I am not familiar with tactical (or any) knives, and am looking for help explaining different blade types?
I am wanting to buy a Microtech Socom Elite, and am deciding between tanto blade styles, or clip point blade styles, also serrated, or not serrated, and black, or “satin” or whatever other colors there are. If someone can tell me the ups and downs for everything,(or a GOOD link) then i will be extremely grateful for your time, Thank you so much for your help. Please keep in mind this is a personal protection knife, but i should be able to cut various other cloth type materials, and rope
Tanto style blades have a thick, almost ‘blunt’ tip which some people like for prying tasks. It also means the tip can be used for tough piercing tasks without damaging the tip (at least, as much as other blades would be). The clip point (some people call it the ‘bowie’ blade), has a nice curved sweep which comes to a very fine point. It’s a much better shape for general utility cutting tasks, and is a proven ‘combat’ blade. The only downside is, if you abuse the knife, the tip will break more easily.
Plain edge blades are better for most cutting tasks, and are easier to sharpen. Serrations can be useful occasionally, but in most situations they’re a hindrance. Considering this is presumably your first knife, you’ll also need to learn how to sharpen it properly (a dull knife is useless!) so plain edge might be better to start with, and you might consider serrations down the road if you think you’ll need them.
The finish is down to preference; personally I don’t like black blades. The idea is that if you have a high carbon steel blade, the coating will help to prevent rust, and in military uses, the blade isn’t reflective and so is better camouflaged. I don’t really see a need for it, it’s just for aesthetics in most cases.
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