Most of the new and popular folding knives to come along in the last twenty years have been tactical-style knives. Tactical knives were originally designed primarily for police and military use, but quickly became popular for their size, strength, and ease of use. Although, most are now sold for general utility knives to the general public. They are still heavily utilized by active and reserve military, police forces, fire departments, and rescue units. Tactical knives tend to be a little bulkier and heavier than traditional knives, but also tend to be larger, stronger, and more convenient.
There are several distinctive and identifying features of a tactical-style knife:
1. Single-bladed - Tactical knives almost without exception have a single blade. There are no options for the multiple blades available in traditional pocket knives.
2. An aid to assist in opening the blade easily and rapidly, such as a hole in the blade, a thumb stud, or a spring-assist.
3. A pocket clip to keep the knife readily available at the top of the pocket. Many models can be adjusted to be carried tip-up or tip-down.
4. A lock variant to hold the blade locked open during use. The axis lock is used in the Benchmade Mini-Griptilian in the picture. Lock-backs, axis locks, triple locks, frame-locks, and other variants are available. All are good - most are chosen based on preference rather than any major difference.
There are models available in almost any variation you might like -- any steel type, lock type, blade shape, and handle material. Benchmade Knives, Spyderco Knives, Kershaw Knives, and Cold Steel Knives are among the best-known tactical knife manufacturers, but there are enormous numbers of knife companies that make good tactical knives.
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