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| Model | Rating | Blade Length | Type | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spyderco Matriarch Sypder Edge | Most Effective Folding Self-Defense Knife | 3.55" | Folding Kris | - Amazon - Optics Planet |
| Benchmade Bedlam 860 | Best Self Defense Knife | 4" | Folding | - Amazon - Optics Planet |
| Benchmade 3300 Infidel | Best Automatic Self Defense Knife | 3.95" | Automatic OTF | - Amazon - GP Knives |
| Gerber Remix Tactical | Best Budget Folding Self Defense Knife | 3" | Folding | - Amazon - Cabela's |
| Spyderco P'Kal | Best Self Defense Knife for Martial Artists | 2.95" | Folding | - Amazon - Optics Planet |
| Benchmade Bugout | Best EDC Self Defense Knife | 3.24" | Folding | - Amazon - Optics Planet |
| CRKT Provoke | Best Folding Karambit | 2.41" | Folding Karambit | - Amazon |
| Kershaw Brawler | Best Value for the Money | 3.25" | Folding | - Amazon - Cabela's |
| Ka-Bar TDI Law Enforcement Knife | Best Backup EDC Self Defense Knife | 2.3125" | Fixed | - Amazon - Optics Planet |
| ESEE Izula-II | Best Survival Self Defense Knife | 2.63" | Fixed | - Amazon |
| Gerber Ghoststrike | Best Budget Self-Defense Knife | 3.3" | Fixed | - Amazon - Optics Planet |
| Cold Steel Steel Tiger | Best Karambit Self Defense Knife | 5" | Karambit | - Amazon - Optics Planet |
| SOG Seal Pup Elite | Best Fixed Blade Self-Defense Knife | 4.85" | Fixed | - Amazon - Optics Planet |
| Boker Plus Mini Slik | Most Concealable Self Defense Knife | 2.25" | Fixed | - Amazon |
| Cold Steel Safe Maker | Best Push Blade | 4.5" | Push Dagger | - GP Knives - Amazon |
| Kershaw Secret Agent | Best Self Defense Boot Knife | 4.4 | Fixed | - Amazon - Optics Planet |
As news of violence in our nation and around the world reaches our ears, many of us are filled with a desire for protection.
For us, our families, and our communities.
Guns are the first self-defense method many of us think of at first.
But they’re not always the best choice.
A friend of mine was confronted by a violent assailant recently, in front of his family.
He was visiting out-of-state so he did not have his concealed carry pistol with him.
He drew his knife and intimidated the mugger into fleeing.
Knives can be used for self defense.
We will go over the pros and cons of some of the best self defense knives on the market today.
Related: Best Women’s Self Defense Weapons
What & Why
Why use a knife for self defense? Why not a gun?
Or even an air gun?
Pistols are the king supreme of self-defense when you’re out of the house, but they’re not always the best choice.
There are many reasons for choosing to carry a knife for self defense instead of, or perhaps alongside, a gun.
Knives are easier to find and purchase.
Fewer laws govern who can carry a knife, how, and where.
It’s easier to hide a knife or to carry multiple knives.
For that matter, knives are great everyday tools, so you’ll likely want to carry one anyway.
Knives also sometimes have the advantage over guns in short range fights.
21-Foot Rule, anyone?
However, knives do have their disadvantages.
If you’re lucky then when you brandish the knife your attacker will turn tail and run.
Otherwise, you’ve started a knife fight.
A common saying is that there are no winners when it comes to a knife fight: one person goes to the hospital, one person goes to the morgue.
If you decide to carry a knife with the intent of using it to defend yourself or your family then be prepared for the gruesome reality of a knife fight.
Brush up on your anatomy and consider learning martial arts.
Many modern martial arts, such as Eskrima, include bladed weapons in their training.
You want to know how to use your knife if you intend to defend yourself with it.
We’re going to help you find a great knife for self defense, but the most important factor involved is you and your training.
Features to Look for When Buying a Knife for Self Defense
Self-defense knives are often similar to EDC knives.
You do carry them every day.
But while even a one-inch blade can serve well for everyday tasks, you typically want a longer blade for self-defense.
Every extra bit of length may make the difference between a successful strike or a failure.
Other than that, you also want to weigh three main considerations: concealability, ease of use, and legality.
Concealability
If you can’t hide your knife well then you may get disarmed before the confrontation even begins.
Or your attacker will see the knife coming a mile away, so you lose the initiative.
Some people say you should make it obvious that you’re drawing the knife, so you intimidate the criminal.
Other people say you should hide the knife until the exact moment you strike them with it.
