The Best Boot Knives You Would Actually Carry! || We Tried Them All So You Don't Have Too.

The boot knife world is riddled with mis-information and bad knives. We tested out every boot knife out there and found the 4 that you would actually want to carry and that would actually be useful! We carried and extensively tested every boot knife on this list and I have been carrying a boot knife almost every day for 2 years so you know we have some expert insight into what you will actually find useful. Some fixed blades can be used as boot knives but it is pretty hit or miss. If you have found a combination that works well let us know in the comments!
Kershaw Secret Agent: amzn.to/3IVDV2E (affiliate link)
Smith and Wesson SWF606 Boot Knife: amzn.to/3GU5g2R (affiliate link)
Cold Steel Counter TAC 2: amzn.to/3FmiB3L (affiliate link)
CIVIVI Circulus: www.civivi.com/search?type=pr...
0:00 Introducing the Best Boot Knives
0:23 The Kershaw Secret Agent And What Makes A Great Boot Knife
3:54 CIVIVI Circulus The Surprising New Entry
7:09 Smith and Wesson SWF606 Boot Knife Can Double As A Throwing Knife!
9:36 Cold Steel Counter TAC 2 The Best Boot Knife Ever!
Disclaimer:
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@zacinthewild]

We are headed to SHOT Show 2023 make sure you are following the channels for coverage of all the best new stuff! fortwild.com/pages/get-ready-for-shot-show-2023

[@tacothegoldfish]

You inspired me to go back to school and I just joined my local Carpenters union of Detroit. Thanks for being an awesome badass man🤘🏼

[@tacothegoldfish]

I still want that purple kalashnikov though….

[@terrillschneider3778]

Thanks Another fine informative one That’s all I ask

[@enzovincent9898]

70k subscribers congrats dude🎉🎉

[@MrAMSTERDAM902]

@zacinthewild What kind of boots are you wearing?

[@MrBowser2012]

I’ve never considered a boot knife before. My wife thanks you for another totally necessary knife purchase.

[@zacinthewild]

Lol glad to hear I could help!

[@YerBrwnDogAteMyRabit]

Most, if not all knife purchases are totally necessary. Anyone who says otherwise is misinformed.

[@lukeweeks]

ugh me too now 😂

[@edwardmarshall2035]

Every man should carry a knife. Exceptional men should carry multiple. Sounds like your wife is at fault for marrying an exceptional man.

[@YerBrwnDogAteMyRabit]

@@edwardmarshall2035 TIL I'm exceptional, and all it took was an extra knife in my pocket!

[@Don92595]

This video felt like a well written and very detailed explanation on why I need to start wearing a boot knife. Tips, suggestions, pros, cons, everything. Thank you for the awesome video!

[@zacinthewild]

Thanks! Really means a lot🤘

[@samuelmire9389]

Zac, I genuinely love the fact that within the first thirty seconds of the video you got to the point and were already showing us the first knife. I genuinely love you for that.

[@smokey2471]

And still gives 12 minutes of good content Hallelujah

[@quique7764]

I appreciate how you admitted your fascination w/ boot knives stems from your childhood & while I would never carry one I too was in love w/ the idea as a kid.

[@lyleadams4367]

I've been carrying a Gerber MK 1 for over 45 years. I love it.

[@gunfighterzero]

The gerber mark I (and the valor knockoff) was damn near a must have fashion accessory back in the late 70s early 80s. If you were really dedicated you had a custom sheath sewn into your boot

[@Dantick09]

This is the way

[@ericktamberg670]

Some boots came from factory already with a knife sheath. It are standard issue here in Brazil for some EMT/Fire Departments and Highway Patrol units. But, more often, this sheath is used for rescue scissors instead knives.

[@toddellner5283]

leaves all these wannabes, especially the cold steel ripoff, crying

[@bronco1199]

I bought the tac 2, was not very happy when I first held it. BUT when I clipped it to my boot and wore it all day long. In and our the car, lots of walking. No rubbing, didn't even notice it most of the time. Who knew.. I'm a boot knife guy. Thanks Zac, fantastic review.

[@Mo.89.]

I love you Zac 😂 the dedication to carry a boot knife for two years to make such a comprehensive video. I’m gonna try one just because of this!

[@donsmies6926]

Have carried my Kershaw Secret Agent for over 10 years. Great knife!!! Thanks for the confirmation.

[@upsidedownpeon9984]

got me a buck 616 about 2 years ago and I absolutely love it. I go from neck carry and boot carry with it. Absolutely beast of a little knife.

[@MrNoAvail]

The concept of the boot knife as an edc utility is great. Even if it's not the BEST knife, the knife you have is always better than the one you dont.

[@latetodagame1892]

But what if you don't remember?

[@MrNoAvail]

@Late to da Game that you have a boot knife? Or are you asking if you forget to bring it? If the latter then that's why you should have 2 knives in case you forget one. If the former I think you'd remember if you really needed it

[@samuelrichardsonmcgravyber4559]

I have a Ka-Bar TDI LDK laced up right in front of the tongue of my pair of Bates boots. It works very well, and you don’t even know it’s there. Personally I’d rather go with that than putting a knife inside of my boots. If you are looking for a nice little last ditch knife, look at the kabar tdi ltk. It’s also got a really nice point to it. I gave the skeletonized handle a paracord wrapping as well, and it fits great in the hand!

[@kesotone]

Ka-Bar is tried and true

[@Loudest_Cricket_]

That's precisely what I do when I'm wearing lace-up boots, as well. Unfortunately, I prefer cowboy style slip-on boots, so it's a bit of a balancing act as to which I pick for the day. Ain't nothin' like a KA-BAR.

[@MandalorianSuperCommando]

KABAR TDI LDK is definitely the knife to fit most footwear. I’ll wear a boot knife when hiking and for that I usually use a Cold Steel Bird&Game. Small, light, cheap, good sheath, and finger retention hole are big winners in this category. Be aware and be well my friends 💯🦾🤙

[@ThreenaddiesRexMegistus]

The Kershaw Secret Agent looks like a modern version of the old Special Agent which I carried for 30 something years. This had a leather sheath with a reliable dome fastener. Great knife! I now have a Smith & Wesson compact knife that is really unobtrusive.

[@ecz4001]

Thanks for the tips! Never considered a few things you mentioned. That is one thing I love about this channel. Learned a lot on each video.

[@T37912]

Hi Zac, I haven´t watched the entire video yet but I did want to share that back in the 80´s I got a Western brand boot knife with a leather sheeth and I did cary it for a long time in a boot. However, for ease of access I switched the location of the knife to the small of my back (the sheeth inside of my pants) and slightly tilted towards my dominant hand. I still have the knife. I don´t carry it on a daily basis anymore (there´s no more need for it anymore) but I sometimes still stick it there while camping just for old times sake. I love that knife. Now, back to the video. Kind regards Alain

[@blubyu1100]

I carry the Cold Steel spike in spear point. Good general use, takes a good edge, thick enough to clean fish, back up dive knife. I carry on day pack boot carry fair. Thanks for the video. As a knife sharpener always good to see people thinking. StaySharp...Never a dull moment.😊

[@mattd3518]

Love this video! I've been trying to decide on a good boot knife for when I'm out on my motorcycle. I'm planning some longer bike camping trips later this year going down the west coast and to visit friends in the southwest. Usually I just scout carry a Bradford Guardian, but getting that out in leathers while seated is a real bear. Boot carry just seems like the right way to go. Thanks for sharing!

[@arnoldlayne9469]

I really enjoyed the format of this video. Well laid out and in-depth.

[@DylanLey]

Really cool to see you go in-depth for boot knives!

[@ricardorubalcaba155]

Great video once again Zac! I've been thinking about getting a boot knife and so I'm going to give a couple of these knives a shot. Thanks for the content and information.

[@adamhunt5506]

Cool video. I'm not a boot knife guy, but I liked seeing the pros/cons and hearing the thoughts of someone with years of experience.

[@fishbiscuit2000]

My favourite, and well worth a look if you ever come across one, is an original 80s Gerber Guardian Backup with the first series leather sheath. Originally designed by R.W. Loveless, it's very compact, with a flat handle that rides well and a secure low riding leather sheath that fits very comfortably inside a boot top without any top heavy wobble..

[@steel440]

Nice! Thank you. I made the decision long ago to never keep a knive in my boot, but I was thinking of it as a primary defense, NEVER as a secondary EDC. Thank you for changing my mind, though I'm sure I'll hear about it from my wife!

[@johnandrewserranogarcia7223]

Thanks for the video, the civivi circulus might be exactly what I was looking for.

[@MrEnigma1610]

This has me considering getting a boot knife. You the man, sir.

[@Tlomps]

Loved the info. Thanks brotha

[@missourirebel9669]

I have been carrying a Gerber Guardian for decades now love this knife

[@davebrocious6799]

I saw in a couple of your older videos you mentioned the cold steel counter 2. So I bought one and I love the damn thing. Its comfortable, affordable, and fun to just throw around Haha.

[@trumpetreneau]

Thanks for this video, Zac, I’ve been looking for a good boot knife for years!!

[@MrCalicious]

Gerber Guardian was my go-to combat dagger when I was doing direct action. I never considered a boot knife, but I just gave it a shot, and this little guy works great for that too.

[@pauliewalnuts5241]

I really love my Kershaw Secret agent, I also like S&W "descret" boot knife for a very small and low vis carry, and final the S&W HRT3 boot knife.

[@jasonjavelin]

Thanks for making this video! Boot knives have always been really cool to me but I have never bought one. This was super informational

[@johnnyd667]

Not really a boot knife guy since I wear Vans a lot but this is all super useful information. Cold Steel has always been a go to brand for me anyway.

[@savecocodiss6504]

lovw boot knnives so usefull when working in the ranch.

[@Shrike_AFK]

I actually carry the Kershaw with my high vans from time to time. Actually works. The sheath almost touches the sole of the shoe but its still surprisingly wearable.

[@rudeawakening3833]

Great delivery and very informative . Thanks

[@mattodio]

Loving the content, I don't always carry a boot knife but if I do its my SOG Mini Pentagon (shaved down and wrapped the handle), the sheath is a bit bulky though. You sold me on the Tac II, picked one up off the site and cant wait to carry it!

[@DrOctagonaduck2]

The schrade needle is what I currently have. It’s a bit on the small size, but that means you barely notice it in your boot. Good kydex sheath, good handle, nice retention. Really it has it all unless you want a bigger knife.

[@patrickretsel7048]

Awesome…….I have 2 of these and I’ll be checking out the Circulus CIVIVI soon. Thanks

[@curtisheinze3152]

I just started carrying a boot knife a few days ago. I went with the Axial Alpine with an Ulticlip. The clip works great in my boot and has no movement. I am very impressed with the Alpine and Axial as a company. I anticipate great things from them in the future!

[@zacinthewild]

Rad! I love the look and feel of that Alpine. Totally agree that Axial is a company to watch🤘

[@ThebeezkneezReal]

I was hoping to see a video about the counter tac! Super awesome, guess I need one now 🤷‍♂️

[@Townshipfarmer]

I’ve been wearing a s&w hrt every day for the past two years. Im very happy with it.

[@toddglover2054]

Another entertaining and educational video. Well Done! Thanks Zac

[@RJsKnives]

Nice variety of knives! I had a boot knife back in the 80’s, I don’t remember the brand but it fell out of my boot, I didn’t think about using the lace to secure it, anyway the place where I lost it had a bunch of ivy in the yard and when they removed the ivy they found my knife. Of course, it was rusted and all messed up but at least it got back to me!

[@johnovanic9560]

For those people who are not boot knife fans, these knives especially the cold steel is easy to make a paracord shoulder rig for them. I use the system for my cold steel safe Maker 1.

[@iandawson452]

I have a pair of Irish setter boots and the kershaw secret agent and I love it

[@billyspahr808]

I’ve actually been carrying a backup knife in my boot lately as well, and the knives I’ve been using as a boot knife are otfs! So far I’ve been carrying the infidel and it’s been great. Great spot for it in my cowboy boots.

[@bubblesss20]

Great video! Love the quality!

[@glennnewell2786]

Just ordered me a Cold steel counter strike 2 . Thanks for your time

[@mikelo5681]

When I was deployed, my favorite boot knife was the Gerber Guardian. That knife was perfect for me. I sadly lost it, wish it was still in production.

[@missourirebel9669]

I have carried a Gerber guardian, literally for decades I have a couple of spares. I find them at gun shows, and swap shops quite reasonably.

[@MashBill]

@@missourirebel9669 Me too. A great R.W. Loveless design.

[@David8n]

I've got one somewhere. It was a nice little knife but it really really really rattled in the sheath.

[@steellovingyou8673]

Hi Zac. I have never carried a boot knife . I do own a Cold Steel Peace Maker , the smaller one and it came sharp , has a sharp spine is light weight , has a great metal retention clip . I don't know how it is as a boot knife but I think for a all around back up or even primary it's great . I think it's designed as a boot knife . Thanks

[@davidturner9688]

Very well done. Direct and easy to listen to and follow. Kudos brother.

[@TravisVsWorld]

Love your videos Zac! Always excited to see new ones in the subscriptions. I'm not sure if it's just me but the audio is little funky in this one just a heads up! Keep killing it dudes!

[@buffewo6386]

When in the USAF, my favorite was a Cold Steel Culloden. Love the Skean Dubh. Tall boots and taller socks!

[@dennishein2812]

Carried a boot knife for years when I was much younger. I like them.

[@lastzombiehunter]

I didn't know I needed a boot knife until now!

[@OhioConcealed]

Excellent recommendations, thanks for sharing...

[@carmeloramos3736]

Loved it you guys killed it again great video great info.

[@J-Schmidty]

I used to carry the schade old timer boot knife. Admittedly not a good boot knife. Thanks for the list of good ones!

[@TheKnifeJunkie]

The Counter Tac II makes an incredible forget-until-you-need neck knife. I can’t wait to try it in my boot. Great video!

[@zacinthewild]

Totally agree!

[@homeofinventions]

Vids like these are good. Thanks.

[@maybefrank8345]

Hey nice video. Appreciate the practical info on a cool subject

[@drewc8065]

I was always interested in a boot knife but have never owned one. I can now make a purchase with confidence. Thanks for making this video.

[@zacinthewild]

Glad it was helpful!

[@knifetrain3118]

I have had my eye on that Civivi now I have an excuse to get one!

[@sbaunbooth1932]

Thank you for making this video!!!

[@MU-oi1su]

The Secret Agent is fire. I haven't tried it on a boot, but on the wasteland it fits nicely.

[@stuartowens3506]

I’m a contractor and my EDC pocket knife is a…wait for it…a good folding utility knife LOL. I use it constantly, every day. And while it’s not a defensive knife, it CAN be. That being said, I also carry a S&W fixed blade in my boot. Great video!

[@Tri_Nitro]

I got the Counter TAC 2 simply because I wanted a dagger. My boots aren't any good for boot carry, but for carrying under armpit or appendix on a stiff belt its size and sheath are amazing. It might not be the best at straight cuts, but it's a fast, nifty little blade. That tip loves to dig into anything, your hands included if you're not careful.

[@zacinthewild]

Very true in the blade profile. It makes a great neck knife too!

[@roostermasa0956]

Awsome video I started to carry the Kershaw secret agent

[@j00nil]

just ordered a Tac 2 for my next mall ninja tacticool adventure. seriously tho, at the price an easy purchase even if it never leaves garage or trail pack duty. thanks Zac!

[@davidgoud2012]

Very well done review. Thank you and bravo.

[@brianoyster9019]

Thanks for the info bud. I've always wanted a good boot knife. I bought some cheapies on amazon that sucked. I'm gonna look into gettin one of your suggestions! thanks

[@joserodriguez4458]

Man you’re good at making me buy knives. Just one video and I already have 3 knives in the cart

[@MikeB-zl1fe]

Nice video! Informative, kept moving and "to the point".

[@flavoredvelcro]

i have personally been using the gerber basic drop point as a boot knife for around a year, works great for me.

[@Miklooo774]

I've been waiting for a boot knife video 🙏🔥

[@zacinthewild]

My man!👊

[@legalizemutualcombat9678]

Love this! Just need some boots first 👍🏽

[@johnsanford3596]

That S&W looks like a really good candidate for skeletonizing the tang and scales. That may solve the top heaviness as well as simply making it lighter.

[@harrybrockhoff8823]

Smith and session HRT is my go to. All the advantages of the one you mentioned, same sheath, but much less handle heavy. Plus very budget friendly

[@sethklikesguns]

The hrt sucks, I stabbed some wood with it a couple tunes and the tip broke off.

[@donrichter3523]

WTF are you doing stabbing wood?!? Unless you think you will be attacked by Treebeard….🙄. This is a weapon, not a general purpose edc. Used as intended, it’s fine.

[@1980Baldeagle]

My daughter carries one in her Justin's. Can't beat it. Won't cry if you loose it.

[@croatialives]

Great video as usual cant wait to see whats next

[@danielwendell542]

Funny that you have the Izula in the "fixed blade you just toss in your boot", it's one of the knives, along with the Toor Serpent, that I settled on for appendix carry after just tossing knives in and seeing what "stuck."

