Guns can be such a pain. You need to get a license, you need to be trained, you need to practice. Unless you are highly trained in the use of a gun, statistics say you are more likely to be shot yourself by your gun than you are to shoot someone else. Not so with knives. With a knife you have to get up close and personal. If you pull your knife out you are not going to accidentally stab someone. You are drastically less likely to get stabbed by your own knife. Knives are handy, and the best self defense fixed blade knife serves multiple purposes.
Why Fixed Blade?
The benefit to having a fixed blade knife is that it is always at the ready. You do not have to fumble with safety buttons or faulty trigger mechanisms. Just have a case and slip your knife in and out at your convenience.
This also means your blade will stay sharp if you have a proper case. Leather is recommended by most knife enthusiasts for protecting the integrity of your blade. Now you just have to decide which one to buy, or which ones to buy. The best fixed blade knives on the market will make you want to buy more than just one.
Many people across the world, especially in areas where gun control is strict, now carry knives everywhere they go. You will have to choose (or will you?) between a longer blade tactical knife, or a shorter blade concealed carry knife. There are pros and cons to both.
Best Fixed Blade Tactical Knife
Ka-Bar TDI Law Enforcement Tanto
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This blade is a top of the line tactical fixed blade knife. Multiple members of law enforcement rate this blade as ideal for self defense. The curve of the blade on the handle is excellent for knife fighting, slashing, and cutting. It measures almost 8 inches. It is solid black and relatively lightweight, though it is too long to be considered ideal for concealed carry.
MTech USA Xtreme
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This blade is an ideal tactical knife. It can serve as a basic utility knife for outdoors needs or as a defense weapon in cases of combat. It is stainless steel gold titanium coated and the grip will remain slip proof against even the heaviest rain and snow.
The entire knife is 11 inches long, with the blade measuring at 5.5 inches. It is a beautiful piece of weaponry with a handle curved to fit your hand and a blade that will gleam in the darkest of environments.
Elk Ridge 303
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The Elk Ridge is a much more traditional looking knife, classic hunter’s knife. It will serve you for skinning and gutting game as well as for self defense in a combat situation. It has a stainless steel blade measuring approximately 5 inches. It has a burl wood handle, the entire knife measures 8.5 inches long. The blade is also thin, with a razor sharp edge that will hold its sharpness. This makes it ideal for cutting food on a camping trip or quartering fruit in the backyard. As a bonus for your money, this blade comes with its own leather case.
Best Concealed Carry Knife
Esee Izula II OD Fixed Blade Knife
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The Esee is all green and it is the smallest of the bunch, perfect for concealed carry. While may states are now allowing open carry, concealed carry knives are much more discreet. The blade measures right at 3 inches, but it is fierce. This knife comes with a sheath and a belt clip, it is easy to clean, lightweight, and easy to handle. The makers designed it specifically to be a mean, nasty knife, good in combat, and easily tucked away.
Censor 1330 Fixed Blade Knife
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This blade is stainless steel with a black handle and a slight curve. Its size makes it ideal for concealed carry, with a blade measuring at just over 3 inches. It has a satin finish and maintains its performance as a capable of use as both a tactical knife as well as a general utility knife.
Final Thoughts
Realistically, you will probably want both a longer blade, tactical knife, that you can carry on your belt loop in plain view when you are out on the trail, and a shorter, concealed carry knife you can take with you on a jog or out and about for self defense or practical everyday use.
In the end, the best fixed blade knives are the ones you feel comfortable having on your person, in your hand, and actually using. Once your knife arrives, be sure to take it for a test run on your belt, handle it around the yard or out in the woods, and get a good sense of your grip. You and your knife should become good friends.
