The Best Tactical Knives of 2024 (2024)

• OAL11.68”
• Blade length5.46”
• Blade steel420HC
• Blade shapeDrop point
• GrindFlat
• Hardness58-60 HRC
• CarryInjection-molded sheath
• Weight1 lb., 0.8 oz.

• Performs an expanded array of tasks with ease
• The ergonomics are top-notch
• The sheath has numerous carry options and can be adapted to carry a ferro rod or other required items
• Made in USA

• It will make you do more things with it outside
• It may cause you to plan expensive outdoor adventures with your friends

When I first wrote my review of Sniper Bladeworks MAMU ($195) in March 2023, I referred to it as the “perfect knife for the end of the world.” After using it many times since I haven’t changed my mind. The fact is that the MAMU was toiled over for a long time before it was released to the public. And the person who designed it, Lance Abernathy, may have just been designing a knife for the end of the world.

Available in a variety of handle colors and in a satin finish or PVD-coated blade, the MAMU is a reliable and adaptable full-tang behemoth that has been purposely kept under $200 to prove that even one of the best knives in the world doesn’t need to cost its weight in gold. It has an incredible feel in your hand that lets you do a lot of demanding work without getting fatigued easily. From slicing and chopping, to piercing and splitting, the MAMU’s ergonomics aren’t like any other, non-Sniper Bladeworks knife that I have ever used. That said, you can expect this level of advanced ergonomics across the Sniper product portfolio.

420HC is a stainless steel that has stood the test of time — just to be pushed aside by newer steels deemed more premium. But the fact of the matter here is while 420HC may not hold an edge as well as some steels that were designed to replace it, it’s easy to sharpen and will go toe-to-toe with almost every other steel out there in terms of abrasion and corrosion resistance.

The MAMU comes complete with a customizable injection-molded sheath that sports a DOTS belt clip. That clip alone is a law enforcement and military favorite. I digress, the sheath has a pronounced notch that’s designed to hold the blade in place, in any direction. This allows for the MAMU to be mounted to your belt or pack strap in any orientation that suits you. For tactical applications, mounting the MAMU horizontally across the small of your back will give you an edge over whatever you’re going up against, as they won’t see it coming.

If you’re looking for a knife that pairs well with the MAMU I recommend their Skinner as it’s designed for smaller, more intricate tasks.

Check out our review of the Sniper Bladeworks MAMU Fixed-Blade Knife here.

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• OAL9.88”
• Blade length4.8”
• Blade steelBlack stonewashed D2
• Blade shapeModified tanto
• SheathKydex
• Weight7.7 oz.

• D2 tool steel blade
• Innovative blade shape
• Smaller form factor

• Blade-to-handle ratio is a learning curve

I’m not sure if saying that we had a lot of fun testing out Civivi’s Concept 22 ($110) matches the true grit tone of tactical, but hey — we had a lot of fun testing out this knife. Part of the reason for that was the large belly on the modified tanto-shaped D2 blade. Tanto blades don’t usually get fat bellies on them. They’re usually thin and sleek. But here on the Concept 22, juxtaposed against the less robust handle profile, the experience is much more flowing, as if you were holding a scalpel.

The Concept 22 is one solid piece of D2 tool steel. D2 is incredibly tough and resists both abrasion and corrosion. However, that corrosion resistance only goes so far, as D2 does have enough carbon in its composition to cause spots of rust to develop if not properly cared for. The black stonewash finish on the Concept 22 eliminates that problem, and it also allows the blade to move smoother through sticky situations. I won’t go as far as to consider it Teflon-coated, but it’s definitely an improvement.

There is a little balance between love and hate with the Concept 22 and that comes in the handle shape and size. The handle, which utilizes good and grippy textured G10 scales, has a great flow to it. These ergonomics allow you to really put in a lot of work without getting worn out. However, when compared to the size of the blade, the handle is actually undersized, which makes chopping and slicing a little more complicated. Once you realize that you need to adjust your approach and come in at a higher angle than you normally would need to, the problem is solved.

Overall, at just under 10” and at 7 ounces, the Concept 22 is sized nicely for open or concealed carry. Concealed carry isn’t as big of an issue with knives as it is with guns, but part of being tactical is being elite and unassuming. That may sound weird when most people who subscribe to the tactical lifestyle look like they’re going to stomp a mud hole in a horde of zombies. But this knife isn’t the knife you need to broadcast to the world in any type of defense situation. It’s the knife that comes out when you want to surprise someone or something.

