The use of a defensive knife is the act of defending oneself against an assailant, or potential assailant by using a knife as a weapon. This knife can be used in close-quarters combat to attack or defend from the attacker. Normally, criminals are looking for easy targets and will not want to confront somebody with a blade that is readily at hand and able to inflict harm quickly. 

Having a good understanding of different types of self defense knives can help you make your decision on which is best for you based on your needs such as size, stopping power, types of blades (fixed blade vs. folding), and legalities. When you are getting ready to purchase a defense knife, the most important thing is to find one that suits your needs. You must first determine what is your necessary purpose for owning this knife.

Types of Defensive Knives

There are three main categories in which you can classify self-defense knives: fighting knives, general-purpose knives, and utility/survival knives. These categories are determined by the usage or function of the knives and how they will be used in your daily lives.

For example, a fighting knife would usually be smaller than other types of knives, more made for close-quarters combat than utility or survival purposes. A fighting knife may be single-edged or double-edged. The single-edge knives are more suited for penetrating or stabbing cuts, while double-edged knives can inflict cutting and slashing wounds. Some fighting knives have spear points, which are designed for punching the blade through an opponent's body.

A general-purpose knife is a smaller-sized knife with a blade length of 8 to 10 inches that can be used for any common purpose, such as gardening and opening packages. It is not usually made for combat use, but it can be used to stab or slash an assailant if needed (but would not be as good in this role compared to other types of knives). Here are some cool options for everyone:

1. Pocket Knives 


These knives are available in various shapes, sizes, and designs. Some of these are foldable (so you can conveniently stow it away when you're not using it), foldable with implements (such as scissors or bottle openers), pliers, fixed blades, serrated blades, and with tactical handles. There are also pocket knives that come with clip handles. There are even pocket knives that come in camouflage designs and accessories to help protect them such as self-defense cases.

2. Hidden Blade Knives 

If you are a knife enthusiast, you may be familiar with the concept of hidden blade knives. A hidden blade is a type of knife with a detachable or retractable blade that slides out of its handle from within the grip.


The concealed design is typically for aesthetic purposes and not because it’s illegal to carry concealed blades in public (a few exceptions include New York City, New Jersey, and California). Hidden blades were originally a device used by knights as early as the 12th century who sought to conceal their weapons when they were not expecting combat. The reasons for this ranged from honor codes among knights, to preservation of their cost armor if they did not intend to fight.

3. Brass Knuckle Knives 

Brass knuckles knives, also known as brass knuckle knives or knuckle duster knives, are a set of metal fists worn on the end of one's hand, typically to cause injury or pain. They were popular during the late 19th century and early 20th century in criminal circles. There was a belief that they made it more difficult for authorities to identify who committed a crime as opposed to individuals using other types of weapons, like guns. 


Especially since these knuckle knives are not exactly weapons in themselves—they're actually just pieces of metal shaped into fists and hung off separate parts of your own hand (about four inches from the base) — they became an ideal tool for criminals looking to conceal their intention before striking first.

4. Neck Knives and Stilettos 

These are basically single-edged fighting types of daggers that are designed for penetration rather than slashing or cutting. Also called knife necklaces, they have thin, double-edged blades that can be used for cutting or stabbing, as well as a sharp point for penetration, and are often kept in a protective sheath at the user's waist (many people simply call these by the name "sheath knives").

5. Bowies and Spurs


Some people refer to these knives by the names "bowie knife" and "spur." They have blades that are comparatively big, usually around 12 to 16 inches, and are typically made of either stainless steel or carbon steel. They can be single-edged or double-edged. These can be good self-defense tools. 

6. Karambit 


These self-defense knives were purpose-made as an alternative to the traditional fighting knife. The karambit knife is a small (4-inch) dagger with a curved blade made of either stainless steel or brass that is used in close-range fighting for stabbing and slashing cuts, as well as cutting ropes and wire, etc. The karambit is also known as a "slip-joint" knife and is named for the fact that it has two straight blades that lock together so that the user can open or close it with one hand. 

7. Tanto Stilettos

These tanto pocket knives have a blade length of around 2 to 3 inches and are small and light enough to be used in self-defense and as an emergency tool for penetrating clothing and slashing wounds. They feature a double-edged blade (often of Damascus steel) with a small spike protruding from the top of the blade for puncturing.

Why Should You Carry a Defensive Knife?

If you're not sure what a self-defense knife does, then you're in for a treat today! This article is going to explore the benefits of self-defense knives, how they can help protect your body against an attack, and some tips on choosing the right knife for you!

  • Self-Defense Knives (also known as: " defending knives"), are typically small and lightweight, and designed to be used primarily for self-defense. They are very fast, very durable, and very powerful - which means they're perfect for short threats. There are many different types of these knives - like the stiletto, the fighting knife, and even the boot knife!
  • Most people don't know what a defense knife is or that they have one on them at all times! This is probably because most people have never heard of these small tools. These tiny knives are used by law enforcement, military, and security professionals all over the world.
  • These are not weapons! They are defensive tools - designed to be used to defend against a threat or attack. Most of the time, such an attack will be sudden and unpredictable - which is why self-defense knives are so important! There's nothing worse than finding out that you're attacked unexpectedly, and didn't have a suitable weapon in hand to defend yourself against it! This is why most self-defense tools are designed so they don't look like weapons at all. 
  • These knives are used primarily for self-defense - not hunting. Most of the time, a knife is only considered as a weapon when it's involved in an attack. Hopefully, that won't be the case with you!
  • There are many situations where self-defense knives can come in handy. For example: you may need to defend your home against intruders, or against attackers who may break into a store or restaurant to hurt you or your family. You may be walking through an unfamiliar area and decide to use the knife's power to defend yourself against people who are threatening you or trying to rob you at gunpoint. 
  • With great power comes great responsibility... as is the case with self-defense knives. Before carrying one of these knives, be sure you'll be ready to use it - and that you know how to do so safely! Carrying a defensive knife is like carrying a gun: it's completely legal as long as you have permission from your state and live in a country where the knife is permitted.

If you don't know what kind of self-protection knife is best for your needs, just ask around for some advice! There are tons of articles and blogs online that talk about the types of knives, where they're best used, and which ones you should try first.