Mark Greene
What would you give to keep yourself and your loved one safe at all times? We are sure you would do everything for their protection, which is why you need to purchase and carry the best boot knife out there. You never know when a life-threatening situation may occur, and there are numerous daily occurrences when having a knife nearby can help.
It is why we prepared an article on boot knives and everything you should know about them. Start with a detailed review of the top-rated items on the market and proceed with a guide on how to pick your ideal model. By the end of the article, you will be ready for any unpredictable situation that may arise!
PREMIUM PICK
The Best Boot Knife
1. Our Pick: Cold Steel Kobun Fixed Blade AUS 8A Plain Boot Knife
BEST CHOICE
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- A great hideaway knife
- Easy to carry
- Reputable manufacturer
PROS
- A lightweight knife
- Made of stainless steel
- Reinforced for better durability
- A reliable sheath
CONS
- You might need to sharpen it when it arrives
- The grip may be a bit thin
DETAILS
Cold Steel is a company with an excellent reputation on the market, and their Kobun series matches and exceeds all expectations. The knife’s name could be translated as “soldier who follows orders,” and you would be the one in command in this case.
At first glance, you notice that the manufacturer used high-quality stainless steel, and reinforced the blade’s spine for improved longevity. The knife remained lightweight and easy to use. The blade is a bit longer than the handle with 5 ½ inches of length. The handle is 4 3.8 inches long and has a good design, but it seems that the grip might take some getting used to since it is a bit thin.
The sheath is reliable and, overall, this is a trustworthy hideaway knife that is suitable for both beginners and experienced users. Make sure to check the sharpness of this “American Tanto” point knife when it arrives as it may need additional sharpening.
2. Premium Pick: SOG Small Fixed Blade Knives – Instinct Mini 1.9 Inch Full Tang Belt Knife and Boot Knife
PREMIUM PICK
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Multiple carrying options
- Very sharp
- A comfortable and sturdy grip
PROS
- A compact-sized knife
- A lightweight product
- Suitable for precise cuts
- Durable nylon sheath
CONS
- The paint may come off the chain
- Some may consider it too small
DETAILS
SOG packed a great knife in a compact design of their Instinct Mini unit. The total length of the product is only 4.8 inches while the blade is 1.9 inches long and features a full-tang clip point. It is made of polished stainless steel and is both lightweight and durable at the same time.
You can pack the knife into the sheath, but you also get a chain to use it as a neck knife. The paint off the chain might come off, but the important thing is that the sheath is made of durable nylon. The grip seems very sturdy, but comfortable, and the size is what makes this knife suitable for precise cuts.
Overall, the knife has a lot of power and versatility, although it is compact-sized. Some may consider it too small, but it is lightweight and portable, which makes it a fine option for carrying around.
3. Best Value: Kershaw Secret Agent (4007); Concealable Boot Knife
BEST VALUE
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Non-slip grip
- Attractive design
- Very sharp
PROS
- Heat-treated steel blade
- Rubberized handle prevents slipping
- A fairly lightweight unit
- Non-reflective matte finish
CONS
- The sheath may cause some chafing
- A single-sided sharpness
DETAILS
The manufacturer tried to unite design and performance in a single knife, and they’ve done a pretty good job. The blade is made of heat-treated stainless steel, and it is both long-lasting and visually attractive. Add to that the black matte finish that adds to corrosion resistance and features a no-shine coating, and you get a cool-looking knife.
The 4.4-inch blade has a rubberized handle and optimal ergonomic design to ensure a comfortable grip. It weighs only three ounces, and it is easy to maneuver since there is no danger of it slipping from your hand. It is a shame that the knife is only sharp on one side, but that doesn’t affect its overall performance.
Ultimately, the blade is both sharp and simple to control, although it might take some time to get used to the sheath, which may cause some chafing at first.
4. Smith & Wesson SWHRT7LT 11-Inch HRT Tanto Boot Knife
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- A reputable brand
- Tanto blade
- Elegant-looking sheath
PROS
- High-carbon stainless steel
- Modern and attractive design
- Molded handle
- A durable knife
CONS
- The blade may be a bit thin
- A long knife that may be hard to fit in some boots
DETAILS
If you know a thing or two about weaponry, the chances are you’ve heard of Smith & Wesson. The main characteristic of this model is its length as it is 11 inches long in total. The blade is a tad longer than the handle, but the overall grip is comfortable. The knife is easy to maneuver as it is lightweight, but the length may be a problem for packing it unless you wear long boots.
The blade features a tanto design which originates from the traditional tanto sword of feudal Japan,, and it is made of high-carbon stainless steel for optimal performance and durability. The molded handle and the sheath are reliable and of satisfactory quality. Some may consider the blade is a bit thin, but you will get used to it rather quickly.
Overall, it is an elegant-looking piece that is quite durable and can meet your expectations.
5. Mini Assault Tactical Fixed Blade Outdoor Boot Knife
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Easy to fit in a boot
- Affordable price
- Very sharp
PROS
- A compact-sized blade
- Full tang design
- The handle features finger cutouts
- Includes a sheath and neck chain
CONS
- The durability could be better
- It may be a bit slimmer than expected
DETAILS
We are continuing with a knife that is compact-sized and suitable for lovers of small blades. The length of the blade is 2.5 inches while the overall length of the piece is 5.5 inches. That makes it easy to fit it in the boot and conceal from people around you.
The blade features a full tang design, and the handle has finger cutouts to enable optimal grip. The knife may seem a bit slimmer than expected, but it is light and easy to maneuver.
