Cowboy boot knives, a hidden avenue of escape, useful in a pinch or just plain to protect you and your loved ones, boot knife offer you concealed insurance in the absence of certainty. Carry them properly, care for them, and they will be there for you forever.
This is just another notch in the belt if you’re a knife enthusiast. The boot knife is easily the most concealable fixed blade you can buy. Designed to be carried comfortably and securely inside your boot. A boot knife is perfect for any self-defense and daily mundane tasks.
Opening packages and boxes, removing staples, and cutting anything come in handy with a cowboy knife. With its compact size and ability to be strapped to your ankle, a boot won’t add bulk or weight while still giving you the utility of having a knife readily available at all times, whether it’s for protection or utility. However, finding the best boot knife can be an overwhelming task.
To help you out, we put together the best boot knives on the market. Our team is set to work meticulously researching numerous products with intricate criteria to filter out the treasure from the trash.
So whether you are interested in purchasing your first boot knife or want to add a new blade to your growing collection, we have just the ones for you.
Here is the list of the 10 best cowboy boot knives:
1. Rocky Mountain Spike
Initially designed to be a sidekick or backup to a power eagle or a machete or another larger knife, this Rocky Mountain spike itself proves to be a great survival knife. It’s made of 1095 high carbon steel, which is differentially heat-treated. It has an overall length of seven and a quarter inches with a blade length of three and a half inches.
This knife’s handle is skeletonized, giving a low thin profile that is an essential feature for a boot knife. It has some jimping up along the spine to help improve your grip on the knife. The thickness of this knife is three-sixteenth of an inch.
One exciting feature of this knife is, if you look closely at the blade, you can see a heat-treat line that is because of a proprietary process that they have created in a black river wash, and the Sandstrom bronze is a variation of this process to give the knife a rugged gritty look.
Rocky Moutain Spike comes with a black leather sheath that looks classic. It’s attachable to a cowboy boot or your belt.
Pros:
- Highly versatile knife. Super sharp blade ready to cut anything.
- Comes with a sharpening kit in the built-in emergency box. Features an NSA-proof compass.
- It comes with an emergency kit that has all the survival necessities.
Cons:
- No refund policy for returning. If you want to return the knife just in case of any wear and tear, you have to bear the shipping cost.
2. Smith & Wesson SWHRT9B – Best Boot Knives
Founded in 1852, Smith & Wesson is an industry-leading American manufacturer of firearms and knives. The SWHRT9B is a fixed blade boot knife that is best for its simplicity, reliability, and budget-friendliness.
It was constructed with 7Cr17MoV high carbon stainless steel. Its dual spear point blade is 4.7inches long. The black powder-coated finish is to provide enhanced resistance and a stealth look. It features a black rubber wrapped handle made from thermoplastic elastic.
This knife will give you the most acceptable grip while its large handguard will provide safety to use in any self-defense situation.
Weighing around 7.7ounces, it comes with a black leather sheath to carry the knife. While it’s added, stainless steel clip lets just stick to your boot firmly no matter how much you move.
Pros
- Full tang knife that provides strengthVery sharp double-edged blade design.
- It comes with a big lanyardHigh-quality sheath
- Textured grippy handle.
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a sharpening tool.
- The sheath clip gets loosened over time.
3. SOG Instinct Mini
Custom designed by Jason Brous, SOG Instinct Mini is a perfect small foam boot knife for users who want to stay inconspicuous. Crafted with 5cr15Mov stainless steel, this knife features a 1.9 inches satin polished clip point blade that is sharp to cut anything that comes in your way.
This knife is available in a 910 and skeletonized handle. This small compact knife has perfect symmetry while its generous jimping and a well-placed finger choil provide a good grip for either hand.
It features a 360-degree mount hard molded sheath and a ball chain that enables multiple carry options like wearing it around your neck or clipping it to a belt or boot. His skeletonized handle weighs 1.1 ounces, while the 910 weighs just about 1.4 ounces making it extremely easy to carry.
Pros
- Incredibly lightweight
- The blade steel is easy to sharpen.
- Sheath retention is excellent.
- It can be carried as a neck knife
- The compact knife design makes it a safe to carry.
- Numerous carry options.
- They are reasonably priced.
Cons:
- The blade doesn’t hold an edge very well.
- You may have to sharpen the knife often.
- The small handle of the knife can be an issue for users with big hands.
4. CKRT Shrill
Designed by Matthew Lerch in Sussex Wisconsin, the Ckrt shrill is a fixed blade go-to knife that is sturdy, compact, and surprisingly long blade. Made with 8Cr13Mov stainless steel, it features a versatile 4.77 inches dual-edge blade with a titanium nitride finish, making it extremely sharp to cut the most challenging elements.
There is a full tang resin-infused fiber handle that combines the strength with the visual appeal of the knife. Weighing at around 4.3 oz, it comes with a black sheath with a steel clip on top so that you can attach the knife to your belt or boot with this.
