03/30/2026
EDGED WEAPONS are your other real steel. Incorporate them into your EDC and Tactical operations mindset. Stay sharp!
EDGED WEAPONS & TOOLS FOR SURVIVAL & SELF DEFENSE (PART 4)
WARNING AND DISCLAIMER:
As with any weapon, or potentially dangerous tool, you must know the laws of your community before purchasing, carrying, transporting or using them. This article does not constitute formal training, and AirHawk Tactical Sports, C. Christopher Ogene, any and all agents of AirHawkTactical.com cannot be held liable for actions performed by individuals based on the information contained herein. The tests conducted for this research were performed in controlled environments and should not be tried at home. Some formal education or training may be required to properly use some of these tools. In addition, these blades are extremely sharp, and can cause serious injury to the user, or even observers. Keep all edged weapons and tools out of reach of minors, the elderly, handicapped or irresponsible. Treat them as you would a firearm and wear safety equipment while using them. Do not brandish edged weapon in public, or risk a law enforcement encounter. Be advised. Be prepared. Be safe.
INTRO:
This installment was as challenging as any we have done - and we have some brutally honest feedback that can help shape your knife and edge collection. We squeezed every penny out of our limited R&D budget and resurrected some knives we had bought years ago, without any intention of reviewing. Please excuse the long notes, and read in bite-sized chunks if you have to. There is no fluff or filler.
1. BUD K EXCLUSIVE, JUNGLE SUEDE FLYERS, TWIN SWORD SET.
We found this set very capable and sturdy with its dynamic, semi-fantasy design. The upswept full tang blade has an extended piercing point and is robust enough for aggressive combat. Many online reviewers complained that the handle on each of the 2 swords is a half moon profile and not a full rounded handle. What these users do not realize is that the two swords are designed to be used together as ONE double bladed sword, or separately in a flowing, dual-wield, martial art style. The half moon profile also allows them to be sheathed together comfortably. The suede wrapped handle is easy to grip under any conditions, and the swords look handsome despite some chintzy texturing design on the blade. The lanyard holes make for a sure grip and there is a prying notch as well. Ideal for swinging, piercing, thrusting, hacking, chopping, blocking, slashing, prying/wire breaking and even digging if need be. You get two good short swords for the price of one. $25 - $35. (4.5 Stars).
2. SOG, SEAL REVOLVER SURVIVAL SYSTEM.
SOG performs another feat with this compact wonder which we have reviewed before. Full tang construction with a SEAL clip point serrated blade on one end and a true saw blade on the other. Switching from one to the other is as simple as pressing a cleverly hidden button, then revolving the blade into the next position and releasing the button to lock. With a lanyard hole, reinforced handle and lightweight ballistic nylon sheath, this weapon tool can thrive anywhere. Ideal for cutting chores, foliage control, sawing, fire starting, piercing, stabbing, skinning, slashing, chopping, punching and more. $25 - $35. (5 Stars).
2B. The SOG SEAL HARD SHELL SHEATH we used, accommodated the Seal Revolver with a little rigging with electrical tape. This was necessary while we tested the knife in the bush with an attached lanyard. We also purchased rubber diving straps to use in the thigh strap notches in the sheath and this proved to be a wonderful and ergonomic advantage. Wearing the knife on the thigh as opposed to the waist/belt was more efficient in the field, especially while hanging upside down trying to peel bark off a tree to make a fire. SOG SEAL KNIFE HARD SHELL SHEATH and legs straps $ 25 - $30. This is an optional modification or enhancement and did not affect the review of the knife itself. SHEATH RIG (5 Stars).
3. SPECIAL OPERATIONS ASSOCIATION, WORLD WAR 1 (1918) REPLICA TRENCH KNIFE.
This all black version of the renowned knife used by allied forces, is the best version we were able to find, out of perhaps 4 authentic replicas on the market. Although the original had brass knuckle guard and grip, this version has been so improved and weather resistant that that detail can be ignored. The sheath is metal with a leather vertical tab and loop fastener. We wish the strip of leather joining the hard metal to the belt loop had some type of nylon or plastic liner to stiffen it and make it more durable, but alas, if wishes were horses. The double edged blade is razor sharp and thick enough to be sturdy, while retaining the slim profile required for deep pe*******on and weight management. The knuckle guard is robust and has a silky matt treatment that makes it comfortable in the hand for extended periods. The dangerous spiked pommel/crusher on the butt is phenomenal for any reverse impact, or glass breaking task needed. Excellent choice for stabbing, slashing, gouging, digging, cutting, smashing and hand to hand combat. This knife can be used effectively completely sheathed. $35 - $45 (5 Stars).