Either way, a concealable knife gives you that option, while an obvious knife doesn’t.
Ease of Use
Ease of use is also important, and this means that you better be able to draw the knife and get it into action quickly and easily.
A knife you intend to use to defend yourself better be easy to use.
A butterfly knife may be flashy and cool when you pull it out and flip it around to open, but that’s slow and fidgety.
You want an easy draw. Get the knife in your hand quickly. Yesterday, if possible.
Choosing between a fixed blade or a folding knife is, most of the time, personal preference.
Folding knives are easier to conceal, but fixed blade knives are easier to use.
Fixed blade knives tend to be stronger, but that rarely applies in knife fights.
Legality
Don’t forget to pay attention to your local laws, since they can apply too!
A knife that is legal in New Jersey may be illegal in New York City, and vice versa.
The fixed vs folding choice may be determined by these laws.
Another feature to look out for is a tactical or combative name or look to the knife.
You may want to avoid those.
Why?
Lawyers like to use them to convince juries that you went out looking for a fight, so they’ll make your claim to self-defense less believable.
But if you have a job or are in a place which takes that off the table, get as vicious a knife as you can.
Finally, give a consideration to the comfort and utility of the blade.
Unlike a gun, you can use your self-defense knife as a tool.
Best Folding Knives for Self Defense
Folding knives win out in the concealability department, though it may take an extra moment to unfold them.
This is because the blade hides within the handle.
Because they have to pivot (most of the time), folding blades are technically weaker than fixed blade knives.
But you won’t be batoning wood with these blades, you’ll be defending yourself, so that’s not important.
| Model | Winner | Blade Length | Weight | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spyderco Matriarch Sypder Edge | Most Effective Folding Self-Defense Knife | 3.55" | 3.5 oz | - Amazon - Optics Planet |
| Benchmade Bedlam 860 | Best Self Defense Knife | 4" | 7.2 oz | - Amazon - Optics Planet |
| Benchmade 3300 Infidel | Best Automatic Self Defense Knife | 3.95" | 5 oz | - Amazon - GP Knives |
| Gerber Remix Tactical | Best Budget Folding Self Defense Knife | 3" | 4.6 oz | - Amazon - Cabela's |
| Spyderco P'Kal | Best Self Defense Knife for Martial Artists | 2.95" | 3.7 oz | - Amazon - Optics Planet |
| Benchmade Bugout | Best EDC Self Defense Knife | 3.24" | 1.85 oz | - Amazon - Optics Planet |
| CRKT Provoke | Best Folding Karambit | 2.41" | 6.1 oz | - Amazon |
| Kershaw Brawler | Best Value for the Money | 3.25" | 3.8 oz | - Amazon - Cabela's |
Spyderco Matriarch Spyder Edge Knife – Most Effective Folding Self-Defense Knife
Tech Specs
- Blade Length: 3.55″
- Overall Length: 8.39″
- Weight: 3.5 oz
- Blade Material: VG-10 Stainless Steel
- Blade Shape: Fully serrated reverse “S”
- Handle Material: Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon
- Lock: Back Lock
- Misc: Four-position pocket clip, Spyderco round hole
Overview
Have you heard of something called a kris?
It’s a dagger with a blade that curves back and forth, most often used in southern Asia.
A curved edge slices better than a straight one, and a kris doesn’t just have curves, it has waves.
The Matriarch Spyder Edge, by Spyderco, is like a modern day, folding, one-sided kris.
Many fighting knives also have practical uses.
This one is solely for creating debilitating cuts, which makes it one of the best self defense knives for people who know how to use it.
It’s the smaller, and less expensive, version of the Spyderco Civilian.
The Civilian was developed for undercover law enforcement who might need to finish a fight quickly if discovered, and the Matriarch maintains that ability.
There’s also the Matriarch 2, which has an Emerson Opener. It looks like a stubby bottle opener.
It catches the edge of your pocket as you draw the knife so you don’t have to make a separate opening motion.
Things I Liked
The very pointed tip, wavy blade, and serrated edge–all the way! Not just part way!–highlight that this is a fighting knife.
It’ll cut deep and hard.
It’s also a breeze to open, especially once you’ve got the hang of using the Emerson Opener, and is quite light.
Things I Didn’t Like
Unlike a lot of the other knives on this list, the Matriarch is almost useless as an EDC knife.
You may be able to find some uses for it, but it won’t have much utility.
In short, this is only a weapon, not a tool. Be careful with it.
Recommendation
If my advice to be subtle when choosing a self-defense knife doesn’t apply to you, Spyderco’s Matriarch Spyder Edge is excellent at slicing and fighting.