5. Cold Steel Counter TAC Series
Conceit with one simple principle in mind and created to perform under any circumstances, the cold steel counter-attack series boasts a classic combat knife design.
Forged with premium AUS8 stainless steel, this boot carries a 3.3-inch full tank blade that is vacuum heat treated to give you enhanced strength and durability while preventing corrosion-resistant.
At first glance, you’ll notice its cray x handle because of its catchy design, and due to its textured surface, this knife will not slip from your hand under any circumstance.
Weighing at around just 2.08 ounces, this cold steel counter TAC series offers a state-of-the-art security sheath with a removable boot belt clip and lashing slot to carry it anywhere easily.
Pros:
- A sharp blade with double-edged.
- Great for tactical defense.
- Durable resin grippy handle.
Cons
- Too sharp edges can be dangerous if the user is not a pro knife handler.
- Sheath material is very fragile. The sharp tip of the knife cut through the sheath, which can be dangerous while carrying.
6. Kershaw Secret Agent (4007) – Military Style Boot Knife
The Kershaw Secret Agent is a great fixed blade for backpacking. The knife is small and light and has a nice solid feel in hand. It’s not as long as a larger knife like the Spyderco, but it’s still perfect for a carry knife.
Kershaw creates high-quality, exceptional knives, affordable to all users. They are dominating in the knife market. Kershaw Secret Agent 4007 is a discrete boot knife known for its ability to provide personal protection with enhanced blade sharpness.
Made of 8cr13 stainless steel, it has got a 4.4 inches dagger-style blade with a nonreflective black oxide finish to withstand damage from abrasive wear.
The handle of this knife is made of glass-filled nylon with a textured rubber layered on top to serve as an additional grip for your hand. With this dual carry, the molded sheath also protects you from external damages making the boot knife a worthwhile option to take on the go.
Weighing at around 3 ounces, this fixed blade knife conveniently has a clip to make wearing it on the belt while also featuring slots for attaching it to the leg.
Pros
- The rubberized and co-molded handle provides a secure grip.
- The non-reflective black oxide coating on the blade ensures maximum durability.
- Dual-carry sheath for secure and comfortable shoe attachment.
- A lanyard hole provides additional versatility.
Cons
- Single edge blade.
- The design of the sheath is not comfortable for wearing more extended period.
7. Old Timer 162OT Boot Knife
Whether you are going on a trip to the wilderness or joining the elite forces get yourself this ultimate backup weapon with this piercing boot knife from Schrade Old Timer.
This knife has a 3.8 inch plain edge blade made from rugged 400 series stainless steel to give you flexibility and durability in real combat.
We are talking about enough power to cut through pretty much anything or even fight off a zombie attack. The ultra-strong Delrin handle offers a great feeling in hand with solid grip.
This knife features an awesome finish at less than 4 ounces. It has a high quality construction that is easy to handle so that you don’t get caught off guard and lose your edge.
Pros:
- Black oxide coating ensures maximum durability.
- Reinforced polymer handle
Cons:
- The knife design is not ergonomic.
- Only one edge is sharp.
8. Cold Steel Kobun Tanto – Boot Knife With Ankle Strap
Cold Steel Kobun is a knife with really good retention, no rattle of any kind. This cold steel fixed blade comes with a long Kraton checkered handle which gives you a nice grip. It has a tanto tip, which Cold steel reinforces the tip to give extra power. The blade length is 5.5 inches and thickness is 0.13 inches.
Kobun in Japanese actually means soldier and this knife is built to be a soldier. The blade has a nice satin finish, and it’s a hollow grind with a plain edge. It’s a full tang solid fixed blade knife which will not break on you even if you put it through hell.
Made from AUS8 Japanese stainless steel blade, this beast of a knife will provide you extra strength while maintaining the edge for a long period of time. Weighing at 4.4 oz this soldier comes with a Kraton Secure-Ex Sheath.
You can strap this with paracord to anything that you’d like or you can also use the carry clip that it features to stick it to a belt.
Pros
- Made of Japanese stainless steel which provides a long-term sharp edge and durability.
- The leather sheath material is durable and features a clip for attaching to boots and backpacks.
- Sharp and reinforced tip.Kraton rubber handle material with checkering for extra tough grip.
Cons
- The clip on the sheath gets loosened over time.
9. CRKT Sting 3B – Tactical Boot Knife
Designed by A.G. Russell, the CRKT Sting 3B fixed blade tactical knife hails from pedigree that is both proven and prodigious. Hot forced with 8cr13Mov stainless steel this dagger style knife features a 3.42 inches satin blade that is sharpened in both edges and is ideal for self defense.
It’s G10 handle scale adds texture to this skeletonized full tang knife and they can be removs for easy cleaning and customization.
Besides there’s Nylon FOB that adds real state to the handle for a solid purchase in hand. The CRKT sting 3B comes with a glass reinforced nylon sheath with a removeable stainless steel spring clip that you can attach to your boot waistband and gear.
