As the name suggests, boot knives are small, compact knives that can be carried in or on your boot. Boot knives are great self-defence weapons because they can easily be concealed and accessed when needed. Because boot knives are small and slim, they’re suitable for everyday carry. Keep in mind that you can also stow away your boot knife in your glove compartment, bag, or on your belt (don’t let the name limit you). Apart from self-defence purposes, they can be used for martial arts, law enforcement, military purposes, camping, hunting and fishing. This article will outline the factors to consider when choosing the best boot knife and give product reviews of the most popular boot knives on the market.
Why Boot Knives are Useful
These small, yet, durable knives are not just for city dwellers looking to defend themselves, they’re also practical in the wilderness. During any outdoor excursion, boot knives are agreat piece of gear to have. By having the knife easily accessible on your boot, neck or bag you can have it on hand for emergency and survival situations. Boot knives can help defend you if wild animals attack,they’re useful for bushwhacking, and handy for hunting small game. Out in the wilderness, a high-quality knife will be one of your biggest assets to survival.
Factors to Consider
Size
When choosing the right-sized boot knife, it’s important to consider concealability and blade length for self-defence. Boot knives with a blade length between 3-4 inches is long enough to harm someone’s vital organs, but still small enough to conceal. 5-6 inch blades will give you more reach but will often be more difficult to conceal.
Blade Design
The most popular blade designs for boot knives are a single edged blade with a clip point or a double-edged blade with a spear point. Knives with a clip point are better for slashing while double edged blades are designed for stabbing.
Blade Material
Because boot knives are primarily used for fighting, the blade steel should be hard and durable enough to hold an edge and resist bending. Popular blade materials include: carbon steel, stainless steel and titanium. Carbon steel is considered a tough steel, but doesn’t hold its edge well. Stainless steel is known for holding an edge well,but not always tough enough to withstand bending.
Construction
A full tang construction will be the strongest becausemetal from the blade extends to the full length of the handle and width. A hidden tang extends to nearly the full length, but narrower so that a handle can slide over the tang and be reinforced with pins or epoxy. Avoid partial tangs because they are shorter and narrower at the handle and less durable.
Handle
Look for durable textured handles that are slip resistant and give you a good grip.
Product Reviews
Now it’s time to take a look at some of the best boot knives on the market.
United Cutlery Combat Commander Mini Boot Knife
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United Cutlery’s mini boot knife features a durable blade made out of anodized AUS-6 black coated stainless steel. The partially serrated blade is double edged with a complete blood groove that gives you extra stabbing and slashing power. The blade is 2.5 inches in length and the knife has an overall length of 5 inches. The TPR handle is impact resistant and has a textured slip-proof grip. The handle also features a brass lanyard hole.
Also, included with the Combat Commander is an injected-molded sheath with a nylon lanyard. The lanyard allows you to carry the knife around your neck or lace onto your bag or boots.
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Smith & Wesson H.r.t. Fixed Blade Knife
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Smith & Wesson’s H.R.T. knife features a black 7Cr17 high carbon stainless steel blade that measures 4.75 inches in length. It’s a durable double edged spear point blade with a blood groove. The handle is wrapped in black rubber for extra grip and has a lanyard hole on the end.Also, included is a leather sheath that can be attached to your belt or boot. The knife weighs 7.7 ounces and has an overall length of 9 inches.
The stainless steel holds an edge well, but it’s recommended that you sharpen the knife to ensure that both sides are razor sharp.
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Columbia River Knife And Tool (CRKT) Mj Lerch Synergist Boot Knife
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CRKT’s Synergist boot knife is a MJ Larch tactical design that can be discretely carried on your boot, belt or bag. This full tang boot knife is made out of 8Cr13MoV stainless steel with a plain dual cutting edge. The dagger style blade has a spear point that’s ideal for piercing and stabbing. The knife’s slim profile makes it easy to carry and conceal wherever you go.
The handle is made with G10 scales that give you an exceptional grip for any task. Included with this boot knife is a pressed leather sheath and a clip for easy attachment. The knife weighs 3.6 ounces and has an overall length of 7.6 inches.
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Buck Knives Ops Boot Tactical Knife
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The Buck Ops boot knife features a 3 inch tanto blade made out of 154CM steel that’s corrosion resistant and has great edge retention. It’s made with a full tang construction that’s durable enough for piercing, scraping and prying even the toughest materials. The black handle is made with G10 scales for extra grip and features the Buck Medallion for design.
This boot knife has an overall length of 6.25 inches and weighs only 2.5 ounces. Also, included is a sheath made out of polypropylene and leather. The versatile sheath allows you to carry the knife on your boot, belt, or around your neck.
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Sog Instinct Mini Fixed Blade Knife
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SOG’s Instinct Mini features a 1.9 inch 5Cr15Mov stainless steel blade with a clip point shape. The durable G10 handle has finger grooves to ensure that you have a steady grip on the knife. The overall length of the Instinct Mini is 4.8 inches. Also, included is a hard-molded nylon sheath that provides you with multiple carrying options. The sheath features a multi-angle adjustable clip, attachment holes, lanyard hole, and ball chain.
You can carry this small, compact knife around your neck, on your belt, boot, bag or clothing. The knife snaps into the sheath securely to ensure that it can be carried safely and easily.
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Final Thoughts
Before you head out on your next outdoor adventure, be sure to invest in a good boot knife. They’re small, compact and convenient to have in any wilderness situation. Knives are an essential piece of gear to have in the wild, so do your research and find a high-quality knife that will become your reliable outdoor companion.