It does its job well.
Benchmade Bedlam 860 – Best Knife for Self Defense
Tech Specs
- Blade Length: 4″
- Overall Length: 9.76″
- Weight: 7.2 oz
- Blade Material: 154CM Stainless Steel
- Blade Shape: Scimitar, plain or serrated
- Handle Material: G10
- Lock: AXIS
- Misc: Reversible pocket clip, lanyard hole
Overview
Continuing the theme of weapons turned into EDC self-defense knives, the Benchmade Bedlam 860 is much like a miniature scimitar you can keep in your pocket.
Bedlam refers the Bethlem Royal Hospital, a psychiatric hospital in London that’s been in use since the 13th century.
Nowadays we use it as a word for chaos or madness, especially when violence is involved.
Benchmade’s take on this is excellent for stopping that violent chaos.
It’s large, wicked sharp, and is available with either a plain edge with satin finish or a serrated edge with a black coated finish.
You can swap the pocket clip from left to right, but you’re stuck with tip-up carry only.
There are also dual thumb studs for ambidextrous operation.
Things I Liked
The curved blade is excellent for slicing, whether in defense or if you need to cut through rope in a rescue operation.
Benchmade’s AXIS lock is good for one-handed ambidextrous operation.
Things I Didn’t Like
The Bedlam is heavier than any other knife on this list, even though it only has a four-inch blade.
That weight doesn’t make it as comfortable to carry as the other choices available.
Recommendation
If you have the budget and can handle carrying almost half a pound of blade with you, Benchmade’s Bedlam is an excellent choice for a self-defense knife.
Benchmade Infidel – Best Automatic Knife for Self Defense
Tech Specs
- Blade Length: 3.95″
- Overall Length: 8.95″
- Weight: 5 oz
- Blade Material: D2 Tool Steel
- Blade Shape: Double edge spear point
- Handle Material: 6061 T6 Aluminum
- Lock: Double-action OTF
- Misc: Right-handed tip-down clip, MOLLE compatible sheath
Overview
An OTF knife, the Benchmade 3300 Infidel isn’t actually a folder.
Instead, the blade comes out the front of the handle – OTF.
It’s also more technically a dagger because the edge is sharpened on either side of the blade.
This improves the number of angles you can use to attack an opponent if you have this knife.
The Infidel is an automatic knife.
Depending on your jurisdiction, it could be a switchblade, a dagger, or both.
Flick the switch forward, and the blade extends.
Pull the switch backward, and the blade retracts.
Things I Liked
The ambidextrous aluminum handle is hefty and comfortable, no matter how you hold it.
Then you press the switch and the knife ready to strike.
Holding this knife feels like holding onto a tame spitting cobra.
It may be entirely under your control but it feels like it could attack at any moment.
The fact that the blade is made from D2 tool steel helps, as this thing will stay sharp almost forever.
Things I Didn’t Like
The deployment switch is inconsistent. If this were a gun I’d upgrade the trigger immediately.
Also, while Benchmade knives are already not cheap, the Infidel is very expensive.
For right around $400, you can get a good self-defense pistol.
Or four Hi-Points!
Lastly, when the D2 steel finally dulls, it’s going to take some serious effort to sharpen it again.
Recommendation
For when you need an expensive knife with a trigger, and the laws don’t prohibit you from owning one, the Benchmade 3300 Infidel is an excellent automatic knife.
Gerber Remix Tactical – Best Budget Folding Self Defense Knife
Tech Specs
- Blade Length: 3″
- Overall Length: 7.86″
- Weight: 4.6 oz
- Blade Material: 7Cr17MoV Stainless Steel
- Blade Shape: Serrated tanto
- Handle Material: G10
- Lock: Liner lock
- Misc: Circular ring in handle
Overview
Gerber’s Remix Tactical is meant for fighting.
But more than that, it’s meant to stay in your hand.
There’s a circular ring between the handle and the blade, which serves as the pivot point for the blade.
You can stick your finger into that ring and it’ll take a lot of effort to disarm you of this knife.
Some versions use what Gerber calls a “thumblift” on the back of the blade to provide ambidextrous one-handed operation, instead of dual thumb studs.
Things I Liked
With your finger through the ring, ain’t nobody gonna be disarming you unless you let them. Or have lost your hand.
Things I Didn’t Like
The blade pivots around a giant ring rather than a small pivot pin, which can make finding the right amount of friction for easy opening difficult.
Also, some users have reported that if they fling the blade open too fast the liner lock will move too far and a second tool, such as a screwdriver or another knife, is necessary to unlock the blade!
