Best Carbon Steel Tactical Knives of 2026

Paul Tilton Avatar
Paul Tilton
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2026

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Carbon steel tactical knives are a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals alike. Made from high-quality carbon steel, these knives are known for their durability, strength, and ability to hold a sharp edge. They are designed for heavy-duty use and are perfect for tasks such as chopping, slicing, and cutting. Carbon steel tactical knives come in a variety of styles and sizes, making them suitable for a range of activities, from hunting and camping to military and law enforcement operations. Whether you're a seasoned outdoorsman or a novice adventurer, a carbon steel tactical knife is an essential tool to have in your kit.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Smith & Wesson SWA24S 7.1in Folding Knife Cover #TOP 1
Smith & Wesson SWA24S 7.1in Folding Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Smith & Wesson Benji Folding Keychain Knife Cover #TOP 2
Smith & Wesson Benji Folding Keychain Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Smith & Wesson SWFR2S Folding Knife Cover #TOP 3
Smith & Wesson SWFR2S Folding Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Carbon Steel Tactical Knives

Smith & Wesson SWA24S 7.1in Folding Knife

SWA24S
Black
3.1"
Smith & Wesson SWA24S 7.1in Folding Knife Cover
Smith & Wesson Accessories Extreme Ops SWA24S 7.1in S.S. Folding Knife with 3.1in Serrated Clip Point Blade and Aluminum Handle for Outdoor, Tactical, Survival and EDC

The Smith & Wesson SWA24S 7.1in Folding Knife is a reliable and dependable EDC knife. It features a 7Cr17Mov Black Oxide High Carbon Stainless Steel blade and an aluminum handle, making it lightweight and durable. It has a convenient pocket clip, finger flipper, and ambidextrous thumb knobs for easy access. The knife also features jimping and serrations for added security. Customers have praised its sharp blade, sturdy build, and great value for the price.

What We Like
Solid build quality
Sharp and durable blade
Compact and pocket-friendly
Easy one-handed operation
Excellent value for price

Smith & Wesson Benji Folding Keychain Knife

1122566
Black/Red
1.8"
Smith & Wesson Benji Folding Keychain Knife Cover
Smith & Wesson Benji 2.5in High Carbon S.S. Folding Keychain Knife with 1.75in Modified Tanto Blade and G10 Handle for Outdoor, Tactical, Survival and EDC,Black

The Smith & Wesson Benji Folding Keychain Knife is a reliable and durable option for everyday carry. With a 1.75 inch modified tanto blade made of 8Cr13MoV High Carbon Stainless Steel and a black G-10 handle, this knife is built to last. The Ultra-Glide technology, dual function money clip/pocket clip, and finger flipper make it easy to access and use. The frame lock ensures that the blade stays securely in place. Plus, it includes a bottle opener and is covered by a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

What We Like
Very sharp blade
Compact and portable size
Easy one-handed opening
Sturdy build quality
Bottle opener feature

Smith & Wesson SWFR2S Folding Knife

SWFR2S
Multi
3.3"
Smith & Wesson SWFR2S Folding Knife Cover
Smith & Wesson SWFR2S 8in High Carbon S.S. Folding Knife with 3.3in Tanto Point Serrated Blade and Aluminum Handle for Outdoor, Tactical, Survival and EDC

The Smith & Wesson SWFR2S Folding Knife is a reliable and durable option for outdoor, tactical, survival, and everyday carry use. With an overall length of 8 inches and a blade length of 3.3 inches, this knife is made of 7Cr17MoV High Carbon Black Oxide Stainless Steel and features a black, textured and grooved aluminum handle. The knife also includes a glass breaker and seatbelt cutter, making it a great tool to have in emergency situations. The convenient pocket clip and ambidextrous thumb knobs provide quick and easy access, while the liner lock ensures the blade stays secure. This product is covered by a Limited Lifetime Warranty from Smith & Wesson.

What We Like
Sharp blade out of the box
Seatbelt cutter and glass breaker
Durable and well-built
Comfortable ergonomic grip
Discreet pocket clip

Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife

SWA25
Black
3.3"
Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife Cover
Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops SWA25 7.8in High Carbon S.S. Folding Knife with 3.3in Clip Point Blade and Aluminum Handle for Outdoor, Tactical, Survival and EDC

The Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops SWA25 Folding Knife is a reliable tool for outdoor, tactical, survival, and everyday carry use. With a blade length of 3.3 inches and a weight of 3.2 ounces, this knife is made with 7Cr17MoV Black Oxide High Carbon Stainless Steel and features an aluminum handle for durability. The liner lock ensures a secure grip, while the ambidextrous thumb knobs and pocket clip provide easy access and multiple carrying options. This folding knife also comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

What We Like
Sharp blade out of box
Sturdy and durable build
Lightweight and practical size
Easy to sharpen
Affordable price
#TOP 5

Smith & Wesson SWMP4LS Tactical Folding Knife

SWMP4LS
Black
3.6"
Smith & Wesson SWMP4LS Tactical Folding Knife Cover
Smith & Wesson SWMP4LS 8.6in S.S. Assisted Folding Knife with 3.6in Serrated Clip Point Blade and Aluminum Handle for Outdoor Tactical Survival and EDC , Black

The Smith & Wesson SWMP4LS tactical folding knife is a reliable and dependable tool for outdoor tactical survival and EDC. It features a durable 4034 black oxide high carbon stainless steel blade, a black aluminum handle with rubber inlay, and a convenient pocket clip. It also has a liner lock and safety lock for added security, and a glass breaker and seatbelt cutter for emergency situations. Customers praise its toughness, safety, and usefulness, making it an ideal choice for everyday carry.

