A good Knife

[Stitch]

I am looking for a good tactical knife that can also double as a good utility knife. Any suggestions? Thanks Guys!

[Barrett1]

Are there certain features that you want from such a knife? For example, my EDC has a glass breaker and seat belt cut notch, because in an auto emergency, I want to be able to get back to my child seats and free them from a jammed restraint.

[Shadow]

I am looking for a good tactical knife that can also double as a good utility knife. Any suggestions? Thanks Guys!

Well, MY 1st choice would be this:

https://www.kabar.com/famous.jsp

I likely have 50-60 knives - If I could have ONLY one, I'd take the Kabar. Just saying - YMMV.

Built to last, reasonable price, easy to maintain, battle proven and camper friendly. Just get the original, not a knock-off. I've got 3 or 4 - my oldest one is over 45 years old and still does the job. I really don't have a need for more than one Kabar, but I just can't stop buying them - sorta like having 5 or 6 flashlights - that are exactly the same.

[Stitch]

thanks guys!

Kevin - did you get that knife from blackhawk?

http://www.blackhawk.com/product/CQD-Mark-1-Type-E,1246,37.htm

Shadow - which would you recommend:

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=519275

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=886565

thanks guys!!!!

Crap I might get both!

[Shadow]

Shadow - which would you recommend:

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=886565

Crap I might get both!

Stitch - Definitely, the one at the above link, is the one I would recommend, BUT..... Get both, if you also like the other one, since they are really designed for two types of uses. You can never have TOO MANY knives...

In case you didn't know...
Carbon Steel: While this material will rust, many cutlery manufacturers use epoxy coating, bluing, Parkerizing or molecularly bonded materials to provide a measure of protection from staining and oxidation.

The 1095 Carbon Steel used to make the K-Bar is extremely tough and is often used in hardworking knives, swords, hatchets and axes. In addition to blade steel use, 1095 carbon steel can be found in trunk springs, files and road grader blades. It's a simple steel, but one that can handle substantial mishandling and still provide excellent service. Plus it's easier to tune up the edge and resists "edge chipping" like other harder steels. Also doesn't chip in very cold weather, like other steels.

A K-Bar is intended to be "well used" - wearing off the finish, etc. is a GOOD thing. The more "used" the knife looks, the better, just adds character, IMO. Since the coating will wear off with use, get used to keeping the blade oiled with 3in1 Oil, or similar - then it wont rust when in the sheath for long periods of time.

Lastly, the leather sheath that comes with the K-Bar(s) are kinda cheap. [Not like in the olden days.] Since the K-Bar will last a lifetime (with reasonable care), I'd take it (knife & sheath) to a leather shop and have them make you a 1st class "heavy" (thick leather) sheath, in a carry configuration that makes sense to you. The "custom" leather sheath may cost more than the knife, but you can get more K-Bars and use the same "custom sheath". BTW - Slick leather on the outside, Rough Side on the inside of the sheath. A top of the line HEAVY leather sheath, with heavy stitching and brass rivets, will last you a 100 years and look (ahem) really cool.

I soak the inside of my leather sheath(s) with oil to keep the blade protected. Not TOO much oil, just enough to keep the inside of the sheath from drying out. As to the best sharpening method for keeping an edge on the knife - Google is your friend. I personally use a Washita Stone and an Arkansas Stone (both with oil) to dress up the edge, when needed.

Oh yeah, if you are interested in "custom" sheaths, the below link will give you some ideas. I've had this gent make me a few sheaths over the years. The variations are endless, plus the quality is top notch.
http://www.armoralleather.com/carry_types.htm

[Barrett1]

Kevin - did you get that knife from blackhawk?

Incoming PM.

[LeoAtrox]

I'm curious what you would consider "tactical" and what you would consider "utility"? What use would this get? Is this for outdoor survival, or urban EDC/survival? And in what area?

There is a nearly infinite selection of knives out there, and it really depends on what you want. I'd love to participate in this discussion as I've recently taken an interest in knives for outdoor survival use; but "tactical" and "utility" are rather ambiguous terms, and there is no one knife that will do everything well.

[Stitch]

Shadow and Kevin great info! Thanks for all the good advice and knowledge.

Leo - i think the kabar sums up nicely what I am looking for. A knife i can use on and around the farm and campsite but would benefit me well in a SHTF moment for basic self defense and survival. I do like Kevins example for discrete EDC his is very similar to the blackhawk i have linked to above.

I have always wanted an XSF-1 knife that is the perfect tactical/utility know sadly i cant find one for sale anymore.

Let me know if you have any other helpful tips or products.