4. SMITH & WESSON, SURVIVAL SPEAR ATTACHMENT KNIFE.
Smith and Wesson is much better than this piece of equipment. We were (and are) big fans of Smith and Wesson and found the one sided blade inappropriate for a spear head. The cheap plastic shaft does not have enough space inside to stow a survival kit, and the hollow cavity meant for a stick or shaft is too narrow for any solid enough stick to make it functional in the field. If that wasn't bad enough, the cavity is threaded, so you can go to a hardware store and stand in line to buy a broom or mop handle, and then hop in your minivan and head back to the woods to confront that beautiful black bear. Threaded. Really? Plus the end cap that comes off is useless plastic, with no compass, no small mirror, no fire starter. The pommel is a curved tab with a tiny lanyard hole, but is only hard enough to perhaps stun a person if you hit them right in the forehead. The sheath has not a single tie-down point, and is made of a cheap nylon fabric with a simple belt loop. Not one inch of para cord. We did not find it weighted or balanced enough for throwing, but it is ideal for slashing, cutting, and stabbing. We do not recommend this product. We did buy the threaded broom handle though. $30 - $40 (3.5 Stars).
5. SMITH & WESSON, SPECIAL OPS TACTICAL SERRATED TANTO KNIFE.
The folks got this one right. Perfectly weighted, with a rubberized and extremely comfortable grip. The blade is thick and robust with the tanto tip perfectly angled for deep pe*******on, chopping, slicing and punching. The serrations are aggressive against rope, foliage, branches, fabric and anything that needs ripping. The knife has thumb ridges for a combat grip, as well as a solid metal end cap with a lanyard hole, ideal for hammering and reverse impact tasks. The locking hard shell sheath hugs the knife snugly, but releases it smoothly with the right pressure motion. The sheath has lashing points for multiple carry options, and is hard enough to use as a blocking device or defensive striking tool. Comes with a generous amount of paracord. Ideal for throwing and digging too. $40 - $50 (5 Stars).
6. BOKER MAGNUM, STEALTH POCKET KNIFE.
If you are in the need of a folding pocket knife that thinks it is a fixed blade combat knife, this knife is calling you directly. From one of the best names in the blade business, this beefy blade glides open with a silky smooth motion from the ambidextrous thumb studs. The serrations handle cutting tasks with ease, and the scalloped and ridged finger grooves ensure a sure weld during rough use. We wished the scalloped scales were a little less glossy, but this is not a major issue. With a sturdy pocket clip and a solid glass breaker pommel, this knife will stay close and perform well under pressure. It does not have a finger guard though, so some experience with liner locks may be necessary. Ideal for punching, slashing, cutting, skinning, shaving, sawing, reverse striking, and even digging. $20 - $30. (5 Stars).
7. TEKUT, ARES (HK 5025) FIXED BLADE TANTO KNIFE.
We try to be objective and professional, but this was love at first sight. This wide profile blade is made of almost a quarter-inch slab of corrosion resistant metal, and features an exaggerated tanto point that is ideal for deep pe*******on. The weight of this full tang knife make it a compact wonder in the chopping, punching, slashing and throwing department. The serrations are ideal for cutting and sawing, and the extended pommel with a lanyard hole is a distinct advantage for prying, glass breaking and reverse impact. The hard shell sheath does not lock the knife as much as hug it securely like kydex, but the snap loop keeps it doubly secure and the lashing holes and slots make for multi carry options. The supplied lanyard, tie down rope and lashing hole on the knifes finger guard allow it to be fashioned into a spear, which is always is a big plus, and the texturing on the G-10 scales makes it grip well for rough use and combat. Get one. The price is nice. $25 - $35. (5 Stars).
