Best Tanto Tactical Knives of 2025

Paul Tilton Avatar
Paul Tilton
Last Updated: Jan 9, 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Tanto Tactical Knives are a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast or tactical professional. These knives are designed for high performance and durability, with features like a razor-sharp blade and a sturdy handle that provides a comfortable grip even in wet or slippery conditions. Tanto Tactical Knives are made from high-quality materials, such as stainless steel and G-10 composite, and are built to withstand the toughest conditions. Whether you're camping, hunting, or working in law enforcement or the military, Tanto Tactical Knives are a reliable tool that you can count on.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Smith & Wesson M&P Special Ops Knife Cover #TOP 1
Smith & Wesson M&P Special Ops Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Cold Steel Recon 1 Tactical Folding Knife Cover #TOP 2
Cold Steel Recon 1 Tactical Folding Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Smith & Wesson Border Guard Knife Cover #TOP 3
Smith & Wesson Border Guard Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Tanto Tactical Knives

Smith & Wesson M&P Special Ops Knife

1147103
Black
One Size
Smith & Wesson M&P Special Ops Knife Cover
Smith & Wesson M&P Special Ops 9.3in Stainless Steel Assisted Opening Knife with 4in Tanto Blade and G10 Handle for Outdoor, Tactical, Survival and EDC,Black

The Smith & Wesson M&P Special Ops Knife is a 9.3 inch tactical knife made for outdoor, tactical, survival and everyday carry use. It features a 4 inch 9Cr18MoV Stainless Steel Tanto Blade with Titanium Nitride coating and a black, G10 Handle. The knife also has a convenient tip-up pocket clip, finger flipper, and spring assisted opening for quick and easy access. With the security of the liner lock, you can have confidence that the blade will not slip. The knife also features spine jimping and lanyard hole. This product is covered by a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

What We Like
Durable 9Cr18MoV Stainless Steel Blade with Titanium Nitride coating
Convenient tip-up pocket clip, finger flipper, and spring assisted opening
Secure liner lock
Spine jimping and lanyard hole for added functionality
Covered by a Limited Lifetime Warranty

Cold Steel Recon 1 Tactical Folding Knife

CS-27BTH
Tanto Half Serrated
Cold Steel Recon 1 Tactical Folding Knife Cover
Cold Steel Recon 1 Series Tactical Folding Knife with Tri-Ad Lock and Pocket Clip - Made with Premium CPM-S35VN Steel, Tanto Half Serrated

The Cold Steel Recon 1 Tactical Folding Knife is a popular choice for Military and Law Enforcement Personnel, Fire and Rescue crews and civilians, trusted to perform in even the toughest jobs and conditions. It features exceptional CPM-S35VN steel, is highly corrosion resistant, and has a durable G-10 handle material that provides a secure and comfortable grip. The knife also comes with custom knife-maker Andrew Demko's famous TriAd lock that is proven over time to be unsurpassed in strength, shock resistance and durability.

What We Like
Durable and reliable for the toughest jobs and conditions
Exceptional CPM-S35VN steel with a razor sharp edge
Secure and comfortable grip with G-10 handle material
Famous TriAd lock for unsurpassed strength, shock resistance, and durability

Smith & Wesson Border Guard Knife

SWBG2T
Black
0.8"
Smith & Wesson Border Guard Knife Cover
Smith & Wesson Border Guard 10in High Carbon S.S. Folding Knife with 4.4in Tanto Blade and Aluminum Handle for Tactical, Survival and EDC

The Smith & Wesson Knife is a reliable and versatile tool for everyday carry, with an overall length of 10 inches and a 4.4-inch blade. Its durable blade, crafted from high carbon stainless steel, ensures long-lasting performance, making it perfect for tactical and survival situations. The lightweight design, at just 8.8 ounces, allows for easy handling. You will appreciate the quick access provided by the pocket clip and ambidextrous thumb knobs, ensuring that you can use it whenever you need. Plus, the liner lock feature ensures that the blade stays securely in place during use, giving you peace of mind.

