Looking For The Best Boot Knives? Or Want To Know How To Wear One?
That’s precisely what we’re going to cover today.
After reading this article, you’ll want to buy a badass boot knife and wear it like a boss.
Because what’s the most important piece of survival gear you can wear daily?
It’s certainly not a mood ring. It’s a knife!
Your knife is vital to survival and bushcraft, and its history is long.
It’s one of the oldest weapons and an essential tool for hand-cutting and combat.
That’s why today I’m going to use my Engineering, Gear Review / Testing, and Outdoor experience to cover the following topics:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Boot Knives For Sale
What Is A Boot Knife?
Brief History Lesson
Who Should Wear One?
How To Wear A Boot Knife
Best Boot Knife Features
Do YOU Live In A 'Danger Zone' County? Find out NOW with my Danger Zone County Special Report - It's 100% FREE... Click here now for Access!
Best Boot Knives On The Market Today
Our first entry is the SWHRT9B from Smith & Wesson, which is impressive.
It's a good-sized knife with a blade length of 4.7 inches and 9 inches with its full tang.
The blade is high-carbon stainless steel with a dual-edged spear point design. And it has an added blood grove.
The handle is black TPE rubber wrapped for excellent grip. And it has a lanyard hole and a sheath for boot mounting.
It's a great EDC knife, and you can access it easily while having no worries about it slipping out of your hand.
Included is a black sheath to house the knife in your boot and a belt clip as well.
Smith & Wesson takes pride in manufacturing weapons. And they give that same quality to their knives.
They also guarantee this survival knife with a limited lifetime warranty.
The bottom line is this is a high-quality tool that will take care of all your knife handling needs
↓ Knife Review: S&W “SWHRT9B” (Cheap Great Double Edge Blade) ↓
Kershaw is a company that leads in the pocket knife market, and they have great knives.
Let's start with the blade. It's a high-carbon, heat-treated stainless steel blade that is very durable.
With a single-sided edge, it works well for self-defense and bushcraft activities.
It's coated in black oxide to make it corrosion-resistant. This gives the knife a badass look and also makes the blade magnetic.
A synthetic polymer handle finishes it off. And this design provides excellent grip with its textured rubber.
To house this knife, you get a top-notch sheath that is dual-purpose with a belt clip and slots for a leg and boot carry.
It has a stylish, no-shine matte finish that will fit well with your other survival gear for sure.
↓ Review: Kershaw Secret Agent Knife ↓
Columbia River Knife and Tool is a company committed to innovation.
And their knife line and their everyday carry knives prove this.
The Sting was initially designed back in the '70s by A.G. Russel. This is the tactical knife you want with you in a survival situation.
Sting is truly a walking knife with its solid, 3.2 inches, forged steel, two-edged blade. And its black coating provides enhanced corrosion resistance.
The steel alloy is hot forged from 1050 carbon steel, like Samurai swords. And it's shaped into a spear point with its precision grinding.
The handle is contoured for maximum grip with an outstanding balance. So you'll have total control of the blade at all times.
There's a nylon sheath, and glass re-enforces the nylon insert to protect the blade. Plus, the strapping options are vast.
The Sting perfectly attaches to your leg inside your boot, but you can also clip it to your belt, pack, or MOLLE setup.
A limited warranty for defects in material or workmanship rounds this knife out. A solid pick for your EDC.
↓ CRKT Sting Overview↓
Ghoststrike is an American made fixed blade knife for:
- First responders
- Survivalists
- Armed forces
- Anyone else that needs a secondary weapon in a tactical situation
This deluxe kit gives you everything you need, but let's start with the knife itself.
The blade is constructed from 430HC steel and coated in black ceramic. This makes it low-profile and corrosion-resistant.
It has a full tang grip while compact and light in hand. The contoured skeletal frame has a diamond-textured rubber over the mold handle. One that easily conceals whether you wear it outside your boot or on your belt.
The kit includes the knife along with a modular sheath system. That way, it can be used for concealment or as an open-carry weapon.
You also get a neoprene ankle wrap with a sheath mount to put it on your leg inside your boot or outside.
The sheath can mount on your bel vertically or horizontally.
Gerber makes knives that last and have a lifetime warranty for this knife in North America.
↓ Gerber Ghostrike Knife Review: Great EDC Fixed Blade? ↓
Schrade is a company that takes pride in its knives. That's why you can trust them.
This knife is a durable, 7Cr17MoV high carbon S.S. blade. It's also connected to a thermoplastic elastomer handle. And the total length measures 7 inches with a 3.6-inch blade.
It weighs in at just over 2 ounces, so it is light and ready for action in all tactical situations.
It also comes with a black leather sheath with a belt loop if you want it at your side.
The ideal carry is clipped to your boot for a concealed, secondary weapon.
This is the ultimate secondary weapon that you want when the SHTF.
