To preserve steel from corrosive elements and increase resistance to various influences (natural, mechanical, etc.), pure steel, which is used to make knives, is diluted with other metals. Nickel is added to protect against corrosion, vanadium is added to maintain properties in a chemical environment, and chromium is added to increase durability.

Of great importance in steel is such an indicator as hardness, measured on the Rockwell hardness scale in HRC units.

Steel for a combat knife should have a hardness of 58-62 HRC.

Another indicator for the characteristics of steel is elasticity. This criterion shows how you can load the blade of a knife without destroying or breaking the knife itself. The steel used in the manufacture of combat knives is such that the blade can bend by 25% and remain undeformed.

Sharpening rules

Regarding the issue of sharpening the blade of knives, the owner, when purchasing it, must understand in advance the intensity of its use. The operation of sharpening a knife is different.

  • wedge sharpening. It is assumed that from the base and further up the blade becomes thicker. The blade cuts better, the thinner the blade, but you must understand that the thinner the thickness, the less durable the combat knife. The greatest effect during cutting is achieved when sharpening occurs at an acute angle;
  • razor sharpening. After sharpening, the knife blade becomes narrower and sharper. The disadvantage of this type of sharpening is the reduced strength of the blade, when compared with wedge-shaped sharpening. Therefore, after such sharpening, they are mainly intended for cutting. With other types of use, the blade will become unusable.

The best combat knives in the world

Strider SMF (USA)

At the beginning of the 21st century, the US Department of Defense decided to train a counter-terrorism unit based on the Marine Corps. This knife was also included in the equipment of the fighters of the unit.

Strider SMF - small, handy, body made of titanium. The characteristics of the knife correspond to the best analogues of edged weapons. Such a knife is not afraid of any damage, a real special forces knife.


Knife blade shape Strider SMF

Ari B'Lilah (Israel)

This is a combat knife of one of the best special army units in Israel, soldiers who are constantly involved in hostilities, the fight against terrorists.

The Israelis are constantly improving their weapons, Ari B'Lilah is simply a masterpiece.


Ari B'Lilah combat knife

Glauca B1 (France)

This is the dagger of one of the most closed special squads of the French gendarmerie. In this case, with regards to the knife, we can say that simplicity is the key to success.

Blade - 115 mm, can be worn both on a belt and in a pocket, the equipment includes a "steloboy".


Combat knife Glauca B1

Combat Japanese knives

Japanese knife "tanto"

The literal translation is "short sword". In earlier periods - the weapon of the samurai. The blade can be sharpened on one side, but it can also be double-edged. Reaches a length of 30 cm.

Tanto differs from many types of edged weapons, in particular, spongy iron is used in the manufacture of the blade, the handle is removed. The main features of the tanto include the use of sponge iron, a removable handle and a guard that has a round shape. It is flat, the main goal is to finish off the enemy.


There are varieties of Japanese tanto knife:

The forms of Aikutti combat knives differ from the traditional tanto in that they do not have guards. In hand-to-hand combat, they are indispensable and were most often used when there was a need to finish off the enemy.


The oldest type of tanto knives. The blade is sharpened on both sides. Currently, these knives are practically not used due to their age - this is a work of art.


Yari-tanto

The characteristics of the knives assumed the defeat of the enemy by penetrating through the armor, this was achieved by the fact that the blade of the yari-tanto is identical to the blade of the yari spear. Due to the fact that the handle of the knife is hollow from the inside, it was possible to put the handle on the shaft and use it in battle like a spear. Often this knife was used as a "second hand" weapon.

Thousands of years ago, man learned to make and use the first tools of labor. The form, materials, purpose changed. One of the most ancient and faithful companions over the centuries turned out to be a knife - an item used in a wide range - from mining and cooking to self-defense. There are about 200 types of knives.

The history of the appearance and use of knives

A knife is commonly understood as a cutting tool with a blade - a working body made of a strip of hard material and a blade on one or more sides. The standard design is a handle and blade, the latter may have a pronounced piercing point.

The first analogues of the instrument have been known since the Paleolithic era. Stone and flint flakes were almond-shaped. Later, bone and wooden handles were attached to them. The use of knives made of wood, bamboo and bone was widespread. After a person learned to receive and process a new metal material, models made of bronze and copper entered production. In some regions of South America, instruments were cast in gold.