8. C**T, G-10 TANTO.
C**t has produced some non-metallic stealth knives that can hold an edge, and this is one. The G-10 full tang blade is compact, lightweight and sturdy, with a deceptively sharp edge. The paracord wrapping, cut outs, slim profile and tanto point make it ideal for lashing as a spear, as well as ripping, punching, slicing, letter and package opening, scratching and fruit cutting. As with any polymer/non-metallic/plastic knife, we are disappointed that the nice sheath it comes with, also comes with5 or 6 metal rivets or fasteners that will set off a metal detector faster than you can say "Beep!". What's the point if a ghost isn't going be a ghost? $16 - $20 (4 Stars for those damned rivets).
9. CRKT STIFF K.I.S.S. BLACK TANTO KNIFE (COLUMBIA RIVER KNIFE & TOOL).
This little beauty is more knife than lots of knives twice its size. How? Designer Ed Halligan followed his own principle; Keep It Super Simple. Despite being slim, this one piece, full tang tanto blade is solid, and all-business. The skeletonized handle is wrapped with paracord and allows it to be lashed as a spear. It is perfectly balanced for throwing, but may not make a huge impact in that department. Ideal for sawing, punching, prying, slashing, cutting, slicing, and more. Thanks to the polymer locking sheath with multiple carry options, it can be worn around the neck, or as a boot knife or mounted on a tac vest. Excellent choice for EDC (Every Day Carry). $25 - $30. (5 Stars).
10. CIA POLYMER KNUCKLE GUARD ICE SCRAPER/WEDGE KNIFE.
This non metallic push wedge fits extremely comfortably in the hand, with a rounded grip and finger rest that also provides all the leverage needed to make this an extremely effective defensive tool. The flat, sharp edge provides good jabbing, slicing, chopping, scraping, slashing, and even digging tasks. Lightweight, concealable and affordable, this scraper belongs to a three piece set with a spike and a fixed blade double edged blade. $25 - $30 for the entire 3 -piece set. (5 Stars).
11. RIDGE RUNNER, FIREFIGHTER ASSISTED OPENING RESCUE KNIFE SET.
This all metal liner lock set is one of the older knives we bought back in 2010 because the solid construction is very appealing. And supporting/remembering firefighters is a cool thing. This knife features almost anything a pocket knife can offer: Half serrated tanto blade, excellent and smooth flipper which doubles as a finger guard, blood cut outs that double as hex head wrench slots, a seat belt or strap cutter and a beefy spiked pommel/glass breaker that doubles as a lanyard hole. Oh yes, it comes with a pocket clip too, on both the larger knife and the little mini-me. 2 handy knives for the price of one. Robust construction has kept this EDC knife in good shape over years and years of repeated hard use. If the paint starts to fade, it means you are using the knife, as you should be. $16 - $20. (5 Stars).
12. REAL AVID, REVELATION FOLDING KNIFE.
This beautiful knife was the biggest disappointment of the batch. For a knife touted as a hunter's tool, the blade has no assisted release mechanism, flipper, or thumb stud, so you have to use your other hand to open the blade using a recessed fingernail notch, while you hold your harvested deer or other prized find (we wonder how). The LED light that is supposed to work did not work in ours even though the batteries were fresh and we followed every instruction in the booklet that came with it. The design has the potential to be excellent, with rounded, visually appealing lines and a comfortable grip. The ballistic nylon case is so handsome, you would want to buy that alone as a case for another knife. Just beautiful. Pity it came with a free paperweight we don't want. $25 - $30 (3 Stars, only because the case is nice).
13. UNITED CUTLERY, FLYING DRAGON NINJA THROWING DISC.
This throwing ring (shuriken)is one of the most creative and solid throwing stars./disks out there. The sweeping curved blades of the dragons wings give extra cutting surfaces and keep a good edge. They also allow for a good throwing hold. Made from a solid piece of metal as it should be, it is treated to be weather resistant and can make an attractive piece of decor as well. Excellent for throwing, slashing, cutting, prying, slicing, jabbing and even skinning if need be. $12 - $20 (5 Stars).