↓ Schrade Compact Knife Review ↓
SOG has a mini boot knife perfect for a small, fast-action weapon. It is only a 1.9-inch tactical fixed blade made from satin 5CR15MOV stainless steel with solid full tang.
The total length is 4.8 inches. This includes the G10 handle that provides ergonomic finger grooves for superior grip. It serves as a utility knife and combat-ready secondary weapon.
Because of its size, concealment for this EDC isn't going to be a problem. The included swivel sheath clip attaches to your belt or a boot carrying setup.
You even get a neck chain for it to double (triple) as a neck knife!
SOG builds their knife line to outlast the competition, and they are proud to be U.S.-made.
Their name honors the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam - Studies and Observation Group. It is the perfect easy-pack EDC weapon.
↓ SOG Knives: Instinct Mini Review ↓
Do you want a knife from a company dedicated to making the sharpest knives in the world?
Cold Steel has been doing just that for over 30 years, and their counter TAC series is the result.
They designed Counter Tac to be as functional as possible with an ultra-sharp AUS 8A full tang blade. It comes in measuring a 5-inch blade length and 9.5 inches overall.
The blade is vacuum heat treated, then sub-zero quenched. This gives you exceptional durability and strength.
The grip is textured to provide a comfortable and adaptable grip. So you won't drop this knife even if you lose your primary weapon.
A Secure-Ex is a state-of-the-art sheath that can clip on a belt or your boot and lashing slots for a lace carry.
↓ Counter Tac 1 – Fixed Blade Knife ↓
What Is A Boot Knife Anyway?
It’s a secondary blade you wear as a sneaky backup weapon.
It’s usually a fixed-blade dagger sheathed and attached to the inside or outside of your boot.
It’s a concealed weapon that is always at the ready when necessary.
The blade is around three to four inches long, so it can easily fit inside a boot.
And while this is not a large knife, its power is in its concealment.
This makes it an effective tool for protection.
Longer ones around six inches are available but are heavier and harder to conceal.
You may get into a situation where you lose your primary knife and refuse to be left defenseless.
It’s always accessible, and you can draw the knife fast without unfolding it like other blades.
It’s an everyday carry tool you don’t have to carry in your pockets.
↓ Why I Carry A Boot Knife (Their Uses & Local Law Requirements) ↓
Want a free 54 item survival gear checklist?
Click here to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary.A Brief Boot Knife History Lesson
The history of wearing knives in boots goes back to the American West and beyond.
It was known as the gambler’s best friend when firearms were less reliable.
So having a concealed weapon gave you a significant advantage.
Long boots worn in the old west made it the perfect place to carry a straight blade and easy to access in a fight.
Military personnel around the world have worn them for years.
For example:
Paratroopers had them in WWII when they dropped into battle zones.
Today, we don’t often have to fight to the death in the streets.
But we still need to protect ourselves and have more than just our primary weapon.
Besides self-defense, they’re also great for work, sport, and utility use.
Who Should Start Wearing One?
Hunters
When out hunting, you need a utility knife that is easy to carry.
A secondary knife is even better.
Regular tasks around camp, like cutting branches and using ropes, require a knife.
Skinning animals and helping with field dressing are also other uses for hunters.
Anglers
Having a knife when fishing is mandatory.
Why? Because you need to cut lines, clean fish, and do all the other camp duties where a knife is essential.
You’re carrying all sorts of gear when out fishing, so stashing a knife in your boot might be ideal.
Survivalists
When faced with a survival situation, you must bolt fast and protect yourself and your loved ones.
You will need a blade for protection, and utility uses while on the run.
Even if you lose other weapons (like your survival knife), you’ll still have a backup knife in a pinch.
Military
Armed forces worldwide have used boot knives for armed conflict in all major wars.
They are a standard issue in some branches.
And provide a secondary weapon that is easily accessed in combat.
Police
Besides their firearms, some police forces carry a knife in their boot alongside their primary weaponry.
Folding knives take an extra step to open them.
And thus, it can sometimes take a few seconds to open.
This can be the difference between life and death.
It’s a last resort weapon but may be necessary.
Bushcraft Enthusiasts
A knife is an essential bushcraft tool while training.
And you should know how to wear a boot knife sheath and practice accessing your knife.
It is another blade for training and is perfect for backup should you lose your primary weapon.
EDC (Everyday Carry)
Having a concealed weapon as an everyday carry is excellent for cutting and self-defense.
Our pockets are full of cell phones, keys, and other items.
And if you need to fumble around to find a pocket knife, it could put you at a defensive disadvantage.
It is a weapon no one sees, so you are not considered a threat.
It’s also a part of your gear load whenever you leave the house.
You’d be surprised how often a knife comes in handy.
Want a free 78 item prepper checklist?
Click here to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary.
How To Wear A Boot Knife The Right Way
Remember, this knife is a concealed backup weapon, so it’s not attached to your bug-out bag, survival belt, plate carrier, or MOLLE vest.