Aside from the sheath that keeps the blade safe, the knife comes with a neck holder to provide an alternative way of carrying. The durability of the item could be better, but keep in mind that it has a budget-friendly price tag.
6. United Cutlery GH5055 Gil Hibben Alaskan Boot Knife
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- A simplistic design
- The leather sheath
- Very sharp
PROS
- Made of durable materials
- A stainless steel blade
- Easy to carry around
- Solid blade thickness
CONS
- The handle is somewhat short
- The sheath is not that durable
DETAILS
The first time you take a look at it, this knife might remind you of some kitchen knives. It is partially because of its design, which is a bit simplistic. However, the leather sheath adds to the attractiveness, and the knife looks cool when it is inside it. Unfortunately, the leather is a bit prone to wear and tear after a while.
The stainless steel blade is very sharp and made of high-quality materials. The length of the blade is five inches while the handle is 3.75 inches long. It might take some getting used to that fact since the handle is a bit short. If you have large hands, you may need some practice to learn how to maneuver the knife.
The blade is fairly light, but it also has the necessary thickness. It is easy to carry around, and it is very versatile, which means it can come in handy in various situations.
7. Lastworld 7.75″ Zomb-War Black Boot Hunting Knife with Sheath
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- A unique design
- Good value for the price
- Intriguing name
PROS
- The serrated edge is quite sharp
- Optimal ratio between the handle and the blade
- A comfortable grip
- A fairly durable unit
CONS
- The sheath made of plastic
- The design is not discreet
DETAILS
The manufacturer designed this blade to help you in case of a zombie apocalypse, but until that happens, you can use it for many other things, too. It is a quite versatile unit with a unique design. Some people will love this approach while others may consider that the design is not that discreet, so it does depend a bit on personal preference.
The total knife length is 7.75 inches while the blade is 3.75 inches long. That secures the right ratio between the two to secure a comfortable grip and maneuverability. The sheath is made of plastic, which may not be the best option, but it is still fairly durable.
Overall, the piece has adequate durability, especially considering the price. If you do not mind an innovative approach to design and you are looking for a serrated blade, it can be a good fit.
8. Cold Steel 20TZ Tanto Lite
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Great for camping
- Very sharp
- Easy to carry
PROS
- Non-slip and comfortable grip
- A sturdy and durable piece
- Can be used as both boot and belt knife
- A trustworthy sheath
CONS
- It may be a bit longer than expected
- The blade could be thicker
DETAILS
The campers seem to be thrilled with this knife, but is versatile can you can use it for other activities, too. Thanks to the belt loop, you can also carry it around your belt. That may be convenient for some people if you consider the length of the knife. It is longer than 11 inches, and that can make it tricky to put in short boots.
It is worth noting that the sheath is trustworthy even though it is made of plastic. The material is durable as are the other components used to make the blade and the handle. Stainless steel was used to make the 3mm thick blade that is quite sharp and durable.
The polypropylene handle takes a bit more than five inches of the overall length, and it is comfortable and non-slippery. It shouldn’t be difficult to get used to maneuvering this knife as the ratio between the blade, and the handle is optimal.
How to Choose the Best Boot Knife for Your Needs
Are you planning on investing in a boot knife? In that case, we have some great tips we recommend to keep in mind to make a smart selection. It doesn’t take a mastermind to figure out you want a great quality knife, but what features make it great? That is what we are focusing on in this article.
Size
Do you know how they say that the size always matters? Well, that is true for boot knives, too. You do not want a knife that is considerably bigger than what can fit in your boot as it can make your feet sore. Check out the dimensions of the product and compare it with your boot, but only once your foot is inside.
Material and Weight
These two go hand in hand and play a major role as they may affect both the quality of the knife and your comfort. When it comes to the material of the blade, you want the alloy of metal to be of the highest quality possible. The same goes for the blade, but the material can and will affect the weight.
You do not want a heavy knife that will be hard to maneuver, but on the other hand, you also do not want a light blade that will break quickly. Aim to make the best balance between the two and think what is the optimal weight to handle it properly.
Other Features to Consider
We mentioned the crucial things, but there are other important factors to consider when choosing a boot knife:
- Blade length – you can leave this up to your preference, but make sure to check the local laws and regulations to make sure you abide them.
- Blade point – there are some differences in design, and you can choose from the clip, drop, tanto, spear, or trailing-point, or go with a straight-back blade.
- Blade edges – you can go with flat, serrate, or hybrid. Either of them works fine, but if you have experience with any of them, go with that one so that it would be easier to get used to a new knife.
- Handle – you want to be comfortable so that you can trust the blade if you are in trouble.
- Price – in most cases, it is one of the determining factors, but make sure that the product also has the features you need.
- Sheath – a boot knife comes with a sheath by default, but you also want to consider its quality. You need a sheath that both have longevity and will fit comfortably in your boots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do I need a boot knife?
A: A boot knife is convenient in survival situations, which makes it useful for adventure and outdoor lovers. You can also use it in self-defense, as well as in hunting and common daily tasks, such as opening mail packages.
Q: How to maintain a boot knife?
A: As with regular knives, you will occasionally need to sharpen them, and a sharpening stone will come in handy for that job. Make sure to inspect for grease on the sheath and wipe it whenever necessary.
Final Conclusion
The list of reasons why you would need the best boot knife out there is long, and having one can be life-saving in some extreme situations. That is why you shouldn’t hesitate, so pick a favorite from our list and place an order today!