14. ICE TEMPERED PROFESSIONAL BARBER SHEARS.
This is a high quality and simple barber shear that can save a life or discourage an attack very easily. The long slim blades are excellent for deep pe*******on, cutting, slicing, letter opening, hole punching, prying, trimming tarp or canvas and more. The closed blades provide a rigid form for stabbing or digging. These shears are light, handy and commonly found. $6 - $18. (5 Stars).
14B. OKC LEATHER SHEAR SHEATH. The leather sheath/holster we bought from the Oklahoma Knife Company was the perfect fit for this pair of shears. The leather is supple and strong and the belt loop/notch allows the shears to be worn high on the belt for speed and convenience. $8 - $10 (5 Stars).
15. WAHOO KILLER, UTILITY FIELD KNIFE.
This cheap knockoff of the venerable Mora Knife is surprisingly good. The lightweight weather proof task knife is strong, with a very sharp rigid blade and a rubberized handle that grips very well under various holding positions and even when wet. The molded plastic locking sheath has a drain hole and belt loop that make it a great piece of equipment for camping or back packing. Ideal for slicing, punching, stabbing, slashing, skinning and filleting, chopping, cutting and even digging. A lanyard hole would have been a welcome enhancement. Get some for the tool box, tackle box and glove box. $4 - $8 (5 Stars).
16. SURVIVAL LIFE, CREDIT CARD FOLDING STEALTH KNIFE.
The folks at Survival knife refined a concealable knife concept and really made it spring to life. The one-piece wonder goes from a flat kit less than 4mm thick and with a few folds turns into a razor sharp knife capable of some awesome cutting power. The blade is weather treated and flat black, and the rubberized wings that form the handle also have a safety lock that prevents the blade from unfolding from the flat position, and interlocking studs that keep the handle in place. This easily fits inside even a small pocket and is light enough to attract no attention whatsoever. Ideal for light cutting, slicing, punching, jabbing, skinning, scraping, scratching, and shaving. $5 - $7 (5 Stars).
17. CIA POLYMER STEALTH KNIFE.
This knife is a partner to a spike (reviewed separately) and the scraper listed above. The knife is a one piece, non metallic spear point double sided blade that has cut outs in the grip to further reduce weight. These cut outs make the knife lashable as a spear, and the blade itself is thick and strong, retaining a good edge with a fine grit file or sand paper. Lubricate with silicon oil only as WD-40 and other petroleum based lubricants will degrade the thermoplastic material. Ideal for stabbing, slicing, jabbing, letter opening, light digging and gouging, punching and slashing. Does not come with a sheath but can be easily matched with a simple ballistic nylon one. $25 - $30 for the entire 3 -piece set. (5 Stars).
18. TOMAHAWK BRAND, STEALTH COMB KNIFE.
Stealth knives are not as easy to produce as one may think. The way this comb is constructed is a simple way to approach the concept. The handle/shaft of the comb provides the handle of the knife, with the blade hidden in the wide spine of the comb, above the teeth. You do not see this coming. The design is good, but the seams and joinery could be slightly smoother on the one we purchased, as a close inspection will reveal the knife shaft and comb head are not flush. Strong blade, compact size, good price. Ideal for light to medium impact stabbing, slicing, jabbing, letter opening, digging, gouging, punching, slashing and of course personal grooming (because your wavy locks must always be perfect). $7 - $15 (4 Stars).
19. UNITED CUTLERY, IRON CROSS HEAVY DUTY SHURIKEN.
When it comes to throwing stars and other shuriken, many of the fantastic looking products on the market are almost comically ineffective on a hostile target. In fact many throwing stars will injure the user before the opponent. This throwing star is heavy, with a beefy profile and wide cutting areas. It is made to do damage with the right velocity if thrown or the right leverage if held. It is a true combat throwing star, not some spiky gadgets for your cosplay outfit. The reinforced, belt-mounted sheath is a generous sized ballistic nylon pocket that can also accommodate a GI can opener, or a flat magnifying sheet or some alcohol preps. Handy little whippersnapper. Excellent for throwing, slashing, cutting, slicing, and possibly digging if need be. Get one if you are serious about shuriken. $5 - $12 (5 Stars).