What We Like
Sturdy build quality
Comfortable grip
Sharp out of box
Reliable assisted opening
Effective glass breaker

Smith & Wesson M&P Folding Knife

SWMP13BS
Multi
3.5"
Smith & Wesson M&P Folding Knife Cover
Smith & Wesson M&P SWMP13BS 8.2in High Carbon S.S. Folding Knife with 3.5in Serrated Clip Point Blade and Aluminum Handle for Tactical, Survival and EDC

The Smith & Wesson M&P SWMP13BS Folding Knife is a reliable tool for tactical, survival, and everyday carry use. Its 3.5-inch serrated clip point blade is made of black oxide high carbon stainless steel, while the handle is made of durable aluminum. The knife also features a liner lock, finger guard, and lanyard hole for added security and convenience. With its ambidextrous thumb knobs and finger flipper, this folding knife is easy to access and use. It weighs 4.9 ounces and has an overall length of 8.2 inches.

What We Like
Well-constructed design
Easy one-handed opening
Comfortable grip
Good value for price
Durable and holds edge

Smith & Wesson SW995 Karambit Knife

SW995
Multi
3.8"
Smith & Wesson SW995 Karambit Knife Cover
Smith & Wesson SW995 8.5in High Carbon S.S. Full Tang Karambit Knife with a 3.75in Clip Point Blade and Nylon Handle for Outdoor, Tactical, Survival and EDC

The Smith & Wesson SW995 Karambit Knife is an 8.5-inch tactical knife with a 3.75-inch clip point blade made of 8Cr13MoV Stonewashed High Carbon Stainless Steel. It comes with a black nylon handle that is durable and secure, and a convenient nylon fiber neck sheath with a breakaway chain. The finger choil and pinky hole provide extra security, and the multiple holes in the sheath give users several carry options. This knife is covered by a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

What We Like
Reliable 8Cr13MoV Stonewashed High Carbon Stainless Steel Blade
Convenient Nylon Fiber Neck Sheath with Breakaway Chain
Security of Finger Choil and Pinky Hole
Multiple Holes in Sheath for Several Cary Options
Covered by a Limited Lifetime Warranty
#TOP 8

Treszen Stainless Steel Tactical Knife 9.5 Inch

Treszen
silvery
Treszen Stainless Steel Tactical Knife 9.5 Inch Cover
Treszen Stainless Steel Blade, All Steel Solid Handle for Home Use, Outdoor Camping, Fishing Pocket Knife, Survival Tactical Knife, 9.5 Inch - Silver

The Treszen Tactical Knife offers a precise and sharp blade thanks to its CNC integrated cutting process and cold water grinding, making it easy for you to cut through tough materials. Its full stainless steel construction, including a high-strength carbon steel blade, ensures durability and long-lasting performance. Measuring 9.5 inches in total length, this knife is a versatile tool for camping, fishing, and everyday tasks like cutting rope or paper. The solid steel handle provides a sturdy grip, giving you better control and confidence when using the knife in various outdoor or home situations.

What We Like
Precision CNC cutting
Sharp cold water ground blade
Full stainless steel build
High-strength carbon steel blade
Versatile 9.5-inch size

Smith & Wesson Border Guard Folding Knife

SWBG2TS
Black
4.4"
Smith & Wesson Border Guard Folding Knife Cover
Smith & Wesson Border Guard SWBG6TS 10.1in S.S. Folding Knife with 4.2in Serrated Tanto Blade and G-10 Handle for Outdoor, Tactical, Survival and EDC

The Smith & Wesson Border Guard SWBG2TS Folding Knife is a reliable and durable option for tactical, survival, and everyday carry use. It features a 4.4 inch serrated tanto blade made of 7Cr17MoV Black Oxide High Carbon Stainless Steel, and a black aluminum handle with Trac-Tec inserts. The knife is easy to access with the pocket clip and ambidextrous thumb knobs, and has a liner lock for added security. Additionally, it includes a glass breaker and seatbelt cutter, making it a convenient tool to have on hand. This product is covered by a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

What We Like
Durable and reliable blade material
Convenient pocket clip and ambidextrous thumb knobs
Liner lock for added security
Includes glass breaker and seatbelt cutter
Covered by a Limited Lifetime Warranty

