The Best Combat Knife From Our Favorite Brands

A good combat knife is a crucial piece of equipment for any soldier or survivalist. It can be used for self-defense, fighting, utility, and survival. When choosing a combat knife, consider blade size, blade shape, handle material, and sheath.

Louis Martin Custom Knives is a family-owned American brand that has hand-forged one-of-a-kind blades at its own facility since 1993. Our hand-forged combat knives are built from real pattern-welded Damascus and high-carbon steel with full tang construction and a fitted leather sheath, finished and shipped from the USA. Because every knife is forged individually rather than run off a production line, the knife in the photos is the exact one you receive. Order by inquiry or call (631) 812-5595.

What Are the Top Combat Knives?

Louis Martin Custom Knives

Fixed Blade Damascus Steel Corain Skinner Hand FORGED Hunting Pocket Knife
-The Item in the photos are the EXACT ones you will receive.-

SPECIFICATIONS

OverallLength: 7.1”

HandleLength: 3.6”

BladeLength: 3.5”

Width: N/A

CuttingEdge: N/A,Sharpened at 20 Degrees

HandleMaterial: Corain

GuardType: N/A

BladeType: Skinner Knife

Tempered: Oil Tempered to 58-60HRC

Trapping, skinning, wood cutting, wood carving, and other field tasks can all be handled with a Hunting Knife like this one. Because it is hand-forged and oil tempered to 58-60 HRC, it holds an edge through hard use, and hunters, hikers, and outdoor sports enthusiasts rely on skinner knives like this daily.

Factory-made combat knives are also worth knowing. Here is how some widely available production models compare.

The Benchmade SOCP Dagger

The Benchmade SOCP Dagger is a fixed-blade combat knife designed for close-quarters combat. It has a 5.1-inch tanto-shaped blade made from CPM-42 steel, suited to piercing and stabbing. The handle is G10, a durable and lightweight material, and it comes with a Kydex sheath for easy carry.

The Gerber StrongArm Pro

The Gerber StrongArm Pro is a fixed-blade combat knife designed for military and law enforcement use. It has a 4.25-inch drop-point blade made from 420HC steel, a versatile shape for a variety of tasks. The handle is Santoprene, a non-slip material, and it comes with a Cordura sheath.

The Spartan Blades Alala is a fixed-blade combat knife designed for self-defense and survival. It has a 4.5-inch tanto-shaped blade made from S35VN steel, a Micarta handle, and a Kydex sheath.

The Sencut Waxahachie

The Sencut Waxahachie is a fixed-blade combat knife designed for survival. It has a 5-inch drop-point blade made from CPM-S35VN steel, a G10 handle, and a Kydex sheath.

The Kershaw Emerson CQC-10K

The Kershaw Emerson CQC-10K is a folding combat knife designed for self-defense. It has a 3.5-inch tanto-shaped blade made from 8Cr13MoV steel and a G10 handle, with a SpeedSafe opening mechanism and a glass breaker.

The Off-Grid Caiman XL is a fixed-blade combat knife designed for survival. It has a 7-inch kukri-shaped blade made from 1095 steel, suited to chopping and cutting, with a Micarta handle and a Kydex sheath.

What Are the Key Takeaways?

The best combat knife for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider blade size, blade shape, handle material, and sheath when making your decision. Production knives offer consistency at scale; a hand-forged Louis Martin blade offers full tang strength, real Damascus steel, and a one-of-a-kind piece direct from the maker. Either way, choose quality materials from a maker who stands behind the work. You can also compare our pocket knives if you want something for everyday carry.

What Are the Frequently Asked Questions?

Q: What factors should I consider when choosing the best combat folding knives?

A: When selecting combat folding knives, crucial factors include blade size, blade shape, handle material, and sheath design. These elements significantly impact the knife’s performance and suitability for specific tasks.

Q: What are some of the most reputable brands for combat knives?

A: Louis Martin Custom Knives hand-forges one-of-a-kind combat blades in Damascus and high-carbon steel. On the production side, Benchmade, Gerber, Spartan Blades, Sencut, Kershaw, and Off-Grid are established factory brands known for consistent manufacturing and quality materials.

Q: What is the difference between a fixed-blade and folding combat knife?

A: Fixed blade combat knives offer a more robust and durable construction, ideal for close-quarters combat and demanding tasks, especially with full tang construction. Folding combat knives provide enhanced portability and ease of deployment, making them suitable for everyday carry or self-defense scenarios.