Tactical Folding Knife Guide

A knife is a invaluable safety tool when you are outdoors but also in your home. There are generally two types of knives: fixed blades and folding knives. The folding knives are popular because of their small size and portability when folded. Many also have several functions and carry serrated blades. Tactical folding knives usually have a lock which stops the blade from folding back over your fingers.

Collapsible blades come in two versions: manual and assisted opening. And lastly, there are two types of spring relesed types: assisted opening knives that demand a partially manual opening to release the spring mechanism, and the fully automatic opening that is spring released at the push of a button. This last type is called switchblade.

Most military and rescue personell do carry a tactical knife, either foldable or of the swtichblade type. Why this type is preferred over a fixed type because of portability and small size. The durability of a quality collapsible blade versus a fixed one is just as good. The cheap ones are not good and generally last just a couple of months before mechanism failure.

Most people who want a folding knife for outdoor will use choose a assisted folding knife, or tactical folding knife but not a switchblade due to legal constraints. The main use is for cutting and in general when you need a metal tool for prying, opening, and vital for cutting wood splinters to set fire.

A fully automatic switchblade is also of less use if the spring were to become broken. A assisted opening knife which will still open and lock even without spring is therefore a more secure option from a survivabilty view.

Some of the most reliable blades are built by SOG Specialty Knives that supplies tactical knives to the US Army Seals and Rescue Services. They also make the very popular SOG Flash II Specialty Knife. Another respectable brand is Benchmade who offer a variety of folding blades. It is not wise to go for a cheap product since the mechanism will not last and poor hinge performance will make it useless and potentially harmful to handle. Buy quality, not quantity. A good tactical knife will last you for many years of heavy use.

A tactical folding knife may be unlawful in your state or country. You must check with local authorities before purchasing a assisted blade or switchblade. If the blade extends over four inches through an automatic function it may be illegal where you live. In most states you must also be 21 to buy it.