The Industrial Revolution gave impetus to the replacement of handicraft production with factory production. Materials and design, types of knives and their application have changed. The primary criterion was the cost reduction and manufacturability of the goods. Folding models have gained popularity.

Classification by purpose

There are five main groups of knives: for tourism and hunting, weapons, universal, kitchen, special.

The first group of knives serves a wide variety of purposes. As a rule, the product may be needed for attacking an animal, skinning, skinning a carcass. The presence of serrators and other elements that can cause additional suffering to the animal should be carefully monitored. It is unacceptable to purchase models with a blade length of less than 14 cm. Daggers have the best penetrating properties. The handle must be made of materials with good friction characteristics.

A travel tool must first of all be durable. If necessary, it can be used as a lever or an ax. Handle with pronounced finger stop. The optimal length is at least 10 cm. Machetes are used for cutting trees and reeds.

The second group includes several subspecies. Weapon models include:

  • fascinated - for sapper work;
  • cleaver - the largest combat knife;
  • ballistic - with a detachable blade inserted into the handle;
  • throwing - often referred to as sports equipment;
  • for self-defense;
  • bayonet knife;
  • combat - the main goal is to defeat the enemy during a combat operation.

Unlike other groups, combat knives have a special legal status. The legislation of each country regulates their storage, use and sale. Special requirements apply to the scabbard.

Universal models serve to simultaneously perform several tasks, which are. The types of knives in this group include:

  • multitools - a folding universal model with a large number of tools;
  • office - the main purpose - cutting paper and opening envelopes, richly decorated models made of second-rate steel;
  • EDC knives for everyday use - lightweight and comfortable, mostly folding items are used for household purposes.

Kitchen models are used for cooking and serving food. Most often you can find interesting types of knives, whose names are based on the function they perform:

Special blades include goods for narrow specialized activities: for deboning, surgical instruments, for scuba diving, gardening, with a shooting mechanism, for rock climbing and mountaineering.

Division by type of construction

Structural features play an important role.


The most popular options are:

  1. Folding models. When not in use, the blade is hidden in the handle. There is an automatic and inertial mechanism for bringing it into service mode. A separate type are gravitational models, brought by gravity to the working position. The absence and presence of the blade lock in the open position is taken into account.
  2. Fixed blade. The fixed connection of the blade and handle.
  3. Tychkovye. The handle is perpendicular to the blade. Snap mechanism.
  4. With interchangeable or removable blades.
  5. Skeletal. The simplest clumsy design, stamped entirely from a steel sheet. For comfort, the handle is often wrapped with a cord.

By type of blade: with a straight butt - can pierce objects, adapted for cutting; with a decrease in the line of the butt - the tip is located on the axis with a decrease in strength, it pricks and cuts objects well; with an increase in the line - the longest blade, capable of cutting very hard materials; "Finca" - is distinguished by a special bevel of the butt, bringing the tip closer to the injection line; "Goat's leg" - a straight blade, used for cutting, a high level of security; spear-shaped blade - double-edged, the tip is located in the middle.

The type of blade information should also be taken into account. Most common:

Main materials for production

An important role in the choice of goods is played by the material of manufacture. One of the most popular is wood. A variety of breeds are used. So, a light and practical handle can be obtained from dense maple, walnut, cherry and oak. Tropical wood varieties are reliable to handle, but come at a higher price.

Other natural ingredients are also used in the formation of the handles. Hunting knives are often decorated with horns and skins of wild animals. Of the synthetic components, nylon, fiberglass, greyvari and carbon are common.

An excellent electrical insulating material is micarta - a polymer-type film with a resin base. Glued together with cloth or paper with electrical insulating components. Micarta compares favorably with its pleasant appearance, moisture resistance, ease of processing and long service life.

One of the varieties of rubber - kraton is used both as an insert and as the main element for the handle. It is characterized by high wear resistance and increased grip tenacity due to anti-slip properties.

Less commonly used is G -10 - fiberglass, made on the basis of epoxy binders. Initially, the composition was developed for the production of circuit boards, today it has found application in handles. Advantages: high dielectric properties, moisture resistance, non-combustibility, rich color range. A sharp decrease in temperature can lead to a drop in the strength of the product.

