The Best Boot Knife

the best boot knifeA boot knife is a great tool for those who perform utility work, are in the military, police officers, for camping, hunting, as well as self defense. An internet search can provide a myriad of manufactures who offer knives for all different prices, but when you’re on the market for a quality boot knife, it’s important to know what constitutes a decent knife, and kno what to look for to ensure that your money is properly invested.

A good boot knife is small; its compact size is what makes it such a versatile and useful tool. Generally it should range between 3 to 5 inches in length, although some go slightly over this limit. The blade, which is typically double edged like a dagger, should have a sharp tip that penetrates easily, and include a sheath as well as a cover for the tip. The proper containment of the weapon is important not just for legal reasons, but also for safety precautions as the boot knife will more than likely be kept in close contact with skin.

Although any fixed blade that is of the appropriate length can be considered a boot knife, companies such as Cold Steel Knives, Blackjack Knives and Parker Brothers have come to be recognized as some of the best producers of quality boot knives, due to their use of top notch steel, rubber, and wood. Even if you choose not to buy from them directly, it’s a good idea to browse their online catalogs and take note of the type of material they use to make their products. These companies have long, established histories of satisfied customers, and knowing what has made their weapons preferred will assist you in making comparisons when you’re browsing for boot knives elsewhere.

The type of steel used for a blade, as well as the shape and material of the handle, is important. Of course, for higher quality, the price will increase, though saving up for an investment in a knife that will last over time is ultimately better than selecting a cheap blade that looks good but is flimsy, breaks, or becomes dull after a short period of use. Most inexpensive blades are made with rubber handles, and while rubber is a durable material, it’s been said that it doesn’t make for the best handle on a boot knife, as it tends to rub against the skin and is uncomfortable to carry. If you plan on storing the knife elsewhere, say in your car or a toolbox, for example, you shouldn’t have a problem with an rubber handled boot knife that you can find for under $40.00.

Stainless steel is most frequently used in the production of boot knives, though the quality of the metal is what’s crucial here. With some cheaper blades, the razor sharp edge will fade very quickly, and you’ll be left with a dull, almost useless knife. Spending the extra money on a quality blade made with real stainless steel ensures you’ll wind up with a product that doesn’t just look and function better, but also has a sharpness that will hold over a period of time through a variety of uses. Custom boot knives can be ordered as well from various sites, and these include handles made from more exotic materials such as elk horns, ivories, and rare types of wood. They are collectible, and can be further customized with unique accents such as personal engravings and gemstones. Depending on the material you choose for a personalized boot knife, the price can be pretty steep. If you don’t have hundreds to spend and are still interested in a quality knife that will get the job done until you can afford one that’s better, Amazon.com has a wide variety of boot knives from a multitude of manufacturers. Below are three recommendations that were found to feature the qualities listed above, all within a reasonable price range.

Smith & Wesson SWHRT9B Black HRT Boot Knife

The least expensive recommendation with a four and a half stars rating is a Smith & Wesson SWHRT9B Black HRT Boot Knife. It boasts a coated stainless steel blade, thin back aluminum handle that is grooved for a better grip, has a double edged spear tipped blade, and weighs less than 8 ounces. It also comes with a leather boot sheath and tip, and only costs $18.02.

Cold Steel Counter TAC II

Starting at $42.00, Cold Steel’s Counter TAC II Knife with Kraton Handle is a step up from the Smith and Wesson, with an ergonomically designed Kraton handle that makes for a steady grip regardless of the situation, and beautifully polished AUS 8A Stainless Steel. Cold Steel is known to produce some of the best quality knives on the market, and every knife comes with a Secure-Ex sheath and blade tip, complete with a removable belt/boot clip that makes the knife able to be concealed nearly anywhere.

SCHF21 Extreme Boot Fixed Blade Knife

Another four and a half stars boot knife, the SCHF21 Extreme Survival One-Piece Drop Forged Boot Fixed Blade Knife with Sheath by Schrade is the most expensive out of the suggestions, but still affordable at around $55. Made from a single piece of solid steal, the spear pointed carbon blade comes complete with a fiber filled nylon boot/belt/pocket sheath. At 9 inches in length, it is a bit longer than the average boot knife, however satisfied customers have submitted reviews that say they experienced no problem concealing the blade in their boot or on their belt. They also commemorated Schrade on the SCHF21’s solid structure and durability.

There are plenty of other boot knives available for purchase on Amazon. The three aforementioned suggestions were chosen based on their quality, high customer satisfaction ratings, and prices. It’s best to browse a variety of sites and catalogs, and assemble your favorite selections into a list for comparison before you make a purchase. However, as long as you are looking with the qualities featured in this article in mind, you should be able to select a quality knife that suits your needs.