Members of the armed forces are trained and equipped to take on enemies at a distance.
However, sometimes the enemy comes up close and personal, and the warriors need to dispatch their target.
When close combat is unavoidable, a good tactical knife can be the difference between life or death.
Military members receive special training on how to strike and defend with knives and weapons of opportunity.
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What Do Operators Look For in Tactical Knives?
Military members look for tactical knives that can withstand the harsh reality of combat.
Based on the mission, the type of blade a person should use will change, but people will always have their preferences.
Specific blades are better for certain actions, such as piercing or slashing.
In contrast, others are only good at opening M.R.E.s during dinner chow.
Below are the 6 Best Navy SEAL / Special Forces Knives that any warrior can depend on in battle.
#1. Navy SEALs – Ontario 497 Mark 3 Navy Fixed Blade Knife
- Metal: Stainless Steel
- Weight: 1.1 lbs.
- Overall: 10.88″
- Blade Length: 6.5″
- Blade Type: Sawback
- Price: $95.85
They specifically designed the Ontario 497 Mark 3 Navy Fixed Blade Knife to handle the elements.
During operations, Navy SEALs need to rely on their equipment to get the job done.
The Mark 3 has several features that make it ideal for special operations.
Plan for the unexpected by having the Ontario 497 Mark 3 as part of your loadout.
The 6.5″ stainless steel sawback blade is perfect for removing obstacles or cutting open your M.R.E.
With a black oxide coating, the blade is resistant against chipping, corrosion, or other types of damage.
SEALs are notorious for working in the ocean or other wet environments.
This calls for something more resilient to water than the standard leather or wooden handles.
With a molded black checkered high-impact plastic handle, it will not only provide you a better grip, but is also built for aquatic operations.
While on the move, it is possible to lose your gear, especially in the ocean, which is why the included Cordura wrist wrap is a lifesaver.
They also crafted the sheath with high-grade plastic and Cordura nylon for added durability.
The Ontario 497 Mark 3 Navy Fixed Blade Knife is perfect for water-based operations.
It is available from Knife Country U.S.A. Here’s where to buy it: www.KnifeCountryUSA.com
#2. US Marines – Ka-bar 1218 USMC Fighter Serrated Fixed Blade
- Metal: 1095 Cro-Van Carbon Steel
- Weight: 1.3 lbs.
- Overall: 12″
- Blade: 7″
- Blade Type: Partially Serrated
- Price: $88.19
The Ka-bar 1218 USMC Fighter Serrated Fixed Blade is a classic fighting tool used by Marines for generations.
Marines receive hundreds of hours of close quarters combat training through the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program with several techniques that focus on knife fighting.
The Ka-bar 1218 is perfect for taking on your enemy while coming with features not found in an issued Ka-bar, such as a partially serrated blade that is perfect for cutting, slicing 550 cord, or getting free from flexicuffs.
The knife has an overall length of 12 inches and has a 7-inch 1095 high carbon blade that is made to last.
The black epoxy powdered blade can handle what your enemy throws at you and has a USMC tang stamp.
It comes with a stacked leather handle, which is comfortable to hold and provides a solid grip.
It also has a carbon steel butt perfect for breaking glass or skulls.
The brown leather sheath with the USMC logo and the polished leather handle are perfect finishing touches.
You could not ask for a better war-fighting knife.
You can fight like a warrior with the Ka-bar 1218 USMC Fighter Serrated Fixed Blade.
It is available from Knife Country U.S.A. Here’s where to buy it: www.KnifeCountryUSA.com
#3. Army Special Forces – Ka-bar 5020 U.S. Army Fighting Fixed
- Metal: 1095 Cro-Van Carbon Steel
- Weight: 1.2 lbs.
- Overall: 12″
- Blade: 7″
- Blade Type: Flat
- Price: $99.18
The Ka-bar 5020 U.S. Army Fighting Fixed Knife is a favorite for the Army Special Forces for its simplistic design, that has a solid track record.
Compared to the Marine Variant 1218 USMC Fighter Knife, the 5020 has several features that set it apart.
It has a non-serrated straight blade that is excellent for piercing your foe with the 7″ 1095 Cro-Van carbon steel blade.
The knife also features a U.S. Army tang stamp.
The blade has a clip point, which provides a controllable point that is perfect for slicing.
With a Rockwell Hardness of 56-58, the blade is resilient to damage and is easily sharpened.
It has a black hard plastic sheath that is equipped with glass-filled nylon for added durability.
Like the USMC fight knife, the Army variant comes with a stacked leather handle and a coated steel pommel.
The black epoxy powder coat and stained leather make the Ka-bar 5020 a beautiful knife to add to your collection or bring to the field.
