Tactical knives - what are they?

[Benner]

The word "tactical" gets thrown around a lot these days and it seems anything from a knife to a bag can be branded with the word, but in the context of knives what does it actually mean?  I have my own ideas, but I'm curious to hear your thoughts on what separates a "tactical" knife from the others.

[Magic Bus]

A marketing ploy I reckon  Carrying vague military usage overtones, designed to appeal to a cretin certain type of customer 

[Benner]

A marketing ploy I reckon  Carrying vague military usage overtones, designed to appeal to a cretin certain type of customer 

Hey, you know I collect Tac folders right?! 

[Magic Bus]

Oh God I'm in trouble now  It was only said in fun Ben   

[Benner]

Oh God I'm in trouble now  It was only said in fun Ben   

 

Whilst I do collect tactical folders, that word "tactical" has nothing to do with it.  And this is my point, what does it mean exactly?

[Magic Bus]

I think it's an ambiguous reference hinting at an items suitability for military use.

[Roadie]

Personally I think it's an easy way of distinguishing them from more traditional folders made with "natural" materials. As if someone says "I carry a folding knife" that could mean anything from a Case slippy to a Strider 'Hunk Of Steel'

[ringzero]

The word "tactical" gets thrown around a lot these days and it seems anything from a knife to a bag can be branded with the word, but in the context of knives what does it actually mean?  I have my own ideas, but I'm curious to hear your thoughts on what separates a "tactical" knife from the others.

Marketing speak that makers and sellers will attach to nearly anything to try and sell more of it.

Flashlights, rucksacks, belt bags, boots, knives, firearms, and who knows what else will be tagged as tactical.

Tactical knives:
-Must have a black, camo, or olive drab handle.
-If it's a folder then it has to be one-hand-opening.
-May have a black blade.
-May have a 'wicked looking' blade: tanto, swedged with a sharp point, bowie, hawkbill, serrated or partially serrated, etc.

.

[Magic Bus]

One handed opening  Does that mean I own a Tacktickle Folder? 

[Benner]

One handed opening  Does that mean I own a Tacktickle Folder? 

Depends. 

One handed opening is just one of the criteria I say is needed for a knife to be regarded as being tactical.

[Magic Bus]

One handed opening  Does that mean I own a Tacktickle Folder? 

Depends. 

One handed opening is just one of the criteria I say is needed for a knife to be regarded as being tactical.

Oh yeah, I was forgetting, it's gotta be black too!

[Benner]

One handed opening  Does that mean I own a Tacktickle Folder? 

Depends. 

One handed opening is just one of the criteria I say is needed for a knife to be regarded as being tactical.

Oh yeah, I was forgetting, it's gotta be black too!

Hmmm, I say different. 

[Magic Bus]

   Come on then, out with it.    You clearly have your own idea of what constitutes tactical.

[Benner]

  Come on then, out with it.    You clearly have your own idea of what constitutes tactical.

Well I was waiting to see what others thought, but it seems there are very little thoughts on the subject today. 

For me, I think all of the above comments are correct.  Tactical is just a cool word that is used as a sales tactic (pun intended) to get muggins customers to feel like they are owning something that may be used by the military.  However, I think nowadays the word tactical does differentiate a certain group of folders (like Ryan said) and for me a tactical folder can be anything that has all of the following characteristics;

One handed opening,
a lock of some description,
a pocket clip,
A 3"+ blade.

Black or any other colour to me makes no odds (IMO) as I'd quite happily classify my bright yellow Pacific salt as a tactical folder.

So, any thoughts?  Anything anyone thinks I have missed?  Think I'm talking cack? 

[J-sews]

It's a lot like the old What is a Multitool? discussion. It's not so much the absolute precise definition of the term that's important, its what comes to most people's mind when you use the term.

Tactical Knife? Clearly it must be black or camo, and it must be menacing in some way.

(sorry, a Pacific Salt is not tactical)

[Benner]

It's a lot like the old What is a Multitool? discussion. It's not so much the absolute precise definition of the term that's important, its what comes to most people's mind when you use the term.

Tactical Knife? Clearly it must be black or camo, and it must be menacing in some way.

(sorry, a Pacific Salt is not tactical)

So would you say a black Pacific Salt is tactical then?