Check out our full review of the CIVIVI Concept 22 Knife here.

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• OAL8.29”
• Blade length3.55”
• Blade steelCPM-D2
• Blade shapeDrop point
• GrindFlat
• Hardness60-62 HRC
• Lock typeAxis
• CarryReversible, tip-up, deep carry
• Weight2.8 oz.

• CPM-D2 blade steel
• Lightweight for its overall size
• Excellent grip and hand feel
• Designed to be abused

• Lives in the shadow of the Bugout
• People hate on Grivory handles
• Gunk can get encased inside the knife easily
• Maybe on the larger side for EDC fanatics

In the world of Bugout’s and Bailout’s — choose the Benchmade Redoubt ($200) and be rest assured that you’ve got a workhorse of a knife that won’t flex on you under duress.

Man! That felt good getting out there into the world. I do appreciate both the Bugout and Bailout from Benchmade, but they’re light-duty knives — with the Bailout being a little more robust. But neither of those knives is as robust as the Redoubt. Just like I can’t understand people who get overly concerned about pack weight, I can’t see getting all twisted up over the weight and size of your knife, relatively speaking. When the sh*t hits the fan, I want a knife I can rely on. A solid part of what makes up a tactical knife is reliability. That said, this is why the Redoubt is the Best Tactical Folding Knife of 2024.

Designed to be an EDC knife that could be used for self-defense, the Redoubt was originally available with gray Grivory handle scales that featured a textured green inlay for increased grip. In January 2024, Benchmade released the Redoubt Blackout which is the same as the original Redoubt only with black handle scales and textured inlay. Both knives feature a Cerakoted CPM D2 drop-point style blade and black hardware. Making both knives a great choice for tactical applications, with the Blackout variant aimed at flying just a little more under the radar.

I tested the original Redoubt in February of 2023 and was heavily impressed. Designed in the same vein as Benchmade’s iconic Griptilian line, the design used for the Rebout was familiar and comfortable. As a fan of D2, I was eager to test out the CPM powdered version but initially skeptical about the need for it to be Cerakoted. I soon got over that when I realized how smooth the blade slides in and out of wet, sticky, and gummy materials — and then wipes clean with little effort.

With Benchmade being one of the few brands that I believe can execute tactical, survival, and everyday style knives incredibly well, I think the Redoubt exemplifies what a tactical folder needs to be — whether it’s blacked out or not.

Check out our full review of the Benchmade Redoubt Knife here.

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• OAL5.11”
• Blade length2.8”
• Blade steelBlack ceramic coated LC200N
• Blade shapeClip point
• SheathBolatron
• Weight1.5 oz.

• Designed by French knifemaker and martial artist Fred Perrin
• It’s an itty-bitty Bowie knife
• ABLE lock

• May be too large for some users (there’s a mini version for those folks)

Neck knives have a whole vibe of their own that screams self-defense. Unless it’s a puukko-style knife, that’s a whole other thing. I’m talking about small form-factor knives in Kydex sheaths that hang from a ball chain around your neck and are designed to be deployed as your last line of defense. And that, my friends, is EXACTLY what the Spyderco Subway Bowie ($173) is.

The Subway Bowie is made from LC200N, a stainless tool steel with a high nitrogen content that gives it excellent corrosion resistance and is incredibly tough. Spyderco then made a great steel into an incredible one by adding a black ceramic coating to the blade, which makes it non-reflective and stealthy.

Ceramic coating is not only strong and durable on its own, but it improves those already present qualities of the LC200N steel. LC200N also keeps an incredible edge, but when it’s time to resharpen or hone it, you can bring it back to razor-like conditions which makes the Subway Bowie even more intimidating than it already is.

So here’s the gross part. This knife is intended to be worn like a necklace, under your clothes. So it’s going to get sweaty and grimy. But it’s nice to know that you have this incognito line of defense hanging around your neck. I don’t exactly know the breaking point of the ball chain, but I do know that it’s strong enough to allow you to pull the knife out, but not so strong that you can be strangled by it.

This is about as true grit as it gets folks. This knife is the epitome of tactical. It’s meant to do one thing — and that’s not opening your mail. Just like handguns, the Subway Bowie is made for self-defense. Yeah, you could probably use it in a jam for meal prep and kindling prep, but that’s not what martial artist-slash-custom knife maker Fred Perrin designed it for.

