Best Self Defense Knives On 2023

To be candid, there truly isn’t a single “best” self-defense knife. Much of it boils down to individual preferences. Nevertheless, when employed correctly, all the knives featured in this compilation serve as excellent alternatives to carrying a firearm and are highly effective for self-defense purposes.

Further down the page, I will delve into an extensive array of reasons why choosing a knife for self-defense could outweigh the choice of a gun. The primary rationale is that a knife is more pragmatic, and prevailing laws tend to be more lenient towards knives compared to firearms. Certain locales even prohibit concealed carry altogether, making a knife a compelling substitute for personal protection.

Before you peruse the list of knives provided below, it’s crucial to recognize that the moment you opt to procure a knife for personal defense, it transcends being a mere tool and transforms into a weapon. Regardless of the knife’s quality, its potential will ultimately be constrained by the competence of the wielder. Once you’ve settled on a knife, dedicating time to practice drawing and handling it is imperative. Equally vital is acknowledging the inherent risks that accompany carrying a weapon.

After reviewing the assortment of knives presented here, you might also find it worthwhile to explore my evaluation of the top 5 non-lethal self-defense tools available, which can be found in my dedicated review.

Best Self Defense Knives Reviews

1. Cold Steel Black Talon II

Introducing the Cold Steel Back Talon II – a knife that emulates the agility of a nimble claw, boasting a slender and lightweight profile designed for optimal portability. The handle features expertly crafted cutouts, enhancing the tactile experience, especially when held in a saber grip. The blade, measuring 4.25 inches and characterized by its unique reverse s-curve, maintains an impressive razor-sharp edge.

The focal point of the Black Talon II’s allure lies in its 4.25-inch reverse s-curve blade. Crafted with meticulous precision, this blade exemplifies Cold Steel’s unwavering commitment to exceptional quality. Its keen edge, achieved through exacting manufacturing processes, guarantees formidable cutting prowess. The option to choose between a fully serrated or plain edge version adds a layer of personalization, catering to a wide range of preferences and specific requirements.

Cold Steel presents two captivating iterations of this knife: one featuring a fully serrated blade, and the other opting for a plain edge. For individuals contemplating self-defense applications, the serrated variant offers an advantage with its capability for deeper cuts. However, it’s important to note that serrated edges demand more diligence during sharpening, a factor to carefully consider if you plan to utilize this knife as an everyday carry (EDC) tool.

Pros:

• Innovative and distinctive blade design
• Crafted from premium materials, showcasing impeccable construction
• Equipped with a secure and reliable locking mechanism

Cons:

• Specialized blade design limits versatility across a variety of tasks
• Not ideally suited for pocket carry due to its specific construction
• Serrated edge requires additional maintenance efforts

2. CRKT M21-14SF

Designed by the esteemed blade architect Kit Carson, the CRKT M21 and M16 series have recently earned a plethora of commendations, showcasing an intriguing heritage.

These knives hold a distinct allure when contemplated for self-defense applications, having been meticulously forged with protection as a paramount consideration in their design. The M21 showcases dual hilts, a feature often omitted in many pocket knives to conserve weight and space. However, in high-stress self-defense scenarios, where adrenaline courses through your veins, the presence of this hilt acts as a reassuring buffer between your hand and the blade.

Among the expansive M21 collection, I delved into the 14SF model, yet a range of alternatives caters to diverse needs for an everyday carry (EDC) personal protection tool. While color variations exist, the more noteworthy aspect revolves around the assortment of serration types and blade shapes to ponder, ensuring a thorough exploration of possibilities before making a choice.

What sets the SF14 version apart is its affiliation with the “Special Forces,” signified by the Triple Point serrations. Although the SF designation leans more towards aesthetics, I find the Triple Point serrations preferable to the Veff serrations. The SF edition encompasses Kit Carson’s exclusive design, featuring a skeletonized 6061 T6 aluminum frame, complemented by a tactical four-way carry clip.

Pros:

• Robust and durable construction, engineered to endure challenges
• Effortless and reliable flipper mechanism for rapid deployment
• Secure and ergonomic grip enhances maneuverability

Cons:

• Slightly larger dimensions and weight might influence portability
• Limited pocket carry options
• Serrations demand extra attention for maintenance

3. CRKT Clever Girl

Facing the Clever Girl knife is a prospect I would certainly approach with caution. Highlighting a full tang construction, this blade showcases an eye-catching trailing tip-style upswept design, honed to a razor-sharp edge and adorned with a sleek powder finish.

