10 Good Things That Make a Tactical Knife
Just what is a Tactical Knife? Every Firm seems to make them. Everyone seems to take them. Or do they?
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Well, first let me say this: I've heard some people (Knifemakers/Knife Companies) say the following, that there's no difference between a "regular" knife and a "Tactical Knife." I ask them this question: Is there a difference between a "Combat Handgun" and a "regular" hand gun? Damn right there's. But if you don't know what these distinctions are, you probably can't tell the difference. However, there are differences and to the educated or experienced, these subtleties can literally mean the difference between life and death. There is also a difference between a "Tactical Knife" and a "regular" knife.
1. Design
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When NASA requested me to design a knife for the International Space Station they gave me a list of jobs the knife will be used for, including some that were very specific and exceptional. I designed the knife from the start, to fit those demands. If the US Navy requested me to style a rescue knife for their special boat units (SBU), they gave me an of jobs to list the knife would be required to perform.. I designed the knife especially to address those jobs. The petition for this particular knife came because of a terrible accident in which lots of U.S. Marines drowned in a helo crash.
2. Purpose of the knife
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The purpose of the knife will order what knife you should get. A door kicker will need a different knife when compared to a detective. What is a tactical knife? Let's ask. Is the knife an emergency rescue tool? Depending on your job requirements you may need two or even three knives - not to take, but within the tools you need for specific operations. Please take a look at this website http://www.gerbergear.com/Tactical/Knives for more details. These are just a few of-the questions you must consider before making your choice and purchase.
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An undercover officer going into a possibly hostile environment will have totally different conditions when compared to a SWAT officer. I've made several knives for undercover agents that used turquoise and pale greens for the handles, so the knives did not have a "policeman" look to them. Ask the agents.
3. Ergonomics 
Ergonomics is one of the very important aspects of Tactical Knife design. Without becoming too technical, knife ergonomics are merely this: The knife must feel comfortable in your hand. Now, I'll get a bit more technical. It has to handle it under stress and feel comfortable whenever you use it. There have to be no pinch points, sharp corners or abnormal feel to the handle. Here at Tactical Folding Knives you will find what you are looking for. Now, it must feel that way in both a forward grip (blade coming out of the very top of your closed fist) and in a reverse grip (blade coming out the bottom of your closed fist). This is where we split up the knife designer from the graphics designer. Watch out for over - conspicuous finger grooves which will pressure your hand into a pre-fixed position. There should be a location for your fingers to go that should not force them. In addition, the knife should not be too large or too little for your hand, but must be perfect. A good designer can do this. Another option would be to make little, medium and large variations of an unique knife model. The main point is the fact that your knife should feel like it suits you, in shape, size and weight. One of the greatest compliments I get is when someone picks up one of my knives, grins and says "It feels like it was created for me."
4. Any design must certanly be purpose driven, size As I've already said. 
And So, the measurement of-the knife should be reflective of-the job it is designed to-do. All too frequently I've seen knife makers make what they believe to-be the "Ultimate Cop Knife." Then continue to show me a 15 inch long Bowie knife with a leather sheath the size of Tennessee to take it in. The entire rig weighs in at least two pounds or more. "It's got a steel bottom for them to hammer with it." Nice knife, but it's either going to sit in a locker or in the officer's mantel. The dimensions of-the knife needs to-be such that the officer will feel comfortable taking it. Then he'll take it. Giant folding knives or humongous fixed blades may truly have their place, but a policeman's never going to use it if every time he places it on, it causes him to tip to one side. My recommendation for common use and take?
5. Materials 
There are two categories, blade and handle. Starting with the blade, I would suggest a great quality stainless steel. What is good quality? Quite frankly, the knife business is so competitive that any reputable knife business is now using good to high quality steel. If the knife is simply $3.98, it's made in Pakistan or China, regardless of what it says. Forget the hype about Super Steels. It's only marketing spin to convince you one firm is better compared to another. The very best knife steel ever used is plain old W1 tool steel and it's been in existence for a couple of hundred years. It's the stuff your files are made of and they cut other steels.
6. Handle 
Handles may be made of a variety of materials from plastic to G-10 and from Titanium to Stainless. What you want in a handle is something that is secure and won't absorb moisture. What I mean by steady is: It won't shrink, check or crack. Stabilized materials are usually waterproof. They shouldn't absorb sweat, water, gas, or oil. This eliminates most natural materials, such as wood, bone, or ivory. In Addition, avoid Kraton, the soft grippy rubber like substance found on some "Tactical" knives. With all the technology out there in polymers and composites, you can normally count on the companies having good handle materials.
