Originally considered only law enforcement and military tools, the category of tactical knives has expanded from just tactical fixed blades to include folding knives and martial arts blades. Tactical knives are used in survival situations and as such require edges that retain sharpness, sure grip handles, and reliable opening/locking mechanisms in the case of folding knives.Automatic knives are a key subcategory of tactical knives.  These styles must deploy quickly and lockup solidly without fail. Out the front (OTF) automatics are especially desirable because they generally have less bulk, are easily concealed, and use strong coil springs for deployment. Since tactical knives are used in special force operations, they often are coated with non-reflective materials. Black and camouflage coatings are popular. Blades are often serrated for superior cutting power.Arizona Custom Knives has tactical knives for sale of all kinds including fixed blade knives, specialty knives, and tactical folding knives.

Popular makers of custom tactical knives are Laci Szabo, Robson Knives by RPW, Jeremy Horton, and Rick Hinderer. Manufactured tactical knives are mass produced to meet general needs at a lower cost. As such they generally have lower quality steels, coatings and handle materials. Custom tactical knives are hand crafted by skilled makers using better steels, superior coatings and more durable handle materials.These are some of the major considerations to weigh when selecting tactical knives.First Look at the Griffin Knife from Prometheus Design Werx Our good friends at Prometheus Design Werx recently sent over one of their newest edged tools for us to take a look at, the Griffin Knife. My first thought when looking at the Griffin is that the skeletonized tang harks back to old dive knives of the past and a style I’m particularly fond of. I also keyed in a feature that PDW is calling the “Strikeback,” which is a ferro-rod-striker ground out of the spine. This first look at the Griffin won’t be a review, but rather a summary and some initial impressions noted from handling this prototype knife for the last few weeks.

Drool as needed, but you can find them for sale on the PDW Website this week. Update: The Stonewash finish Griffin and the Limited Edition SPD Matte Black Griffin are available on the PDW Website. This heavy duty knife has been abrasive-jet cut and machined from premium grade Bohler M390 blade steel and is purpose built to be a versatile tool capable of a multitude of tasks. While not specifically marketed as a dive knife, I can definitely see an application for it under the sea. Puppies For Sale Logan UtHowever, I’m hesitant to recommend it solely as a dive knife. Buy Bengal Cat Dallas TxThe reason being that the butt end chiseled pry tip / cat’s paw nail puller are a nice added feature, but could possibly jab into the wrong place when attached to a dive belt. Bichon Frise Puppies For Sale In Bc

Also, the Kydex sheath with Tek-Lok attachment doesn’t seem to be set up for rubber leg straps typically found with dive knives, but I digress. I mention what I did about it’s use as a dive knife, to illustrate the fact that it’s much more than that and to use it solely as a dive knife would be a waste of some awesome built-in features. The Strikeback ferro rod striker works amazingly well and has the perfect edge to throw a nice big spark from a ferro rod. Just to clarify, you’ll need to provide your own ferro rod though, as one is not included. The benefit here of the Strikeback is so you can also save your blade and not have to use that to potentially strike with if need be. The skeletonized handle design reduces weight and features full-length jimping down both sides of the entire handle, which PDW states ensures a soild grip even when wet. I couldn’t agree more with the jimping being super effective, although I would prefer a little more material around where my pinky and ring finger meet the handle.

I may just need some more time with it, but I felt like I wasn’t getting as much grip in this area as I’d like. I do appreciate the .075 chamfer around all the perpendicular edges, which provide comfort as your hand wraps around the knife. Another great aspect of the skeletonized handle is that it’s perfect to add a paracord wrap to for added grip, but then you miss out on the jimping. Attention to detail is off the charts on the PDW Griffin and the photos I’ve taken don’t do it justice. This is truly a blade you need to hold and use to appreciate. Meaning, don’t keep this one locked in a safe! The production models of the Griffin will be available in the Stonewash finish seen here, as well as Cerakoted options in Flat Dark Earth, Milspec Green and Matte Black, as show below. Each comes with a color-matched kydex sheath as well. Again, if you’re interested in the PDW Griffin Knife, head over to Prometheus Design Werx this week to pick one up! If you happen to read this before the launch, PDW has a spot that you can get notified when they’re in stock.

Update: Here’s a look at the production version of the SPD Field Dark Earth Griffin Knife. Are you getting more than 14¢ of value per day from ITS Tactical? Please consider joining our Crew Leader Membership and our growing community of supporters. At ITS Tactical we’re working hard every day to provide different methods, ideas and knowledge that could one day save your life. Instead of simply asking for your support with donations, we’ve developed a membership to allow our readers to support what we do and allow us to give you back something in return. For less than 14¢ a day you can help contribute directly to our content, and join our growing community of supporters who have directly influenced what we’ve been able to accomplish and where we’re headed. Click here to learn about all the benefits and Join!See a knife you really want, but can’t shell out the cash all at once? We now offer 60-day payment plans on most knives over $349. To take advantage, follow the steps below:

Make sure the knife is marked “Payment Plan Eligible” Contact KnifeCenter Customer Service at 800-338-6799 We will charge a non-refundable deposit of 25% of the purchase price of the item The balance will be paid in two subsequent scheduled payments. On day 30 we will charge 50% of the remaining balance, followed by the final payment on day 60. Once payment is made in full, we will immediately ship your item. For more details, visit here. Anthony Griffin Custom Knives Anthony Griffin began making knives at the age of 13 and at age 14, became the youngest member of the North Carolina Custom Knifemakers Guild. He took a hiatus from design during his years at NC State University studying Mechanical Engineering but began making knives once again in 2009. He uses top quality materials, original designs, and time-proven mechanisms to create everything he puts his name on. They're 100% hand ground, American made tools built to last. Anthony Griffin Custom Money Clip Frame Lock Flipper 2.05" Ladder…