Top 5 Best Boot Knives in 2022 – List From A Self-Defence & Utility Expert
A boot knife, also known as the gambler’s dagger, is a weapon that has helped many gamblers in defending themselves. It became popular due to firearms like pistols not being reliable; there are chances that the pistol may backfire, harming the shooter instead. But with boot knives, people can conceal their weapons and can walk confidently that if there is danger they can defend themselves reliably.
Thankfully, we live in better and safer times, but you can never be too complacent. With a boot knife, you can make rapid and effective movements, since it is designed to do thrusts and slashes.
While we hope you’ll never need to use it for self-defense, take a look at our list of the best boot knives that we think can help you be prepared when you really need it.
Table of Contents
5 Best Boot Knives - Comparisons
Image | Product Name | Blade Material | Blade Length | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Steel: 8Cr13MoV | 4.4" | ||
  | 7Cr17 Carbon Steel | 4.75" | ||
![Gerber Ghoststrike [30-001006]](http://localhost/thefishingkayaks.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Gerber-Ghoststrike-30-001006.png "Gerber Ghoststrike [30-001006]")  | 420HC steel | 3.3" | ||
  | 440C Steel | 4 1/4" | ||
  | 440A and 440C Steel | 5" |
Best Boot Knives in 2020 - Reviews
Kershaw is actually a brand from KAI, which is a Japanese company that has been manufacturing durable, beautiful and sharp blades for over 100 years.
They started in 1974 and offer a wide array of great knives. In the Kershaw line, there are a lot of great knives to choose from.
The Kershaw Secret Agent is a great example of the Japanese craftsmanship and American design. The 4.4-inch fixed blade has a black oxide coating both for concealment and added blade protection. The black rubber handle is a great fit for the blade and provides a great grip.
Overall, it’s a great quality boot knife.
What we liked
- This knife looks awesome—the obsidian black makes it easy to conceal, but the knife itself has a great shine to it.
- The solid fixed blade of this boot knife is great. It hasa single-edge blade but it is still incredibly sharp.
- Itsblade is almost 4 ½ inches long and together with the rubber handle it measures 8.7 inches. It weighs 3 ounces by itself, and a total of 3 ½ ounces with the sheath. It is both lightweight and compact.
- The sheath is great. It is the perfect size to accommodate the whole blade and no part of the knife’s blade is peeking out. The blade is easy to take out off the sheath as well.
- It’s very easy to conceal—I can put it in my boot or even on my waist through its clip and there are no protrusions. There’s also a lanyard hole on the handle for more carry options.
What we didn't like
- It is not very comfortable to carry.
The HRT boot knife from Smith & Wesson is compact and light, but you can actually feel the weight, giving you better slashing and thrusting motions. The spear point gives this knife an edge over others since thrusting is a lot more powerful because of it.
A great weapon for your arsenal, this boot knife can definitely be used for self-defense and other cutting needs.The included leather sheath is also a nice touch.
What we liked
- This knife has a double-edged 7Cr17 HC stainless steel blade, giving you twice the slashing power.
- Itsblade is 4.75 inches long and together with the rubber handle it measures 9 inches. It weighs half a pound. It is slightly larger than most boot knives, while having a reasonable weight.
- The handle feels like rubber with a slight sandpaper texture, which makes gripping easier.
- Another boot knife that is very easy to hide. Be it in my boots or strapped to my leg, this knife is not easy to spot.
- The leather sheath is great. It is the perfect size to accommodate the whole blade and no part of the knife’s blade is peeking out.
What we didn't like
- The black blade coating is easy to peel off.
Also Read: Hunting Knife Reviews
Gerber, founded in 1939, is an Oregon-based company with a rich history in manufacturing knives and tools for hunters, soldiers, and other tradesmen.
In their fixed knives category, they offer 11 great knives, and each one them is absolutely distinct from the other. That said, all of their knives are impeccably designed, mixing both aesthetics and utility.
The Ghost strike is not an exception to the excellent quality found in Gerber Knives. The knife may look skeletal in comparison to others, but the sharpness of the blade and the durability of the handle are by no means inferior to other models in the market.
The greatest asset this boot knife has over the others is its conceal ability. Not only is it shorter than most, the ankle wrap that is bundled with it gives you an extra option to hide it on your leg. Immensely practical, this knife could be a great addition to your arsenal.