Recommendation
The Gerber Remix Tactical is much cheaper than other knives on this list, but that shows in its construction and overall quality.
Spyderco P’Kal – Best Self Defense Knife for Martial Artists
Tech Specs
- Blade Length: 2.95″
- Overall Length: 7.35″
- Weight: 3.7 oz
- Blade Material: CPM S30V Stainless Steel
- Blade Shape: Reverse-edge
- Handle Material: G10
- Lock: Ball Bearing Lock
- Misc: Emerson Opener, four-position pocket clip, Spyderco round hole
Overview
I think Spyderco makes some of the best self defense knives on the market and the P’Kal is no exception.
Spyderco claims that the name P’Kal comes from the word “pikal,” spoken in the Philippines.
It means “to rip,” and that’s exactly what this knife is meant for.
Designed alongside Craig Douglas, a self-defense expert, the P’Kal’s edge is along the inside of the curve.
This gives it great power for pulling cuts.
A Ball Bearing Lock keeps the knife deployed, and the wire pocket clip can be set for tip-up or tip-down, right or left-handed carry.
An Emerson Opener juts out of the back of the blade so you can open the knife while drawing it from your pocket.
It’s also removable if you don’t like it.
The handle, made from G10, is oddly shaped, but it’s a comfortably odd shape.
Things I Liked
Like the Matriarch, the P’Kal is designed for one thing–slicing in a fight.
It does this well.
However, the P’Kal has more utility than the Matriarch and better masquerades as a tool.
Things I Didn’t Like
For such an expensive knife it has a rather weak pocket clip.
It’s wire and so gets bent out of shape rather easily.
Recommendation
Designed by a self-defense instructor, and intended for martial arts use, the Spyderco P’Kal is an excellent ripper.
Benchmade Bugout – Best EDC Knife for Self Defense
Tech Specs
- Blade Length: 3.24″
- Overall Length: 7.46″
- Weight: 1.85 oz
- Blade Material: CPM-S30V Stainless Steel
- Blade Shape: Drop Point
- Handle Material: Grivory
- Lock: AXIS
- Misc: Reversible clip, lanyard hole
Overview
Much like the Benchmade Bedlam or Infidel, the Bugout is a capable self-defense knife made with high-quality, American-made CPM-S30V steel.
However, the Bugout doesn’t have as edgy a name and the styling is more of a standard do-everything knife.
It’s that utility what makes the Bugout such a good self defense knife. You can use it for many tasks in the city or the forest so you’re likely to always carry this knife with you.
A “better” self defense knife is useless if you don’t carry it with you!
The Bugout is slim, light for its length, and ambidextrous, so it’s a good choice for most people.-
Things I Liked
The Bugout is thinner and lighter than most comparable knives so you’ll always carry it with you.
Combine that with the AXIS lock and “stainless steel” that’s better than a lot of high-carbon steels and you have a great EDC and great self defense knife.
Things I Didn’t Like
The Bugout is a bit too lightly made for heavier survival tasks, such as batoning.
Also, the AXIS lock may be strong but when it’s gunked up it’s hard to clean.
Recommendations
The Benchmade Bugout is a great EDC knife that’s also a capable weapon without being too heavy or too “edgy.”
You can read our in-depth review of the Bugout for more info!
CRKT Provoke – Best Folding Karambit
Tech Specs
- Blade Length: 2.41″
- Overall Length: 7.25″
- Weight: 6.1 oz
- Blade Material: D2 Steel
- Blade Shape: Karambit
- Handle Material: 6061 Aluminum
- Lock: Kinematic
- Misc: Retention ring
Overview
Karambit blades are popular fighting knives because of the additional damage that can be caused by the inwardly-curving edge and hawkbill point.
But karambits also have a weakness in folding karambits tend to be especially vicious.
Watch out, fingers!
CRKT solved this problem by using what they call the Kinematic system to move the blade back and down rather than pivoting shut.
The CRKT Provoke uses this system to close safely and securely without being able to slice your fingers.
Things I Liked
Though the Provoke is a long, heavy knife for how short the blade is, the design and the large retention ring make for a very effective handheld weapon.
However, this can cause a problem…
Things I Didn’t Like
This knife is a legal nightmare in some jurisdictions.
The Kinematic pivot action can be interpreted as making the Provoke a gravity knife and the retention ring can be interpreted as making the Provoke a knuckle knife.
Recommendations
The CRKT Provoke is a great choice when you want a small, folding karambit, but be extra sure it’s legal where you live!