Rules and selection criteria

Regardless of the purpose of the purchase, each product can be evaluated according to a number of standard criteria.


These include:

  1. Blade material. The most commonly used alloy and carbon steel, subjected to a special thermomechanical treatment. It is important to take into account corrosion resistance, impact strength, hardness. Blades made of titanium alloys, ceramics and composite materials are widely known.
  2. Scabbard - a case designed to ensure: human safety when worn, the possibility of transportation without the possibility of loss, protection of goods from damage. When choosing, it is important to evaluate the quality of the material for production, the shape, type of fastener, and aesthetic properties. A beautiful case can be an additional touch to the created image.
  3. Blade length and width. Types of knife blades and their purpose.
  4. Purpose of goods. A knife for tourism and for use in the kitchen are fundamentally different tools that differ in all functional characteristics.
  5. Weight and size. Compact lightweight models are suitable for constant wear.
  6. Handle comfort. The best option is with an anatomical notch for the fingers.
  7. Price range of different types of knives. Their purpose, build quality, company and materials used in production affect the final cost.

After evaluating the purchase according to 7 basic criteria, you should proceed to familiarize yourself with the advice of specialists. Professionals recommend:

A well-chosen knife can become a faithful companion of a person for many decades. It is important to take into account not only the purpose of the acquisition, but also to evaluate according to all criteria and standards.

I bring to your attention a selection of 19 best tactical knives with a fixed blade for self-defense from Tim MacWelch.

1.

SOG knives are known for their high quality. This medium-sized tactical knife features a cryogenically hardened AUS-8 steel blade. The blade has a black titanium nitride coating. Anatomical handle molded from fiberglass reinforced nylon. The notched handle ensures a firm grip even with wet hands. The knife is very light - 153 g. The total length of the knife is 24.1 cm, the length of the blade is 12.3 cm.

This charismatic knife, designed by Michael Martinez, weighs an impressive 238 g. The tanto blade is 12.6 cm long and is made of stainless steel 1.4116 with a titanium nitride coating. A semi-serrator with teeth at a 60 degree inclination is very useful. Of particular interest is the molded fiberglass-reinforced nylon handle with a triangular texture that provides a phenomenally firm grip in wet hands. At the end of the handle there is a protrusion that can be used as a lever. The knife has excellent penetrating power. The sheath is made of high strength nylon and is compatible with MOLLE systems.

Karambit style knife Ranger Kerambit EOD from Ontario Knife Company has an extremely sharp blade 8.9 cm long (with a total knife length of 19.1 cm) and 6.6 mm thick made of 5160 steel with a black powder coating. The green micarta grips provide a good grip. And of course, the knife has a finger ring characteristic of karambit at the end of the handle. The knife comes with a Kydex sheath.

For lovers of big knives Ontario Knife Company developed a series of knives for the American Rangers. The knife is something like a pocket machete. The 16.5 cm blade is made of 5160 steel with a powder coating. The handles are made of micarta. The MOLLE compatible sheath is made of nylon and kydex. Knife weight - 510 g

Buck Knives developed a magnificent tactical knife. This 218-gram knife is designed for hard work and has a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer. The tanto-style blade is 12.7 cm long and is made of 420HC steel. The handle is made from molded nylon. The nylon sheath is MOLLE compatible.

6. TOPS/Buck CSAR-T

A joint project Buck and TOPS Knives- tactical knife CSAR-T was developed as a tool for search and rescue teams. The blade is a modified version of the tanto. Blade material - stainless steel 420HC. The blade length is 11.4 cm. The handle is made of G10 with a Rocky Mountain Tread pattern. The handle has a hex wrench and a flathead screwdriver. The blade has a non-reflective Zirblast coating. The weight of the knife is 397 g. The sheath is made of high-strength nylon and is MOLLE compatible.

7. Browning Black Label Backlash

Knife Browning Black Label Backlash has a dagger-type blade with double-sided sharpening. It is a perfectly symmetrical and balanced knife with incredible penetrating power. The blade material is 440 steel. The handle is made of black G10. The sheath is made of molded polymer material and equipped with a belt clip.

