Best Tactical Folding Knives for Self Defense On 2024

In addition to a plethora of tactical functionalities, the finest tactical folding knife transcends the realm of mundane cutting. Serving not only as a cutting tool but also as a self-defense weapon and an emergency apparatus for shattering auto glass windows and cutting seat belts, this versatile instrument caters to a diverse array of users, including law enforcement personnel, campers, hunters, and more.

Today’s tactical folding knives dominate the market to offer multifunctionality. Selecting the right tactical folding knife requires careful consideration of several factors. Here are key aspects to keep in mind:

1. Materials: Opt for a tactical folding knife crafted from the most robust materials. Seek handles made of G10 or aluminum and blades composed of steels that maintain sharpness over time. Noteworthy blade steels include 7Cr17MoV and 8Cr13Mov.

2. Mechanism: Smooth functionality is paramount. The knife should open and close seamlessly, devoid of any hitches. Equally crucial is a dependable locking mechanism that ensures the blade remains secure, preventing potential injuries to fingers.

3. Extra Features: Elevating the knife’s tactical prowess are additional features beyond mere cutting capabilities. Look for integral tools such as a glass breaker and seatbelt cutter, especially valuable in auto emergencies. Some top-tier brands even incorporate specialized slots for opening bottles or stripping wires.

In the forthcoming buying guide, we will delve deeper into these considerations. Meanwhile, with numerous brands vying for attention in the market, let’s explore the top recommendations.

Best Tactical Folding Knives for Self Defense Reviews

1. Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops SWA24S Folding Knife

The SWA24S stands out as one of Smith & Wesson’s premium tactical knives that I personally admire. Its compact size effortlessly fits into my hand and pocket, enhancing its practicality.

The razor-sharp 7Cr17MoV high-carbon stainless steel blade excels at precision cutting, effortlessly handling smaller tasks and even proving effective at cutting through seatbelts during emergency situations. The well-placed liner lock, situated just below the blade, ensures a stable and secure position when engaged.

Designed with consideration for individuals with perspiring hands, the textured aluminum handle prevents slippage and includes finger indentations for an enhanced grip during challenging cutting tasks. The securely attached pocket clip adds to the convenience of carrying the knife while traveling.

The knife’s substantial weight imparts a sense of quality craftsmanship, and the ambidextrous thumb knobs allow for effortless one-handed opening. Upon deployment, the knife surprises with its remarkable balance, showcasing its exceptional design.

The Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops SWA24S serves as a practical pocket knife with versatile serrated edges, allowing for effective cutting across various materials. Its compact design makes it easily concealable, rendering it a suitable choice for self-defense purposes.

Pros:

• Compact size for hand and pocket convenience
• 7Cr17MoV blade excels at cutting small items and seatbelts
• Well-positioned liner lock ensures blade stability
• Textured aluminum handle with finger indentations for a secure grip
• Equipped with a pocket clip for portability and ambidextrous thumb knobs for easy opening
• Impressive weight and balance denote exceptional craftsmanship

Cons:

• The finger flipper may require a break-in period

2. Grand Way Spring Assisted Knife

In my quest for a portable and lightweight knife, the spring-assisted model from Grand Way perfectly aligns with my requirements. With a length just under four inches, it complies with New York’s regulations for legal self-defense carry.

This military folding knife boasts a well-designed clip that effortlessly slides into my pants pocket, seamlessly complementing even my sleek suits. Adjacent to the pocket clip, a slender end has proven handy for opening bottles during social gatherings. Notably, the inverted clip configuration ensures that the spring won’t accidentally deploy the blade while the knife rests in my pocket.

Crafted from 440C stainless steel, the blade exhibits remarkable sharpness and is easily restorable through honing. Its versatile blade shape handles various light to medium cutting tasks adeptly. The liner lock adds an extra layer of safety, preventing any concerns about accidental closures and potential finger injuries.

The Spring Assist mechanism has become a highlight for me, facilitating smooth one-handed opening with minimal pressure. This feature allows me to maintain a secure grip on the aluminum handle at all times. Additionally, the inclusion of thumb studs enables a swift blade deployment, particularly useful for quick draws in potential confrontations.

The Grand Way Spring-Assisted Knife stands out as an exceptional training tool, particularly favored by those who appreciate a quick-draw design. Its compact size and swift opening make it well-suited as a combat folding knife, ideal for self-defense scenarios.

Pros:

• Lightweight and compliant with New York’s self-defense carry regulations
• Pocket clip ensures effortless and secure placement in pants; features a convenient end for bottle opening
• Inverted clip design prevents accidental blade deployment in the pocket
• 440C stainless steel blade combines sharpness with easy honing for light to medium tasks
• Liner lock enhances safety by preventing sudden blade movements
• Smooth one-handed opening facilitated by the Spring Assist mechanism and thumb studs

Cons:

• Potential for the bolt to loosen over time

3. Smith & Wesson Border Guard Folding Knife

The Smith & Wesson Border Guard stands out as a dependable folding tactical knife suitable for both professional tasks and recreational pursuits. Characterized by its substantial size and equipped with a robust clip for easy accessibility, this knife proves to be a reliable companion.

Constructed for durability, the 7Cr17MoV stainless steel blade of this tactical pocket knife exhibits resilience against substantial abuse. The weighty and solid feel of the blade, coupled with serration and blood grooves, renders it well-suited for tasks ranging from cutting twine to whittling wood during hunting expeditions.

The knife’s user-friendly design allows for effortless deployment with a slight application of pressure and a flick of the wrist. Ambidextrous thumb knobs facilitate one-handed operation, while the liner lock instills confidence in preventing accidental closures that could result in finger injuries.