Kershaw Brawler – Best Value for the Money
Tech Specs
- Blade Length: 3.25″
- Overall Length: 7.375 ″
- Weight: 3.8 oz
- Blade Material: 8Cr13MoV Stainless Steel
- Blade Shape: Tanto
- Handle Material: Glass-Filled Nylon
- Lock: Liner
- Misc: SpeedSafe flipper, thumb studs, 4-position pocket clip
Overview
Kershaw isn’t a premium brand but they are a brand known for producing effective knives that aren’t too expensive.
The Brawler doesn’t look like a fancy self defense knife. Then again, self defense blades are just fine being effective instead of fancy!
It has a tanto-tipped 3.25″ blade covered in black oxide.
The 8Cr13MoV stainless steel won’t win any competitions but it won’t let you down, either. Same with the glass-filled nylon handle.
You can use the thumb studs or the flipper lever to activate the SpeedSafe system, which helps you flick the blade open almost as fast as a spring-loaded knife.
Things I Liked
The Kershaw Brawler is large enough to be a good fighting knife.
It’s also quality enough for that task but is cheap enough for you not to cry if it’s taken as evidence and never returned.
Things I Didn’t Like
Kershaw had to skimp somewhere to get the Brawler down to this price point.
The black oxide finish is weak, so don’t expect the blade to stay pristine for very long.
Also, the liner lock isn’t capable of withstanding much force, so don’t try to use the Brawler as a pry bar!
Recommendations
The Kershaw Brawler is a boringly-effective knife that’s good for EDC and self defense without costing too much money
Best Self Defense Fixed Blade Knives
Fixed blade knives are harder to conceal than folding blades, but are easier to use and are stronger.
There’s no fiddling about to unfold the blade, just unsheathe and go.
They may also be longer than their folding cousins, though this is not always the case.
Most fighting knives have, historically, had a fixed blade.
| Model | Rating | Blade Length | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ka-Bar TDI Law Enforcement Knife | Best Backup EDC Self Defense Knife | 2.3125" | 3.2 oz | - Amazon - Optics Planet |
| ESEE Izula-II | Best Survival Self Defense Knife | 2.63" | 3.2 oz | - Amazon |
| Gerber Ghoststrike | Best Budget Self-Defense Knife | 3.3" | 3.6 oz | - Amazon - Optics Planet |
| Cold Steel Steel Tiger | Best Karambit Self Defense Knife | 5" | 5 oz | - Amazon - Optics Planet |
| SOG Seal Pup Elite | Best Fixed Blade Self-Defense Knife | 4.85" | 5.4 oz | - Amazon - Optics Planet |
| Boker Plus Mini Slik | Easiest to Conceal Self Defense Knife | 2.25" | 2.9 oz | - Amazon |
| Cold Steel Safe Maker | Best Push Blade | 4.5" | 3.4 oz | - GP Knives - Amazon |
| Kershaw Secret Agent | Best Self Defense Boot Knife | 4.4 | 3 oz | - Amazon - Optics Planet |
Ka-Bar TDI Law Enforcement Knife – Best Backup EDC Self Defense Knife
Tech Specs
- Blade Length: 2.3125″
- Overall Length: 5.625″
- Weight: 3.2 oz
- Blade Material: AUS-8A Stainless Steel
- Blade Shape: Drop point, plain or serrated
- Handle Material: Zytel
- Misc: Sheath
Overview
Designed by John Benner, from the Tactical Defense Institute, Ka Bar’s TDI Law Enforcement knife was designed to be a complement to a duty pistol.
The idea is that if a suspect manages to disarm you or is holding onto your gun hand, you can still draw and use this close-quarters knife.
It comes with a reversible sheath that is supposed to be attached to your belt.
This Ka Bar knife has an unusual angle relative to the grip, designed to allow you maximum security while you wrestle with an assailant.
There is no pocket clip or lanyard hole.
We covered this knife more in-depth here.
Things I Liked
A knife intended for concealing within your waistband? Pretty cool.
It’s also easy to draw and you can position the sheath wherever on your belt helps you draw the fastest.
Things I Didn’t Like
The sheath that comes with the Ka Bar is serviceable but could be much improved.
There are aftermarket sheaths which greatly improve the functionality of the blade. Or you can take a Dremel to it.
It’s also short for a fighting knife, though Ka-Bar does sell a longer version called the TDI Law Enforcement Knife, Large.
Recommendation
Intended to give law enforcement officers a close-quarters backup to their pistol, the Ka-Bar TDI Law Enforcement knife can do the same thing for you.