Knife series Taylor Brands from Schrade offers tactical knives with uncompromising quality and attractive prices. The blade is made of high carbon 8Cr13 stainless steel. The grips are made of G10 with original texture. The total length of the knife is 20 cm, the length of the blade is 8.6 cm. Weight is 159 g.

This ultra-thin dagger-type knife is ideal for wearing in a boot. The knife belongs to the series Hostage Rescue Team. The 10.4cm blade is made from 7Cr17 high carbon stainless steel. The total length is 21.6 cm. The handle is made of ABS plastic. Slim sheath supports attachment to a belt.

The knife has a tanto blade with one-sided sharpening and a partial sereytor. Blade length - 8.6 cm, material - stainless steel 420HC with black coating. The handle is molded with TacHide material, typical of Gerber knives, for a firm grip in wet hands. The total length of the knife is 19 cm, weight is 93 g.

This beautiful knife Puma has an unusual sharpening and is perfect for both camp work and self-defense. The blade is made of German 440A steel with a hardness of 55-57 Rockwell units. Blade length - 7.9 cm, total length - 18.8 cm, weight - 145 g. The handle has lining made of pakka wood. The sheath is made of nylon.

Knife Boker Plus Mosier- a very attractive mixture of traditional design with modern trends in knife making. Designed by knifemaker David Mosier. The Warncliff blade is made from Sandvik 12C27 wear-resistant steel. Blade length - 8.2 cm, total length - 18.4 cm, weight - 156 g. The handle has overlays of beautiful two-tone micarta. The geometry of the blade provides a high penetrating power.

The knife was designed by John Benner, founder and owner of the Tactical Defense Institute. The knife has excellent ergonomics. The kukri-style blade and the original shape of the handle provide the ability to deliver powerful chopping blows. The 5.8 cm blade is made of AUS 8A steel with a hardness of 57-59 HRC and has a black powder coating. The handle is made from Zytel.

The knife looks very serious and is made from serious design materials by knifemaker Allen Elishewitz. The blade has a semi-serrated main blade and a full sereytor on the back of the blade. The knife can also be used as a saw, since its dimensions allow it. This knife combines strength and power that can be used both in field work and in knife combat. The 15cm blade is made from 1085C high carbon tool steel and has a black epoxy finish. The handle is made of thermoplastic rubber. The scabbard is made of black ballistic nylon.

Knives Heckler & Koch from Benchmade are one of the most indestructible knives on the market, model Conspiracy not an exception. Tanto blade made of stainless steel 9CR13 with a hardness of 58-60 HRC. Blade length - 12.2 cm. Knife sharpening is semi-serrated. The handle is made from a deeply textured G10 for a secure grip. Weight - 318 g.

The ultra-light and ultra-thin knife is designed to be worn around the neck. The full-length blade of this skeletal knife is made of AUS-8 steel with a hardness of 58-60 HRC. The blade shape is a modified Warncliff. The handle has 7 holes that lighten the weight of the knife and allow you to braid with paracord. The scabbard is made of kydex. Blade length - 8.3 cm, total length - 18.7 cm, weight - 65 g.

Classic Bowie blade and high quality materials make the knife Spyderco street bowie An excellent choice for self defense. The development was carried out by Fred Perrin, a French commando self-defense instructor. The 12.8 cm blade is made of VG-10 steel with a black ceramic coating. The molded nylon handle is reinforced with fiberglass and features Kraton inserts. The sheath is made of molded polymer and equipped with a G-Clip mount that provides a variety of fixation options. The knife is very light - only 108 g.

Smaller and lighter version of the knife street bowie, Spyderco Street Beat is also a development from Fred Pirrin. The blade material is the same VG-10 steel, but simply polished, uncoated. The length of the blade is 8.9 cm. The handles are made of micarta. Plastic sheath with G-Clip mount.

A futuristic curved blade combat knife with a sereytor on the back is a great choice for self-defense. The blade material is H-1 steel, which combines hardness and impact resistance similar to samurai swords. Blade length - 14.4 cm, total length - 27 cm, weight - 232 g. The knife is excellent for chopping, the sereytor allows you to use the knife as a saw and perform cutting strokes. The scabbard is made of black ballistic nylon.

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