There are many different varieties of knife available from survival and tactical knives to combat knives and smaller and more compact pocket knives. A tactical boot knife is a great knife originally made with troops and tactical gear in mind and was made to be used during combat.
Like many tactical knives throughout history, the boot knife was also often used to protect oneself against aggressors and was popular because at the time firearms were a bit less reliable and were not made of the highest quality.
During this time, men also commonly wore straight pants and boots and a logical place to keep a knife, so it was easily accessible, yet hidden, was in their boot. This is also how the boot knife eventually got its name as well.
What to Look For
If you have decided to purchase a quality knife, then there are a few key points you should consider prior to making a decision.
Can It Be Concealed?
Most boot knives are equipped with a blade that is between three and four inches long and is very easy to conceal in the boots. However, it is also long enough to offer the protection and security you need. There are also longer boot knives that come in around six inches long and they carry more weight but are far harder to conceal than the smaller blade versions.
The Design
After concealability, you should investigate the overall blade design of the boot knife. Most will have a double-edged blade, a spear point, or a single-edged blade with a clip point. The blade also needs to be strong and durable and capable of holding its edge well.
Stainless steel is a material that is commonly known for being able to maintain a good edge, otherwise high carbon tool steels are stronger than stainless steel but also suitable for a boot knife.
Next, you will want to investigate the tang and see how it is constructed. A full tang is most recommended for boot knives because a full tang will extend the full length of the handle along with the full width for more stability and strength. You should always avoid a boot knife if it only has a partial tang.
The handle should have a very ergonomic design and be strong and offer a good grip, so you have better control over the knife. The handle should also be durable and slip resistant.
The following are reviews of some of the best tactical boot knives that are available to give you a better and more concise idea of what to look for before purchasing your own:
1. Kershaw 4007 Secret Agent Fixed Blade Boot Knife
The Kershaw Boot Knife has a fixed blade and comes with a molded and dual carry sheath. The handle is rubberized for a better grip and the overall length of the boot knife is 8.7 inches. The blade itself has a length of 4.4 inches. It has a sleek design with an all-black finish and offers the ideal combination of performance and value.
| Price | $$ |
| Product Dimensions | 5.1 x 2.4 x 1.1 inches |
| Product Weight | 5.4 ounces |
Pros
- Comes with a sharp blade right out of the box
- Small and lightweight and easy to carry
- Includes a lanyard hole
- Sheath has a lock to help keep the knife in place
Cons
- Not a precision knife
- Longer blade than other boot knives so it may be harder to conceal
2. Smith & Wesson H.R.T. Full Tang Spear Point Knife
The Smith & Wesson knife is a dual-edged spear point blade with a blood groove and is considered one of Amazon’s best sellers. It is designed for maximum durability and includes a boot sheath as well as a lanyard hole in the handle and a black leather belt, so there are many ways to make it easily accessible and ready for use. It can be used for both a recreational or professional level.
| Price | $ |
| Product Dimensions | 7.5 x 12 x 2 inches |
| Product Weight | 7.2 ounces |
Pros
- It is made from a high carbon steel for durability and strength
- The handle is wrapped in black rubber for an improved grip
- Includes a boot sheath for concealability and easy access
- The blade length is 4.75 inches
- Sharp knife straight out of the box
Cons
- Blade is on the thinner side
- May have a very small grip
3. Schrade Old Timer Boot Knife
The Schrade Old Timer Boot Knife has a more classic and traditional design and has an overall length of 7.8 inches with a blade length of about 3.8 inches. It is small, lightweight, and easy to conceal and has a stainless-steel spear point blade. It is the ideal tool whether it is for recreational use or even hunting. It includes the leather sheath for protection.
| Price | $$ |
| Product Dimensions | 3.9 x 4.7 x 2.8 inches |
| Product Weight | 6.4 ounces |
Pros
- Very simple and classic design with sawcut handle slabs and nickel silver bolsters
- Includes a brown leather belt sheath for more accessibility
- Stainless steel spear point blade is sharp
- Good length overall and easy to conceal in the boot
- Also features a durable Delrin handle
- Well-balanced knife
Cons
- Sheath may not fit the knife as well as desired
- Sheath is made of a lesser quality of leather and can show early signs of wear and tear
Final Thoughts
From more modern design aesthetics to offering something a bit more classic and traditional, there are many different types of boot knives available to choose from. While they may not be recommended for survival tasks such as hunting, cutting, and chopping, they are ideal when it comes to self-defense and being able to protect yourself more effectively.
Keep in mind that the smaller the boot knife, the easier it is to conceal within the boot. A lot of boot knives also now come equipped with sheaths that allow you to attach it to the belt loop which offers additional choices when it comes to carrying ease and accessibility.