ESEE Izula-II – Best Survival Knife for
Self Defense
Tech Specs
- Blade Length: 2.63″
- Overall Length: 6.75″
- Weight: 3.2 oz
- Blade Material: 1095 Carbon Steel
- Blade Shape: Drop Point
- Handle Material: Micarta
- Misc: Lanyard hole, sheath
Overview
Named after the bullet ant in Peru, the Izula-II (or Izula 2) by ESEE is a lightweight carbon steel knife.
It’s intended for survival or combat situations.
The handle, made from Micarta, doesn’t have much ergonomic shaping. It’s still comfortable to use, though.
There’s a large lanyard hole and the knife comes with a sheath, which itself has a reversible belt clip.
You can also get the Izula-II with an optional survival kit, which includes paracord, a whistle, and a fire starting rod.
Things I Liked
This knife has few frills.
Instead, it focuses on being a sturdy way of holding onto a sharp blade.
It fulfills this very well.
Especially for people with large hands, who will find that the handle accommodates their big mitts.
Things I Didn’t Like
Carbon steel is great for edges, but not great for corrosion resistance. Watch out for rust, especially if you sweat on the blade.
Which is likely if you carry it frequently.
Also, the sheath rides high, so you’ll need to modify or replace it if you want more concealment.
Recommendation
ESEE’s Izula-II, much like the bullet ant it is named after, is a no-nonsense edged weapon.
Gerber Ghoststrike – Best Budget Knife for Self Defense
Tech Specs
- Blade Length: 3.3″
- Overall Length: 6.9″
- Weight: 3.6 oz
- Blade Material: 420HC Carbon Steel or BDZ-1 Stainless Steel
- Blade Shape: Clip point
- Handle Material: Rubber
- Misc: Modular sheath
Overview
With a skeletonized handle and black ceramic coating, Gerber’s Ghoststrike hides like a ghost.
But unlike a spooky poltergeist, it’ll do more than rattle drawers and knock over pots.
Instead, you can hide this knife anywhere then strike when you need to.
The sheath can clip onto your belt, or it can attach to the included neoprene wrap to hide on your ankle.
Also, unlike some knives on this list, you can rotate the sheath for horizontal carry (see more knives perfect for horizontal or “scout carry”).
Or, if you don’t want the ankle wrap, you can forgo that option.
The handle is the same steel as the blade, just covered with rubber for added grip.
There’s even a small lanyard hole.
If you prefer stainless steel over high carbon steel then you can get the Ghoststrike in BDZ-1 steel, though you’ll lose the black ceramic coating.
By the way, the given weight is both knife and sheath. Without the sheath, the Ghoststrike weighs 1.8 oz!
Things I Liked
The sheath is surprisingly nice and provides a lot of options for concealing this knife.
Skeletonization also makes the Ghoststrike very light. You’re likely to forget you’re carrying this knife.
Especially when worn on the ankle, as the ankle wrap is surprisingly comfortable.
Things I Didn’t Like
The rubber coating is, well, it enhances your grip but is likely to wear off sooner rather than later.
But it’s not easily removable so you can’t replace the rubber with a better option.
Recommendation
Gerber’s Ghoststrike is a nice lightweight knife, more concealable than some folding blades, that comes with a great sheath.
Cold Steel Steel Tiger – Best Karambit Self Defense Knife
Tech Specs
- Blade Length: 5″
- Overall Length: 9.75″
- Weight: 5 oz
- Blade Material: AUS-8A Stainless Steel
- Blade Shape: Claw curve
- Handle Material: Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon
- Misc: Sheath
Overview
The Steel Tiger by Cold Steel resembles a tiger’s claw.
It’s large and curved, a modern interpretation of the Indonesian karambit.
Originally agricultural tools, karambits were claw-like blades used by warriors as a last resort.
This does not make them poor fighting knives; those warriors knew they could rely on their karambit after all weapons were lost.
The sharp edge is along the inside of the curve, which increases the cutting potential.
There’s also a large hole at the end of the handle.
Put your index or pinky finger in there and an attacker cannot easily disarm you.
The curvature of the blade is also said to make the knife more intuitive to use when fighting.
Things I Liked
The knife is comfortable to use and the blade is surprisingly useful.
It also looks vicious, like some metal animal’s claw.
Things I Didn’t Like
The first thing you should do with the sheath is to impale it on the blade.
It’s so awful that there’s no other real use for it.
In fact, the sheath is so bad, it’s more likely to lose the knife at the wrong moment than keep it securely on you!
As for the knife itself, it’s the longest one on our list, but because of the curve, it doesn’t have quite as much usable length as the specs would make it sound.
