A boot knife is a survivalist knife for carrying on your shoes. These self-defense knives feature a small blade and handle to make them easy to carry on your boots and also for easy concealing. The primary purpose of the boot knife is for fighting, and so most will feature a double edge blade which in most cases will have a spear point.

Although they are for defending oneself against the dangers of the wilderness most can also act as utility knives for other purposes. Despite the small size of these blades, they can also be helpful when hunting (skinning animals) and fishing provided you keep the edges sharp.

When shopping for a boot knife, it is always important to take into a count important features like the blade material and design, handle, tang, and sheath since there are available in various types. Given the importance of the boot knife when in the wilderness, you should always aim at getting the handiest and most useful for self-defense.

7 Best Boot Knives - Reviews

#1. Smith & Wesson SWHRT9B Boot Knife

Editor's Rating:  (4.5 / 5)

Smith & Wesson makes this blade with a durable high carbon steel blade that also includes a blood groove. This blade has a dual edge with spear point design, and both edges are razor sharp when you get it. The handle is black rubber wrapped and with a lanyard hole at the end to make ideal for other carrying styles besides from having in on the boot.

For convenient carrying, this boot comes with a black leather sheath that includes a clip on that it is also suitable for attaching the knife to a belt. The knife is a full tang, and so you can be sure that it will not bend and will also last for long. And the blade is 4.75 inches to ensure that users get enough cutting area.

Who Should Buy?

This boot knife is for an individual looking for something high-quality and affordable for recreational or professional use as it strikes a perfect balance between price and construction quality.

#2. Gerber Ghoststrike Fix Blade Kit

Editor's Rating:  (4.4 / 5)

The Gerber Ghoststrike kit features a compact and durable skeletal steel (420HC) frame and ankle-mounted sheath that makes it possible to wear it both on boots and low cut shoes. The blade has a black ceramic coating that helps to minimize corrosion and reflection. And at 3.3 inches long this blade is one of the shortest on our list. It also has a diamond textured rubber handle that provides a very secure grip.

When you buy this kit, you also get a neoprene ankle wrap that will sit on your leg for many hours comfortably. Also, most users will love the drop point blade design with its fine edge since it ensures precision for both slicing and ripping. But, despite this subtle knife being on the best boot knives on the market, it is the priciest on our list, and so it will require a little extra investment.

Who Should Buy?

The durable blade and convenient ankle wrap kit make this an excellent product for someone looking for a boot knife that is easy to use and does not mind spending the extra dollars to get it as it is the priciest unit on our list.

#3. Kershaw 4007 Fixed Blade Boot Knife

Editor's Rating:  (4 / 5)

The Kershaw 4007 is our most versatile boot knife since it will work for both self-dense and utility purposes. This knife features a single edge steel blade with a non-reflective black oxide coating that makes it very durable. It also has a glass-filled nylon handle with a textured over mold rubber that provides a secure and comfortable grip.

For convenient and versatile carrying Kershaw gives this boot knife a dual-carry sheath. This sheath includes a clip to make it possible to attach it to your belt and some slots to attach it to your boot’s carry straps. Also, the boot knife has lanyard hole on the end of the handle for more carrying options.

Who Should Buy?

The Kershaw 4007 is the most versatile blade on our list thanks to the long handle and blade, dual carry sheath and lanyard hole. And so it is an excellent pick for someone looking for an easy-to-carry knife for self-defense and utility use.

#4. Schrade SCHF19 Boot Knife

Editor's Rating:  (4.5 / 5)

Schrade SCHF19 is a good buy for a survivalist or outdoor enthusiast that wants a concealed boot knife since it has a low profile that makes it hard to notice. It features a durable high carbon steel blade that also has a blood groove, and it is just 3.6 inches long which is short enough for concealing but still useful for self-defense.

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The handle on this boot knife is textured, and TPE wrapped to ensure that users always get a perfect grip. This self-defense knife also comes with a leather sheath with clips for both the boots and belt and a lanyard hole. Schrade SCHF19 will work well for both recreational and professional use.

Who Should Buy?

The small profile of this boot knife makes it a perfect choice for someone that wants something that is easily concealable. Also, the double edge and durable blade mean that it will work well for both recreational and professional uses.

#5. Rothco Raider ll Boot Knife

Editor's Rating:  (4 / 5)

Rothco Raider II features a 3-inch stainless steel blade which is the shortest on our boot knife reviews. However, the small blade is an excellent feature for individuals that want something concealable since it gives the knife a low profile. The blade is also double edged to give users a large cutting surface.

The overall dagger design makes it very versatile, and it also comes with a leather sheath. This leather sheath has both a snap and clip that make it possible to attach it both to the boots and your belt, backpack or pocket.

Who Should Buy?

This unit is the best boot knife on our list for someone looking for a double-edged knife with a short and easy to conceal blade since it has the shortest boot knife blade on our list.

