Tactical knives have exploded in popularity in recent years. Originally made for military, law enforcement, and rescue missions, tactical knives are now coveted by enthusiasts and collectors. Their versatility, durability, and performance make them useful tools as well as works of art. With Patriot Tactical LLC by your side, you can have quality tactical knives without worrying about the quality.
To help you get the best knife, this guide covers getting started with tactical knife collecting and customization for beginners.
Selecting Your First Tactical Knife
When starting your knife collection, carefully consider your purpose, usage needs, and budget. Will this be a safe queen display piece or a working knife for heavy outdoor use? Fixed blades excel at chores like chopping wood, while folders easily fit in a pocket. Study the pros and cons of metals used in blades, handles, and screws. High carbon steel blades hold an edge exceptionally well but require more careful maintenance to prevent rust. Stainless steel offers greater staining/corrosion resistance but doesn't hold quite as sharp of an edge.
Where to Buy Tactical Knives?
From local knife stores to big box retailers to custom makers, many outlets exist for purchasing tactical knives. Cutlery shops like Brick-and-mortar allow you to personally handle knives before you buy, getting a feel for the size, weight, and features up close. Large sporting goods stores offer more budget-friendly factory production knives catering more towards casual users versus collectors. Online specialty knife and gear websites provide exceptional convenience, selection, and availability of premium tactical knife brands that are otherwise hard to find locally.
Custom, small-batch knife makers sell directly to consumers through their own websites but often have waiting lists given meticulous fit and finish. Vet any knife seller thoroughly with extra attention to product sourcing, shipping, and return policies. Secondary markets like eBay involve some added risk, so check policies and buyer protections closely before purchasing more valuable collector pieces sight unseen without the ability to inspect
prior to paying.
Caring for Your Collection
Protect your knifemaking investment by learning proper maintenance fundamentals. Store knives in protective sheaths away from excess moisture, humidity, and extreme temperatures, which can negatively impact blades and handles over time. Maintain sharp, flawless edges using sharpening systems – bench stones, ceramic rods, pull-through devices, and electric sharpeners. Learn basic disassembly, cleaning, and then re-lubrication of folding knife pivot, lock, and cam mechanisms, which accumulate debris inhibiting smooth opening/closing. Inspect for any cracks, chips, or loose components needing repair. Prevent corrosion on carbon steel using silicon packs or anti-tarnish cloths in enclosed display cases.
Customizing and Upgrades
Basic customizations allow you to put your own personalized touch on production knives. Swap ordinary pocket clips for deeper carry or more striking materials like copper or carbon fiber. Replace lanyards using paracord knots or colorful accents. Engraved designs etched into blades and handles underscore one-of-a-kind flair.
More complex blades, handles, and hardware require intermediate skills and specialty parts availability. Scale handles introduce polished, exotic, stabilized materials like microdata. Modify locking mechanisms to replace standard steel blades with superior alloys using existing blade blank patterns from aftermarket experts like Flytanium.
Do's and Don'ts for Collecting and Customizing Tactical Knives:
DO:
- Do store knives in protective cases or sheaths when not in use. This can prevent accidental damage and keep blades from knocking around.
- Do keep knives away from moisture and humidity, which can corrode parts over time, even if they have protective finishes.
- Do learn proper maintenance fundamentals for the materials your blades and handles are made of - oils, cleaning approaches, etc.
- Do educate yourself on how to disassemble, clean, and lubricate folding tactical knife assemblies. Debris builds up and limits smooth function over time.
- Do display high-value collector pieces in secure cases, on stands, or in framed arrangements to prevent theft and inadvertent damage.
- Do research makers thoroughly if commissioning fully custom pieces, checking references and reputation for meeting commitments.
DON'T:
- Don't leave knives loose, clanging around in bags, boxes, or draws where they can scratch, chip, or be lost.
- Don't use abrasive cleaners or materials that can damage finely finished surfaces and coatings, protecting expensive collector knives.
- Don't attempt complex modifications like blade re-profiling or aftermarket scale swapping unless you have the necessary skills and specialized tools.
- Don't get knives engraved by just anyone. Research reputable engravers known for precision detail work so as not to lower collector value.
- Don't casually lend out rare, valuable knives without a clearly understood contract, as you may never see them again!
- Don't disassemble knives beyond what is required for basic cleaning and maintenance if you are unfamiliar with their construction and engineering.
Addition Tips:
Lock Types
Get very familiar with different locking mechanisms like liner locks, frame locks, axis/cylinder locks, tri-ad locks, etc. This affects strength, ease of use, and safety.
Know their pros and cons. Frame locks offer sturdy stability for tough tasks but can be prone to getting overextended/sticky over time.
Steel Types
With blades, steel is not all created equal. Study the ever evolving innovations in steel alloys serving different purposes.
Sharpening Skills
Learn the nuances of different sharpening systems – freehand stones, guided systems, electric sharpeners – and optimal techniques for different blade metal bevels. Freehand takes patient practice.
Anodization
Customize corrosion resistance and surface color and minimize reflection through electrochemical anodization processes, offering striking visual effects.
Accessory Upgrades
Swap standard components with aftermarket replacement accessories, allowing further customization - new clips, specialty bolts, and custom-machined thumb studs with unique grip textures.
Community Connections
Connect with other enthusiasts around the hobby through knife communities, collector groups, discussion forums, maker fairs, and live auctions, offering camaraderie and continued learning.
Conclusion
This beginner's guide covers key areas like essential gear, purchasing best practices, maintenance, and upgrading methods to launch any tactical knife enthusiast on a journey both practical and creative. As the collection expands, so will experience and appreciation for these fine-cutting implements, blending art and utility in every keen edge. Visit Patriot Tactical LLC and experience high-end tactical knives.
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