Recommendation
Much like the claw of a tiger, Cold Steel’s Steel Tiger can rip into whatever you need to cut, so long as the sheath doesn’t break and leave the knife behind.
SOG Seal Pup Elite – Best Fixed Blade Self-Defense Knife
Tech Specs
- Blade Length: 4.85″
- Overall Length: 9.5″
- Weight: 5.4 oz
- Blade Material: AUS-8 Stainless Steel
- Blade Shape: Clip Point, plain or serrated
- Handle Material: Glass-Reinforced Nylon
- Misc: Nylon or Kydex sheath, lanyard hole
Overview
SOG makes knives for the professional fighters, and the Seal Pup Elite comes from that pedigree.
You can get the knife with a multitude of finishes and with your choice of a plain or partially serrated edge.
This is the one largest knives on the list. With a blade length of almost five inches and an overall length of almost ten inches, you can reach out far with this blade.
The sheath is MOLLE compatible and is high quality.
The AUS-8 steel has supposedly undergone a unique cryogenic heat treatment process which supposedly further strengthens the steel.
You can check out a more in-depth review here.
Things I Liked
It’s big, comfortable, and sharp. It’ll handle almost anything you throw at it.
The Seal Pup Elite is also lighter than many knives of its size.
The texturing on the handle makes this knife easy to grip if it gets wet.
In fact, this is also a diving knife. After all, it’s based on knives used by the Navy SEALs.
The durability is through the roof on this knife.
Things I Didn’t Like
As far as concealability goes, the length of this knife drags it down.
You’ll likely have a hard time hiding this knife.
Recommendation
Based on knives used by the Navy Seals, SOG’s Seal Pup Elite will help you survive any conflict.
Boker Plus Mini Slik – Easiest to Conceal Knife for Self Defense
Tech Specs
- Blade Length: 2.25″
- Overall Length: 4.25″
- Weight: 2.9 oz
- Blade Material: 440C Stainless Steel
- Blade Shape: Tanto
- Handle Material: Titanium
- Misc: Lanyard, Kydex sheath
Overview
The Boker Plus Mini Slik is a great example of a holdout weapon.
It won’t be your primary choice, and maybe not even your backup choice, but the Mini Slik is a tiny blade you can hide almost anywhere on your person for use in a last-ditch effort.
To that end, the Mini Slik is made from two pieces of titanium sandwiching the 440C stainless steel blade and tang.
The tanto-style blade has a longer edge than spine. 2.25″ and 1.875″.
There are two holes you can use with the included lanyard, though one of them is near the blade and is mostly there as a ferrule to hold the knife together.
There’s also a Kydex sheath with four holes so you can lash the Mini Slik to anything.
Things I Liked
The Boker Plus Mini Slik is a tiny knife with a good point for piercing.
You can use the lanyard and sheath to conceal it basically anywhere you need to hide a knife!
Things I Didn’t Like
The Boker Plus Mini Slik isn’t much of a utility knife.
It has a small blade and, though you can get a better grip on the hilt than you’d expect, you still can’t get a great grip.
So this isn’t a good utility knife.
Recommendations
The Boker Plus Mini Slik is a great holdout blade that’s very easy to conceal, but isn’t much use otherwise.
Cold Steel Safe Maker – Best Push Blade
Tech Specs
- Blade Length: 4.5″
- Overall Length: 6.5″
- Weight: 3.4 oz
- Blade Material: AUS-8A Stainless Steel
- Blade Shape: Dagger
- Handle Material: Kraton
- Misc: Sheath
Overview
The Cold Steel Safe Maker is a series of two push daggers.
The only difference is in the blade length and thickness. The Safe Maker I has a 4.5″ blade that’s 0.2″ thick. The Safe Maker II has a 3.25″ blade that’s 0.18″ thick.
Both use AUS-8A stainless steel with a satin, stonewashed finish, though the Safe Maker II is a little less expensive.
A soft Kraton (or Kray-Ex, depending on who you ask!) handle provides a solid grip whether your hands are wet or dry and even covers part of the blade’s shaft to help protect your fingers.
Both the Safe Maker I and II come with a sheath that can fit on your belt or be lashed to your boot.
Things I Liked
As far as push blades go, the Safe Maker is your best choice.
It’s a simple, rugged dagger with a comfortable handle and a good sheath. There isn’t much more to say.
Things I Didn’t Like
The main problem with the Safe Maker, or any other push blade, is legality.
The way you grip a push dagger means that it’s not good for utility tasks. It’s basically only good for stabbing and slicing.
While this is great for self defense, it can also be seen as premeditation.