What we liked
- The Ghoststrike’s fixed blade is so sharp I could cut ropes with it. It can do rapid slashes and inflicts a lot of damage, judging by how much the rope I was practicing on was slashed to many pieces.
- The blade is 3.3 inches long, and together with the diamond textured handleit measures 6.9 inches. It weighs a little over 3.6 ounces. One of the smallest and lightest boot knives in the market, this blade is easy to take out and is extremely accurate due to its slightly smaller blade and reach. This is a perfect choice for emergency first responders who need an easily wielded knife.
- The texturized rubber handle offers a comfortable and sure grip.
- This is a full tang knife, so strength and durability are definitely guaranteed.
- Regarding its ability to be hidden, this knife is second to none. Because of its short length, it can be hidden in your boot or on your waist without a problem. The ankle wrap gives it the extra option of hiding the knife on your leg, which is another convenient spot.
- The leather sheath is the perfect size to accommodate the whole blade. The knife sits snuggly in the sheath and is easy to retrieve as well.
What we didn't like
- This is just my personal preference, but I would love it to have a longer blade.
Fury Tactical is a company that specializes in defensive items like pepper sprays, restraints, impact weapons, and knives. They have a wonderful lineup, and among all of their great knives this is one that we would recommend.
For those looking for a traditional boot knife, this model could be perfect for you. Both edges are sharp, and you can choose between a boot knife that is 7 inches long or a longer one with 9 inches. For the purpose of this review, we will look at9-inch long version.
This boot knife has a great sheath with a modular clip on its holster. The handle is rubberized as well, providing a perfect grip and great weight distribution. Its 5-inch blade does its job well and looks mild compared to others, but it can really pack up quite the punch. It has the perfect weight for its size, allowing it to do quite a lot of slashes in a few seconds. For those who value practicality over design, this one is a highly recommended item from our team.
What we liked
- The Fury tactical knife is very sharp. Both edges can cut really well and the tip is great for thrusting. I used it on ice and it feels comfortable to use for thrusting and it also works like an ice pick, although I would not recommend using it for ice picking—it is just to show how strong thisblade is.
- The blade is 5 inches long and together with the rubberized handle the knife measures a total of 9 inches. It weighs 4 ounces.While this boot knife is one of the longer ones, itis also very light for its size. This makes for a great emergency tool as well, like cutting ropes and branches, since not only is it light and easy to use, it is also very sharp.
- The ergonomic handle is non-reflective and provides a firm and comfortable grip.
- About concealability, this one can do it quite well for its size. While a bit long, the black sheen is great for concealment, and there is no shine or glare, giving it a discreet look.
- The included leather sheath is great and holds the knife securely without any part of the blade peeking out.
What we didn't like
- You’ll probably have to sharpen this knife upon receiving it, as it comes quite dull (but it takes little work to sharpen).
MTech USA Xtreme is a great company that specializes in knives and bladed weapons. Of the 46 items that they offer, this long boot knife has to be one of their masterpieces.
The blade of this knife measures 9 inches, giving it great reach. It is also half-serrated on the lower end, giving it better sawing motions, increasing its utility.
This knife also looks really cool from other knife. It's black and gray colors.
What we liked
- This knife works well bothas a self-defense weapon anda utility tool.
- The edges are sharp and the serrated part gives it added functionality. The blade is really well-made, another greatexample of combining utility and form.
- The blade is 4 ¾ inches long, and together with the rubberized handle it measures 9inches. It weighs 3.5 ounces.
- It has a durable and comfortable G-10 handle with a lanyard hole.
- While the knife itself is a bit long, the black sheen is great for concealment, and there is no shine or glare, giving it great concealability.
- It also comes with a leather sheath is for safe carry.
What we didn't like
- The knife needed a bit of sharpening right when I received it. I wish I’d known that I should not use it upon receipt and should sharpen it right away.
Final Verdict
Nobody knows when danger will strike, and having the best boot knife with you at all times could easily be a lifesaver.
Finding one may not be a breeze, but shouldn’t be a chore either. While we prefer the shorter models, boot knives with longer blades may work better for you—it all depends on whether you prefer thrusts over slashes, or prefer to hide it in your boot or clipped on your waist.
If you take some time to think about your preferred style, having the best boot knife will only be one small step away.
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