A boot knife is conventionally your last resort for protecting yourself when fighting in close quarters. While this kind of knife still serves this reason, many can also double as an EDC or survival knife. Prior to purchasing, you will have to pay attention to laws regarding carrying a knife in the area, as carrying a knife with a double-edge blade is unlawful. So, in this blog, we have covered long and short boot knives and double and single-edged blades, so you can find one to meet all your needs and requirements.
It doesn’t matter if you are in a combat condition or out on a booting or hunting trip; it is vital for you to have a backup plan.
Our Review of the Best Boot Knives for 2022
Picking the best boot knife is a tricky decision. There are factors that make a boot knife a hit, depending on the specific use you planned for. Some of the options you will need to make are simply your personal preferences; however, others are vital in ensuring the boot knife functions well for a particular style of recreational activities.
Best Overall Boot Knives: Gerber Ghoststrike
On top of the list of the best boot knives is Gerber Ghoststrike. With a blade length of 3.3 inches, a total length of 6.9 inches, weighing 4.2 ounces, and blade material is 420HC, this is really the best among the rest.
This boot knife is intended as one of those concealed carry tools when outdoors. This is a super lightweight fixed boot knife that is also comfortable to carry, extremely sharp as well as reasonably hardwearing.
This is a reliable drop point blade which makes it extremely versatile compared to the conventional dagger point style of other boot knives. However, this signifies it is able to double as a survival knife or EDC. This is made of high quality 420HC steel that is extremely and pretty soft, and sharpening is easy and stress-free though it is not ideal for holding an edge, making the knife resistant to rusting and corroding.
The cut-out, skeletal handle of this boot knife comes with a rubberized grip as well as finger groves. Sad to say, its rubber grip is likely to separate from its steel, the only let down for the boot knife.
This is also integrated with a modular sheath which you can use to conceal or open carry. The short blade, on the other hand, means it follows local rules and regulations.
Pros
- If you need a versatile full-tang boot knife, then this is a perfect choice. You can use it for any purpose.
- This is a super lightweight knife, which makes it easy to carry and conceal in your pants or inside your small bag.
- This is a good quality boot knife that is integrated with an adaptable sheath.
- Its lifetime warranty sets it apart, assuring you how reliable and dependable this knife is.
Cons
- Despite the many perks this knife offers, it also comes with some drawbacks, like the rubber grip is not extremely durable and tough.
- Compact, Skeletal 420Hc Steel Frame.
- Black Ceramic Coating For Minimal Reflection + Corrosion.
- Diamond Texture Rubber Handle For Superior Grip.
- Modular Sheath System For Concealed Or Open Carry.
- Includes a modular sheath system that can be worn horizontally or vertically
Best Boot Knife for the Money: Kershaw Secret Agent
If you search for an extremely concealable boot knife made for survival or EDC, we also recommend the Kershaw Secret Agent. This extremely concealable knife utilizes a spear point design double-edge blade from 8Cr13MoV stainless steel. This is also one of the lightest and easy-to-carry boot knives and only measures 8.7 in length. Making it easy to conceal or attach to your boot.
The blade of this knife measures 4.4 inches long and comes with a black oxide coating that assists in keeping it safe and sound from corrosion. The fixed blade, on the other hand, comes with a glass-packed nylon handle over-molded with an extremely textured rubberized grip, which makes this knife extremely slip-resistant as well as comfortable and easy to utilize.
This knife comes standard with a honed sheath made of polymer intended for neck carry, belt carry as well as boot carry. This provides you with lots of choices for how you carry this boot knife on a daily basis.
In general, the state-of-the-art Kershaw Secret Agent is not just one of the most affordable boot knives but also the most reliable and well-made knife that is useful for self-defense tools and for basic utility tasks.
Pros
- Made of high-quality materials
- Easy to carry and store in your pocket
- Cheap boot knife
Cons
- Not a multi-use boot knife
- 8Cr13MoV stainless steel blade with high carbon is heat treated for performance, hardness and durability
- Handle is reinforced synthetic polymer encased by textured rubber for grip security; reinforcement provides increased strength, stiffness and stability
- Tech rich black oxide coating converts steel to magnetite to boost appearance and corrosion resistance
- High performing sheath provides clip for belt or UWB carry and slots for leg carry straps; both ensure users’ preference for accessibility
- Blade’s first edition survives torture test seen on Survival Bros; fans claim it slices through plastic, aluminum, kelp, rope, jellyfish and fiberglass
Best Cheap Boot Knife: Smith & Wesson SWGRT9B Fixed Blade Knife
If you are looking for a high-quality boot knife without spending a lot of money, you must definitely try the Smith & Wesson SWGRT9B Fixed Blade Knife. With a blade length of 4.7 inches, made of high-quality material 7Cr17MoV, weighing only 7.7 ounces, and with a length of 9 inches, this is indeed a good investment.
