8 Best Self-Defense Knives : Choose the Best Blade To Protect Yourself

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By Lora Blandon

You’ll need to ensure you have the proper weaponry on hand for self-defense. A self-defense knife can assist you in fending off anyone who might try to harm you.

But it also helps to have a knife that works for many other purposes. These include cases where you need to cut through items.

This guide will help you find the best self-defense knife for your needs. You’ll have to look at many things surrounding how well a knife can work. You can find a useful model that fits your life and your ability well. It is exciting to see what you can get out of a knife.

The Idea of the Self-Defense Knife

A self-defense knife can protect you from anyone who tries to attack you. You would use the knife to threaten a person who is trying to cause harm. The knife may work well in any defensive maneuver to stop a person from carrying out actions.

A knife is a more useful option than a firearm. It’s easier to conceal carry a fighting knife, plus there aren’t many restrictions over where you can carry a knife. It is also easy for a person to misuse a firearm and potentially harm someone by accident.

A Comparison of the Best Knife for Self-Defense

NameBlade Length (inches)
Smith and Wesson SWHRT9B 9in High Carbon Knife
  • Blade Length: 4.7 Inches
  • Total Length (this is when the knife is out all the way) : 9 inches
  • Weight: 7.7 ounces
  • Blade Material: Carbon steel
Ka-Bar TDI Law Enforcement Knife
  • Blade Length: 2.6 Inches
  • Total Length (this is when the knife is out all the way) : 5.6 inches
  • Weight: 7 ounces
  • Blade Material: Stainless steel
CRKT Minimalist Bowie Neck Knife
  • Blade Length: 2.16 Inches
  • Total Length (this is when the knife is out all the way) : 5.25 inches
  • Weight: 1.8 ounces
  • Blade Material: Resin fiber
Mtech USA Ballistic MT-A705 Knife
  • Blade Length: 3.75 Inches
  • Total Length (this is when the knife is out all the way) : 8.25 inches
  • Weight: 3.2 ounces
  • Blade Material: Titanium
Tac-Force Tactical Spring Assisted Knife
  • Blade Length: 3.25 Inches
  • Total Length (this is when the knife is out all the way) : 7.75 inches
  • Weight: 4.8 ounces
  • Blade Material: Stainless steel
Steinbrucke Tactical Knife
  • Blade Length: 3.4 Inches
  • Total Length (this is when the knife is out all the way) : 8 inches
  • Weight: 8 ounces
  • Blade Material: Stainless steel
Grand Way Spring Assisted Knife
  • Blade Length: 3.75 Inches
  • Total Length (this is when the knife is out all the way) : 7.75 inches
  • Weight: 4.4 ounces
  • Blade Material: Stainless steel
TASC Force Spring Assisted Open Bowie Knife
  • Blade Length: 3.5 Inches
  • Total Length (this is when the knife is out all the way) : 9 inches
  • Weight: 5.6 ounces
  • Blade Material: Stainless steel

8 Best Retractable and Fixed Blade Self Defense Knives

1. Smith and Wesson SWHRT9B 9in High Carbon Knife – Best Knife for Self defense

You’ll need to find a self-defense knife that is easy to handle. This Smith and Wesson high carbon knife feature a body that is easy to use. The dual-edge blade on this spear point knife features room for many cutting needs.

The carbon steel blade features a blood groove. The design produces a small indentation in the middle part of the blade. The arrangement lightens the total mass on the blade. The layout also provides an aerodynamic body that moves around well.

A small groove appears on the rubber handle. The groove design features a small bend around the front and back parts. The fixed knife layout features a guard spot in the middle to protect your hand from getting in touch with the blade.

The included sheath helps you secure the knife where you go. The sheath can fit on a boot or belt. The knife is nine inches overall. It won’t take up lots of room.

The knife is also lightweight. The knife weighs about 7.7 ounces, and the weight has a balance around the whole body.

Pros

  • The curves on the handle make deployment from the sheath easy
  • Does not slip when in use
  • Places well in MOLLE gear as well as in a belt or boot

Cons

  • The guard in the middle might be too short
  • Can be tough to put back in its sheath after use

2. Ka-Bar TDI Law Enforcement Knife – For Fast Deployment

You might also require a self-defense knife that you need to deploy as soon as possible. The Ka-Bar TDI Law Enforcement Knife has a body similar to what police officers use. The body features a sizeable trigger-like curve that fits well in a sheath compartment. You can pull the knife out of the sheath on a belt similar to how one would pull out a firearm.

The curve links to a stainless steel blade at 2.6 long. The drop point features a slim look that adds a firm touch.

The handle features a firm metal body. There are a few bolts that keep the handle together, but they are recessed well enough to keep from coming apart and becoming loose.

The nylon sheath here features a glass-filled body. The sheath body is contoured to keep the knife in its place. The design is helpful when trying to keep it intact, not to mention it stays compact and easy to conceal wherever you go.

