Finding the best boot knife doesn’t have to be a tricky task.

Understanding the difference between the most popular styles of boot knives will help you pick a style that will work for you.

Some boot knives can be rather pricey. The more research you do before you make a big purchase, the better off you’ll be in the long run.

Think about how you intend to use your boot knife, and move forward from there.

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How to Choose The Best Boot Knife?

There are three main things you’ll want to think about when you’re checking out which boot knife you should buy.

These concerns might be different between knife experts and first-time carriers. If you’re new to boot knives, you might not even know where to start.

boot knife with military boots

Doing your research can help you pick the right boot knife the first time, rather than leading you to buy a bunch until you find one that works for you.

Grip

Some people prefer paracord grips for boot knives, so they can be used as tactical knives. Boot knives don’t come already wrapped.

If you want to wrap your knife, you need to pick one with a solid, uniform-shaped handle that can hold onto the paracord. Slim profile handles or skeletal frame handles don’t hold onto paracord.

You’ll also want something with a textured grip. If you plan to use it barehanded, or even with gloves on, you need to make sure the texture will hold onto your hand.

Boot knives are small and the blades are very sharp, so you don’t want to risk your hand slipping while you’re using it.

Great grips are necessary for safety – never choose a cheap boot knife with a slippery plastic handle.

Blade

Ideally, you’ll want a full tang boot knife. Full tang knives are much stronger, and the blade can’t snap off at the handle.

Since the blade is small, you’ll want it to be made of high-carbon steel.

Smaller blades made of lesser quality steel have a tendency to bend or break, so you won’t want to sacrifice in the quality of the metal.

Most boot knives are spear-shaped and sharpened on both sides. If you’re already experienced with knives, you’ll probably want a dual-edged boot knife.

If you aren’t, sticking to a knife that only has one sharpened edge might be a little safer. You won’t need to get used to the idea that both sides are sharp – it reduces the risk of accidental cuts when removing the knife from the sheath.

You’ll also want to consider getting a boot knife with a coated blade. These coatings prevent corrosion, and make the blades easier to clean.

They’ll also keep small scrapes, dings, and scratches from showing up as clearly. The blade will look newer for longer.

Size

Larger knives are harder to conceal. If you want something you can carry discretely, like for self-defense, you’ll want a knife that’s smaller overall.

Smaller knives are always the best bet for new carriers, as well. If you truly intend to wear a boot knife like a boot knife, larger styles might get in your way.

tactical shovel military knife boots binoculars and other survival equipment

Think about how you intend to carry your knife, and that will help you decide on a size that will work best for you.

You can always upgrade to a larger knife later on.

Versatility

Different kinds of sheaths and straps are used for specific purposes. Some sheaths are meant to be clipped to a belt or a pocket, while others can be attached almost anywhere.

If you’re looking for a boot knife you can actually wear around your ankle, you’re going to need something with neoprene straps that will affix directly to the leg.

The best boot knives offer you options. You can wear them anywhere, or use different sheaths when you need to clip them to a different place. Get a boot knife you can use in any way you’d like.

Maintenance

Most people would prefer a knife that’s both easy to clean and easy to sharpen. All knives lose their edge over time.

You need something that’s easy to take care of. If you’re not too confident in your ability to sharpen knives, it may not be wise to get a knife that needs to be sharpened on both sides.

A single edge is easier to maintain, and a pocket knife sharpener is easy to use on a boot knife.

Coated blades are always better to clean. The texture on the blade holds onto whatever gunk the blade has collected, making it easier to wipe it away.

If the blade is slick, the gunk will just move around. Texture-coated blades are much better for hunters, fishermen, and outdoorsmen who plan to use their knives while they’re away.

Things like sap and blood won’t destroy or corrode the blade.

TOP 5 Best Boot Knife Reviews 2025

When picking a boot knife, there are several things you’ll need to keep in mind.

Blade size and weight are very important – first-time carriers might want to start out with a smaller, lighter knife until they’re used to the weight.

If you have experience with knives, heavier or longer knives shouldn’t be that much of a problem.

A lot of it comes down to personal preference.

Smith & Wesson Full Tang Blade Knife

Smith & Wesson is known around the world for their quality weapons. This particular boot knife offers amazing quality at a reasonable price.

This is a high carbon stainless steel blade with dual edges and a spear point. The blade length is 4.75 inches, which is large but still easy to carry.

The rubber-wrapped handle offers an excellent grip, with a shape designed to fit perfectly in the hand.

Pros

  • The included sheath can be used for either a belt or a boot – wear it however you want to wear it.
  • Full-tang blade is strong, dependable, and unlikely to break.
  • Vertical grooves in the rubber-coated handle make it easy to wrap the grip in paracord.

Cons

  • The grip is small – this knife might be a little awkward to use if you have very large hands.

Conclusion

This is one of the best boot knives overall. The price is fair, the quality is great, and it comes with all the accessories you’ll need.