State of the art Smith & Wesson SWGRT9B comes with a classic double-bladed knife style. You cannot look forward to high quality steel for the value; on the other hand, the 7Cr17MoV steel is sharp right out of the package.
It will be hard to sharpen. On the other hand, if you are utilizing it primarily as protection, that is not a problem. What makes this apart from the rest is that it is integrated with a superb sheath made of leather with a tight clip to attach it snugly to the boot or harness/belt and is simple to access.
At first glance, it’s more of a dagger than a boot knife. That is considered a negative aspect if you are searching for a multi-purpose EDC or survival knife. Available in a double-edged blade, the Smith & Wesson SWGRT9B is prohibited from carrying in various areas or places. Because the steel is very thin and tough to sharpen, we would not suggest it as a survival knife; however, it provides superb value for the money as the last resort blade for protecting and securing yourself.
Pros
- The Smith & Wesson SWGRT9B is a reliable sharp, double edge blade boot knife.
- It is also integrated with superb sheath.
- Great value for your money as it is one of the cheapest boot knives available on the market at this point
- This is intended for self-defense.
Cons
- This is not a multi-use boot knife
- It is also tough to sharpen due to the material it was made of
- DIMENSIONS: 9 inch (22.9 centimeter) overall length with a blade length of 4.7 inches (12.1 centimeter) and a weight of 7.7 ounces
- DURABLE: Blade is made of reliable 7Cr17MoV high carbon stainless steel with a black rubber wrapped handle
- DEPENDABLE: Quick and easy access with the convenient belt or boot sheath making it ideal for everyday carry
- SECURE: Have confidence that the blade will not slip with the security of the hand guard
- BE PREPARED: Knife Features Lanyard Hole Makes For Ideal Neck Knife
Best Long Boot Knife: Schrade Boot Knife Fixed Blade
If you are searching for a long boot knife, look no further than Schrade Boot Knife Fixed Blade. This is one of the market’s best boot knives today. It has a blade length of 7.6 inches, with a total length of 12.6 inches, weighing only 5.1 ounces, and is made of high-quality material 7Cr17MoV.
If you want a slim boot knife, this is also the ideal option. With a dimension of 13 inches long, this makes the Schrade Boot Knife Fixed Blade a little bit unreasonable to carry on the boot. On the other hand, its size makes this knife look relatively intimidating; that could be a perk if you like to scare off a possible assaulter instead of fighting him.
Aside from being long, it is also considered one of the reasonably priced blades in this list, and provided how much steel you are getting for your hard-earned money; it is not surprising that the superiority of construction is maybe not quality of top notch. It does feel cheaper compared to other brands out there, and as it is not a full-tang, there might be a risk of the flaw where the blade joins the handle.
This boot knife is not ideal for heavy application. On the other hand, as an infrequent and rare hunting blade or for your protection, it is a notorious low-cost choice.
Pros
- This is one of the best boot knives available for a very reasonable price
- This is intended for self-defense
- The handle is textured for a comfortable grip and avoids slipping as well
Cons
- This is long enough for a boot knife, thus making it hard to store or conceal
- Not as tough as other types of knives available out there.
- The knife Blade is a Double Edged & Serrated Spear Point Blade with Blood Groove.
Best Survival Boot Knife: Buck 110 Boot Knife
If you want a reliable EDC knife, then this Buck 110 Boot Knife is the best choice. With a blade length of 3 inches, a total length of 6.25 inches, weighing only 2.5 ounces, and the blade is made of 154CM, you will surely find this one interesting and worth your money.
This is the most expensive knife available, but there is a saying that you get what you pay for if you are comparing steels. Many boot knives available utilize budget-friendly steel to reduce the costs, as they are not planned to be daily knives.
Buck Ops is made of 154CM steel, which is considered middle-range steel providing superb all-around performance. Also, it has a full-tang design, which makes it robust and better able to survive tough cutting.
The sheath is well-made and provides many configuration choices. The small dimension makes it so simple to hire or conceal.
If you search for a boot knife for occasional fighting applications, it is advisable to opt for a cheaper one. However, if you need a small knife that is tough and can be used as a backup in a survival condition, we recommend this boot knife.