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In regard to all metal handles, they will probably last forever. Sometimes they feel a *tiny large and sometimes are smoother than the non-metal handles. It's really up to you what feels best-in your hand. I get an all titanium-handled knife in my pocket everyday. Checkering or even a textured area of course will always give you extra traction, particularly when the environment is wet. Bare in mind though, materials do not make the knife. Design makes the knife. A knife with good materials is still a poor knife. Go over to this site http://tactical-knives.net and find useful information.
7. Blade Design 
The blade must have a point and a cutting-edge. It's really that fundamental. More particularly, I like a good strong thick point. If I have to poke or dig into something, that may damage or break a *sensitive needle-like point as available on some knives. A couple of inches of cutting edge is lots. Curved cutting edges cut cloth and webbing really efficiently, I.e. seat belts. I recommend a hardness of 57-59C Rockwell, contrary to some who take their knives up to 61C Rockwell. From practical experience I understand that is way too hard and fragile. I will dull a knife, any knife, regardless of what any producer claims, and I will have to be able to sharpen it without some exotic diamond sharpener. If I'm in the industry, I would even have to use a rock. At 57 59 C Rockwell, the blade has some inherent flexibility. After all, a blunt knife is still a knife. A broken knife is... well, pricey crap.
8. Locks 
I don't get too spun up about locks. Once again, businesses are battling for every square inch of industry they can catch. A knife folds. Get-it? Never rely on the lock. IT ISN'T A FIXED BLADE! I've broken all of them. I repeat, I've broken all of them. There are lock backs, there are lining locks, there are axis locks. They are all good but none infallible.
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Once again, good companies have better locks; economical foreign-made crap is, well, crap. Don't trust a $6.00 knife with your trigger finger. Is your finger just worth $6? If you want a knife that will never fold, obtain a fixed blade.
9. Fixed Blade or Folder 
This might be a sub category of function of the knife. Some people like folders; some like fixed blades. A blade is fundamentally stronger than a folder (no moving parts). Therefore it comes down to this: What are you going to use the knife for? An aviation squad cop would probably select a large strong fixed blade to take with him in the Helo cockpit. This is simply not to say that all fixed blades have to be huge chopping cleavers. Some cops who prefer fixed blades take a considerably smaller variation.
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These knives that are the same-size as an opened folding knife are quite usable, efficient and are compact enough tobe taken on a daily basis. The decision between a fixed blade and a folder should be driven by preference second and use first. I wish to ask you this question. How many times have you utilized your firearm to pound a nail into a *slice of wood? It's not a hammer you say? A knife isn't a hammer either. So what can I say about folders that I haven't already covered? Perhaps just this. Almost every policeman who carries a fixed blade in his equipment has a folding knife tucked in his pocket.
10. Carry Options 
Just like your primary weapon or your backup, select a location to carry your knife and usually carry it there. You'll find tons of sheaths, leather, nylon or kydex out there. Any of these sheaths are fine as long as they are well made, if you take the knife on your belt. Most modern "Tactical" knives use a spring metal clip that is mounted right on the handle. Some clips are mounted fore and some are mounted aft. I don't care which, only choose one and stay with it. This enables you to take the knife in your pants pocket clipped there for easy access. Which side? Off hand or firearm side? Again it's a subject of private preference. Some guys do not want to clutter up their firearm side with too many options. Some officers take their knife clipped in their offhand pocket as a backup weapon against a gun grab when their gun hand is protecting the weapon. I've even had a couple of guys tell me I've set the clip on the wrong end (the butt end) on my knives. There is no right or wrong about how you take your knife. It has to be easy and clear to entry and it has to be in the same location all the time. That's it. The glove box or trunk of your auto are poorer choices.
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Get your knife from a business that cares about its goods and takes pride in what they make. They are out there - you only need to look. Select a knife from a reputable producer and purchase it from a reputable dealer. A knife, unlike a firearm, is used for a lot of mundane purposes; however, someday you may need it to save the life of a family member, your partner, yourself, or a complete stranger. Is your knife up to the job? There is one firm that has this slogan: "When Your Life Depends on Your Equipment... Get the Equipment Your Life Depends On." Guess which one. Just take a short overview here http://tacticalknive.tumblr.com/ and find useful information about tactical knives.