Define Tactical...

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Nick Arsenault on May 24, 2009 at 8:56

tac. = rugged construction, aggressive look, and should be used by swat team... see how i said should cuz a bunch of places for got what tactical means and put out a worthless p.o.s.....

Permalink Reply by Michael B on May 24, 2009 at 20:28

I say its any knife that can be easily opened and colsed with one hand,must have a lock and a pocket clip

Permalink Reply by Michael B on May 24, 2009 at 21:08

easily and quickly open with one hand i ment

Permalink Reply by Thomas Vogt on May 25, 2009 at 13:02

I agree with Nick: the word "Tactical", like the word "survival" basically become a word that advertisers use to sell more knives. That unfortunate reality aside, I would say that proper tactical knife should have these features:

-Easy ambidextrous manipulation with one hand, even with gloves
-A thicker grind profile that emphasizes strength over cutting efficiency
-Strong tip
-A strong lock that can be operated with one gloved hand
-Deeply textured grip
-Generally muted colors
-Pocket Clip

Some of those features require a bit of explanation. Normally, I dislike aggressive texturing because its often extremely uncomfortable against the naked hand. However, many LEO, military, or EMT personnel are probably either wearing gloves or only using there knives briefly. When they do uses their knives though, they really don't want to drop them. Therefore, the texturing comes in handy. In the outdoors, I often use a knife for long periods of time without gloves, so I don't need/want the same kind of grip. This is just one of the many reasons why a "tactical" knife is not always idea for everyday or outdoor tasks.

Permalink Reply by Gritter Trash on May 27, 2009 at 16:51

Should have a fear - invoking sounding name, "Military", "At The Ready", "Skirmish", etc.

Non-Reflective (blade coating, or finish) - not necessary, but is more covert.
Quick deployment.
Proper grips for thrusting without slipping up and cutting hand tendons
Grips should withstand chemicals and solvents, and not be slippery when coated with blood.
Rear of handle can be used as impact device (Kubaton)
(an added plus) is a good Pika (Reverse) Grip.

USUALLY The following blade shapes and grinds are considered "tactical":

Chisel ground "Tanto" blades
Entirely re-curved (Karambit)
Opposite curve from above (Scimitar)
Any WILD and Exotic shapes are usually considered tactical (RJ Martin Rampage BTF)

Can be fixed blade, or folder. Folders must have extremely strong lock. Kydex or similar generally used for FB, as opposed to leather sheaths.

Of course MARKETING is a huge factor. I guess if Victorinox called their SAKs "Tactical" it'd be their choice?

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• lg_btf.jpg, 328 KB

Permalink Reply by Chris Stookey on May 31, 2009 at 22:00

Given that the word "tactical" is actually of military application, my personal definition of what a "tactical knife" should be probably leans towards miltary/LE. A few of the things that come to mind when looking at a tactical knife:

* Purpose: Knife is for tactical use, though it may also fit certain EDC applications. The predominant capabilities of the knife are largely centered around it's use as a self-defense tool (against those with hostile intent). The knife is also capable of cutting very tough objects (materials such as leather, wood, paracord, bone and even wire).

* Durability: The knife is OVERBUILT to endure very hard physical use. If the knife is of the folding variety, the lock is built to endure EXCESSIVE strain against the lock. The materials used in the manufacture of this knife recognize these needs, from the blade steel, to the handle scales...to the bolts/screws/washers/hardware. Everything is designed to over-perform.

* Colors: Suits specific environmental requirements (night, desert, jungle, forest). Colors are oriented to blend into the clothing and environment that the user is operating in.

Trend or not? Well, sure, I do think that there is a trend in tactical knives...just as there is in hunting knives and pocket knives. Does that mean that there are common themes employed in today's tactical knives? Sure. Black and camo are in. Bright colors are out. Blade steels that aren't polished are in while super shiny blades are out. Bigger is generally better. Sheathes need to really secure the blade and not make a lot of noise. Can you tell old tactical from new? Of course! However, you can also see where much of today's tactical knives grew out of.