Recommendations
Think long and hard about the ramifications of buying a push dagger. Then, if you’ve decided you want one, buy the Cold Steel Safe Maker I or II.
Kershaw Secret Agent – Best Self Defense Boot Knife
Tech Specs
- Blade Length: 4.4″
- Overall Length: 8.7″
- Weight: 3 oz
- Blade Material: 8Cr13MoV Stainless Steel
- Blade Shape: Spear Point
- Handle Material: Rubber Overmolded Glass-Filled Nylon
- Misc: Sheath
Overview
The Kershaw Secret Agent is a high-value, low-cost boot knife.
Everything about the knife is black, from the blade to the handle to the sheath.
The blade is 8Cr13MoV stainless steel and has a dagger point, though one edge comes unsharpened. Black oxide keeps it stealthy.
The handle is glass-filled nylon covered in rubber for added grip. There’s a lanyard hole at the far end and a gentle curve of a crossguard to keep your hands from slipping onto the blade.
The sheath has four slots, eight holes, and a clip, so you can insert it into your boot or lash the sheath wherever you wish.
Things I Liked
The Kershaw Secret Agent has a good price-to-quality ratio. You get plenty of value for your money without paying for fanciness.
Also, one of the edges comes unsharpened so you have the choice of leaving it dull for use as a utility blade or sharpening the edge for a full-on combat knife.
Things I Didn’t Like
The sheath is the Secret Agent’s weak point.
It’s not a bad sheath but it doesn’t hold as tightly to the blade as it should.
Though, you can probably fix this with some heat or shims.
Recommendations
The Kershaw Secret Agent is a great boot knife for when you need a stealthy yet effective blade. It even topped the list of the best boot knives!
Conclusion
Any of these knives will serve you well as a self-defense knife.
But which one would work best?
If budget is no object, and the laws do not prohibit you from doing so, then carry the Benchmade 3300 Infidel.
It packs a lot of punch into a tiny yet durable space and deploys as quick as a gunshot.
On the other side, if budget is your biggest concern, I recommend the Gerber Ghoststrike.
It’s inexpensive, concealable, lightweight, and has a great sheath.
My favorite of the fixed blade knives for self-defense is the SOG Seal Pup Elite.
Though long and awkward to carry, if you know you are going to be getting into a fight, this is the knife for you.
When it comes to folding knives, however, I prefer Benchmade’s Bedlam.
The others are good as well, especially the Spyderco P’Kal, but the Bedlam just has the size advantage necessary to win a fight.
No matter which knife you choose there are some things you need to remember.
Training is more important than which blade you use, and always stay on the right side of the law.
Which of these self-defense knives is YOUR favorite?
FAQs
How Long Should a Self Defense Knife Be?
A self defense knife should be as long as you can wield while being small enough to be easily concealed.
These are contradictory requirements, which means there’s no single best length for a self defense knife.
Try for a minimum blade length of 3″ unless you need extra concealability and not more than 6″ unless you have particularly large hands.
Is It Legal to Carry a Tactical Knife?
Knife laws vary from state to state, and sometimes from city to city.
Generally, laws will limit the maximum length of a knife you can carry. You’ll have to look up your local laws, though.
However, there’s nothing inherent to the word “tactical” that makes a knife illegal.
Though, a too-edgy name may turn a jury’s opinion against you!
Is a Knife Good for Self Defense?
Knives are capable self defense weapons but should not be your primary method of defending yourself.
Knife fighting is dangerous to everyone involved. You should aim to get away from the threat or use overwhelming force to stop the threat immediately, such as a gun, instead of pulling a blade.
But, if it comes down to fighting barehanded or with a knife, arming yourself with a blade will improve your chances.
Where Can You Hide a Knife on Your Body?
Knives are long, thin tools, which makes them easy to hide on your body.
Belts and pockets tend to hide knives most frequently, but the boot is a classic knife hiding spot for a reason.
Some knives can hang from neck chains and you can strap blades to your arms or legs, too.
Can You Carry a Pocket Knife for Self Defense/Protection?
Pocket knives, as opposed to knives on a belt sheath, can be carried for personal defense.
It may take you a moment longer to deploy a weapon from your pocket.
On the other hand, many people walk around with their hands in their pockets, so you can have one hand on your weapon without drawing attention to yourself.
I really enjoyed and learned from this article, thanks! My personal favorite on this list would also be the Benchmade Bedlam. I love its shape, blade, and functionality. It’s a beautiful knife!
Surprised you didnt have a stiletto spring assist, everyone seems to have them and they are perfect for self defense!