Featuring a black aluminum handle with Trac-Tec inserts, this tactical folder knife provides an outstanding and gritty grip. The inclusion of a glass breaker and rope cutter, positioned on the top rear, enhances its versatility for emergency situations. Additionally, the presence of an eyelet for a lanyard ensures that the knife remains secured around the wrist, minimizing the risk of loss.

The Smith & Wesson Border Guard proves to be a rugged and dependable folding knife, well-suited for hunting and diverse tactical missions. Its substantial weight and sturdy construction ensure resilience in the face of challenging situations.

It’s worth noting that the handle’s slight sandpaper finish might initially feel a tad uncomfortable. Nevertheless, the Smith & Wesson Border Guard boasts several noteworthy attributes:

Pros:

• Sturdy and resilient, capable of withstanding heavy use; equipped with a convenient clip for quick access
• Features a robust 7Cr17MoV stainless steel blade with a liner lock for added security
• Sharp blade with serration and blood grooves enhances cutting capabilities
• Trac-Tec inserts on the aluminum handle improve grip
• Easy one-handed opening with ambidextrous thumb knobs
• Includes a glass breaker, rope cutter, and an eyelet for lanyard attachment

Cons:

• Handle may feel slightly rough

4. Voltstorm Steinbrucke 8Cr13Mov Tactical Folding Knife

Volstorm’s Steinbruke stands out as a premier tactical folding knife, boasting superior materials and exceptional versatility. In my quest for a robust pocket knife suitable for tactical and self-defense purposes, this model not only met but exceeded my requirements without breaking the bank.

The 8Cr13Mov German stainless steel blade delivers outstanding sharpness, effortlessly penetrating various materials. The robust locking mechanism ensures a stable blade, eliminating any undesirable wobbling. The inclusion of a flipper adds an extra layer of safety, preventing contact with the blade during deployment.

The aluminum handle offers a solid and ergonomic grip, enhancing overall control. The integrated glass breaker and seatbelt cutter on the handle prove invaluable in emergency situations, particularly within a vehicle. The well-balanced weight of the knife enhances the effectiveness of the glass breaker, making window shattering a seamless task.

The spring-assisted action operates smoothly, allowing for quick blade deployment with a simple flick of the wrist. Over time, I noticed the knife’s enhanced responsiveness as the spring assist became more familiar. With the addition of a pocket clip, carrying this knife becomes convenient in diverse settings, from camping in the woods to daily use at work.

The Volstorm Steinbruke stands as an excellent, budget-friendly folding knife for various tactical missions. Its standout features include a razor-sharp blade, reliable spring-assist opening, and a thoughtful design that makes it a reliable companion in diverse scenarios.

Pros:

• Versatile and reasonably priced
• Sharp German stainless steel 8Cr13Mov blade
• Solid locking mechanism prevents blade wobbling
• Features a protective flipper and substantial weight
• Sturdy aluminum handle equipped with a seatbelt cutter and glass breaker
• Effortless blade opening with spring assist; convenient pocket clip for easy carry

Cons:

• Rope cutter may be somewhat small for handling large ropes

5. CRKT M16-14SFG EDC Folding Pocket Knife

When discussing substantial tactical folding knives, CRKT’s M16-14SFG stands out as a fitting choice. This everyday carry (EDC) tactical knife proves versatile, excelling in tasks ranging from cutting ropes and fruits to serving as a self-defense tool.

A notable feature of this pocket knife is the Carson flipper, not just facilitating effortless blade deployment but also doubling as a protective guard, preventing inadvertent cuts. The blade swiftly opens with a gentle pressure, creating a visually impactful experience when employing the tip-up position from my pocket, leaving an impression on potential adversaries.

The Veff serrations exhibit exceptional sharpness, effortlessly slicing through materials like weed mats and ropes. Puncturing tasks, from 5-gallon tubs to sacks of grains, are handled with ease. The lock liner ensures the blade remains securely in place even during forceful applications.

The G10 handle deserves admiration for its exceptional grip, resilient even in wet and grimy conditions. The open chamber design not only reduces weight but also simplifies debris removal, a practical feature complemented by the handle’s compressed glass fiber composition, offering a comfortable feel.

The CRKT M16-14SFG impresses with its exceptional handle and blade design, effortlessly cutting through diverse materials. The combination of sharpness, safety features like the lock liner, and the versatility of the Carson flipper makes it a reliable choice for various tasks.

Pros:

• Carson flipper functions as both a blade guard and deployment aid
• Smooth blade deployment with minimal pressure, creating a visually impactful experience
• Sharp Veff serrations adept at cutting and puncturing various materials
• Secure lock liner prevents blade dislodgment during intense use
• G10 handle, made of compressed glass fiber, provides a reliable grip
• Open chamber design reduces weight and facilitates easy cleaning

Cons:

• Requires the use of two hands for closing

Final Word

Tactical folding knives prove invaluable not just for self-defense but also for a range of practical tasks such as cutting and emergency situations like breaking glass in vehicles.

My premier choice for the best tactical folding knife is the Smith & Wesson Border Guard. Its robust construction imparts a reassuring solidity in hand, making it a reliable companion. This knife is not only durable enough to withstand tough conditions but also versatile, excelling in tasks like cutting ropes and emergency glass-breaking scenarios.

For those seeking versatility, the CRKT M16-14SFG stands out as a commendable alternative. This particular model impresses with its G4 handle, delivering one of the most secure grips available. Paired with sharp edges, it ensures efficiency in cutting tasks and comes equipped with a blade guard for added safety.