Best Fighting Knife Review
The best fighting knife is specifically designed for self-defense and military utility. Combat knives have a rugged appearance and can have either a fixed blade or a folding blade depending on the purpose. Most civilians use fighting knives for self-defense. However; there are different knife laws governing the type of knife a civilian is legally allowed to carry.
Most civilians prefer the folding combat knives with fixed-blade. When shopping for the best fighting knife, you need to decide whether you prefer a fixed blade knife or a folding knife. You also need to decide what length of blade you prefer as well as the type of blade design you want.
It is also important for you to consider the type of steel that the blade is made from, the design of the knife’s handle and, the materials from which it is made. You should also consider the blade design, handle design and the handle materials. Most fixed blade fighting knives are used for self-defense while folding knives are used for mission-ready tactical purposes.
Top 5 Best Fighting Knives
We have tested out some of the top-rated combat knives to help you identify the best fighting knife to buy. Based on our test and findings, we have provided you with comprehensive reviews of the best fighting knife available in the market today. Here are reviews of 5 best fighting knives.
#1) SOG Pentagon
The SOG Pentagon is a medium sized fixed-blade tactical knife designed by McHenry and Williams. The knife features an overall length of 9 3/4″ with a Spear Point blade design measuring 5″ in length with a Double Bevel Grind made from AUS-8 stainless steel with a Rockwell Hardness of 57-58 HRC.
It has stainless steel bolster with a Hidden Tang and a highly ergonomic, 4 3/4 inch, Krayton Rubber handle with deep texture for very a firm and comfortable grip. The fighting knife includes Benchmade’s out-the-front automatic opening mechanism.
It has a right hand only, tip down only and stainless steel pocket clip. The knife is a solid and durable tactical knife that is great for combat.
Pros
- It features a Double Bevel Grind made from AUS-8 stainless steel with a Rockwell Hardness of 57-58 HRC.
- The combat knife has stainless steel bolster with a Hidden Tang and a highly ergonomic, 4 3/4 inch.
- The knife’s handle has Krayton Rubber with deep texture for very a firm and comfortable grip.
- The fighting knife includes Benchmade’s out-the-front automatic opening mechanism.
- The fighting knife is a solid and durable tactical knife that is great for combat.
#2) US Army Ka-Bar
The US Army Ka-Bar is a fixed-blade tactical knife that has an overall length of 11 7/8″ with a Clip Point blade design measuring 7″ in length. The knife features a Saber Grind and is made from non-stainless, 1095 Cro-Van, high carbon, Plain Tool Steel with a Rockwell Hardness of 56-58 HRC.
The fighting knife includes dual steel quillions with a Rat Tail Tang and a 5 1/4 inch, stacked leather handle combined with a steel pommel cap. The blade, quillion and, pommel cap all have black, powdered metal, coating to protect the knife from elements and to ensure longevity.
The tactical knife comes with a heavy duty leather sheath for easy carriage. The knife is popular amongst the US Military and is a reliable choice for those looking for a quality and durable tactical knife.
Pros
- The knife features a Saber Grind and is made from non-stainless, 1095 Cro-Van, high carbon, Plain Tool Steel with a Rockwell Hardness of 56-58 HRC for improved durability.
- The fighting knife includes dual steel quillions with a Rat Tail Tang and a 5 1/4 inch, stacked leather handle combined with a steel pommel cap.
- The blade, quillion and, pommel cap all have black, powdered metal, coating to protect the knife from elements and to ensure longevity.
- The tactical knife comes with a heavy duty leather sheath for easy carriage.
- The knife is popular amongst the US Military and is a reliable choice for those looking for a quality and durable tactical knife.
#3) Gerber Silver Trident
The Gerber Silver Trident fixed blade knife is a tactical combat knife designed in part by Chief Jim Watson, an original plank holder of SEAL Team 2. The tactical knife has a double-edged clip point blade that is partially serrated on both top and bottom. It is a heat treated blade is made of 154CM steel and includes a Rockwell Hardness of 59-61 for durability.
It is a tough knife that can be sharpened to a razor edge. The knife’s blade has a black coating that reduces visibility in low light conditions and prevents corrosion. The handle is made of DuPont Hytrel, which is a high-quality polymer that is available in various forms to choose from. The center of the handle is tough, while the surface is soft and is textured to ensure that the user maintains a sure grip in all conditions.
Pros
- The surface of the handle is soft and is textured to ensure that the user maintains a sure grip in all conditions.
- It is a heat treated blade is made of 154CM steel and includes a Rockwell Hardness of 59-61 for durability.
- The knife is tough and can be sharpened to a razor edge.
- The knife’s blade has a black coating that reduces visibility in low light conditions and prevents corrosion.
- The handle is made of DuPont Hytrel, which is a high quality polymer that is available in various forms to choose from.
#4) Cold Steel Recon Tanto
The Cold Steel Recon Tanto is a fixed blade tactical knife by Cold Steel that features an overall length of 11 3/4″ with an American Tanto Point blade design measuring 7″ in length and a flat Saber Grind. The knife has a black Tuff-Ex (Diamond-like Carbon), a coating made from VG-1 stainless steel with an unknown Rockwell Hardness.
The tactical knife includes a single integral quillion adjacent to the cutting edge combined with a Hidden Tang which is covered by a very ergonomic handle design with deeply checkered Kray-Ex (Krayton) rubber for a firm and comfortable grip even when wet. The knife comes with a heavy duty Secure-Ex (Kydex) sheath that allows the knife to “snap” into place and stay there.
Pros
- It features an overall length of 11 3/4″ with an American Tanto Point blade design measuring 7″ in length and a flat Saber Grind.
- The knife has a black Tuff-Ex (Diamond-like Carbon), a coating made from VG-1 stainless steel with an unknown Rockwell Hardness for durability and reliability.
- The tactical knife includes a single integral quillion adjacent to the cutting edge combined with a Hidden Tang which is covered by a very ergonomic handle design with deeply checkered Kray-Ex (Krayton) rubber for a firm and comfortable grip even when wet.
- The knife comes with a heavy duty Secure-Ex (Kydex) sheath that allows the knife to “snap” into place and stay there.
Cons
- The knife can easily shred your pocket.
#5) Cold Steel Trail Master
The Cold Steel Trail Master is another quality and durable fixed-blade Bowie Knife that features an overall length of 14 1/2″ with a Clip Point blade design measuring 9 1/2″ in length. The knife is made from your choice of either (non-stainless) O1 high carbon Plain Tool Steel or laminated San Mai III steel with a Flat Grind and an unknown Rockwell Hardness.
It includes a quillion made from a single brass oval together with Hidden Tang construction and a 5/1/8 inch, deeply checkered, “Kray-Ex” (Kraton) handle for a firm and comfortable grip even when wet. It includes an extremely well designed “Secure-Ex” (Kydex) sheath that protects the knife from elements and corrosion.
Pros
- The knife is made from your choice of either (non-stainless) O1 high carbon Plain Tool Steel or laminated San Mai III steel with a Flat Grind and an unknown Rockwell Hardness.
- The knife has deeply checkered, “Kray-Ex” (Kraton) handle for a firm and comfortable grip even when wet.
- It includes an extremely well designed “Secure-Ex” (Kydex) sheath that protects the knife from elements and corrosion.
Conclusion
The best fighting knife should be durable, quality and reliable. It should make it easier for you to defend yourself in case of an attack. The fighting knife should also be easy to carry. The five combat knives we have reviewed are some of the best tactical knives available in the market. The knives are from different manufacturers and come with different features. Any of the 5 best tactical knives would be a great choice for a self-defense knife.