Self defense knives come in both fixed and folding blade types. They vary in size from small to large as well. Many people like to keep a self defense knife with them to help defend their self defense gun. Others rely on a knife for protection because they don’t have a firearm. Below we have listed nine of the best knives for self defense. We ranked the knives based on customer ratings, grip, and quality.
Best Knives for Self Defense 2024
Ka-Bar TDI Law Enforcement Knife Fixed Blade
This self defense knife features a 2 5/16″ drop point blade made of stainless steel. The blade has a hardness of 57-29. It comes with a sheath, so you can safely store the weapon in your waistband. The Ka-Bar TDI Law Enforcement Knife Fixed Blade is ambidextrous and well-sharpened. When worn IWB (inside the waistband), the self defense knife is easy to conceal. The sheath stays secure as you move around, and deployment is fast.
QSP Folding Pocket Knife
The QSP Folding Pocket Knife features a full lock liner and ball bearing smooth opening. It’s safe and easy to open. The 3.7″ blade is sharp and durable with a hardness of 58-60. You’ll find the QSP Folding Pocket Knife has a secure grip too, an important factor in a self defense weapon. Its non-slip G10 handle has holes drilled into the liner to decrease the knife’s weight. The knife is lightweight, balanced, and easy to handle. It’s one of the best knives for self defense. The knife comes in a gift box and with a one year warranty.
Buck Knives 0119 Special Fixed Blade Knife
- Razor Sharp Blade - 6" 420HC steel blade has excellent strength, edge retention, and corrosion resistance for lasting durability. The blade is good for piercing, detail work, and cutting in tight places
- Comfortable Grip & Balance - Traditional black phenolic handle has palm swells for a comfortable grip. The aluminum pommel/guard provide the perfect combination of beauty and balance. Overall length 10-1/2", Weighs 7.5 oz.
- Durable and Multi Use - Meant to withstand even the toughest conditions and stay sharp for long. Great for hunting, camping, bushcrafting, fishing, hiking, and overlanding
- Convenient Carry - Includes a genuine high quality protective leather sheath with snap fastener. The integrated belt loop allows you to carry the knife securely and safely on your belt
- Forever Warranty - Since 1902 Buck Knives has offered a lifetime warranty on our knives because we believe in the integrity of our products. This knife is made in the USA. Includes imported sheath.
The Buck Knives 0119 Special Fixed Blade Knife has a 6″ clip point blade made of 420HC steel. It’s resistant to corrosion. The knife also has excellent sharpness, strength, and edge retention. It features a black phenolic handle with palm swells, making the grip comfortable. The Buck Knives 0119 Special Fixed Blade Knife comes with a leather sheath. Its leather sheath has an integrated belt loop, so you can securely attach it to your belt. The Buck Knives 0119 Special Fixed Blade Knife is made in the USA and comes with a lifetime warranty.
Atomic Bear Tactical Folding Knife
- Sharp Blade Out of The Box - Hardened high carbon stainless steel sharpened to perfection before we ship it. Keeps its edge sharp for your everyday uses.
- Seat Belt Cutter and Glass Breaker - The semi-serrated blade cuts through rope or nylon in no time. The reinforced handle can smash your car window.
- Easy to Open and Close - Use the thumb studs to deploy the blade with a flick of the wrist one handed. The liner lock keeps the blade securely open and lets you close it with the push of your thumb, one handed.
- Feels Good in the Hand - Ergonomic handle prevents blisters and fits hands of all sizes. The molded textured G10 material handle gives the right amount of grip. Has a nice weight to it. Finger guard and thumb rest.
- Great Knife for the Price - Features only seen on high level knives like a molded G10 handle, lifetime warranty, 3 inch drop point with serrated hardened stainless steel blade covered with black oxide, open frame handle. Dimensions: open 7 in, blade 3 in, thickness 0.5 in, closed 4 in.
With its half serrated blade, the Atomic Bear Tactical Folding Knife is one of the best knives for self defense. It can cut through tough materials like wood and seat belts. The blade is made of stainless steel and a black oxide layer. This folding knife has dual sided thumb studs that enable you to open it one-handed. The Atomic Bear Tactical Folding Knife has an ergonomic handle that provides a secure grip. Other features include a finger guard, multiple dented area for better grip, and a thumb groove. The Atomic Bear Tactical Folding Knife comes with a lifetime warranty.
Only US Giant Tactical Assisted Opening Knife
The Only US Giant Tactical Assisted Opening Knife is suitable for those who prefer large self defense knives. It’s one of the best knives for self defense that is big. The blade is made of stainless steel. It’s hard and has good edge retention. Aside from self defense, the knife is suitable for outdoor activities like camping and fishing. Its blade is 4″ long with a 6″ long handle. The Only US Giant Tactical Assisted Opening Knife is a limited edition and comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Gerber Ghoststrike Fixed Blade Knife
- 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
The Gerber Ghoststrike Fixed Blade Knife is lightweight and versatile. You can carry it on your belt or ankle. If you choose belt carry, you can mount it either horizontally or vertically. The sheath system allows for low profile or open carry. This knife’s blade is made of 420HC steel and black ceramic coating. It minimizes reflective surfaces and prevents corrosion.
The 3.3″ fine edge drop point blade is sharp and precise. This fixed blade knife has a diamond textured handle that provides a secure grip. It’s an excellent fixed blade knife for self defense. The Gerber Ghoststrike Fixed Blade Knife is made in the USA and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
MTech USA Fixed Blade Neck Knife
- 6.5" Overall
- Black Stainless Steel Blade
- Black & Grey Plastic Handle
- Includes Sheath
- Hidden Neck Knife
One of the best knives for self defense that you can carry around your neck is the MTech USA Fixed Blade Neck Knife. Overall it measures 6.5″. The neck knife comes with a sheath to protect yourself and others from the blade. Its blade is made of black stainless steel, and the handle is made of plastic. The handle is grippy to help prevent it from slipping out of your hand. You can use the end of the handle to break glass if you’re ever in a situation where you need to.
REMETTE Tactical Pocket Knife GD22K
- 【Sharp Pocket Knife】Made of PVD-coated D2 steel blade, it integrates corrosion resistance, edge retention and easy sharpening. The sharp cutting stays strong in everyday work and camping, tactical, survival, hunting.
- 【Comfortable and Non-slip】 The handle of the pocket knife is made of G10 material, has a comfortable handle texture, and provides a strong grip in wet environments, can withstand high-intensity work, is tough and durable.
- 【Quick Deployment】Pocket knife adopts ball bearings, opening and closing extremely smoothly, allowing you to deploy it quickly and smoothly with one hand even when sweating, the lining lock prevents the knife from popping out when closed, portable self-defense pocket knife.
- 【Everyday Carry EDC Knife】: Weighing only 4.1 ounces, it is a lightweight choice for daily carry and comes with a durable pocket clip for convenience on the go.
- 【Practical Pocket Knife】paper cutting, open the courier, cutting the rope when camping, is a kind of timely help when needed, and a sense of security anytime, anywhere. It is very suitable for ordinary people, travelers, Backpackers, hikers, bikers and adventurers, conveniently meet the cutting needs in our life.
The REMETTE Tactical Pocket Knife GD22K is convenient for self defense. It springs open quickly via assisted opening. You can open the knife one-handed. It features a liner lock to help prevent the knife from folding during use. The blade is 3.5″ with a folding length of 4.9″. This tactical folding blade knife also features a glass breaker, bottle opener, and a non-slip aluminum handle. It comes with a nylon belt sheath and a package box.
Master USA Tactical Neck Knife
- QUALITY MATERIALS: Made from quality materials. 3CR13 black stainless steel blade provides an excellent balance of hardness and corrosion resistance.
- VALUE FOCUSED: Reliable, sturdy knives at an affordable price point. This versatile line of dependable knives has a reputation for balancing quality with consumer accessibility.
- DEPENDABLE: Provides consistent razor-sharp cutting performance and high durability. A knife you can count on for camping, hiking, backpacking, hunting & fishing, the outdoors, military & tactical needs, DIY activities, survival, self-defense, and emergencies.
- DIMENSIONS: 3-inch Fine Edge Blade, 3.75-inch Handle, 6.75-inch Overall Length.
- SPECIAL FEATURES: Fixed Blade Neck Knife, Black Stainless Steel Blade, Black Stainless Steel Cord Wrapped Handle, Full Tang Construction, Nylon Fiber Sheath with Lanyard.
The Master USA Tactical Neck Knife has a blade made of stainless steel and a hard nylon fiber sheath. It has an overall length of 6.75″. The neck knife is available in your choice of a cord-wrapped handle or a steel handle. Both handles provide good grip, but we prefer the steel handle. Which you choose comes down to personal preference.
The Bottom Line
The nine knives listed above are some of the best knives for self defense. They have features you would expect in a good self defense knife. These knives have ergonomic handles, sharp blades, and secure grip. We included a mixture of fixed and folding blade knives, so you can choose which type you prefer.