Pros
- Made with a superb and excellent sheath
- Superior full-tang blade
- Extremely durable and versatile boot knife available
Cons
- This is an expensive boot knife
- It has a small handle which makes it not appropriate for those with big hands.
- Blade Material: 420Hc Stainless Steel
- Handle Material: Macassar Ebony Diamond Wood
- Knife Length: 4 7/8 Inches(folded/closed)
- Country of Manufacture: U.S.A.
- Includes: Knife, Box and Genuine Black Leather Belt Sheath
What Features to Look for in a Boot Knife
Given the many varieties of boot knives to select from, which include the products mentioned above, it can be somewhat overwhelming and intimidating. This holds true for newbies to this kind of knife in general or at the very least. To help you know which is the best and more reliable one, we have listed and explained the vital features you must look for when choosing an ideal boot knife. So, make sure to pay attention to the features if you want to make the best out of your time and money.
Half Tang versus Full Tang
Tang- refers to the part of the knife which extends to its handle. Conversely, its blade of a full-tang knife extends the whole length of its grip. Usually, it makes the blade stronger as well as lessens the threat of the knife spanning. This can also make the knife heavy and uncomfortable to carry. A partial or half tang knife has less material in its handle, making for a super-light handle. On the other hand, the knife might be prone to breaking under serious conditions.
Like the very popular Gerbe Ghoststrike, come to a few boot knives out there that come with a skeletal tang. This style keeps some of the vigor of a full-tang blade but lessens the weight.
Weight
Another vital factor to consider is weight. The weight of the boot knife plays an important role. Not only from the standpoint of it decides and settles one how easy to maneuver the blade or knife is, simply because it might be impacted by the permissible stipulations drawn in your area. Materials that are utilized in the making of the knife have the biggest impact on the weight. If the boot knife is light to carry, you can use it with ease.
Size
This is also a vital factor that you have to consider. As knowing the perfect size of a boot knife for your hand, you also have to consider the dimension in relation to your boots and your shoes. If you buy a boot knife that is too bulky or big, it will stick out and totally wreck and mess up the hidden side of things. This can also lead to a chafe city for the foot, at the very least. Therefore, it is ideal to pay attention to the size of the knife and then try to pair it with your foot while you are wearing boots and socks. It is very important as it will assist you in figuring out if it is a perfect fit or not.
Length of the Blade
The blade’s length is something we have to focus on when choosing a boot knife. It is always a smart idea to see the local laws of the town, a city as well as the state. A lot of knife manufacturers out there do act by the rules and aren’t out to ensure knife owners get caught by the law enforcer. On the other hand, always see to it that the blade’s length if you receive a boot knife, to ensure it’s the length you believed it was.
Handle
This is very obvious. Surely, you want a knife that is comfortable to use, right? As you most probably intend on utilizing the boot knife, if needed with a hand, the grip you have got is extremely vital and essential. What is better is a boot knife if you are not able to hold it rightly and comfortably.
Materials
A lot of booth knives are available on the market today and other tactical and utility knives at this point are likely to be made from the combinations of alloy. This provides them the change action you might be searching for in emergency cases while keeping things affordable and nice. Obviously, a boot knife made of stainless material is the best choice. You must consider a knife made with stainless steel because it is not just robust but also dependable and reliable.
Blade Point Style and Design
You will find that a lot of booth knives and survival knives are almost identical. There is an array of them with varied blade points, such as Spear point, Tanto point, Drop point, Trailing point, Clip point, and Straight point.
Obviously, each one possesses its ups and downs. A clip point, spear point, as well as trailing point, is the one you must be searching for when you are simply trying to kit yourself out with something for your own protection and security.
Edges
This factor figures out the kind of cut you are able to obtain and achieve. There are many kinds of edges, such as serrated, flat as well as hybrid. Knowing how you will use the blade can help you find the right one. Edge will depend heavily on the knife you pick or choose.
Double Edge vs. Single Edge Boot Knives
A boot knife is intended for combat at close quarters. Conventionally, it comes with a spear point with a dual-sided blade intended for stabbing and piercing.
For utility works or tasks, it is highly recommended to use a single edge knife, and you can also baton it in a survival condition. For self-defense, the best option is the double-edged blade because it provides you with double the area to strike and slash with.
Picking between serrated edge, combo edge, and straight edge comes down to personal choice. A straight-edge blade is easy to sharpen and maintain when you do not have experience; however, a serrated blade can be utilized to cut in denser and thicker materials.
