Best Military Knife Reviews of 2022

For all their versatility and practicality, military knives serve a host of purposes. They are used as utensils for cutting bread, butchering animals, or preparing food. They are also excellent weapons for self-defense and have found utility in various outdoor and recreation activities. They work as auxiliary weapons when hunting or as utility tools during hiking or camping. With more people appreciating the beauty and craftsmanship incorporated into military knives, they are now sought out as collector’s items, too.

In this article, we search for the best military knife available in the market today so you can enjoy one with all its technological and technical brilliance.

Too busy to read this all? Here are the top 3 knives:

Looking for a deeper dive? Read on.

Smith and Wesson SWHRT9B 9” Fixed Blade Knife

The SWHRT9B 9” fixed blade knife by Smith and Wesson is one of the best military knife models out in the market that’s ideal for an everyday carry. If you’re a knife collector, survivalist, or first responder, this fixed blade knife makes you ready for any kind of situation. Some may think this is an entry-level knife due to its price but that is not the case for this model. Smith and Wesson provide the same quality for this model just like their signature firearms. It is made from top-quality materials and designed for rugged use that should last for a long time.

It has a convenient belt and booth sheath included for quick and easy access when needed. The form of the knife has blood grooves and is dual-edged. It has a lanyard hole at the end of the grips. The blade length is 4.7” and is made of high carbon stainless steel wrapped with a black rubber handle. The feel of the handguard is very secure, ensuring that it will not accidentally slip and injure you. Overall, this is likely the best pure fighting knife that does its intended purpose. S&W covers this product with a limited lifetime warranty for a worry-free purchase.

Ontario Knife Company 499 Air Force Survival Knife

The 499 Air Force survival knife by Ontario Knife Company is the standard-issue survival knife by the US army flight crews since 1958. They are still being used as the go-to knife by the US military as of today. The iconic 499 has been with pilots for generations and they have relied on this knife for their survival time and again. This best military knife has been battle-tested.

The metal is made from a carbon steel blade with 0.18” thickness. The blade length is 5” while the overall length of the knife is 9”. The spine has sawteeth that cut through cloth, rope, and other fibrous materials more easily than a non-serrated knife. It can also dig holes, chop logs, or even skin a deer. It’s great for beginners looking at getting into camping or hiking as a hobby or recreation. The handle is made with tough leather that feels great when held in either hand. The knife includes a sheath and a sharpening stone with a pouch. The sheath has a nice tan color that matches any look. 

KA-BAR John ek Commando EK Model 4 EK44 Double Edge Knife

To the anticipation of many, KA-BAR has released the John ek Commando EK 44 4 with much fanfare. The EK 44 is an updated version of the old jungle fighting knife made from 1095 cro-van steel. It features a long 6.45” double-edged blade with amazing sharpness and reach and a textured glass-filled nylon handle for a comfortable grip. It utilizes the traditional X-head fasteners and an S-shaped guard to protect the wielder from sliding forward onto the blade during use. It has a US-made celcon sheath. This comes with a retaining strap and a self-locking function with multiple tie-down points that allow for easy storage.

The thin profile of the blade is not meant for chopping food or to cut rope but to stab and penetrate with great efficiency and lethality. If you do not own a firearm, getting this knife is the next best thing and gives you a better chance against an attacking predator when hiking. The knife is made from highly durable commercial-grade steel and has a reputation of piercing through a bear hide effectively without breaking. No one wants to fight a bear, but if you’re put in this dangerous encounter, KA-BAR provides you with the best pure fighting knife to handle such a situation.

Kershaw XCOM Military Style Pocketknife

This XCOM military-style pocket knife from Kershaw was inspired by the classic trench warfare from the previous two world wars. It was co-designed by premier custom-built knifemaker Les George. It features a symmetrical spear-pointed blade without the inconvenience of a fixed tactical blade. The looks are striking and work great as an everyday carry. Since the blade is sharpened only on one side, this makes it safer to use up close and complies with legal and safety measures following the law. The sturdy nylon handle fits comfortably for right-handed and left-handed wielders. It utilizes a classic manual open with a built-in thumb disk for easy access.

The best tactical folding knife should work perfectly for piercing and cutting which this knife effortlessly does. This 3.6” folding knife is efficient in the woods or on the road for camping, backpacking, or hunting. It carries out its task with a composite blade technology that combines two steels into one blade. This adds edge retention and strength to the spine for longer use. The reversible deep-carry pocket clip adds versatility making this pocketknife one of our picks for the best tactical folding knives currently out in the market today.

Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife 4.1” Stainless Steel Blade

This companion fixed blade model from Swedish knife manufacturer Morakniv uses high-quality Sandvik steel providing excellent edge durability and razor-sharp performance. It’s a great tool for cutting wood or to carve tools that can be used when hiking or camping for survival. It can carve slices of camp food with ease and also works great for skinning and filleting. The knife can also make fresh tinder or create a feather stick which is helpful when starting a fire outdoors. The blade is 4.1” long and is exceptionally tough. The blade stays sharp for longer compared to other knives made from carbon steel as it is less prone to rust.

Overall, the knife is 8.6” long and weighs 116g. The handle of the Companion has a patterned high friction grip that performs well in wet and cold conditions. Both left and right-handed wielders will feel great control, stability, and safety when the knife is held in hand. Included on the purchase of this knife are a color matching hard plastic sheath to keep your knife secure, a belt clip for carrying convenience, and a drain hole. All Morakniv knives are made in Sweden and the manufacturer offers a limited lifetime warranty when you purchase for worry-free convenience.

