Knives, apart from being wonderful tools for food preparation, hunting, manufacturing, and collecting, are one of the best tools for self-defense in the world. Tactical knives, folding knives, and fixed blades are three of the most common knives that fall into the self-defense category; these knives can greatly improve your odds against an attacker compared to not having any weapon on you. If you live in a country or city that prohibits firearms, don’t want to purchase a firearm, or don’t have the means to obtain a concealed carry permit, carrying a knife is the next best tool for self-defense. While violence is always the last answer and never the first, a proper understanding of self-defense knives can go a long way if you decide to make a purchase.

Folding Knives for Self-Defense

For concealed carry on the street, a larger, fixed-blade knife may be cumbersome and impractical. A small folding-knife is easily concealable and can safely fit in your pocket, backpack, or purse for day-to-day carry. If you are going to carry a blade with you for self-defense purposes, make sure to check your local and federal laws regarding blade-length. Depending on the state, some laws prohibit you from carrying a knife in an open manner (such as on your belt) and limit the length of the blade. For example, Georgia prohibits an open-carry of a knife larger than 5 inches without a permit, while Florida allows a concealed carry of common pocket knives with a blade less than 4 inches.

Tactical Knives for Self-Defense

Tactical knives – also known as fighting knives – are usually designed for extreme situations and employ a variety of military features into the design of these knives. Tactical knives can either be fixed-blade or folding; however, folding tactical blades often have stronger blade locks for combat situations (so the knife doesn’t fold back inwards). Tactical knives often have serrated blades (blades that look like they have little teeth) for purposes such as cutting through fabric, rope, and other material that may be found on the battlefield. Tactical folding knives usually come with a clip for easy carry and employment.

Most tactical knives are built with durability and intimidation in mind and most often come with a serrated blade. If the blade is not serrated, you can rest assured that the blade will be sharp enough to cut through any common material. Tactical knives often include a pistol-grip or pinky-ring for a much firmer grip than the average folding knife or fixed blade.

Fixed-Blade Knives for Self-Defense

Fixed blades pose no risk of the knife folding in on the user as opposed to folding knives, making them a dependable choice for combat. The downside of fixed blades is that they are not easily concealable for civilian use or day-to-day carry. Fixed-blades are known for their reliability and often come with much larger blade lengths than their folding knife counterparts. To carry a fixed-blade safely and properly, you should always carry the fixed-blade knife in its sheath. Depending on their purpose, fixed blades may come with either a serrated edge or a straight-edge blade.

A Final Word About Self-Defense Knives…

Be careful. Getting into a fight with your fists is dangerous enough; when you add a knife to the fight, a few slashes and stabs can quickly become deadly. Deciding to use a knife for self-defense can often be a fatal option and pulling a knife out in a fight will increase the severity of the altercation immediately.

Police see knives as deadly weapons, which will immediately put them on guard if you are open-carrying or if they are investigating the outcome of a fight. Violence should always be used as a last resort, in only the most extreme of self-defense circumstances. Words, caring, and compassion should always be the first line of defense. It takes a much bigger person to walk away from a fight than to respond to instigation.

Custom Knives

Exquisite Knives carries an impressive collection of rare, hard-to-find, collectible custom knives for the discerning collector. All of our pieces are in gallery-condition quality from some of the top bladesmiths in the world. Please be sure to email or call us before ordering any knife off of the site to make sure it is still available. To visit our online custom knife shop, click here.