Pros

  • The angle feels good in your hand
  • The handle stays firm throughout use
  • The thumb texture provides enough support

Cons

  • No real guard between the handle and the blade
  • The metal handle feels rough

3. CRKT Minimalist Bowie Neck Knife – For a Better Grip

You must ensure the grip you hold on your knife is strong enough to ensure your hand doesn’t slip while using your model. You need a grip that feels good in either hand as well. CRKT makes this knife with a smaller body that lets you keep a firm grip.

The knife features a distinct series of bends to prepare a better hold all around. The fob on the end part can extend for a better grip. Any person can use this well regardless of one’s hand size.

Even then, the knife isn’t going to take up much room. The knife weighs 1.8 inches and is about 5.25 inches all the way around. The blade is also 2.16 inches, and it is sharp everywhere to produce a better hit.

The resin fiber handle produces a firm body that stays sharp. The design doesn’t corrode or rust easy, although it is best to avoid immersing it in water like with any other blade. The straight line on the edge ensures a firm cut through even the roughest items.

Pros

  • The included sheath features a glass-reinforced body for secure use
  • Easy to maintain
  • The included paracord lets you secure this to various things

Cons

  • You could damage this when you add too much weight
  • Tough to add back into its sheath

4. Mtech USA Ballistic MT-A705 Knife – For Lightweight Needs

Not all self-defense knives need to feature thick or heavy bodies. This Mtech knife features a body that weighs a little over three ounces. Much of this is thanks to the lightweight materials used to produce the knife.

The Mtech knife uses titanium around its blade to create a lighter body that adds enough strength. The aluminum handle is also light while producing a strong build. The blade is also 3.5mm thick. The body won’t produce lots of bulk. The design ensures you’ll have enough power for all your cutting needs without adding lots of stuff all around.

Even with the lightweight design, the unit features many useful things for your cutting needs. The drop point blade has a smooth layout that helps when slicing and cutting items. You’ll also find a pocket clip on the side for added storage and securing. The clip doesn’t add lots of room or space. You won’t add too much bulk all around. A screwdriver and opener feature also appears on the back part. The small spot at the end of the handle may also work as a glass breaker.

Pros

  • The handle produces a firm grip
  • Works on both hands
  • The edge is easy to sharpen and doesn’t act too rough

Cons

  • The colored blade may be off-putting for some
  • Does not work well with some thicker or more stubborn bits of glass

5. Tac-Force Tactical Spring Assisted Knife – For Quicker Emergencies

Some of the emergencies you might need to use a knife in include cases where you have to break apart glass. You might also have to open something that is shut and hard to lift open without force. The Tac-Force knife comes with more than a dynamic blade. It also features a glass breaking tool and a bottle opener on the handle.

The glass breaker appears at the end and has a sturdy body with enough weight concentrated in the area. The bottle opener feature has a latch that works for opening items that are stuck, including latches and other items not easy to use.

The blade itself is a serrated stainless steel unit. The design uses a spring-assisted deployment feature to move the knife out from its base. The blade is 3.25 inches long. The handle is 4.5 inches, so it’ll produce a secure body when you’re trying to conceal something. You can use this for handling even the toughest situations you might enter.

Pros

  • The spring-loaded feature is well concealed and will not deploy by accident
  • Enough serrations for most uses
  • Easy to sharpen

Cons

  • The steel body on the handle might be hard on your skin
  • The liner lock isn’t noticeable

6. Steinbrucke Tactical Knife – For Something Easy To Conceal

You might need to find a knife that isn’t easy to spot. You need to see that the knife is slim enough for your use. This Steinbrucke knife features a slim design on a 3.4-inch blade. The layout works with a low-profile handle. Everything features a stainless steel body, but the most important part is that everything is well-concentrated.

The black matte tone also allows the knife to blend in well with a belt. The spring-loaded lock also adds a good touch for fast use.

There are other features on the knife, including a glass breaker and belt cutter. The glass breaker feature is on the back end of the handle. The concentrated design allows for enough force to move through.

The belt cutter is within the handle to produce a concealed body while also being functional. You’ll also find a few serrations on the blade to help you in trimming items.

The double edge feature on the knife adds a useful touch. You have more flexibility with the knife, especially when in some of the more compromising positions you might enter.

Pros

  • The layout provides plenty of control
  • The clip helps you secure the knife to your belt or boot in moments
  • Works in either hand

Cons

  • The knife weighs a little extra at eight ounces
  • May not work well on some of the thickest items

7. Grand Way Spring Assisted Knife – For Multiple Needs

You can find a retractable knife that works for many purposes in this Grand Way model. The knife features a design that is suitable for everything from self-defense to cutting. The distinct drop point body and sharp end make this useful for skinning items, trimming wood for kindling, or cutting through a rope.

The folding knife features a spring-assisted opening. The spring deployment feature lets you flick the blade out without it obstructing anything.

Even if the spring breaks, the knife continues to maintain its functionality. The flexible design provides enough room for work, not to mention the stainless steel blade will stay firm and functional.

The handle itself includes a small groove in the top area to help you keep a good grip. The body lets you keep a firm hold in either hand. There are also a few small indentations in the finger areas to help you keep a better handle over the knife in any situation. The body keeps working in moments.