Permalink Reply by RicK on August 23, 2009 at 23:39

case and point when was last time any of us had to go tactical ? tactical is users use and mind set your job or your life style stay sharp RicK

Permalink Reply by J.T. [HELLZZARMY] on August 29, 2009 at 14:54

Main Entry: tac·ti·cal
Pronunciation: \ˈtak-ti-kəl\
Function: adjective
Date: 1570
1 : of or relating to combat tactics: as a (1) : of or occurring at the battlefront (a tactical defense) (a tactical first strike) (2) : using or being weapons or forces employed at the battlefront (tactical missiles) b of an air force : of, relating to, or designed for air attack in close support of friendly ground forces
2 a : of or relating to tactics: as (1) : of or relating to small-scale actions serving a larger purpose (2) : made or carried out with only a limited or immediate end in view b : adroit in planning or maneuvering to accomplish a purpose.

So the word has be around for a while and part of military-speak. And has grown progressively in popularity over the past 10 year or so. Eventually we'll have tactical underwear...lol!

I think companies like Emerson Knives, Mercworx, Strider, or the like make great tactical knives. Other companies like Benchmade, Spyderco, RedscorpionSix, etc...have models in their line that can meet that purpose. Just look and see what "Operators" are carrying.

I could tell you...well maybe I can't...you either know or you don't.

Permalink Reply by Alan Stevens on December 27, 2009 at 18:29

As Thomas stated below the word Tactical like the word survival has basically become a word that advertisers use to make their knives seem like the answer to everyones prayer. So lately it seems like every cutlery company out there is trying to out tactical the other , when in fact they are actually hampering their knives preformance ability. First of all let's hear my opinion on blade coatings. I am not even 100% convinced that a carbon steel blade needs a blade coating and I certinaly feel that there's no place for it on a stainless steel blade. Some of the more aggressive blade coatings ( the resemble the rhino bed in my truck ) you'll find on TOPS & RAT cutlery will actually hamper the knife's cutting abilites because the coating causes extra friction and drag. Bead blasting is another issue I have. My EDC is a Greg Lightfoot 460 MAG I had custom made back in 2001. I specifically stated in the order that I wanted the blade mirror polished , doesn't sound very " Tactical LOL " does it ? The reason for that request is that when a blade is bead blasted it actually opens the pores in the steel which can cause moisture to become trapped in the open pores thus causing rust , remember stainless steel isn't rust proof , it just Stains Less :) just like the name. High polishing the blade closes the pores in the steel thus the blade will actually repel moisture . Don't believe me ? take a mirror polished blade and dip it in water , the water will bead and roll right off. Do the same with a bead blasted blade and you'll be wiping for 5 muites to get all the moisture out. And with a smooth polished blade , the knife will slide through with ease anything your cutting. Now I'm sure one of you is going to come back with something like , well the blade coatings and bead blasting is to cut reflectivity so the other guy won't see it coming. My response will be , if your a skilled knife fighter the other guy shouldn't see the knife coming either way. I believe that these so called " Tactical " blade coatings are just a good excuse for the manufacturer to skip the final fit and finish , IE now they get away with a polishing process. Now lets talk jimping , a little jimp at the top of the blade for added grip is fine. Extensive jimping all around the handles is stupid and unnecessary and looks gay , and between that and the rhino bed coating the knife looks like a big black ravioli. You don't need any perticular type of knife for it to be effective in the field , anything with a sharp edge cuts. If I snuck up behind you and stuck a common steak knife in the back of your neck , suddenly that steak knife just became pretty " TACTICAL " LMAO

Permalink Reply by Alan Stevens on December 27, 2009 at 18:34

My " TACTICAL " Knife

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• 460mag.jpg, 58 KB

Permalink Reply by Kevin S Gallagher on January 16, 2010 at 9:21

Nothing really to add since I believe the replies prior to mine answered the question. The folders attached define tactical for me for everyday carry (folders) and field usage (fix-blade)

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• Abaniko.jpg, 12 KB
• Commander_Number_7.jpg, 25 KB
• EKI_ThreeKbits.jpg, 130 KB

Permalink Reply by Halicon on April 21, 2011 at 9:21

The term is extremely loose nowadays, almost to the ridiculous. A true "tactical" knife for me is one whose design was made with the intent to cut into human flesh and to withstand the shock against human bones.

 

Only human anatomy, a knife balanced and built on the shocks and resistance a human body can give a blade, nothing else, no animal, wood or anything else - only humans. Also the reason I don't call any of my folders tactical except for my P'kal.