Smith & Wesson CK110GL Folding Knife

CK110GL
Gold
One Size
Smith & Wesson CK110GL Folding Knife Cover
Smith & Wesson Executive CK110GL 6.8in High Carbon S.S. Folding Knife with 2.8in Drop Point Blade and Aluminum Handle for Outdoor, Tactical, Survival and EDC

The Smith & Wesson Folding Knife is a reliable tool for outdoor, tactical, and everyday carry needs. With an overall length of 6.8 inches and a 2.8-inch blade, it is lightweight at just 3.5 ounces, making it easy to carry. The blade is crafted from high carbon stainless steel coated with titanium, ensuring durability and strength for various tasks. You’ll appreciate the convenient pocket clip and ambidextrous thumb knobs, which allow for quick and easy access. Plus, the secure frame lock guarantees that the blade stays in place during use, giving you peace of mind while tackling any job.

What We Like
Lightweight and portable
Durable titanium-coated blade
Quick access features
Secure frame lock
Buying Guide Image

The Best Carbon Steel Tactical Knives for Every Budget

Introduction

When it comes to choosing a tactical knife, there are many factors to consider. One of the most important is the type of blade material. Carbon steel is a popular choice for tactical knives due to its durability and versatility. In this article, we will explore the benefits of carbon steel, as well as some tips for choosing the right knife for your needs.

Benefits of Carbon Steel

Carbon steel is a high-quality steel that contains carbon as the main alloying element. This type of steel is known for its hardness and resistance to wear and tear, making it an ideal choice for tactical knives. One of the main benefits of carbon steel is its ability to maintain a sharp edge for longer periods of time. This means that you won't have to sharpen your blade as frequently, which can save you time and effort.

Another benefit of carbon steel is its toughness. Carbon steel is able to withstand heavy use and abuse, making it a reliable choice for tactical situations. This type of steel is also resistant to corrosion, which is important if you plan on using your knife in wet or humid environments.

Choosing the Right Carbon Steel Tactical Knife

When choosing a carbon steel tactical knife, there are several factors to consider. Here are some tips to help you choose the right knife for your needs:

  1. Blade Shape - The shape of the blade will impact the knife's ability to perform specific tasks. For example, a drop point blade is ideal for piercing and slicing, while a tanto blade is better suited for chopping and thrusting.

  2. Blade Thickness - The thickness of the blade will impact its strength and durability. Thicker blades are better suited for heavy-duty tasks, while thinner blades are more versatile.

  3. Handle Material - The handle should provide a secure and comfortable grip, even in wet or slippery conditions. Look for handles made from materials such as G10, Micarta, or carbon fiber.

  4. Brand Reputation - When it comes to tactical knives, brand reputation is important. Look for brands with a proven track record of producing high-quality knives that can withstand heavy use and abuse.

  5. Price - While price should not be the only factor when choosing a knife, it is important to set a budget and stick to it. You can find high-quality carbon steel tactical knives at a range of price points, so there is no need to overspend.

Conclusion

In conclusion, carbon steel is an excellent choice for tactical knives due to its durability, toughness, and resistance to corrosion. When choosing a carbon steel tactical knife, consider factors such as blade shape, thickness, handle material, brand reputation, and price. By doing so, you can ensure that you choose a knife that is reliable, versatile, and suited to your specific needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What knife does Navy SEAL use?

Navy SEALs (USA) The Ontario MK 3 Navy Knife is standard issue for the United States Navy SEALs. With a 6-inch stainless steel blade, it's a perfectly compact piece of equipment for this elite and efficient group.

2. Is carbon steel the best for knives?

When people talk about carbon steel, they are usually referring to the high carbon steel used in knives and tools. High carbon steels are very hard, which makes them good at resisting abrasion and retaining shape. They can withstand significant force before deforming.

3. What knives do the Green Berets use?

This knife is known to the U.S. Army Special Forces as "The Yarborough" and to everyone else as "The Green Beret Knife". It is a no-nonsense, hardworking tool, designed by renowned knife maker and designer Bill Harsey, with function and manufacturing input from Chris Reeve.

4. What knives do SEAL Team 6 use?

The Emerson Commander knife is a battle-tested blade and approved by the Navy SEAL Teams as an edged weapon. Originally this knife was developed with input from members of Navy SEAL Team 6 and later made available to the public beginning in 1998.

Editor's Notes

During our carbon steel tactical knives research, we found 24 carbon steel tactical knives products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 309,594 customer reviews through our big data system to write the carbon steel tactical knives list. We found that most customers choose carbon steel tactical knives with an average price of $19.44.

The carbon steel tactical knives are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of carbon steel tactical knives, including Smith & Wesson, Treszen. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Paul Tilton Avatar

Paul Tilton is a fitness enthusiast. He doesn't like to work in front of a computer screen so he quit his job and runs a gym in Washington. He spent a lot of time on the road and has been a contributing writer for a well-known travel guide website. He is now happy to share his travel experience and professional knowledge of travel gear and fitness here.