What We Like
Durable high carbon stainless steel
Lightweight and easy to carry
Quick access pocket clip
Secure liner lock mechanism

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
Durable and reliable blade made of 7Cr17MoV High Carbon Black Oxide Stainless Steel
Convenient pocket clip and ambidextrous thumb knobs for quick and easy access
Includes glass breaker and seatbelt cutter for emergency situations

GOOD WORKER Tactical Legal Knife

BLACK
GOOD WORKER Tactical Legal Knife Cover
2.8” Serrated Blade Pocket Knife for Men - Tanto Tactical Folding Knife with Glass Breaker & Seatbelt Cutter - Cool Small Knives for Self Defense EDC Camping Survival Hunting Hiking Military 6620B

GOOD WORKER Tactical Knife is a versatile 5-in-1 tool perfect for everyday carry. The serrated blade ensures razor-sharp cutting, while the strap cutter and glass breaker add functionality for emergencies. With a compact design and durable construction, this tactical knife is ideal for camping, hiking, self-defense, and more. The liner lock feature provides safety, making it legal to carry in all states. Whether you're a traveler, outdoorsman, or military personnel, this tactical knife is a reliable companion for various activities.

What We Like
5-in-1 Versatility
Durable Construction
Compact Design

Smith & Wesson M&P Special Ops Knife

1136216
Black
One Size
Smith & Wesson M&P Special Ops Knife Cover
Smith & Wesson M&P Special Ops 9.3in Stainless Steel Assisted Opening Knife with 4in Tanto Blade and G10 Handle for Outdoor, Tactical, Survival and EDC,Black

The Smith & Wesson M&P Special Ops Knife is a reliable and durable tool for outdoor, tactical, survival, and everyday carry use. With a 4-inch Tanto blade made of 9Cr18MoV Stainless Steel and a black G10 handle with spine jimping and lanyard hole, this knife is both functional and secure. It also features a liner lock for added safety and a convenient tip-up pocket clip, finger flipper, and spring assisted opening for quick and easy access. Additionally, this knife is covered by a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

What We Like
Durable 9Cr18MoV Stainless Steel blade with Titanium Nitride coating
Secure liner lock for added safety
Convenient tip-up pocket clip, finger flipper, and spring assisted opening
Spine jimping and lanyard hole for additional functionality
Covered by a Limited Lifetime Warranty

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
Durable 8Cr13MoV High Carbon Stainless Steel blade
Convenient Ultra-Glide technology and dual function clip
Secure frame lock to prevent blade from slipping
Includes bottle opener and covered by Limited Lifetime Warranty
#TOP 8

Smith & Wesson CKTAC Folding Knife

CKTAC
Multi
One Size
Smith & Wesson CKTAC Folding Knife Cover
Smith & Wesson Special Tactical CKTAC 8.1in High Carbon S.S. Folding Knife with a 3.5in Tanto Point Blade and ABS Handle for Outdoor, Survival and EDC

The Smith & Wesson Folding Knife is a reliable tool for outdoor enthusiasts and everyday carry. Its 3.5-inch blade made from high carbon stainless steel ensures durability and sharpness, making it ideal for various tasks. The rubber-coated ABS handle provides a comfortable grip, allowing you to maintain control during use. With features like ambidextrous thumb knobs and a finger flipper, you can quickly access the knife whenever needed. Plus, the secure liner lock gives you peace of mind, ensuring the blade stays in place while you work.

What We Like
Durable high carbon blade
Comfortable rubber-coated handle
Quick access features
Secure liner lock

Smith & Wesson 24/7 8.5in S.S. Full Tang Fixed Blade Knife

1136218
Black
One Size
Smith & Wesson 24/7 8.5in S.S. Full Tang Fixed Blade Knife Cover
Smith & Wesson 24/7 8.5in S.S. Full Tang Fixed Blade Knife with 4in Tanto Blade and G10 Handle with Rigid Sheath for Outdoor, Tactical, Survival and EDC,Black

Smith & Wesson Fixed Blade Knife is a reliable tool for various uses. With an overall length of 8.5 inches and a 4-inch blade, it is lightweight at 6.4 ounces. The durable 8Cr13MoV Stainless Steel blade and G10 handle ensure longevity. Its rigid sheath allows quick access for everyday carry. The finger guard provides security against slips, and the spine jimping enhances grip. This knife is backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty, offering peace of mind.

