The best combat knives in the UK 2023

In the military, the combat knife is used in hand-to-hand combat. But this knife is also useful for self-defense or survival. You need one, but you don't know how to choose? What material for the blade, the cutting edge or the handle? To find out, read our comparison of the best fighting knives.

Cold Steel - Kobun Fixed Blade Knife 1
9/10

Best value for money

Cold Steel - Kobun Fixed Blade Knife

The best fighting knife in 2021

The blade of this fighting knife is fixed, so it is not foldable. It has a total length of 25 cm with the handle, and weighs 125 g. It is shaped like a Japanese katana, and its secure-Ex sheath allows you to wear it on your belt.

See price

This Koban knife has elegance combined with great efficiency. The length of the blade is 14 cm, the cutting edge is 13 cm and the thickness of the blade is 3.5 mm. The blade is made of AUS-8A steel. This makes it hard and does not break easily unless it is subjected to a very strong impact. To protect you from the blade, the handle has been made with Kray-Ex. You won't have anything to worry about when handling it.

The white color of the blade is enhanced by the black of the handle, which makes the knife even more elegant than ever. This elegance is further enhanced by the extremely smooth blade of the knife, which is prominent when viewed from the side. When you're not using your knife, you can use its fixed double guard and the sheath that comes with it.

BERGKVIST - Couteau Pliant K20 2
7/10

Best value for money

BERGKVIST - Couteau Pliant K20

The best entry-level fighting knife

In addition to a formidable combat knife, you can use it as a survival knife. It is made of extremely sharp stainless steel combined with grey titanium alloy. Foldable, the knife is discreet and easy to carry.

22,38 £ on Amazon

Here you have a knife with an extremely sharp 7cr17 stainless steel blade. The total length of the blade is 8.5 cm. To protect your hand during handling, it has been equipped with an ergonomic handle made of natural wood.

In addition, this handle also serves as a decoration to give that slightly wild and rebellious look. You also get a leatherette sheath and a mini sharpening stone. The knife also comes with a belt cutter and a glass breaker. Finally, the knife can be used with both hands, so it will work equally well for a right or left hander.

JEO-TEC Nº18: Hunting and survival knife 3
7/10

Best value for money

JEO-TEC Nº18: Hunting and survival knife

The best high-end fighting knife

This is a multi-purpose knife that can be used as a fighting, camping, hiking or hunting knife. The blade length is 11.5 cm and the total length of the knife is 22.9 cm including the handle.

92,76 £ on Amazon

This knife has a 4 mm thick sandvik 12c27/HRC 56-58 stainless steel blade. It is very smooth and has a very elegant mirror effect. The handle of the knife is made of Cocobolo Exotic Wood with red dividers. The knife itself was handcrafted by artisans with unmatched skills. Its special feature is that the blade has been solidly polished and laser cut to avoid breaks that could affect the blade.

In short, the knife is simply perfect: elegant, simple, sturdy, not too big and not too small. The blade is so sharp that you can shave with it without difficulty. Finally, the knife comes with a genuine leather sheath inlaid with fire starter. This knife is a must-have accessory for camping, hiking and combat.

Cold Steel - Bushman Fixed Blade Knife 4
7/10

Very good

Cold Steel - Bushman Fixed Blade Knife

A mid-range alternative

This Cold Steel fixed blade knife is very light and thin. It is equipped with a Sk-5 steel blade and a hollow SK-5 steel handle. It comes with a fire starter.

35,67 £ on Amazon

This is a fixed blade knife with an open length of 31.1 cm. The length of the blade is 17.8 cm, it is sharp and smooth with a "Drop Point" profile. The handle of the knife is hollow, but when handling it can be seen that it is slightly slippery. For a good stability, it is necessary to add a grip: the knife is equipped with a housing for this purpose. The material with which the knife was designed is SK-5 steel.

