| Knife Type | Description | Popular Models | Pros | Cons |
| Bayonets | Military-style knives designed to attach to firearms. | Ontario M9, Mauser K98 Bayonet, AK-47 Bayonet | Offers versatility as a firearm attachment.
Excellent for combat situations.
Durable and sturdy construction. | Limited functionality as standalone knives.
Attachment mechanism may require specific compatibility with firearms. |
| Bowie Knives | Iconic and robust knives known for their clip-point blades. | Cold Steel Natchez Bowie, SOG Super Bowie, Buck 124 Frontiersman | Versatile for various cutting tasks.
Strong and durable blades.
Suitable for outdoor activities and self-defense. | Larger size may limit everyday carry options.
May require sheath or holster for safe and convenient storage and carry. |
| Butterfly Balisongs | Folding knives with a unique butterfly opening mechanism. | Benchmade 51 Morpho, BRS Barebones, Bear & Son Butterfly Knives | Impressive flipping action for enthusiasts.
Compact and portable.
Offers an element of entertainment and skill development. | Complex mechanism may require practice to handle safely.
May have legal restrictions in some jurisdictions. |
| Fantasy Design Knives | Knives with creative and decorative designs inspired by fantasy themes. | Master Cutlery Dragon Design, United Cutlery Honshu Fantasy Knife | Unique and visually appealing designs.
Collectible and great for display.
May attract fans of fantasy genres and aesthetics. | Decorative elements may compromise functionality.
Not ideal for heavy-duty tasks.
Blade design may not suit everyone’s taste. |
| Fixed Blades | Sturdy and reliable knives with non-folding designs. | Gerber StrongArm, ESEE Izula, Ka-Bar Becker BK2 | Robust construction for heavy-duty tasks.
No moving parts for increased reliability.
Strong and durable blade. | Can be less compact for everyday carry.
May require a sheath for safe storage and carry.
Limited folding capability for portability. |
| Hunting Knives | Designed specifically for hunting and outdoor activities. | Buck 119, Havalon Piranta, Gerber Myth Field Dress Kit | Specialized features for field dressing and game processing.
Excellent edge retention.
Versatile for outdoor tasks. | May not be suitable for self-defense situations.
Some models may require frequent sharpening.
Blade design may be specialized for hunting. |
| Huntsman Knives | Versatile knives suitable for various outdoor tasks. | Victorinox Huntsman, Leatherman Wave, SOG PowerAssist | Multi-tool functionality with additional tools and features.
Compact and convenient for outdoor activities. | Blade length and design may limit specific tasks.
Additional tools may add complexity and weight to the knife. |
| Karambit Knives | Curved knives with ergonomic grips for self-defense techniques. | Fox 599, Emerson Super Karambit, Benchmade Turret | Ergonomic design for enhanced grip and control.
Ideal for self-defense and close-quarters combat. | Requires training and practice for effective use.
Limited utility beyond self-defense situations.
Specific design may not suit everyone. |
| Machetes | Versatile tools for cutting vegetation and light chopping. | Condor Golok, Gerber Gator Machete, Cold Steel Latin Machete | Long and wide blades for clearing vegetation and light chopping.
Suitable for outdoor activities and survival situations. | May be too large and bulky for everyday carry.
Not designed for precise cutting tasks.
Blade length and weight may require additional strength to handle. |
| Martial Arts Knives | Specialized knives used in various martial arts disciplines. | Cold Steel FGX Push Blade II, Perfect Point Martial Arts Knife Set | Designed for training and martial arts demonstrations.
Allows practitioners to practice techniques and improve agility. | Not suitable for self-defense purposes.
Blunt or non-sharpened blades for safety in training.
Restricted use beyond martial arts practice. |
| Medieval-style Knives | Knives with designs inspired by medieval weaponry. | Armory Replicas Damascus Medieval Dagger, Windlass Steelcrafts Rondel Dagger | Unique and historical designs.
Attractive for collectors and enthusiasts of medieval themes. | May lack practicality in modern scenarios.
Blade design may not suit everyday utility tasks.
Restricted appeal beyond specific interest in medieval history. |
| Outdoor Self-Defense Knives | Kinves specifically designed for self-defense in outdoor environments. | CRKT Obake, Benchmade Griptilian, Ka-Bar TDI | Compact and easy to carry.
Specialized features for self-defense situations.
Reliable and durable construction. | Limited utility beyond self-defense scenarios.
May require training and practice for effective use.
Blade design may not suit all preferences. |
| Pen Knives | Compact folding knives resembling pens for discreet carry. | Boker Plus Tactical Pen Knife, Gerber Impromptu Tactical Pen | Discreet and inconspicuous design.
Multi-functional as a pen and a knife.
Convenient for everyday carry. | Smaller blade size limits utility for certain tasks.
May require practice to handle safely.
Not suitable for heavy-duty cutting. |
| Pocket Knives | Compact folding knives designed for everyday carry. | Benchmade Mini Griptilian, Spyderco Paramilitary 2, Kershaw Leek | Compact and portable.