What We Like
Reliable 8Cr13MoV Stainless Steel
Lightweight at 6.4 ounces
Rigid sheath for quick access
#TOP 10

Smith & Wesson 24/7 Folding Knife

1147097
Black
One Size
Smith & Wesson 24/7 Folding Knife Cover
Smith & Wesson 24/7 8.25in Stainless Steel Ultra-Glide Folding Knife with 3.5in Tanto Blade and G10 Handle for Outdoor, Tactical, Survival and EDC, Black

The Smith & Wesson Folding Knife features an overall length of 8.25 inches, making it a compact yet effective tool for various tasks. Its 3.5-inch tanto blade is crafted from durable 8Cr13MoV stainless steel, ensuring reliability during outdoor and tactical use. You will appreciate the Ultra-Glide technology, which allows for quick and easy access to the blade, perfect for everyday carry. The secure liner lock mechanism gives you confidence that the blade will stay in place while in use, enhancing overall safety. Additionally, the jimped finger guard provides extra grip and control, making it an excellent choice for any situation.

What We Like
Durable stainless steel blade
Quick access with Ultra-Glide
Secure liner lock
Comfortable G10 handle
Buying Guide Image

Find Your Fit: How to Buy the Right Tanto Tactical Knives

Introduction

When it comes to tactical knives, the Tanto blade is a popular choice among enthusiasts. With its unique shape and versatile design, the Tanto blade offers a variety of benefits that make it an excellent choice for a range of cutting tasks. In this article, we'll explore how to choose the perfect Tanto tactical knife for your needs.

Understanding the Tanto Blade

The Tanto blade is a Japanese-style blade that features a straight edge and a prominent point. This design allows for increased piercing ability, making it an ideal choice for tactical situations. The blade's thick spine also provides strength and durability, making it suitable for heavy-duty cutting tasks.

Choosing the Right Blade Material

One of the most critical factors to consider when choosing a Tanto tactical knife is the blade material. The two most common materials are stainless steel and high carbon steel.

Stainless steel blades are known for their corrosion resistance and low maintenance requirements, making them an excellent choice for those who want a low-maintenance knife. However, they can be more challenging to sharpen and may not hold an edge as well as high carbon steel blades.

High carbon steel blades, on the other hand, are known for their sharpness and edge retention. They may require more maintenance to prevent corrosion, but they often provide superior performance in cutting tasks.

Blade Coating Options

Another factor to consider is the blade coating. Many Tanto tactical knives come with a variety of coatings, including non-stick coatings, black oxide coatings, and titanium coatings.

Non-stick coatings can make cleaning and maintenance easier, while black oxide coatings offer increased corrosion resistance and a sleek appearance. Titanium coatings provide both corrosion resistance and durability, making them an excellent choice for heavy-duty cutting tasks.

Handle Design and Material

The handle design and material are also essential considerations when choosing a Tanto tactical knife. The handle should provide a comfortable grip, even when wet or slippery. Many Tanto knives feature textured handles that provide a secure grip, even in adverse conditions.

The handle material can also impact the knife's performance. Common handle materials include G-10, aluminum, and carbon fiber. G-10 is a popular choice due to its durability and grip, while aluminum is lightweight and corrosion-resistant. Carbon fiber handles offer both strength and lightweight performance.

Conclusion

Choosing the right Tanto tactical knife requires careful consideration of several factors, including blade material, coating options, and handle design and material. By understanding these key factors, you can make an informed decision and select the perfect Tanto tactical knife for your needs. Keep in mind that purchasing from reputable brands can ensure accuracy and quality in your purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a tanto knife good for?

The shape is strong, which makes tanto knives good for puncturing and piercing. Samurai appreciated the trait for poking through armor, but you might find its use in getting into plastic clamshell packaging or adding an extra hole to a leather belt.

2. Is tanto good for stabbing?

Pros of a tanto blade: Excels at stabbing through hard materials. Very similar in shape to a chisel point. Relatively easy to sharpen, even in the field.

3. What do you use a tanto for?

The tantō is a dagger, but is used as a knife. The blade is single or double edged with a length between 15 and 30 cm (1 Japanese shaku). The tantō was designed primarily as a stabbing weapon, but the edge can be used for slashing as well.

4. Are tanto blades good for EDC?

It is easy to use, has great strength, and is also easy to maintain. In my experience, the Tanto design works very well for everyday usage and endures hard usage with grace. Of course, opinions and experiences are going to vary from person to person, but I think the Tanto blade is the best all around option for EDC.

Editor's Notes

During our tanto tactical knives research, we found 24 tanto tactical knives products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 63,059 customer reviews through our big data system to write the tanto tactical knives list. We found that most customers choose tanto tactical knives with an average price of $21.89.

The tanto tactical knives are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of tanto tactical knives, including Smith & Wesson, Cold Steel, GOOD WORKER. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 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.