The matte black color of the knife gives it a "Rambo-like" style and a discreet elegance. The knife is really of excellent quality and you can use it for camping, hunting, fighting and many more. And the carrying case with belt clip locks the blade in place nicely. Beware, if you are looking for a knife with a retractable blade, this knife will not fit.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best combat knife

Any specific needs?

The best fighting knife in 2021

The best entry-level fighting knife

The best high-end fighting knife

A mid-range alternative

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best combat knives

TOP OF THE TOP CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE VERY GOOD
Cold Steel - Kobun Fixed Blade Knife 5
9/10
BERGKVIST - Couteau Pliant K20 6
7/10
JEO-TEC Nº18: Hunting and survival knife 7
7/10
Cold Steel - Bushman Fixed Blade Knife 8
7/10
OUR SELECTION
Cold Steel - Kobun Fixed Blade Knife
BERGKVIST - Couteau Pliant K20
JEO-TEC Nº18: Hunting and survival knife
Cold Steel - Bushman Fixed Blade Knife
The blade of this fighting knife is fixed, so it is not foldable. It has a total length of 25 cm with the handle, and weighs 125 g. It is shaped like a Japanese katana, and its secure-Ex sheath allows you to wear it on your belt.
In addition to a formidable combat knife, you can use it as a survival knife. It is made of extremely sharp stainless steel combined with grey titanium alloy. Foldable, the knife is discreet and easy to carry.
This is a multi-purpose knife that can be used as a fighting, camping, hiking or hunting knife. The blade length is 11.5 cm and the total length of the knife is 22.9 cm including the handle.
This Cold Steel fixed blade knife is very light and thin. It is equipped with a Sk-5 steel blade and a hollow SK-5 steel handle. It comes with a fire starter.
Sturdiness
Blade length
8.5 cm
9 cm
11 cm
8 cm
Steel
AUS-8
7cr17 stainless steel + titanium alloy
stainless steel sandvik 12c27 / HRC 56-58
SK-5
Handle material
Kray-Ex
natural wood
Cocobolo Exotic Wood with red dividers
SK-5
Net weight
125g
130g
100g
290g

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Buying guide - combat knife

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How to choose your combat knife

A combat knife must be effective, easy to handle and resistant. Here are the most important criteria to consider to be sure to choose the right model.

#1 - The type of knife

Tactical, hunting and survival knives are classified in the category of combat knives, which come in several styles. Your choice will depend on the intended use. If you are looking for a knife that is purely dedicated to self-defense or close combat, the karambit combat knife is the ideal choice.

The dagger, on the other hand, is more versatile. Thanks to its firm and easy grip, it is very handy and can be used for many things. But opt for a fixed blade model if you are looking for sturdiness and efficiency.

#2 - The material of the blade

The blade determines the overall qualities of a combat knife. It must be both strong and resistant to wear and corrosion. It must also be sharp for maximum efficiency in the task it is dedicated to. While the blades of combat knives are almost all made of steel, there are variations.

Combat knives with stainless steel blades have the advantage of being insensitive to corrosion. Nevertheless, their blade quickly becomes less sharp. Combat knives with carbon steel blades, on the other hand, keep their sharpness much longer. Nevertheless, they are more susceptible to rust.

D2 steel can be a good compromise between the two materials, as it is both corrosion and surface wear resistant. Thus, a D2 steel blade stays sharp longer while being immune to rust.

#3 - The shape of the blade

A combat knife can be either straight or serrated. Each of these two types of blades has its advantages and disadvantages. A straight blade is sharper and can cut through an object without difficulty and is easier to sharpen. However, it can be ineffective when its edge is subject to wear.

A serrated or saw-toothed blade is more functional in this case. Many combat knife models have a serrated blade on the back, but sometimes the edge is extended with a serration.

#4 - The handle

The

handle of a combat knife should be solid, ergonomic, and grippy. This way, you can hold your knife firmly even in extreme conditions. There are several materials used for combat knife handles, such as hard plastic, rubber, G10 fiberglass or even steel. Karambit knife handles are usually made of the same type of material as the blade, which is steel.

