![]() However Damascus steel is cost prohibitive and typically geared more towards collectors than those in the Law Enforcement or Military. Choosing a Tactical Knife: Blade & Handle Material The most expensive blades found in knives are typically Damascus steel which is known for its unique pattern and appearance. In addition a serrated blade does not cut as cleanly as a plain edge knife. Knives with serrated edges are not without their downsides however when the blade dulls it's much more difficult to sharpen and often requires sending the blade back to the manufacturer to get it repaired especially if the sharpening is long overdue. Serrated blades also work great on substances that are soft and flexible. They're great for cutting through belts and ropes, fabric, and various other textured materials. These are intended to be used much like a small saw, with a back and forth motion. Serrated edges (also referred to as Combo) have some kind of toothed or saw-like edge ground into on the cutting surface. Another key advantage of a plain edge is that it doesn't snag or fray when cutting through some ropes, though with other ropes, particularly ones made of plastics or other synthetic materials, the blade may simply slip instead of cut. They serve a much wider purpose as their most useful application is what most of us think of when we think of using a knife: a strong, steady pressure. Choosing a Tactical Knife: Blade Edge & Knife Type Another important factor to keep in mind when choosing a knife is choosing the type of blade and edge for your tactical knife as they come in a variety of different configurations which we will explain for you. Plain edge blades that are one continuous sharp edge - are far more traditional. Especially for those using a tactical knife in the line of duty, your knife needs to work and fit properly, which is why a lot of experts recommend opening, closing and using the knife to cut a piece of paper or cardboard before adding it to your everyday duty gear. They also allow you to carry the same knife in the same location in and out of uniform. While a sturdy pocket clip allows you to easily and comfortably carry and deploy the knife without using a cumbersome or bulky sheath. A thumb stud can make a world of difference when trying to your knife with one hand while under duress. Choosing a Tactical Knife: Design Knife design really comes down to a matter of preference however I would highly recommend that you go with an EDC blade that has a comfortable thumb stud and locking mechanism as well as a sturdy pocket clip. However if you are a civilian depending on the state knives with 3.00” - 3.75”inch blades may be legally mandated or better suited for every day carry. Any bigger and you will find it too cumbersome to carry on an every day basis. For most, a folding knife with a 3.5" – 4.5″ blade and 7" – 9″ overall length will suit your needs. Any smaller and you run the risk breaking it on even ordinary tasks or not having enough surface area to cut. Choosing a Tactical Knife: Size Matters Tactical Knives come in a variety of shape, sizes and colors from tiny 2″ California legal automatics or folders that you can drop in a small pants pocket to mammoth 2’ Bowie knives you need a cart to carry around. So without further ado we have provided a list of qualities to look for when choosing a tactical knife that is right for you. ![]() The problem with this is that just because the manufacturer labels a knife “tactical” does not mean it is actually suitable for duty or every day carry (EDC). As the demand for every day carry (EDC) knives within the law enforcement and military community has grown so did the availability of “tactical” or “duty” blades. ![]() Today it’s a much different story almost every officer carries a tactical blade that is visibly clipped to the pocket of their duty pants. ![]() However when I first started collecting, it was an uncommon sight to see a police officer carrying a tactical knife, a lot of them carried them however they were more akin to a tiny Swiss Army Knife than a full blown military knife. As a young kid that growing up in rural Tennessee, I took my first job at a hunting store, and since then I have always had an interest in knives. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |