Nylon Knife

Show

Sort by

A nylon knife is a particular kind of folding knife with a steel blade and a nylon sheath. Because they are compact, powerful, and long-lasting, they are favored by outdoor enthusiasts.

The best nylon knives have a solid handle and a strong, long-lasting blade that can tolerate repeated use. These knives may also be made from other materials such as carbon fiber or wood. The phrase “nylon” often refers to the material used to make these knives’ blades and handles; however, it also refers to the fabric used to wrap the blade around the handle. This guide will explore what characteristics one should look for in the best nylon knives while reviewing some of the top models on the market.

What To Consider When Choosing The Best Nylon Knife

Some of the most crucial factors to take into account when looking for a nylon knife are listed in the following section. Knowing these factors will help you to choose the model that best suits your requirements.

Intended Use

Before deciding on a new nylon knife, think about how you intend to use it and what features would help make that experience better.

Fishing: This type of nylon knife is designed specifically for fishing. The compact size makes them easy to carry around while casting or reeling in a catch. They have a sturdy build with a full tang blade, meaning the metal forming the handle extends throughout the length of the cutting edge.
Camping: While camping, hikers often need to cut their food into smaller pieces. A ruggedized nylon knife with a sharp blade may be necessary for this task. These knives tend to be larger than fishing models but still relatively lightweight so they’re easier to wield during strenuous activities like hiking.
Work related: Many professionals who work in construction, landscaping, or other trades require tools that can cut through thick materials. For example, mechanics might use these knives to cut away car engine parts, and electricians could employ them to open up electrical boxes.

Blade Material

Nylon blades are typically made from one of three materials: carbon fiber, stainless steel, or high-carbon stainless steel.

Carbon fiber blades are extremely hard and strong, making them capable of resisting corrosion and impact damage. However, they’re expensive, weigh more, and have a tendency to lose their shape if improperly stored.
Carbon fibers are far more durable than stainless steel, but it is also a lot more expensive. Blades made of stainless steel won’t rust or corrode either, but it’s important to avoid exposing them to water as they can become brittle.
High-carbon stainless steel blades combine the strength of both carbon fiber and stainless steel. Though somewhat softer than either of those materials alone, they offer a nice balance between toughness and affordability.

Handle Features

When selecting a new nylon knife, there are several characteristics that shoppers might find appealing including weight, comfort, and storage space.

Weight: Although nylon is lighter than steel, it’s heavier than plastic. That said, many manufacturers choose to add ballasts (weighted elements) to improve stability. These balls can range from 1/4 ounce to 3 pounds and often include lead, zinc, aluminum, and magnesium.
Comfort: Due to its softness and flexibility, nylon feels comfortable in hand even without a handle. Some handles incorporate padding or vibration technology to further increase user satisfaction.
Storage space: Since nylon doesn’t hold as much heat as steel, it tends to compress less. This means users can comfortably carry multiple knives in their pockets or tool belt without having to squeeze them.

Length

A nylon knife should ideally be at least 2 inches longer than the width of the target material. If using the knife for general purposes, such as chopping vegetables, a broader tip helps prevent nicks and cuts. However, if cutting fish, a narrower point allows for a clean cut without pulling the filet off the bone.

Most fishermen prefer a knife that’s 4 to 5 inches long since they feel this length offers good control and efficiency. With this in mind, many manufacturers design their knives with a slightly curved tip rather than a straight tip. This curve adds extra grip area, helping the user maintain control regardless of whether they’re gripping the handle with two hands or one.

Sharpness

How well a knife retains its sharpness over time depends largely on its quality and the manufacturing process used to create it. Most reputable brands manufacture their knives using a single source of steel, resulting in consistent performance. However, just because a brand uses high-quality materials doesn’t mean all of their knives will perform similarly. To ensure optimal durability, look for a product with a titanium nitride coating, which prevents oxidation and rusting. Also, check out the tang, or the metal portion of the handle where the blade connects to the handle; a full tang knife has a stronger base than a partial tang knife.

Types Of Nylon Knives

There are many different types of nylon knives on the market, and they come in all shapes and sizes. Before you pull the trigger on your next purchase, make sure you know what you’re getting into.