Wide variety of blade designs and features available.
Versatile for everyday cutting tasks and self-defense. | Smaller size may limit certain tasks.
Requires regular maintenance and sharpening.
Some models may have a higher price range. |
| Samurai Swords | Traditional Japanese swords known for their curved blades. | Handmade Japanese Katana, Cold Steel Warrior Series Katana, Ryujin Custom Katana | Exquisite craftsmanship and historical significance.
Symbolizes Japanese martial tradition and aesthetics. | Requires specialized training for effective use.
Legally restricted in some jurisdictions.
Large and impractical for everyday carry. |
| Short Swords | Compact swords with shorter blade lengths. | Cold Steel Tai Pan, Hanwei Practical Tai Chi Sword, United Cutlery Honshu Boshin Wakizashi | Compact size for easy handling.
Retains some of the advantages of longer swords.
Can serve as a backup weapon or for self-defense. | Requires training and skill for effective use.
Blade length may limit reach and cutting capabilities.
Legally restricted in some jurisdictions. |
| Straight Razors | Razors with a folding straight-edge blade for shaving. | Dovo Straight Razors, Feather SS Folding Straight Razor, Parker SRX Barber Razor | Provides a close and precise shave.
Traditional and classic grooming tool.
Long-lasting and cost-effective. | Requires proper technique and skill for safe use.
Requires regular maintenance and sharpening.
Not designed for self-defense purposes. |
| Swords | Long-bladed weapons with various historical and decorative designs. | Windlass Steelcrafts Viking Sword, Hanwei Practical Norman Sword, Cold Steel Chinese War Sword | Impressive and decorative pieces.
Collectible and great for display.
Symbolize historical or cultural significance. | Legally restricted in some jurisdictions.
Large and impractical for everyday use.
May require specialized knowledge for handling and maintenance. |
| Tactical Knives | High-performance knives optimized for self-defense situations. | Benchmade Infidel, SOG Seal Pup Elite, Cold Steel Recon 1 | Designed for critical self-defense scenarios.
Durable and reliable.
Offers enhanced control and features for quick deployment. | May have legal restrictions in certain jurisdictions.
Blade length and design may limit everyday utility beyond self-defense. |
| Zombie Type Knives | Knives with unique designs inspired by zombie themes. | Ka-Bar Zombie War Sword, Master Cutlery Green Biohazard Knife | Unique and eye-catching designs.
Attracts zombie genre enthusiasts.
May serve as collectible items or conversation starters. | Design may limit versatility and practicality.
Limited appeal beyond specific fanbase. |
| Throwing Stars | Star-shaped throwing weapons for martial arts and target practice. | Perfect Point Throwing Stars, Cold Steel Sure Flight Throwers, United Cutlery Lightning Bolt Throwing Stars | Compact and easy to carry.
Offers a unique and challenging throwing activity.
Can enhance hand-eye coordination and precision. | Requires skill and practice for accurate throwing.
May have legal restrictions in some areas.
Not suitable for self-defense purposes. |
| Butterfly Trench Knives | Historical knives with a folding guard mechanism. | WWI and WWII Reproduction Butterfly Knives, Mtech USA Trench Knife | Unique and historical design.
Compact and portable.
May appeal to collectors and history enthusiasts. | Limited practicality for modern scenarios.
May require maintenance and care for long-term preservation.
Blade length and design may restrict utility. |
| Automatic OTF Knives | Knives with an automatic out-the-front deployment mechanism. | Microtech Ultratech, Benchmade Infidel, Hogue OTF Automatic Knives | Rapid and convenient deployment.
One-handed operation.
Offers quick access for self-defense situations. | Legal restrictions in many areas.
Complex mechanism may require maintenance and repairs.
May have limited utility beyond self-defense scenarios. |
| Disguised Knives | Kinves designed to look like everyday objects for concealed carry. | Smith & Wesson Tactical Pen Knife, Cold Steel Urban Edge, Mtech USA Credit Card Knife | Provides discreet and covert carry options.
Blends in with everyday objects.
Convenient for personal protection in various situations. | Small size may limit utility for certain tasks.
May require practice for effective use.
Blade length and design may restrict functionality. |
| Folding Knives | Versatile knives with a folding mechanism for easy storage and carry. | Spyderco Paramilitary 2, Benchmade Griptilian, Kershaw Blur | Compact and portable.
Wide variety of designs and features available.
Versatile for everyday carry and outdoor activities. | Moving parts may require maintenance and care.
May have limitations compared to fixed blade knives.
Some models may have a higher price range. |
| Throwing Knives | Knives designed specifically for throwing at targets. | Perfect Point Throwing Knives, Smith & Wesson Throwing Knives, Cold Steel Sure Flight Throwers | Designed for throwing accuracy and precision.
Offers a fun and challenging activity.
Improves hand-eye coordination and focus. | Requires practice for accurate throwing.
May have legal restrictions in some areas.
Not designed for self-defense purposes. |