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• OAL8.60”
• Blade length3.60”
• Blade steelCPM-D2
• Blade shapeTanto
• GrindFlat
• Hardness60-62 HRC
• Lock typeButton lock
• CarryRight or left hand, tip-up, deep carry
• Weight3.87 oz.

• Size-to-weight ratio
• Ergonomics
• Coated CPM-D2 Steel
• Red dot blade lock indicator
• The Morse code easter egg

• It’s a big knife
• The spring is intense

Automatic knives are a gamble in the civilian world. Each state has its own regulations and laws limiting who can carry them — but a couple of things are certain: if you’re in law enforcement or the military, you can legally carry them without any hassle. And the second thing that’s true about automatic knives, when they look and feel like the Benchmade Claymore Tanto ($260), they’re about as tactical as it gets.

Available with black or ranger green handle scales, as well as a handful of blade combinations, the Claymore was originally designed for law enforcement and military personnel. Benchmade saw the need for a lightweight and durable automatic knife that could be used for everyday carry as well as self-defense. Made from coated CPM D2 tool steel and Grivory handles, Benchmade hit the mark as the Claymore has a great size-to-weight ratio and is built to last; right down to the intense spring that fires the blade open with the press of a button.

Out of all of the knives I have had the pleasure of testing for GearJunkie, the Claymore is the one pocket knife that made me pump the brakes, realizing that this knife isn’t made for just anyone. Sure, anyone can use it — but it’s really made for people who know what they’re doing in a technical setting with a knife that excels in technical prowess. It’s a lot of knife and a lot of power in a balanced package.

Ergonomically, the Claymore is designed to do a lot of different tasks, really well, and that includes protecting you. The handle shape is designed to protect your hand, as well as keep it in place. Which you’re going to want when you press that button and the aggressive tanto-style blade comes flying out. The blade can also be locked with a slide lock behind the actuator button.

Benchmade considers the Claymore its “toughest folder to date”. After getting to handle it and put it through the use and abuse that I tend to do with the stuff I test, I would have to agree. This is kind of funny as the knife is named after something intended to blow things to pieces. Either way, in the long run, it’s hard not to be impressed with this knife, the materials Benchmade chose to include, and its robust — if not indestructible — build.

Check out our full review of the Benchmade Claymore Tanto Knife here.

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• OAL10.7”
• Blade length6”
• Blade steelCerakoted CPM 3V
• Blade shapeDrop point
• SheathKydex
• Weight10.3 oz.

• Cerakoted CPM 3V build
• Simple design
• Sheath hangs low to avoid interference

• Belt loop on sheath could be more durable

If you’re looking for a belt knife that you can bring to war or just a weekend in the great outdoors, the 0006 ($400) from Zero Tolerance is the knife for you. Zero Tolerance is known for its tactical approach to knife design and overbuilt execution. This is what’s drawn people to its knives for years and the 0006 is no exception.

If it were a couple of inches longer, then it might be more apt to be out on the battlefield. But at under 11”, and with its long, drawn-out drop point CPM 3V blade, it’ll do just as well in the woods. Taking that a step further, the 0006 is really just a bushcraft knife with a handguard; making it look tactical. That look is carried over through the chunky G10 handle scales as well as the included Kydex sheath that can be mounted in a variety of configurations for easy carry.

That said, that’s why the 0006 earned the title of “Best Bushcraft and Tactical Combo”. It bridges the gap, and — if I am being honest, brings a lot of naming conventions and knife categories into question. Knives like the 0006 blurs category lines, but it’s not alone. I think of the similarly designed Demko FreeReign that I determined was “Tactical Meets Bushcraft”. Or the Benchmade CLA, which — even by Benchmade’s own admission — falls under both the EDC and tactical categories.

However it’s defined and wherever it lands, I think that the 0006 fits nicely in both worlds. Its Cerakoted, high carbon 3V blade is ample for cutting, slicing, and being batoned for prepping kindling, but could also really prove effective in a combat situation. The 0006 lacks some of the modern ergonomics that we’ve seen in other knives, but that is a customary trait for both tactical and bushcraft belt knives.

The big picture here is that this knife is tougher than some of the rest and rest assured that you can rely on it. Check out our full review of the Zero Tolerance 0006 Knife here.

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