20. WALTHER, BLACKTAC TACTICAL TANTO KNIFE.
Honestly we expected a little more from the house of Walther but it is still a good knife. The tanto blade has a slim profile which could allow it to pry into narrow spaces if necessary, while still enjoying deep pe*******on. The thumb stud opens very quietly (although very slowly) due to the absence of any assisted opening mechanism. A little silicon or rem oil improves this opening and the beefy FDE (Flat Dark Earth) grip is well textured to aid in a solid hand weld. With a generous pocket clip and glass breaker pommel, this tactical knife can go anywhere. The handle is long though, so a pants pocket may not be the ideal EDC placement. In addition, the coloring on the FDE model makes this knife easy to camouflage (or lose)in arid terrain. The blade is very sharp and retains this sharpness well. The whole kit comes with a semi-rigid, ballistic nylon sheath, as well as a paracord lanyard and belt loop retainer. This is a value added feature, and the sheath can easily be used for a compact tac light. $25 -$30 (4.5 Stars).
21. ONTARIO KNIFE COMPANY, USAF 499 AIRMENS SURVIVAL KNIFE.
When the United States Air Force needed a survival knife to assist downed airmen in surviving a crash behind enemy lines, they specifically asked for a stout knife that could cut through the fuselage of an aircraft. OKC supplied several designs which culminated in this classic. The blade is extra sharp and very sturdy, with a fine tooth sawback spine for sawing through metal, wood and fabric. The stacked leather handle has a slight palm swell that helps fit the hand nicely in any situation. The pommel is a hexagonal butt cap that will prevent the knife from rolling, and is excellent for hammering tasks or reverse impact, glass or bone breaking, etc. This knife is well balanced for throwing and is designed as a corrosion resistant tool, which will last decades with proper care. The sheath is a supple leather, with a sharpening stone housed in a button down pocket. There are slits for a belt mount and a lashing hole with cord for a leg tie-down rig. We found it very handy and compact, with a knack for foliage control, slashing, stabbing, digging, slicing and more. A classic worth investing in. $40 - $60. (5 Stars).
22. BAD BLOOD, COMBAT COMMANDER FIXED BLADE KNIFE.
This one piece, full tang hunk of metal is brought to you in a cool black and gray camo pattern that cannot hurt your stealth mode operations. The blade is thick and solid, with a matt finish that makes it easy to handle. The finger grooves and thumb ridges aid in this grip weld and the scallops and cut outs on the handle make it easy to lash to a branch for a spear. We found the serrations on the spine to be inadequate for the kind of potential cutting this blade can handle and needs to offer, although the wire breaker notch on the butt is a cool feature. The lanyard hole provided is a staple requirement standard for us, so it was good to see one and we used it immediately. We appreciated the construction of the ballistic nylon sheath, which retains a flat, low profile shape to mirror the flat blade and aid in concealment or weight and space management. With multiple molle attachment options and a plastic liner for rigidity and safety, this is a well thought out kit. Ideal for stabbing, slicing, punching, throwing, prying, digging, skinning, slashing and spear making. Affordable too. $15 - $20 (4 Stars).
23. KABAR, TDI LAW ENFORCEMENT KNIFE OD GREEN.
In the world of tactical knives, the Kabar TDI knife is a unique and popular creature. Primarily intended as a backup knife, the knife is offered in both straight and serrated versions. We prefer the serrated version, although the smooth grip on the knife could have been textured for a better hold. The knife is offset at almost a 70 degree angle, providing a fast draw, and enhanced leverage for cutting, slashing and jabbing, especially in reversed angled thrusts, such as would be used with a karambit. Designed by John Benner, founder and owner of Tactical Defense Institute, the ergonomics and pedigree of this knife are superior. The kydex sheath locks the blade securely, yet releases it crisply with the right draw. The sheath has a strong metal spring clip with a raised notch that slips behind the belt to almost lock the clip to the belt. The clip can also be repositioned so the knife faces the opposite direction for a right or left handed draw. Good quality knife, just remember its very limited uses. Especially for the money you pay. $40 - $55 (5 Stars).
Thanks for taking the time to read our reviews. Please feel free to like, comment and share the post. We appreciate constructive feedback and urge you to read parts 1 - 3 of the series. Part 5 will be coming up soon, and the abuse of equipment continues with glee. Stay safe and have fun!