#5 - The length of the blade

The dimensions of a fighting knife vary from one model to another. In most cases, the length of the blade and the overall length of the knife are listed. If it is a folding combat knife, manufacturers usually give the length of the blade and the length of the knife when folded. You can choose a shorter or longer blade length depending on your goals.

On karambit knives, the blade length is shorter than the handle length.

How to maintain your combat knife ?

A combat knife must be maintained to prolong its life. Here are some tips on how to take care of the blade and the handle.

How to maintain the blade of a combat knife?

After use, avoid washing your combat knife, especially if the blade is made of carbon steel. Carbon steel rusts quickly, and even stainless steel is not immune to corrosion. Instead, experts recommend wiping the blade with a damp cloth, then using a dry cloth to finish cleaning. You can oil the blade periodically to make it more resistant to corrosion.

If you live in a coastal area where the air is salty, consider constantly oiling your knife blade with a thin layer of oil. You can use household oil.

Maintaining the handle

If the handle of your fighting knife is made of the same material as the blade, wipe it down with a wet cloth and then dry it. Do the same with a plastic or rubber handle, but avoid putting the knife in the dishwasher or under the faucet. Remember to oil the shaft if you have a folding knife, however, to avoid corrosion.

Wooden handles are more rare and require a specific treatment for their maintenance. If you notice traces of wear, first sand the handle with fine sandpaper. Then apply a thin layer of olive or linseed oil before polishing it. It will regain its original shine.

The different types of combat knives

Combat knives can be classified into three main types. They differ in style and in the specific shape of their blade.

Karambit fighting knife

Easily recognizable by its slightly curved shape and claw-like blade

, the karambit knife is the ultimate self-defense knife. The blade does not exceed 10 cm in length and its end is very sharp. Although its specific shape does not allow it to be used for stabbing, the karambit knife can cause significant damage. It is however not suitable for survival tasks, such as cutting wood for example. But it is handy for harvesting fruits or leaves.

A karambit fighting knife can have a fixed or folding blade. In the latter case, it has a safety system to prevent accidental opening that could injure the user.

Dagger

As

its name suggests, the dagger is used for stabbing, but also for slashing and cutting objects. Originally, its blade was double-edged for better penetration

, but modern daggers are sometimes equipped with a single-edged blade. This allows the weapon to be used as a survival or outdoor knife.

A dagger always has a solid handle for a firm grip and a fixed blade for strength. A major disadvantage of this white weapon is its length which can make it cumbersome. But a combat knife dagger is usually no more than 20 cm long.

Tanto fighting knife

The

tanto fighting knife is equipped with a blade called tanto, slightly curved and with a characteristic straight point that also serves as a counter edge. This white weapon, originally used by the samurai, is characterized by its ability to slash and penetrate

, hence its classification as a combat knife. But to be effective as a throwing or stabbing knife, it is preferable to choose one with a fixed blade. Indeed, there are also folding blade tanto fighting knives, which have the advantage of being compact and easy to store.

A fixed blade tanto fighting knife can also be used for other purposes, such as cutting an object. Its main advantage is that it is very sharp, like its big brother, the katana.

Folding or fixed blade combat knife?

Folding combat knife

A major advantage of a folding blade combat knife is that it is more compact and easier to carry. Once folded, its length is reduced by half, and it becomes practically invisible. Nevertheless, it does not offer sufficient physical strength because of the folding point which makes its structure less rigid. Also, if you were to use it in an emergency against the enemy, you might be much slower. The opening time of a folding combat knife can thus be a major drawback.

Fixed blade combat knife

With its one-piece structure, the fixed blade combat knife is much stronger. It can easily withstand stress, especially if you use it to cut solid objects for example. A fixed blade combat knife is also much faster to draw.