Weighing at around 1,8 ounces thisboot knife is amazingly ultra lightwight while still maintaining it’s versatility to protect you at a moment’s notice.
10. Smith & Wesson SWHRT3
The Smith & Wesson SWHRT3 is a full tang fixed blade boot knife crafted from 7.50 inches of 7cr17 high carbon stainless steel. The 3.5 inch dual full fine edge spear point blade is perfect for utility tasks and self defense.
This SWHRT3 is a quality tool to design for your most demanding needs. The Jimping and thumb depression give a perfect mix of comfort and grip security to the ergonomic TPR handle. It comes with a black nylon fiberglass belt and boot sheath. And the included ball chain gives you an option to carry it as a neck knife.
Pros
- Durable high carbon steel blade.
- Black rubber wrapped handle provides a comfortable grip.
- Leather belt/boot sheath gives multiple carry options.
- Full tang robust design.Snap-on the knife sheath is easy to open just with a finger.
- Razor-sharp double edge blade
Cons
- Too Long handle will make you roll up your pant to get the knife out.
Things To Keep In Mind Before Buying A Boot Knife?
Now that you have got the list of best-ever boot knives, you might still be confused about which one is the best for you. Before buying a boot knife, you might consider some factors.
Blade Material
There are mainly four main types of materials used to make boot knife blades stainless steel, titanium, carbon fiber, polyoxymethylene.
Make sure the knife you buy is made from the right kind of steel. You should pay close attention to the type of steel used to make the knife you want to buy to make sure it has the potential for the intended use.
When it comes to choosing knife steel, you should always go with the highest carbon content that is feasible. If you are able to afford it, stainless steel is the best option.
Knife Handle
Slip-resistant handles prevent accidents. When used properly, they deliver exceptional grip. Top handle options for tactical boot knives include Kraton, linen-micarta, canvas-micarta, and Nylon FOB
Of course, the shape and size of the handle will determine how good it feels in your hand. A good feel is important. It means less chance of injury to your wrist.
Sheath
Make sure the boot knife you’re about to purchase comes with a reliable and sturdy sheath. It’s only when you’re actually holding a knife that you realize how thin the blade is.
Conceal your knife in your boot as close to the skin as possible. One advantage of carrying a sheathed knife is that it causes less injuries. Another advantage is that it makes it much easier to get to the knife when you need it.
The best boot knife is the Western-style or whatever type of knife that will allow you to perform tasks comfortably and efficiently. A good knife should have a sheath so it doesn’t get lost. It’s also classy and formal looking, which goes with any gentleman.
How To Combine Boot Knives With Your Cowboy Boots?
There are two ways to wear a “knife-wearing” boot. On the outside of the boot, above the ankle, or inside the boot, hidden from view.
The first way to carry a knife is to wear it in a sheath so it’s hidden from plain sight. If you want to make sure the job gets done, you can wear it inside a boot knife sheath inside a cowboy boot.
Just make sure the leather sheath is securely attached to the boot knife so it won’t come loose and cut you or your fellow rider. If the sheath of the boot knife constantly rubs your feet, it will irritate you.
Therefore, it is important that the boot knife be worn correctly so that it will not cause you any discomfort. Smooth skin is best. It’s easier to keep clean and sanitary. It’s also better able to hold moisture.
Are Boot Knives Concealed?
A boot knife is a fixed-blade, aka non-folding, knife that goes inside your boot or straps to your ankle. A boot knife is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an always accessible and concealed carry option.
Are Boot Knives Useful?
They’re true gadget for those who know how to use them.
In addition to being great backups, these are really cool knives. They are great for people who carry a concealed handgun, and/or may not have a defensive knife or other weapon on their belt.
There are many uses for boot knives, including cutting rope and cutting leather, but the best thing about them is that they’re so useful.
What Type Of Knife Is A Boot Knife?
A boot knife is a small fixed-blade knife that’s designed to be carried in or on a boot. When a woman gets married she traditionally wears a wedding ring, but it’s not a requirement. Neck knives are same knife if worn around the neck. Wear one if you want to be the “next big thing”.
What Makes A Good Boot Knife?
A boot knife or ankle sheath is a practical way of carrying a fixed blade that might not be easily managed with other types of knives. They’re the perfect tool for everyday tasks and in case of an emergency.
Are Boot Knives Legal In Ny?
Please read our article about USA Knife LAW by Each State
Conclusion
A good boot knife is an essential tool for any tactical situation. It’ll make your life much easier, especially when you are doing chores like mowing the lawn, washing the car, or doing heavy construction work. It has numerous uses as a backup weapon, for opening tourniquets and removing splinters.
Hi, my name is Taras Kulakov and I’m a knife enthusiast. I have been collecting knives for over 30 years and I’ve owned literally thousands of different models over that time. My goal with this site is to share some of what I’ve learned about knives. You can find more info about Taras Kulakov here.