The size is spot on, as well. If you know you want a reliable boot knife and you aren’t very picky about the design you need, this is a great choice.

It’s perfect for beginners, experts, and even collectors.

Schrade Old Timer 162OT Boot Knife

The Schrade Old Timer knives are designed like classics. They’re made the same way as antique knives were made, and they’re perfect for people who like the knives their father or grandfather carried.

This is a petite and manageable boot knife, with a 3.8-inch blade and 7.8-inch overall length. Saw cut handle slabs and solid nickel bolsters keep the knife strong and easy to wield.

Pros

  • Included sheath is made of high-quality brown leather. It will last for years, unlike cheap nylon sheaths that wear out quickly.
  • High Carbon Stainless blade is spear cut, but the top edge stops a few inches before the handle to prevent accidents from slipping.
  • Comes with a perfect edge – you don’t need to sharpen it before you use it.

Cons

  • Since the sheath is made of leather, it’s a little bit bulky. It may not always lay flat.

Conclusion

This boot knife already looks like an heirloom. If you like the vintage style of older boot knives, you’re going to love the appearance of this boot knife.

This knife is more than just appearances – the quality lives up to the Schrade name, and the knife is a great value.

Columbia River Knife and Tool 2020 AG Russell Sting

This boot knife is one solid piece of hot forged steel. If you need something tough, it doesn’t get much tougher than this.

This dual-edged spear point blade is powder-coated for better grip, weather durability, and ease of cleaning.

Even if you get tree sap on it, it’s easy to wipe down.

Pros

  • Handle design features thumb rests for a better grip.
  • Grip textured is designed for both bare and gloved hands. You won’t slip.
  • Knife handle has a lanyard hole as well as a sheath with clips. You can wear it or carry it anywhere.

Cons

  • Included sheath is made of nylon, and nylon sheaths never last forever.

Conclusion

This is one of the best boot knives for people who need something hefty and unbreakable. The weight and durability make it perfect to use as a throwing knife.

The symmetry, weight balance, and dual-edge make the knife aerodynamic. It’s versatile and practical. Maintenance is easy, making this a great choice for a first-timer.

Kershaw 4007 Secret Agent Fixed Blade Boot Knife

This is a thin black oxide-coated boot knife, with the blade coming in at about 4.4 inches in length.

The three-ounce weight is light and easy to carry, and the overall length is very manageable. The handle is textured to amplify grip, and is co-molded glass-filled nylon for better weight distribution.

Since this knife is so low profile and lightweight, it’s the ideal boot knife for a first-timer who truly wants to use it as a boot knife.

Pros

  • The blade is made of a softer kind of steel. It cuts well, but it’s still easy to put a new edge on the blade with a sharpener.
  • Fine edge is razor-sharp. The blade is so refined that you can actually shave with it.
  • Sheath is made of a durable Kydex material that will keep you safe and protect the blade.

Cons

  • Despite its spear-like design, the blade is only sharpened on one side.

Conclusion

Slim and light, this the best boot knife to carry inconspicuously. If you want something for self-defense that you can wear discreetly, this is the best choice for you.

It won’t weigh you down, and it’s strong enough to keep you safe. This is a no-fuss knife that you can use the moment you get it.

Gerber Ghoststrike Fixed Blade Knife Deluxe Kit

This is more than just a boot knife – it’s a whole kit.

The skeletal frame keeps the weight light, offering you several grip options so you can wield this boot knife however you’d like to.

The diamond texture will keep it from slipping and sliding around. The ceramic coating on the blade makes it easy to clean and prevents the appearance of scratches and dents as the knife ages.

This coating also prevents corrosion, keeping the knife strong for years.

Pros

  • Comes with a sheath that can be mounted either horizontally or vertically, as well as optional ankle straps to mount the sheath on your leg.
  • The sheath and handle make this knife easily accessible, perfect for everyday carry.
  • High grind makes this knife easy to sharpen with stones or grinders.

Cons

  • Skeletal handle can’t be paracord wrapped – it’s hollow and the grip grooves will get in the way.

Conclusion

This is the best boot knife for everyday carry. It’s great for self-defense, wood carving crafts, or even cutting fruit.

The versatile mount and ankle straps allow you to carry this knife however you want.

Fishermen, contractors, and hikers will love a knife just like this one.

Picking The Best Boot Knife For You

Boot knives come in different sizes, styles, and designs. Each one of these designs is intended for different uses.

The best boot knife is one you know you’ll be able to use every day. The more versatile the knife you select, the better value you’re going to get for your money. We suggest reading about the best Kershaw knives as well, as you might find the tool you have been looking for.

There are plenty of high-quality affordable boot knives on the market – it might even be worth buying several so you’ll have one to use for every occasion. This also includes throwing knives that can be useful in different scenarios.

Whatever knife you choose to use, always remember to take care of the knife in order to make it long-lasting. For example, if you are using a pocket knife, make sure to learn the best way to sharpen a pocket knife in order to keep it in shape.