Glock Perfection OEM Fixed Straight Blade Field Knife

Although more popularly known for their firearms, Glock also carries military knives. The fixed straight blade is a perfect complement to your outdoor gear or on your knife collection. Glock created a knife that is secure even during times of extreme activity with the Perfection OEM field knife. At 6.5” long, the make of the blade is from durable carbon steel. The overall length of the knife is 11.4 inches which provide good reachability. The blade is coated for rust protection. This field knife has a plain edge on one side and a serrated edge on the other. 

Additionally, this knife can break through windows with ease. It can cut through the toughest tree limbs and can penetrate tough animal hides with no problem. When it comes to the knife’s sheath, this is where Glock distances itself from the rest. Other knife manufacturers usually skimp out when it comes to their sheath making the knives look cheap when on display. Glock, on the other hand, has included a one-piece polymer sheath that looks professional and keeps the blade protected when not in use. It looks premium and also has an awesome belt hook that makes it impossible for the knife to fall off when secured.

RoverTac Multitool Folding Pocket Knife

If you are on the market for a strong, reliable, and easy to handle pocket knife, RoverTac offers this multitool knife. It’s designed to handle almost all jobs in any situation, be it indoors or outdoors. It has an ergonomic design and is made from durable stainless steel. This lightweight multi-tool has 7 convenient functions like needle nose pliers, regular pliers, wire cutter, can opener, bottle opener, and screwdriver bit adapter. The knife blade is at the center of this tool and provides you with solid support. An included 9-in-1 screwdriver set makes this pocket knife one of the best tactical folding knives that are currently out in the market.

When wielding the pocket knife, there is a safety lock that firmly locks the blade to prevent accidental injuries. If you’re going to use the knife for some cutting and sawing activity, directing the cut away from yourself and keeping your hand spaced from the area ensures the knife does its intended job without worries. After use, pressing the lock folds the blade.  Finally, purchasing this knife comes with a ballistic nylon pouch and a strong belt strap so that you can wear it on your belt. RoverTac also provides a lifetime warranty and no reason return policy giving you the best purchase experience when you get this knife.

Spyderco Shaman Signature Folding Knife

Spyderco pioneered the first modern folding knife when they introduced now-common features like the pocket clip, serrated edge, and one-handed opening capability. With their Shaman folding knife, they incorporated advanced ergonomics and a proven design with a knife that’s extremely sharp, balanced, and comfortable to use and carry. The knife has a 3.58” blade made from CPM S30V stainless steel that features a full-flat grind for great functionality. It extends from the spine to the cutting edge. This reduces drag when cutting and decreases overall weight adding to its versatility. It works great as a utility tool and for self-defense.

Spyderco engineered a two-step serration pattern for the Shaman folding knife. The patterns consist of one large and two small serrations. These patterns increase the cutting edge’s surface area by roughly 24%. The knife feels great when held in either hand and it cuts through things like cardboard easily. There are lower-priced models that you might consider but the Shaman signature is a league of its own. The smooth action of this folding knife is better than conventional pocket knives and meets all the requirements for the best tactical folding knife. It has a hefty feel, a thick blade, and an excellent serrated edge.

TAC Force TF-705 Series Assisted Opening Tactical Folding Knife

The TF-705 tactical folding knife is a rapid deploying tool designed for use by EMTs, fire and rescue, and first responders. It is spring-assisted and can deploy one-handed. It locks securely into place with a liner lock. This feature protects you from personal injury when wielded during rapid action. The half-serrated blade is made from stainless steel and is 3.25” in length while the closed length is 4.50”. The handle is made from aluminum that features a bottle opener and glass breaker at the end. This is a great feature for punching out the window of a car during an emergency.

The back handle of the knife has a pocket clip so that you can conveniently and safely carry it. It can carve and cut chunks of fat wood with ease, slice potatoes or onions during food prep, or prop open crates without issues. With proper supervision, even children can learn how to wield this knife for self-defense. If your family loves seeing the great outdoors, you should consider getting this folding knife from TAC Force.

Polaris 10” Hunting and Survival Tanto-Blade Knife

This knife is an amazing weapon and hardware if you’re on the lookout for the best military knife that fits your budget. The Polaris 10” hunting and survival knife is perfect for camping, hiking, and hunting. It features a high-carbon steel full-tang tanto-tipped serrated blade that can cut through anything you throw at it. The handle looks premium and well-made due to its glass-filled nylon material. The traction gives you a firm grip even when it’s wet. It includes a carbide sharpener to maximize its sharpness for when you need it the most. The sharpener also works great with other knives which is a plus.

During extreme situations, the knife can be fashioned into a spear with paracord. This works great when you’re spearfishing or for self-defense. Getting this knife also nets you a powerful multi-tool survival kit that provides flint, small and large flathead screwdrivers, standard and metric wrenches, crowbar nail removers, and a bottle opener. It can help you survive for weeks in a harsh environment and shouldn’t let you down.

Buying Guide

Types

There are a lot of military knives out in the market that may confuse you when you are looking for one as an everyday carry. There are fixed blade knives, folding or pocket knives, hunting or camping knives, and so on. When considering a specific knife model that you want, it is best to get one that meets certain requirements like having a solid pommel and a sharp strong point. For beginners, it is recommended to get a single-edged blade so that you’re less likely to cut yourself and cause accidental personal injury.

Size

It is very important to make sure that the size of your knife fits comfortably in your hand. For knives, bigger is not always better. The purpose of a knife is to assist you when hunting, camping, or hiking and to protect you as a self-defense weapon. Since there will be no zombie apocalypse anytime soon, carrying a machete as an everyday carry is not necessary. Go for a size that fits comfortably on your hand.

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Last update on 2023-05-01. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON SERVICES LLC. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.