As the name suggests, this knife attaches to your work, cowboy, or tactical boots.
There are 4 possible locations. You can attach one:
- Inside your boot
- In a pocket inside the boo
- Outside of the boot
- In the laces
1. Inside Your Boot
This is the simplest way to carry one.
Just sheathe the fixed blade and slide it tip down into your boot.
This can cause problems tho.
Because if your boot is too loose, the blade may move around and fall flat under your foot, making access harder.
If the boot is tied up tight, you will feel the knife against your leg and bother you.
To secure the knife, you should buy a holster that wraps around your lower leg.
↓ Boot Knife With Cowboy Boots ↓
2. In a Pocket Inside The Boot
This option is convenient but designed for this purpose.
They are great, but you must match your knife with your boot pocket to ensure it fits.
You are not messing around with holsters or straps, but these are specific boots you must buy and use.
3. Outside The Boot
This setup gives you freedom for your legs and feet while wearing the boots.
You will need a longer boot or a shorter knife attached to a strap.
This may cause concealment problems unless you wear loose pants over the boots.
You may want to purchase a smaller knife not to be seen.
4. In The Laces
This is another option if your boot type has an extended lace area.
You can weave the laces through the holes in the holster.
And then you have your knife mounted on top of the boot.
There are no modifications to worry about; it won’t rub or irritate your leg.
A smaller knife is what will work with this rig.
Are you wondering how to wear a boot knife in cowboy boots?
You have the advantage of a long boot, so concealing one is easier.
Use a holster for the blade and attach it to your leg or inside the boot; you’re now good to go.
↓ How To Attached Knives To Your Boots | Shoes ↓
Best Boot Knife Features To Look For
There are many different blades, so choosing one depends on what people prefer.
Here are a few tips for looking for the best boot knife:
Size
Consider the size of the blade.
Some people like longer blades, but you want to conceal and access them comfortably.
- Too long, and it will poke out of your boot.
- Too short and hard to get at if it slips down.
You don’t want it interfering with your foot movement.
Try some on for size and see how it feels and functions.
You also want the blade to be thin so it fits the contours of your leg.
Weight may also be an issue when walking for a long time.
Choose a lighter knife unless it is your primary blade, then you want something heavier.
Material
Your knife must be durable and made of either stainless or high-carbon steel.
Stainless is more corrosion-resistant.
But it can get dull quicker, while a high-carbon has a sharper edge but rusts fast.
And since they’re likely to get wet with snow, mud, and water, stainless is the better choice.
The handle can be wood or synthetic.
Synthetic is more durable, but wood looks good.
You decide what is more important to you.
Blade Type
Usually, a boot knife will be two-sided and shaped in a long spear point.
If it is being used as a weapon, go with this style.
For use as a survival tool, pick a knife that has a one-sided blade.
Sheath
Always use your sheath when putting it in your boot.
This is a no-brainer, but I have to mention it anyway.
You’ll get cut fast if you jam an open blade into your boot.
And then you have to treat the injury; in a wilderness situation, you could get into big trouble.
The bottom line is:
Sheath it!
Final Thoughts
A boot knife is an ideal secondary, last-resort weapon for military and law enforcement officers.
And it’s a good way for survivalists, hunters, hikers, and preppers to carry a knife daily.
Get one, attach it, and strut about your day with quiet confidence.
Prepare, Adapt & Overcome,
P.s. Do You Live In A 'Danger Zone' County?
Find out now using my Danger Zone County List & Special Report it’s absolutely FREE. In minutes you’ll know EXACTLY where you stand and if you should be worried or not..
So click here to get my FREE Danger Zone County List & Report….
Click on the image to get the List & Report for FREE and find out if YOU live in a 'Danger Zone' County...”
Recommended Reading
Best Pocket Knife For Everyday Carry & Ruthless Survival
Not all blades are created equal - many are excellent, but some are trash. Here are the best pocket knives you can depend on daily.
Best Hand Warmers: A Thoughtful Gift For Nearly Everyone
Not all warmers are created equal. From the classic zippo to new electric ones, we'll help you find the best hand warmers on the market today.
Best Self Defense Keychains Avoid Being A Helpless Victim
Not all keychain tools are created equal. This buyer's guide will help you zero in on the best self-defense keychain weapons for you.
Best Inexpensive Electric Lighters For Survival & Candles
With so many arch lighters on the market today, it's an overwhelming task to choose one. We share the best electric lighters for survival.
Best Tactical Wallets: It’s Time For A Killer New EDC Upgrade
Modern wallets have come a long way. Check out these best tactical wallets and discover the must-have features before you invest in a new one.
57 Item EDC List: WHAT You Should Take & WHY
This list includes every piece of everyday carry gear you MIGHT want to take with you daily. It includes a video if my own EDC bag list