Pros

  • The pocket clip makes it easier for you to carry around
  • Thumb studs for left and right-hand use
  • The spring lasts for years and can handle multiple deployments

Cons

  • Does not have any serrated features
  • No real guard in between the blade and handle

8. TASC Force Spring Assisted Open Bowie Knife – For Heavy Duty Projects

Some of the best self-defense knives you can find are ideal for heavy-duty needs. This TASC Bowie knife is one choice to note. The knife features a stainless steel blade that cuts through well, but it is also a little thicker than what you’ll find elsewhere. The slightly thicker layout produces a better body for going through some of the most stubborn items you might handle.

The serrated design adds enough room for cutting rope, small bits of wood, and other things. A seat belt cutter also appears for use. A stub on the back works as a glass cutter for your convenience.

A liner locking system lets you keep the knife in its place while it is in use. The design will not slip off or otherwise weaken when used well.

The handle also has a grooved body. The grooves appear on the sides to produce a better hold that will not slip off. You’ll also like how it works when having a good hold.

Pros

  • Features a striking look all around
  • Locks in moments
  • The serrated parts are long enough for most uses

Cons

  • The blade is rather small when compared with the handle
  • May crack if not handled well

 

What To Find In Your Self-Defense Knife?

Physical Build

You will have to look at how well the physical build on the knife works. Some knives are retractable and have blades that can flip back in when not in use. Others have fixed blades that use sheath coverings.

You’ll need a knife that is small enough to carry with you, but also one that isn’t hard to store. Fixed knives have to go in a sheath, but that unit should be easy to secure to your body when you travel. A folding knife can fit in your pocket, but you should see that it has a lock that will not open.

Handle

Look at how you can carry a self-defense knife. A handle must feature a body that lets you keep a firm grip. Some handles feature grooves for your fingers. Others feature rugged surfaces that keep the knife in your hand.

Some knife handles come with solid wood bodies, but some plastic polymers may also work. Rubber can also appear in some cases.

Concealability

You should see that your knife is easy to hide. You don’t want your knife to be overly visible to where an attacker could notice it and possibly try to disarm you.

You should look for a secure place where you can hide the knife without risking harm. Be sure that your knife is slim or small enough to keep it from being visible.

Functionality

The general functionality of the knife is also essential to note. The functionality refers to how well you can take out the knife and use it.

The knife has to be easy to use as soon as you take it out. You should flip the knife out and expose its blade well enough. It should also be easy to use with either hand.

Blade Layout

Take a note of the blade and how well it works. A few things should be noted in your blade:

1. Material

Most self-defense knives are made with steel. You might find stainless or carbon steel in most cases. Carbon steel has a lightweight body, but stainless steel does not corrode over time.

2. Blade Length

The blade should be long enough to where you have enough of a reach when on the attack. The blade should be about half the overall length of the knife when open.

3. Sharp Points

The sharp points on your blade can cover one or both sides. The points should provide enough room to penetrate items.

4. Serrations

Some knives come with serrated blades. A serrated body features a few teeth that can work as a saw.

5. Blade Shape

The shape of your blade can also influence how well it works. Most self-defense knives come with a drop, spear, or clip point. The drop point features a curve at the end that goes up and is useful as an all-purpose knife. A spear point has an asymmetrical design, with the two sides moving inward to the same central part. A clip point has a slanted point that moves up to a sharp spot at the top.

Weight

Your knife should be a few ounces in weight. Don’t take in anything all that heavy that might bog you down while walking. A lighter knife is also easier to wield.

What Else Can You Do With Your Knife?

You can use a self-defense knife for purposes other than protection. Among the things you can do include:

  • Cut through ropes, wood, and other items
  • Prepare kindling for a fire
  • Break glass; this would work with the butt end of the knife handle
  • Saw through anything heavy; this is applicable if there are serrations on the blade

Additional Points For Your Knife

There are a few other things to see when looking for a self-defense knife:

  • Be sure to sharpen the knife on occasion. You can use a traditional sharpening stone.
  • Keep the blade clean for the best results. Only use dish soap and warm water when cleaning it off. You might need to use baking soda if the body experiences any rust.
  • Don’t store your knife anywhere where it might bang around, especially if you’re carrying it on a belt or other feature. Any excess movement could cause the blade to chip or break apart.

What is the best knife for self-defense?

The best choice for a self-defense knife for your use is the Smith and Wesson SWHRT9B 9in High Carbon Knife. The knife has a better body that features a sturdy blade and will work in moments for most cutting needs. The rubber handle adds a good body that keeps the knife in your hand. It is also easy to deploy the knife when you remove it from the included sheath, so you’ll never be unprepared when you have to use this one.

Conclusion

A self-defense knife ensures you stay protected no matter what the situation might be. You have to look at a knife that fits your hand well and won’t be hard to use. A helpful knife can be easy to hold and use, not to mention it won’t be hard to wield. You have to see that your blade has a good enough size and that you won’t have any hard times holding it. You must also see that it has enough functions and features to enhance how well this works.

You have the option to go with a fixed or folding knife. But no matter what you use, you will require something with the best body around while being convenient for your use.

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