Verdict

If you are getting a combat knife for self-defense, without dedicating it to other functions, a folding blade model may be appropriate. But if you need a knife that can be used for combat as well as for survival and odd jobs, a combat knife with a fixed blade is more solid.

Blade thickness

Avoid combat knives with a soft blade! The thickness of the blade of a combat knife determines its strength. A thinner blade may be less resistant to physical stress, especially for multi-purpose combat knives. However, if it is too thick, it can make the knife heavier and less manageable. As a general rule, the blade thickness should be between 4.5 and 6 mm to ensure good rigidity.

Tips

Sharpen your combat knife

A good knife is a sharp knife. Remember to sharpen your fighting knife regularly, using a grinding stone. If the blade is made of carbon steel, use a natural grinding stone. For a stainless steel or stainless steel blade, prefer a synthetic stone.

Take your knife out of its leather sheath to store it

Don

't leave your fighting knife inside its leather sheath when not in use for a long time. Take it out and store it in a dry place. Leather can trap moisture and promote corrosion.

Unfold your folding knife to store it

To

avoid permanent stress on the spring that could cause it to break more quickly, always unfold your combat knife. Only fold it up when transporting it.

Do not carry a fixed blade combat knife without its hard case

When

transporting your fixed blade combat knife, always remember to place it in its hard case. This will prevent injury in case of a fall or false move. If the sheath is made of leather, it should be thick and free of slack.

Use your combat knife during your outdoor activities

Given its sturdiness and reliability, you can take your knife with you on outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing or any other activity where carrying such equipment is not prohibited.

FAQ

What is the best fighting knife?

The best fighting knife depends on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide to find out which products are the best at the moment.

What is the price of a combat knife?

The price of a combat knife can range from 12 euros for entry-level models, to more than 100 euros for top-of-the-range knives. For the middle range, prices are between 20 and 40 euros. In our comparative table you will find models starting at less than 30 euros.

Can a combat knife have other functions?

Yes, you can use your combat knife for other tasks, especially in survival situations, or during your outdoor activities. However, make sure the blade material is durable to handle multiple tasks.

Do I need a permit to carry a combat knife?

Classified in the weapons of category D, the carrying of a combat knife must be justified by a valid reason in case of control. In any case, it is prohibited in public places. It should be noted that the reason "self-defence" is not accepted in case of control.

Who can buy a combat knife?

Anyone 18 years of age or older can purchase a combat knife and its accessories.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. , Survivreauchaos.blogspot.com
  2. , Blog.vos-couteaux.com
  3. , Theusmarines.com
  4. , Thetacticalknives.com
  5. , Blackscoutsurvival.blogspot.com
  6. , Resterenvie.com
  7. , Knivesandtools.fr
  8. , Welkit.fr
  9. , armes-ufa.com
  10. , blog.vos-couteaux.com
  11. , tam-surplus.fr
  12. , camoufletoi.fr
  13. , universducouteau.fr
  14. , naturabuy.fr
  15. , thebestknives.eu
  16. , best-comparatif.fr
  17. , armureriebarraud.fr
  18. , wildsteer.com
  19. , chassepechepassion.com
  20. , amazon.co.uk
  21. , projet13.com
  22. , coutebox.com
  23. , pinterest.fr
  24. , armurerie-auxerre.com
  25. , hattila.com
  26. , fr.wikipedia.org
  27. , france-couteaux.com
  28. , amazon.co.uk
  29. , projet13.com
  30. , fr.wikihow.com
  31. , m.youtube.com
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
Cold Steel - Kobun Fixed Blade Knife 9
Cold Steel - Kobun Fixed Blade Knife
BERGKVIST - Couteau Pliant K20 10
BERGKVIST - Couteau Pliant K20
JEO-TEC Nº18: Hunting and survival knife 11
JEO-TEC Nº18: Hunting and survival knife
Cold Steel - Bushman Fixed Blade Knife 12
Cold Steel - Bushman Fixed Blade Knife

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