[J-sews]

It's a lot like the old What is a Multitool? discussion. It's not so much the absolute precise definition of the term that's important, its what comes to most people's mind when you use the term.

Tactical Knife? Clearly it must be black or camo, and it must be menacing in some way.

(sorry, a Pacific Salt is not tactical)

So would you say a black Pacific Salt is tactical then?

Absolutely!

[Benner]

Bob, you're such a bloody mall ninja   

For me though, it's the design that makes it "tactical".  Just because something is made in a different colour doesn't change it tacticoolness  IMO.

Like Bob said though, maybe there isn't a definition as such, like there isn't for a multitool, and everyone has their own definition for such things.  For example, a SAK is not a MT IMO and neither can it be classified as a folding knife.    A SAK has it's own catergory (in the book of Benner anyway) but some people feel differently about that.

[Chako]

My thought on a "tactical knife" isn't what its made out of, or its coulour...but more of what it is designed for.

We know that all sharp pointy things can be used for defense and attack, however, there are better designed knives out there that focus on that. Those are called tactical knives.

I have always assumed a tactical knife is one that is used in the military, survivalist nut jobs, militia etc.. A tactical knife is designed for combat applications or as a deterrent for defense.

You don't see slip joints, hobos, hunting knives termed tactical. A work knife isn't a tactical knife either.

You know, when the chips are down, and you just shot your last round...the tactical knife is your last resort BS.

Just my opinion on the subject.

[Swiss Man]

According to the one of the online dictionary is

Of, relating to, or using tactics.

Of, relating to, used in, or involving military or naval operations that are smaller, closer to base, and of less long-term significance than strategic operations.
Carried out in support of military or naval operations: tactical bombing.
Characterized by adroitness, ingenuity, or skill.

http://www.answers.com/topic/tactical

Personally I like Def define of tactical  http://www.sosakonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15&Itemid=35

Which kinda blows the one handed black blade theory out of the water

[ringzero]

It's a lot like the old What is a Multitool? discussion. It's not so much the absolute precise definition of the term that's important, its what comes to most people's mind when you use the term.

Tactical Knife? Clearly it must be black or camo, and it must be menacing in some way.

(sorry, a Pacific Salt is not tactical)

So would you say a black Pacific Salt is tactical then?

Absolutely!

A Pacific Salt isn't tactical - simply because of its bright, cheerful yellow handle.

A Pacific Salt with a black handle might be considered tactical, but at best it'd be borderline tactical.

Why?  Because the Salt's blade doesn't have a 'wicked' menacing look to it.

Looks like the blade of a working knife, which is what it is intended to be.  It'd help if the blade came to a finer point, had swedges to improve its stabbing ability, and was coated black.  ;>

.
 

[Leatherman123]

I personally think that a tactical folder is a folder that can be used in defensive scenarios. I also think that need to have a big blade, colors like black-gray-silver-tan etc, pocket clip, and a good locking mechanism. So, a tac folder in my eyes is one that can be used for self defense.

[Magic Bus]

I personally think that a tactical folder is a folder that can be used in defensive scenarios. I also think that need to have a big blade, colors like black-gray-silver-tan etc, pocket clip, and a good locking mechanism. So, a tac folder in my eyes is one that can be used for self defense.

If all I had was a SAK and circumstances demanded it, I'd use it for self defense 

[Tinnie]

A quote from Def's article regarding tactical knives -

"like sports cars- sexy looking toys for folks who have to compensate for something"

I think Bob was right Ben

[Magic Bus]

Here's my tactical folder..... black scales and all the implements you could think ever need!

[Tinnie]

Here's my tactical folder..... black scales and all the implements you could think ever need!

(Image removed from quote.)

Just needs to be OHO

[Magic Bus]

I can open it with my teeth, that good enough? 

[Tinnie]

I can open it with my teeth, that good enough? 

Shhh...Denmark might release non-teeth opening blades and AHB will kill Bob with his new NTO MT's...it's the end I tell you

[Magic Bus]

Right, Mum's the word, we'll keep it a MT.org secret 

[Benner]

A quote from Def's article regarding tactical knives -

"like sports cars- sexy looking toys for folks who have to compensate for something"

I think Bob was right Ben

 

Can I just point out that even Def has a few tactical folders.