Best Tactical Knives of 2026

"I was really impressed with the solid feel and sharpness of this knife, especially at this price. The compact size fits my pocket perfectly, and the knife still feels much more expensive than it is. I use it every day and the edge has held up amazingly well."

"This knife is special to me because it was the first pocket knife I got from my dad. It's the perfect size for everyday carry—not too big or intimidating and well-balanced in hand. After using Smith & Wesson knives for over 25 years, I can say they're always reliable. The blade holds an edge even with daily tasks like opening packages or breaking down cardboard. I'm happy to have added it back to my collection and plan to pass one down to my kids."

"I needed a replacement for my lost knife and this one turned out to be a great, inexpensive option. Both edges are very sharp, and I like the all-metal design. The only thing I noticed is that it doesn’t flick open as easily as my old one, but I’m still really satisfied with the quality and blade for the price."

"I highly recommend this knife for anyone in need of a small, portable, and effective EDC tool. The compact size fits comfortably in my hand, and the blade is incredibly sharp right out of the box. I love how lightweight and discreet it is in my pocket, and the low-profile pocket clip keeps it secure without being noticeable. For the price, especially with the sharpener bundle, it's an excellent value. If you have larger hands, it might not be ideal, but for me, it's a perfect everyday knife."

"This is my second Kershaw and it's quickly become my favorite for everyday carry. While my Cryo was a bit heavy, this knife is much slimmer and lighter, making it easier to carry throughout the day. The blade arrived razor sharp and looks fantastic. The only minor downside is that it takes a bit more effort to open compared to my Cryo, but otherwise, it's a great value and a solid choice."

"After unboxing, I was surprised by how thin, small, and lightweight this knife is—exactly what I wanted for carrying in my pocket, even with sweats. The blade opens with a satisfying snap and was very sharp, though not quite as sharp as my Analyst model. Still, the steel takes an edge easily, and the balance is excellent. The grip is a bit less substantial due to the smaller size, but it's not a safety issue, just comfort. Overall, I'm really impressed with the quality and value for the price."

"I've added this mini knife to my EDC collection, and I have to say, the weight and build quality are impressive for such a small tool. I love that I can open it easily with a wrist flick, and the lock feels solid when deployed. The handle fits perfectly in my hand, and despite its size, the grip is comfortable and secure. My only minor gripe is that the pocket clip is a bit stiff and takes some effort to use, but overall, it's a fantastic value and I'd buy it again."

"This is a super sharp, compact knife that fits right on my keychain. The quick flip feature is really convenient, and I appreciate the integrated bottle opener. It's sturdy, doesn't feel cheap at all, and perfect for carrying every day. Definitely one of my favorite small knives!"

"I was really drawn to the unique design and handy form factor of this knife. It's great for opening packages and everyday tasks, and the blade is impressively sharp. However, I found the flipper action to be a bit gritty and not as smooth as I hoped, even after trying to lubricate it. Still, it's a useful, sharp tool, but the opening mechanism just didn't work for my needs."

"I've been using this knife daily for months and am very happy with it. It's sharp, holds up well, and the seatbelt cutter and glass breaker give me extra peace of mind. After some wear-in and a bit of oil, it performs even better than new. The pocket clip is positioned so the knife stays discreet, and for the price, I would absolutely buy it again."

"When I received this knife, I was impressed with the sharpness and sturdy feel right out of the box. I chose it for its size, glass breaker, and seatbelt cutter, and both features work as expected. The action is crisp and smooth, and the handle provides a solid, comfortable grip. It's a bit bigger than some folders, but that gives me confidence if I ever need to use the glass breaker."

"I'm very pleased with my purchase of the SWFR2S folding knife. The blade is sharp and durable, the handle feels secure even in wet conditions, and the design is both lightweight and tactical. Opening the blade is smooth, and the liner lock feels reliable and safe. It's a great fit for everyday carry and outdoor use."

"I was impressed by how fast and smoothly this knife opens and how comfortable it feels in my hand. The value is great, so much so that I ended up buying another for myself and one as a gift."

"The blade quality is top-notch and the weight feels just right. Initially, the knife was a bit stiff, but it quickly loosened up and became easy to flip open. The design is beautiful, and it made a fantastic gift for my brother."

"I really like the finger ring at the end, and the knife is extremely sharp yet not too heavy. It fits perfectly in my hand. I even bought another to give to a friend as a present."