#6. Schrade SCHF44LS Boot Knife

Editor's Rating:  (4.3 / 5)

At 7.62 inches the Schrade SCHF44LS has the longest blade length on this list. And this also means that it offers the longest reach hence making it perfect for self-defense and tactical use. The blade on this boot knife is high carbon steel, and so you can be confident that it will last for long and also keep the edge for long enough.

The Schrade SCHF44LS also comes with a leather sheath with a clip for both a belt and boot which makes it possible to have it as a hidden boot knife. For the grip you get a TPE wrapped and textured handle that is very comfortable i. Also, the grip has a lanyard hole to give you more carrying options.

Who Should Buy?

The long blade length makes the Schrade SCHF44LS perfect for someone looking for a light and easy to carry boot knife that offers an extended reach. Its double edge design and blade length also make it an excellent tactical knife.

#7. Cold Steel Kobun AUS 8A Boot Knife

Editor's Rating:  (4.4 / 5)

Japanese steel makes the best boot knives, and this is one of the features that make the Cold Steel Kobun an outstanding product. This knife has a Japanese (AUS 8A) stainless steel blade construction that gives it a sharp, reliable and very durable edge. And the manufacturer also gives it a sharp and reinforced piercing tip to make it an even better weapon.

The Kraton rubber handle is as high-quality as the blade, and it has some checkering to provide a very firm grip. This boot knife comes with a sturdy leather sheath that has a clip and 10 eyelets for attaching to your boots or pack. But, despite the impressive overall quality, this knife is the second-priciest item on our list, and so you should be ready to spend some extra money to own it.

Who Should Buy?

This Japanese cold steel blade is a perfect combat and self-defense knife, and it is also easily concealable. And so it is ideal for individuals that spend a lot of time in the wilderness and want something reliable that also keeps a sharp edge for long.

A boot knife is an essential item for a survivalist, camper or backpacker because you never know what you will encounter. But, you should not just get any that you can find but should instead focus on getting a high-quality one. And for this to be the case you should always consider the following things when buying one.

#1. Blade Metal

The first and most vital thing to consider is the blade metal because it determines the cutting ability of the boot knife. Japanese forged steel makes good boot knives, and the best thing about it is that it is hard and hence ensuring blade maintains its edge for long. High carbon steel is another good option because it is tough and can endure lateral and bending forces.

#2. Blade Length and Design

Blade length determines the concealability of the knife, but it is also important to strike the right balance between concealability and functionality. And for this, a blade length of between 3 and 5 inches is the best since it is concealable and also ideal for self-defense. For the design, the two best options are the single edge (with clip point) and double edged (with spear point).

#3. Handle

Material and shape of the handle are essential, and so you need to take them into account when choosing a boot knife. The right idea is to go for the most comfortable handle that offers the best grip. A slip-resistant material is a good choice because it provides ann excellent grip and is also tough. Kraton, canvas micarta, hypalon and linen micarta are some examples of good handle material.

#4. Tang

The tang is a vital factor to consider because it is the weakest point of a boot knife and other types of knife. A tang is where the blade connects to the handle, and the right idea is to go for a full tang or hidden tang because they offer the strongest connection.

#5. Sheath

Since you will want to conceal the knife in your boot and close to the skin, it is important to have a sheath to prevent injuries. A good boot knife should come with a leather sheath since it is not only durable but provides some space for the boot knife to move and it also looks classy.

How to Wear a Boot Knife

Step 1: Consider your Boot Type

The first step when wearing a boot knife is to recognize the design of your boots. Most boots will come in a design that makes it possible to carry knives without using strings or external straps.

You should look at the built-in straps and rings on the boot because they will determine how you can wear the boot knife. Some cowboy boots will even come with a pouch or sheath-like design on the side, and so you will only need to slide the knife into it.

Step 2: Choose a Knife that Goes with the Boots

Once you determine if your boots have rings or straps for a knife you should then pick a blade that works with them. Make sure that the boot knife you choose is not too long because it will be difficult to conceal and also that it is not too short because it can fall to the ground. If your shoes do not have a built-in design for the boot knife, you should go for a knife that suits the design of the boot and one that comes with a sheath and strap/clip.

Step 3: Prepare the Knife

Before you connect the knife to the shoe, it is important to do some preparations with the main among them being to wrap or put it in a sheath. A sheath protects you from injuries while also helping to conceal the knife.

Step 4: Wear the Shoes and Slide the Knife In

The fourth step is to wear the shoes. It is important not to connect the knife to the shoes before wearing them even if the boots have a sheath for a knife because it is not safe. Once you have the shoes on you should slide the knife on the side of the boot. Also, it is important to have the knife on your stronger side because it will make drawing it easy and fast.

As you slide in the boot knife into the shoe, it is important to make sure that you adjust the depth appropriately. For this, you need to determine how much you want to expose. And once you do this, you should finish by using a string to attach the sheath to your calf to keep it steady and more secure.