Tactical knife

A tactical knife is any combat or military utility knife that has been designed specifically for use in situations where there is a high risk of injury or death. Tactical knives have evolved to become some of the most versatile tools available today. They can be used for a variety of purposes including self defense, hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, survival, etc.

The greatest tactical knives are manufactured from materials with a very low carbon content to prevent rusting quickly. Additionally, the edges of these blades have serrations for penetrating materials like animal or human skin. To avoid accidentally stabbing yourself or someone else while performing field operations, the sharpest blades are maintained beneath the bolster (the thick section at the top of the blade).

Fixed blade knife

Any knife that has one or more blades that are “fixed” in place (i.e., have no pivot and are securely, impermanently attached to the handle) is referred to as a fixed blade knife. They essentially act as pocket knives’ antithesis. There are many smaller fixed-blade knives available, but larger EDC/utility knives tend to predominate.

Compared to folding knives, fixed-blade knives tend to be heavier and take up more space due to their bulky construction. However, they’re very user-friendly due to their absence of confusing locking mechanisms. Instead, they rely purely on the strength of the steel to hold the blade securely in place. This makes them ideal for outdoor activities like camping and hunting because they don’t require worry about securing the blade before putting the tool to work.

Multitool

A multitool is a Swiss Army Knife type of device consisting of multiple tools within one compact package. It’s intended to carry the essentials; hence the name multi-tool. There are several varieties of these devices on the market, but the most common ones consist of a small saw, a pry tool, a bolt wrenches, and a set of standard flat blade and Phillips screwdrivers. While technically similar, the term “Swiss Army Knife” is usually reserved for those full tang blades which provide the greatest overall durability and versatility. Most modern day multitools do not utilize a full tang blade anymore since this adds weight and bulk to the design.

Most modern day multitools focus solely on providing basic necessities like opening mail, slicing food, cutting rope or canvas, etc., rather than being true multipurpose tools. Some even include specialty blades like a cork screw driver or a bottle opener. Since these tasks aren’t particularly heavy duty, manufacturers reduce the amount of metal used by removing parts like springs and ball bearing pivots.

How We Chose Our Top Picks

We began by looking for knives that met the requirements of having a fixed blade, being sturdy, and being adaptable. We also took into account the knife’s sharpness, ease of upkeep or cleaning, and any additional features we could require.

For this review guide, we relied on personal experience with dozens of different types of knives over several years. In addition, we reviewed other sources for the best ones we could find. Finally, we read through hundreds of reviews from people who bought these knives, as well as those who used them in training courses. The feedback was very helpful, providing us with invaluable insights into which knives were the most popular overall, as well as among specific groups (such as law enforcement officers).

Frequently Asked Questions About Nylon Knives

What is the most reliable material for a folding knife?

This depends entirely on what you intend to use it for. If you’re looking for something that can withstand high impact and won’t break or bend, then go with something like AUS-8 or DuraSteel.

How thick should my folding knife be?

How many other tools or partner items your blade is attached to will determine the thickness. Keep it thin enough for ordinary utilitarian activities (like opening packages) so it doesn’t get in the way of using other tools, but not so thin that it makes your hand uncomfortable or is likely to pierce the skin. Use something thicker for tasks that require greater precision, such as filing an animal or peeling potatoes.

Are there any disadvantages to using nylon knives?

One of the biggest disadvantages is that they don’t hold an edge for very long. This means that you’ll need to re-sharpen them quite frequently. Also, they aren’t designed for heavy use, so they won’t last forever. Finally, they are not made for outdoor activities; they must instead be kept inside a proper sheath or case.

Is it legal to carry a concealed weapon with a nylon holster?

In almost every state, citizens may legally conceal firearms without restriction. However, local regulations and restrictions do apply. Laws that limit your ability to carry a concealed firearm usually also prohibit you from openly carrying one in public places. Additionally, some states require you to lock up your firearms when they’re not in use, according to the Giffords Law Center. It’s always best to double-check these laws and restrictions before taking off for the range.