"As a Fire & Rescue volunteer and avid camper, I find this knife to be solid, thoughtfully designed, and versatile. The range of built-in tools makes it perfect for both rescue situations and outdoor adventures. For the price, you simply can't beat the quality and value. I've already decided to buy more as gifts."

"I bought this for my dad and he’s absolutely delighted with it. The blade is impressively sharp and the flashlight works well. It turned out to be a fantastic gift that he really enjoys."

"I really appreciate all the emergency features—the window breaker, seat belt cutter, and fire starter are great additions, especially for the car. I ended up getting one for several family members. The only thing is my light didn't work, but everything else was fantastic. This knife makes it clear that I care about my family's safety."

"As someone who volunteers as a firefighter, I appreciate the solid build and handy carrying case that comes with this multi-tool. My only concern was the excessive lubricant, which made it slippery at first, but after cleaning it, I’m quite happy. It’s a great addition to my gear and I’d recommend it—just be cautious when handling it out of the box."

"I bought this for my daughter in the Coast Guard, and she’s been impressed by its quality and durability. The knife makes cutting line easy, and the included bits have come in handy more often than she expected. The belt case adds convenience, and her fellow guardsmen even borrow it regularly. Definitely worth the purchase."

"Having carried a basic pocket knife for years, I was surprised by how much I rely on this multi-tool now. The one-handed knife opening is a game-changer, and the added pliers and screwdriver bits make it incredibly useful for daily tasks. I’m so pleased with it that I’ll never go back to my old knife."

"I've carried this knife for years and it's held up impressively well. The blade was sharp right out of the box, and I've barely needed to sharpen it. It's lightweight, easy to use, and incredibly practical for everyday carry. For the price, I have no complaints—I'll just buy another after years of hard use."

"After a full year of use, I can confidently say this is one of the best value knives out there. It feels great in the hand, fits easily in my pocket, and the blade handles tough tasks without issue. I only had to tighten the bolt once, and the handle, while a bit smooth, is still very tough."

"I love these knives and have been using them for decades. They’re extremely reliable, easy to sharpen, and make excellent utility knives. I’ve gifted several and everyone’s had nothing but positive feedback. Consistently sturdy and dependable."

"I picked up this knife because I wanted a larger, heavier EDC with a glass breaker that wouldn’t break the bank. After using it, I really enjoy the solid feel and substantial weight—it’s not uncomfortable, just adds confidence in hand and on my belt. The spine flipper for assisted opening converted me instantly; it’s super easy and satisfying to deploy. The M.A.G.I.C. assist system works fast and locks up securely, and the extra safety lock is a great touch. I’ve even tried the glass breaker, and it punches through car windows with ease. All around, the construction is rugged, the pocket clip is sturdy, and the blade holds its edge well. For the price, I think this is an outstanding value for an EDC knife."

"When I bought this knife, the sale price and good reviews caught my eye. I’m not an outdoorsman or tactical guy, just needed a dependable everyday carry. The knife is noticeably heavier than my old EDCs, but it fits my hand perfectly and the locking mechanism is easy to use one-handed. I like the glass breaker feature for emergencies, and the blade has stayed sharp so far. The only minor issue is that the hinge screw sometimes loosens and needs tightening, but otherwise, I’m really happy with it as my daily carry."

"This is a well-built, robust knife with a good weight and smooth, precise movement. I love the one-handed action and how solid it feels in my collection and pocket. I’d absolutely recommend it to other knife enthusiasts looking for a quality addition."

"I took a gamble on this knife for just $9 after reading some glowing reviews, and I’m honestly blown away. The wood grain is beautiful, the knife feels great in my (very large) hands, and the action is incredibly smooth. I can even open and close it one-handed, which was a big plus for me. The liner lock is super sturdy and the blade came sharp, including the rope-cutting hook. Only tiny gripe is a couple of small nicks in the wood handle, but for this price, who cares? Absolutely perfect for anyone on a budget."

"I’ve had this knife for over a year and a half and it’s easily outperformed my expectations, especially for a $10 blade. It’s lasted through daily use—opening boxes, cutting rope, even prepping fishing bait—and it’s still solid, with no loose parts or rust, even after dropping it at the beach. The liner lock works perfectly, and with a few quick swipes on a sharpener, it’s always razor-sharp again. My only minor complaint is that it’s a little tough to open one-handed, but it’s no deal-breaker."

"My husband, a knife enthusiast, picked this up and absolutely loves it. He’s impressed by the size, smoothness, and lightweight feel, making it ideal for carrying in his pocket. It opens easily and feels great in hand, which he really appreciates."