Best Boot Knife for you? Here are Some Options
For as long as knives and boots have existed, people have paired them together. The identity of the first person to slip a knife into a boot is lost to history, but this practical practice remains alive and well today. This way of carrying a knife is tried and true, proving an effective way to keep an additional fixed blade handy for EDC tasks, survival, or self-defense.
However, not just any knife will suffice for this type of carry. It demands a specific sheath and the proper retention to be truly effective. With this understanding, we embarked on a mission to identify the best boot knives available today.
Best Boot knife:What to look for
We focused on fixed-blade knives with slim sheaths that could easily slip into a boot. The knife should not be too long, as most boots simply wouldn’t accommodate them. You also want the knife to be comfortable to carry in the boot, let’s break it down a bit more
- Sheath: We want a nice slim sheath to sit inside or outside the boot without being obvious. We need to avoid discomfort so as not to rub or chafe the user’s leg. The knife shouldn’t be too difficult to remove, or it defeats the purpose of having a boot knife in the first place.
- Blade Style: While double-edge blades are great for self-defense, they aren’t legal in every state. Therefore, You might need other blade styles, such as clip points and drop points, that offer more utility. So we have a range of options in this list.
- Steel Type: Much less of an issue for a boot knife, as most boot knives skew towards affordability. So, we can keep things affordable with lower-grade steel options since these knives are usually backups and not something we are putting through their paces every day.
Best Boot knife review: SOG Instinct
The SOG Instinct is a practical little EDC knife that excels in boot carry due to its ultra-thin profile. It slips effortlessly into your boot, and you can hardly feel the sheath as you move. With a well-placed sock, the handle never touches bare skin and remains stationary on the leg, thanks to the robust clip. The retention is perfect out of the box, making it immediately ready for carry. Its lightweight nature makes it a pleasant boot companion. The deep jimping and finger grooves provide excellent control, which I like in all my knives.
The one drawback is the handle’s short length, resulting in a three-finger grip with the pinkie hanging off. It takes some getting used to, but considering the knife’s construction and control, it’s a minor issue. At $35, the Instinct is a solid utilitarian knife for EDC, camping, hiking, backpacking, and work, with the bonus of being ready to carry immediately.
Best Boot Knife Review: Smith & Wesson SWF606
If, like me, you think boot knives should be cheap and cheerful, Smith & Wesson is here for you. The SWF606 boasts robust construction and a solid leather sheath, which is ideal for taller or cowboy work boots. The G-10 handles offer nice ergonomics, and removing them can provide a slimmer fit, essentially skeletonizing the knife. This knife can withstand real abuse and is priced at $20–$30, making it an easy choice when a knife might be lost or broken.
However, at 8.75 inches, this knife won’t work with shorter boots, like my work or hiking boots, and it’s slightly heavier than other options, which might cause discomfort for some users. Despite these cons, it’s best used as a backup to a primary knife.
Best Boot knife Review: CRKT Lerch Shrill Tactical
The CRKT Lerch Shrill Tactical stands out with its ultra-cool looks and low-profile sheath, making it an excellent defensive tool. It excels at piercing, as demonstrated when cutting through cardboard and a memory foam mattress. Though slightly beefy, the sheath works better on the boot’s outside, offering quick and easy accessibility.
The blade’s double-edged nature limits its practicality for EDC tasks, as it’s designed primarily for self-defense. This knife is for those seeking a well-balanced backup blade that’s at a good price point.
Best Boot knife Review: Benchmade Mini SOCP
The Benchmade Mini SOCP is a slightly downsized version of the popular SOCP knives, known for excellent ergonomics and perfect sheath retention. Although I had doubts about using it as a boot knife due to the fatter sheath, it fit nicely in my tactical boots without excess rubbing on my calf. The sheath retention is perfect for boot carry, allowing quick draw and replacement.
However, this specialized knife may not fit every boot style, especially non-combat boots. At just over $100, it’s a bit pricey but offers a quality “last-chance” backup.
Best Boot Knife Review: Kershaw Secret Agent
The Kershaw Secret Agent is a capable boot knife with great size and a good sheath. Its single edge makes it legal in more places despite looking like a double-edged dagger. The glass-filled nylon handle provides excellent ergonomics, and the longer 8.70-inch length tucks neatly into cowboy boots. It’s also suitable for some taller work or hiking boots.
Although the 8Cr13MoV steel sometimes has a dull factory edge, it is easy to sharpen. For $30, it is plenty of value for anyone seeking a cowboy boot knife.
Best Boot Knife Review: Cold Steel TAC II
The Cold Steel TAC II fills the void for a knife that fits shorter boots, thanks to its low profile and shorter length. The rubberized handle is ergonomic without being too rough on the leg. The sheath fits well in both tall and short boots, making it a versatile option for anyone with a variety of boots. The AUS-8A steel is easy to touch up, although the flat side of the blade limits its functionality slightly. Priced at $30, the TAC II is a solid ankle knife that disappears into any boot until needed.
Choosing the Best Boot Knife
Boot knives are subjective, with many variables, such as boot type, sheath quality, and comfort tolerance. So it all depends on you and what you are looking for. When selecting a boot knife, consider blade type, sheath, handle, boot type, knife laws, and steel type.
Best Boot Knife Review: Final Thoughts
Boot knives may seem unusual, but they offer efficient backup options. I prefer practical knives, so the SOG Instinct is the best overall. It provides more than just defense capabilities. The CRKT Lerch is a close runner-up for defense. Overall, the right boot knife depends on individual preferences and needs, so don’t be afraid to go out and buy one to test out.