Best Combat Knives

Imagine the intensity of a battlefield scenario, the tension palpable, as you navigate through a dense forest with the echo of uncertainty surrounding you. In these critical moments, the difference between success and vulnerability could well be the combat knife you have at your side. But is the blade you're carrying truly up to the task, or is it just another piece of metal, ill-suited for the rigors of combat? Fear not, because we're here to guide you through the selection of the ultimate combat knives.

At Toor Knives, our expertise lies in crafting the finest tactical fixed blades, designed specifically for the challenges of combat and survival situations. Our commitment to excellence ensures that every knife we produce is more than just a tool; it's a lifeline in the hands of those who demand reliability under pressure. In the following sections, we'll unveil our top recommendations for combat knives, combining our deep understanding of tactical needs with insights on training and preparedness.

BEST OVERALL: Darter

BEST FOLDING KNIFE: XT1

BEST FOR BUDGET: Jank Shank

CUSTOMER FAVORITE: Mullet

OUR FAVORITE: Serpent

What to consider when it comes to choosing the best combat knife.

When delving into the realm of combat knives, it's imperative to weigh several crucial aspects to ensure you select a blade that won't fail you in the heat of battle. Initially, the knife's design and intended function stand paramount. Are you looking for a tactical fixed blade engineered for durability and reliability in harsh conditions, or a specialized combat knife that offers precision and ease of handling in close combat scenarios? The purpose behind the knife will guide your selection process.

The material and sharpness of the blade are next in line. For a combat knife, a premium-quality steel that maintains its edge even through rigorous use is indispensable. This ensures your knife is always battle-ready. Furthermore, the size and weight of the knife are critical; a well-balanced knife allows for quick, agile movements essential in combat situations.

Legal considerations also play a crucial role, especially for those in the military or law enforcement. It's essential to choose a knife that aligns with regulations and operational guidelines. Lastly, your proficiency and comfort with the knife under duress cannot be overstated. A knife that feels like an extension of your arm increases your effectiveness and confidence in combat.

Best Overall: Darter

This exceptional piece is a testament to the collaboration between Travis Haley of Haley Strategic Partners and the masterful bladesmithing of Toor Knives. The Darter features an innovative design with reverse serrations along its spine, offering an efficient and effective way to utilize the backside of the blade for combat and defense purposes without the complications of a double-edged blade.

Forged from the durable CPM S35VN steel and heat-treated to reach a hardness of around 60 Rockwell, the Darter excels in a multitude of tasks. Its most recent version is adorned with a Black G10 handle paired with eye-catching Red liners, designed to mimic the wing pattern of the Darter Dragonfly. This detail not only enhances the knife's aesthetics but also guarantees a secure grip under any conditions.

The Darter's compact design ensures it can be conveniently attached to your equipment, taking up minimal space. It comes with a Black Toor Knives FlexTech KYDEX® sheath, which is equipped with a retention adjustability screw and a friction offset to reduce blade movement within the sheath. The set is completed with mounting accessories and an UltiClip Slim 3.3 mount, alongside a laser-cut loop designed for seamless integration with your gear.

Additional characteristics of the Darter include a retention lanyard hole, thumb jimping on both the spine and the butt end for enhanced control, durable stainless steel torx handle screws, and a protective Black KG Gunkote spray finish. The collaboration is commemorated with both companies' logos laser-engraved onto the blade, and each knife is marked with a unique serial number, certifying its authenticity and its role in this landmark partnership.

Beyond their functionality as tactical tools, these knives stand as collectible masterpieces, embodying the fusion of art and utility.

Best Folding Knife: XT1

The XT1 is a full-size frame lock folding knife designed to meet the demands of tactical and self defense scenarios. To achieve this, both the blade and handle had to break away from conventional standards in the market. They needed to be larger and more robust, especially to handle heavy-duty tasks like chopping and prying.

To address these challenges, the team incorporated a hardened steel lockbar insert with an overtravel stop in the XT1. This innovative feature minimizes wear and tear on the blade lock interface, ensuring the longevity of the lock and providing a significantly larger surface area for engagement. The result is a sturdy lockup that minimizes any unwanted blade movement.

The handle of the XT1 has additional mass to accommodate a titanium billet milled clip, which sits in a precisely machined recess. This not only enhances the knife's durability but also ensures the secure retention of the pocket clip.