Designed by Austin McGlaun, a US military veteran, this masterpiece finds its place within the Forged by War Series—an exceptional initiative where veterans conceptualize knives and equipment they yearned for during their days on the battlefield. A noteworthy 10 percent of the proceeds from this knife are dedicated to supporting fellow veterans, with its earnings contributing to the Green Beret Foundation.

The knife derives its name from Jurassic Park, drawing inspiration from the iconic raptor claws depicted in the movie. The Clever Girl’s captivating Persian-style aesthetics not only add allure to any collection but also offer an impressive hand feel. It strikes a harmonious equilibrium, weighing a substantial 6.30 ounces. The practical belt lock securely fastens to belts or molle gear, augmenting its versatility.

In summary, the Clever Girl stands as a formidable testament to the design prowess of its creator, seamlessly blending utility with artistry in its unique form.

Pros:

• Sturdy construction guarantees long-lasting durability.
• Ergonomically designed handle provides a secure grip.
• Versatile blade configuration caters to a range of tasks.

Cons:

• Fixed blade design limits ease of portability.
• Larger dimensions may not be suitable for all scenarios.
• Limited adaptability for everyday tasks.

4. Spyderco Endura 4

With its compact dimensions, boasting a mere 2.75-inch blade and measuring an overall 6.5 inches, this inclusion stands out as one of the more diminutive knives in this collection. However, don’t be misled by its size – concealed within this small frame resides an exceptionally sharp VG-10 steel blade, poised to make a substantial impact.

Exercising the utmost care is imperative when handling this blade; even a fleeting encounter with its edge could result in a severe laceration. The potential harm that a solitary swipe from this blade can inflict is truly staggering.

Despite its smaller build compared to the wider array of self-defense knives, this model has garnered favor, particularly among individuals with daintier hands and those who find wielding larger blades to be uncomfortable. The integrated clip allows for effortless attachment to a pant pocket or belt.

Pros:

• Tailored blade configuration designed for specific applications
• Constructed from top-tier materials, ensuring both durability and performance
• Ergonomically engineered handle enhances overall comfort during usage

Cons:

• Limited adaptability across varied tasks due to its specialized design
• Requires a learning curve to effectively harness the unique blade shape
• Restricted scope for everyday utility, underscoring its specialized nature

5. Emerson Mini CQC-15

Emerson surged into prominence by meticulously tailoring knives to meet the exacting demands of special operations troops.

Ernest Emerson’s unassuming workshop swiftly evolved into the knifemaker of choice for Navy SEALs, garnering widespread acclaim for his exceptional blades.

During my tenure as a Marine, the Emerson CQC 7 became a steadfast companion, fostering within me a deep appreciation for these knives.

While the CQC 7 undeniably radiates brilliance, the Mini CQC 15 outshines it in several facets. Seamlessly amalgamating elements from both the CQC 7 and Commander models, the Mini CQC 15 creates an exquisite harmony.

Fusing the CQC 7’s thrusting tanto tip with the Commander’s sweeping, slash-conducive curvature, it strikes an ideal equilibrium, catering to both stabbing and slashing techniques. One of Emerson’s notable hallmarks is the wave mechanism, which facilitates blade deployment as the knife is drawn from the pocket.

Although mastering this mechanism demands practice, once honed, the Emerson knife leaps into action seamlessly. The coarsely textured G-10 panels ensure a steadfast grip, thwarting any inclination to slip—even if forcibly yanked, the knife might take a layer of skin along with it.

This rugged yet effective texture maintains its reliability even when donning gloves. As an added advantage, the Mini CQC 15 distinguishes itself not only in self-defense scenarios but also emerges as an adaptable everyday carry companion, resilient enough for camping and diverse outdoor pursuits.

In the domain of folding combat knives, the Mini CQC 15 confidently asserts its multifaceted prowess.

Pros:

• Crafted to Special Operations Standards
• Favored by Professionals
• Versatile Design for Various Applications
• Effective in Penetration and Slashing Techniques

Cons:

• Limited Portability
• Size Consideration