If you are looking for a knife proven in combat and is made in the U.S.A., the Ka-bar 5020 U.S. Army Fighting Fixed Knife is an excellent choice.
It is available from Knife Country U.S.A. Here’s where to buy it: www.KnifeCountryUSA.com
#4. Delta Force – Ontario 6143 M9 Bayonet Fixed Blade Knife
- Metal: 420 Stainless Steel
- Weight: 1.7 lbs.
- Overall: 12.13″
- Blade: 7″
- Blade Type: Sawback
- Price: $149.95
The Ontario 6143 M9 Bayonet Fixed Blade Knife is perfect for Delta Force operations.
With a similar basic design to the Ka-bar style knife, the Ontario 6143 takes it a step further in functionality.
This blade also doubles as a fixed bayonet for the M16 service rifle.
Bayonets have not lost their usefulness over the centuries.
If you run out of ammunition, you are in a very dire situation.
However, equipping a fixed bayonet to your rifle will give you the advantage of reach in a close-quarters fight.
The 7″ sawback blade comes with a non-reflective black oxide coating and is crafted with 420 stainless steel.
With a Rockwell Hardness of 53-57, it is resilient against damage, but it needs to be sharpened regularly.
They craft both the handle and the scabbard with black thermoplastic nylon, which has high abrasion and impact resistance.
The scabbard also has a universal fit for military holster platforms.
If you are looking for a standard Army combat knife, go with the Ka-bar 5020, but if you want a non-military issue blade that can handle close-quarters combat, go with the Ontario 6143.
It is available from Knife Country U.S.A. Here’s where to buy it: www.KnifeCountryUSA.com
#5. SEAL Team 6 – Fox RCST01 R.C.S.T. Folgore
- Metal: Cobalt Vanadium Stainless Steel
- Weight: .65 lbs.
- Overall: 6″
- Blade: 4.36″
- Blade Type: Tanto W/Sawback
- Price: $209.25
SEAL Team 6 operators are constantly on the move in some of the most dangerous regions of the world.
To keep up with their operation tempo, they need to have the best tools and weapons available.
The Fox RCST01 R.C.S.T. Folgore is deadly with a 4.36″ cobalt vanadium stainless steel tanto blade.
A tanto blade provides a stronger point and edge that is perfect for stabbing, but compared to a drop point blade, it is not preferred for slicing.
This knife is more than a weapon for killing your enemy.
It is a tool that can save your or your teammates’ life in a tough situation.
Fox Knives equipped the knife’s handle with an integrated glass breaker for emergency extractions from a car or window.
The handle also includes a seat belt cutter, perfect for cutting wires, cords, or freeing a trapped teammate.
It comes equipped with a Cordura nylon belt sheath, which can be mounted horizontally or vertically.
If you are looking for a folding knife that excels in combat or rescue operations, the Fox RCST01 R.C.S.T. Folgore Tanto Point Linerlock Folding Pocket Knife is your best bet.
It is available from Knife Country U.S.A. Here’s where to buy it: www.KnifeCountryUSA.com
#6. Army Rangers – R.U.I. Tactical 32067 Tactical Bayonet
- Metal: Titanium Coated Stainless Steel
- Weight: 1.95 lbs.
- Overall: 11.8″
- Blade: 7″
- Blade Type: Full Tang/ Sawback
- Price: $60.19
The Army Rangers specialize in the art of close combat with missions that primarily focus on assault operations or raids.
The R.U.I. Tactical 32067 Tactical Bayonet fits your M16 service rifle for emergency situations.
With a 7″ blade, you have plenty of real estate to make deep cuts on your target.
It has a titanium coating, which provides superior corrosion resistance compared to stainless steel.
An outstanding feature is the rubberized grip that is comfortable to hold.
The full tang design allows for better leverage when applying force, which increases the overall power of the blade.
It also includes a black nylon belt sheath for easy storage while on the move.
If you are looking for an inexpensive combat knife that doubles as a bayonet, the R.U.I. Tactical 32067 Tactical Bayonet Fixed Titanium Coated Blade Knife with Black Rubberized Handle is an excellent choice.
It is available from Knife Country U.S.A. Here’s where to buy it: www.KnifeCountryUSA.com
See Also
10 Best Self Defense Knives
12 Best Throwing Knives
Best Non-Lethal Self Defense Weapons
Best Concealed Carry Revolvers
References / Resources
How To Choose A Tactical Knife
- Author
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Kevin R.
Kevin is an active duty Gunnery Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps stationed in Okinawa, Japan.
He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2004 and has served over 18 years as a communications maintenance technician with three deployments to the Middle East.
He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University and a bachelor’s degree in Information System Security with a concentration in Digital Forensics from American Military University.
Latest posts by Kevin R. (see all)
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