Furthermore, a full titanium backspacer has been integrated to enhance the overall rigidity of the frame body screws while reducing the stress on traditional threaded standoffs. The Titanium backspacer includes a generously sized loop with jimping, making it perfect for attaching safety cords and lanyards.

However, the standout feature of the XT1 is its full-size 0.157" (5/32) thick recurve blade. The bevel is approximately 1.0" tall and is meticulously hand-ground to its final dimensions by our skilled Toor Knives Grinders. The initial edge is intentionally left slightly thicker before sharpening, resulting in a more substantial final edge. This design not only extends the edge's lifespan but also makes it more user-friendly for field sharpening.

The XT1 is adorned with all-titanium hardware, an individual serial number, and a steel type engraving on each blade, highlighting its exclusivity in every limited batch we produce.

Best for Budget: Jank Shank

The Jank Shank frame is designed to perfectly complement the latest textured scale while retaining its 0.1875" steel width. This advancement, while adding a bit of weight compared to the previous skeletonized version (from 2.4 oz to 3.6 oz), is a game-changer for those who demand peak performance in challenging situations. The new patterned scales offer an enhanced grip, making the Jank Shank your go-to combat knife as well as saving you some money in the process.

This American-made marvel is not just any knife; it's an improved masterpiece crafted for versatility and durability. Whether you're in the great outdoors or facing urban challenges, the Jank Shank is up to the task.

Every Jank Shank comes with a low-profile FlexTech KYDEX® sheath, expertly designed to accommodate any of our five mounts. It's the perfect companion for your adventures, ensuring you have a reliable tool by your side, no matter where your journey takes you.

Customer Favorite: Mullet

Crafted from tough CPM 154 steel, this exceptional fixed blade offers an innovative design. Its short swerve grind not only reinforces the tip but also minimizes resistance, making it exceptionally effective when dealing with challenging surfaces. With a total length of 8.5 inches, a weight of 7.5 ounces, and a blade thickness of 0.1875 inches, this fixed blade, known as the Mullet, expertly fills the gap in our collection. It sits right in the midsize category, slightly larger and heavier than our Krypteia model. The Mullet boasts ergonomic G10 or ebony handles adorned with the signature texture of Toor Knives, providing a secure and comfortable grip during use.

But that's not all - this blade comes prepared for modern challenges. If you ever find yourself locked out, the Mullet has your back. Introducing the Breacher Ball™, a 0.1875-inch tungsten carbide ball expertly integrated into the hardened tang of the Mullet. It excels at breaking through standard, tempered, and safety glass, making it the most comfortable and efficient breacher tool available.

Every Mullet is proudly handcrafted in sunny San Diego, CA, by our highly skilled and talented manufacturing team. To ensure its safety and convenience, each Mullet is accompanied by a FlexTech KYDEX® sheath. Whether you're an enthusiast or a professional, the Mullet is designed to meet your combat needs with a great blend of strength and weight.

Our Favorite: Serpent

For those seeking a compact and efficient blade that won't hog precious space in your gear or your belt line, the Serpent is the knife for you. With its slimline FlexTech sheath, it minimizes the footprint in your loadout, ensuring you're always ready for action. The Serpent boasts a user-friendly 1.125" ring for quick, hassle-free draws, whether you're gloved up or not.

What sets this blade apart is its Tanto grind, featuring two razor-sharp straight edges. At a thickness of 0.1875", it strikes the perfect balance between being a reliable prying tool and a versatile slicer, making it an invaluable asset for any combat scenario.

The Serpent's handle is where form meets function. Our signature Diamondback textured grip ensures a secure hold, even in wet conditions, without compromising on comfort. Its sleek contours provide maximum concealment against the body, ensuring a low profile when you need it most.

Crafted from CPM3V steel with a durable Black Oxide finish, the Serpent is built to withstand the harshest elements, with minimal risk of corrosion. You can choose between a textured G10 or Ebony handle, tailored to your preferences and mission requirements.

Every Serpent is proudly made in the USA, embodying the quality and craftsmanship you can rely on. It comes complete with a FlexTech KYDEX® sheath, offering easy retention adjustability and multiple friction offsets to eliminate any blade rattle. When you carry the Serpent, you're equipped with a tool that's as dependable as it is versatile.