For self-protection, it is highly recommended to buy a straight-edge blade. If you plan to use it for utility tasks, then a combo blade is the right bet.
Concealability
If you are picking a boot knife, a lot of experts are likely to choose a knife with a blade that measures three to four inches in length in order to hide or conceal easily, and yet is also long enough to penetrate a cavity of a person’s body and reach the vitals. On the other hand, others choose a boot knife with five to six inches blades as even if they are hard to conceal or keep, both of them have more reach as well as weight.
If you need a further multi-purpose knife, you might decide on a single edge one that comes with a tanto or drop point. This might also be a good choice if carrying a double edge blade is unlawful where you reside.
Knife Sheath
A poor-fitting sheath may be an aggravation or frustration with EDC knives; however, it could signify the disparity between death and life with boot knives. The sheath has to hold snugly and securely the knife, however not very tightly that is so hard to eliminate quickly and instantly.
A lot of boot knife sheaths are either made of molded plastic or leather. They might provide diverse fastening technology like straps or clips to tie the knife to the boot. If you choose to strap the knife to your leg, you will have to make sure the sheath is comfy and does not chafe.
Price
As with many outdoor tools, there is a relatively wide range in rates of boot knives. One can get a cheap or reasonably priced boot knife for as low as $20 or spend more than $100 for a high-end model from renowned and exclusive manufacturers.
Brand
This is also a vital factor that you must consider, but first and foremost, we do not want to push a particular brand; on the other hand, it is irrefutable that many producers or manufacturers are just better. Boot knives are something that your daily life might depend upon. So, it is better to spend some bucks and purchase something from a manufacturer with years of experience and an amazing reputation and name for excellence in design, materials as well as craftsmanship.
Some known knife brands in the market include Benchmade, SOG, Cold Steel, Schrade, Gerber, CRKT, Smith & Wesson, Spyderco. But there are other superb knife companies out there. These are only some of the preferred brands by many people out there, and this is for many good reasons.
FAQS
1. What is a Boot Knife?
A boot knife is typically a small, non-folding, or fixed-blade knife that’s carried in a protective sheath strapped to your ankle or inside your boot. These blades are usually compact, portable and are designed to give you easy access to cutting power, should you need it.
2. How Much Does a Classic Boot Knife Weigh?
A classic boot knife typically weighs between 2 to 9 ounces. Most knife producers design the average boot knife to have a light and narrow build. The purpose of this is to not only enhance edge retention and concealment but also to make the tactical knives easier to carry around.
3. Does Carrying a Combat Knife Violate Knife Laws?
No, carrying a combat knife doesn’t violate knife laws, strictly speaking. However, depending on where you live, there may be existing knife regulations you have to abide by.
For example, some states have explicit rules about how long the average boot knife you carry can be. In other places, you’re not allowed to carry concealed fixed-blade knives.
To avoid getting in trouble with the law, you should know what your state laws say about owning and wearing a leg knife before strapping one on.
4. Is Wearing a Boot Knife Worthwhile?
Yes, wearing a boot knife is worthwhile. A discreet boot knife doesn’t only come in handy in a survival or emergency situation but it can also be very useful for individuals who do a lot of bushcraft, camping, and other exercises that might require the use of a reliable cutting tool.
5. Should I Wear my Boot Knife Outside or Inside the Leg?
A boot knife should be worn outside or inside the leg so your dominant hand can easily access it. This not only puts it within easy reach but ensures you can use it immediately upon drawing the knife as well.
However, people who are more focused on concealment rather than ease of access and utility may prefer to wear their leg knives inside the boot.
6. What’s the Best Maintenance for Boot Knives?
The best maintenance for boot knives is to never put them away wet or dirty. To ensure that you can always rely on these resources even in a dangerous situation, you must never fail to clean and dry them properly after use.
In addition to this, you also need to pay attention to the sharpening process you employ with a classic boot knife. To maintain the sharp edges of a boot carry knife, you should use stones that progress in levels of coarseness.
Also, don’t forget to count your strokes and keep them even so that both edges are properly sharpened by the time you’re done.
7. What are the Most Important Mistakes to Avoid Using a Boot Knife?
Storing your boot knife in a place you can’t easily access is the most important mistake to avoid. Other common mistakes include wearing the wrong boot size for knife concealment and storing your classic boot knife in places or positions that make you feel uncomfortable.
Conclusion
Finding and having the right boot knife for a specific requirement is crucial. We are hoping that through this guide, we are able to assist you in choosing the one that suits your needs, budget, and personal preference. It is highly advisable to do research in order to make out the best of your time and money.