[@Pizzaxbandit]

I have an older counter tac in the vg steel cold steel used to use. Love the lil thing

[@OnTheRiver66]

Good review. One major consideration is whether the plastic sheath contains glass fibers. Glass fibers in the plastic will dull the edge when you sheath and unsheath the knife. CRKT started using glass fibers a few years ago and Cold Steel has followed more recently. Mora and Glock do not use glass fiber in their sheaths and never have, so their sheaths do not damage the edges of the blade. Have you found you need to resharpen your boot knife when you drew it from your sheath?

[@flaco5581]

Might be a niche for Ben to design a good utility boot knife. If I reach for a self defense tool in my boot it would probably be a .38.

[@charlessalmond7076]

Galco ankle glove is a great rig. (S&W 640)

[@flaco5581]

@@charlessalmond7076 440. Lol

[@Hammer1978]

I carry a knife cause it doesn't draw attention

[@StuffyMc]

​@@Hammer1978 That's what concealed carry is for.

[@charlessalmond7076]

@@flaco5581 nice. My 640 in .357mag was my fathers. Its a great gun.

[@johndilday1846]

I don’t carry boot knives as such, but have carried fixed blade knives as EDC on my belt. I like the Muela Colibri, as it is very useful despite being very small. I also have carried the Esee Xancudo, the Esee 3, Lionsteel M1 and M4, the Benchmade Protagonist, and the RMJ tactical UCAP. Lately I’ve been carrying a Benchmade fixed blade Griptilian in a custom Kydex sheath. My favorite of all time has to be the little Muela Colibri. It is so useful. I just used the factory leather sheath and made a paracord loop along with a small carabiner to snap it onto my belt loop. I let it dangle, and if I go somewhere where it might be frowned upon, I can tuck it into the front pocket of my jeans with it being obtrusive and don’t have to remove it from the belt loop. Looking forward to your future EDC fixed blade episodes.

[@thommysides4616]

My army boot use to hold a boot knife while I was a soldier in Desert Storm. Sure I had my machine gun, but I wanted that extra edge in case things ever got down and dirty. Thank God I never had to use it! With crime the way it is now.... I decided to buy a couple of boot knives and carry one in each boot. You never can be too careful in your old age.... lol.

[@jasonscott6906]

Great video Zac and Jamie!! I can’t wait to see your shot show footage. I’m gonna have to try boot knife in my work boots.

[@zacinthewild]

We are stoked for SHOT Show!

[@LordDemonos]

I came here because I've been eyeing a Circulus but that Secret Agent is pretty darn sexy too. Thanks for the video!

[@garywaters1824]

I love my K-Bar boot knife have had and used at least 20 years.

[@chickenfoot713]

Niiice been waiting for this video!!!

[@maxlvledc]

I'd rather focus on carrying an ankle medical kit..lots of other places to fit a fixed blade I've found. Most of my favorites involve a loop of paracord.

[@zacinthewild]

Great alternative for sure! I’ve tried in the past and it always feels bulky. Any suggestions?

[@douglasfromalberta2456]

You should check out the Ka-bar drop forged fixed blade. I just picked one up and after putting a 20 degree angle on the blade it’s become a great back up to my Hogue deka v2. The drop forged ka-bar also has a crescent wrench look to it.

[@sentrikegaming6117]

I love to wear boots a lot, I also love knives, this is perfect !

[@mythrol]

This video was great for showing me I don't want to carry a boot knife. Thanks.

[@joeyoung3319]

I'm a big fan of the concept, I just don't have it in my EDC at this time. I have the Counter-Tac 1, so adding little brother sounds very appealing to me. I'll give it a try.

[@samaelmartinus3273]

I got the tac 1 cause of this video thx!

[@Harleywindtherapy]

Lots of great info, sir - enjoyed it! 2005...2006 I was one of the early folks to get a HAK (Hide away knife) when Artemis first come to the forums. I put it iny dog chain which has been around my neck since 18 and I joined the Army. I use the HAK a LOT and it shows it. It's been sharpened a zillion times and every scratch tells a story. Not a boot knife, but while I have tried over the years to carry a fixed blade in a lot of places on me... around my neck on that chain with my dog tags is about the only place I found that it didn't get taken off. Thanks again for the great content - its below freezing here today so I'm not riding the Harley or paddling...but hey, that leaves YT and knives to watch vids about!

[@zacinthewild]

Love it! Stay warm🤘

[@nwjavahead]

Thanks for doing this after you asked last time. I really appreciate it.

[@zacinthewild]

Yeah man! Glad you are digging it👊

[@Mortalcoil100]

Great video. What about a fixed-blade inside-the-waistband (IWB) knife suggestions?