By Dan Kidder
Managing Editor

Having a great tool is important whether you are on the trail, on the hunt, around camp, or moving around in the hustle-bustle world. To ensure you always have the right tool, 5.11 Tactical has created a series of knives to meet your every need.

The Tanto Surge is nearly 5 inches of AUS 8 steel with a tanto point. It features G-10 handles, full tang construction, and comes in a polymer sheath complete with MOLLE or belt attachment. The blade, as with all of the 5.11 knives we tested, was designed by famed custom knife maker Mike Vellekamp and Bladetech. This knife feels great in the hand, is ideally balanced, and carries an edge like no body’s business.

For those who like to have a backup knife without showing the world what they are carrying, the Side Kick offers multiple carrying options in out of the way places. This small straight-blade can be worn around the neck with a ball chain, or attached with its included hook and loop strap to your boot. It features a finger hole for a sure grip and a half serrated blade for increased cutting power.

For folders, 5.11 Tactical has created Scout series of knives. The Scout, comes in spear point or tanto blade, and measures in at 3.5 inches of steel. The Scout’s little brother, the Alpha Scout, is a 3-inch blade in either spear or tanto configurations. These knives feature a thumb hole in the blade for rapid one-handed deployment. They also have a strong, yet easy to use liner lock. All of the knives feature a black oxide coating to reduce glare and protect the blade from the elements and daily use. The G10 scales provide a comfortable and sure grip for everyday use.

The feature I most appreciated on the Scout series was the ability to configure the pocket clip in 4 various positions to suit the user’s daily needs. The clip is easily moves with the included star drive wrench to one of four positions creating a multitude of carrying options.

For the money, AUS 8 steel is about the best choice for a dependable daily use blade. It mixes the right blend of strength and softness to hold a good working edge on a knife. There are better steels available for a much higher price, but for a workingman’s knife my choice will always be AUS 8; at least until a better cost effective solution is developed. These knives will take a super sharp edge and hold it even after multiple uses.

The design of these knives is first rate, the price is tailored for those who need a great tool without breaking the bank, and they just plain look cool open or closed.  As with most things made by 5.11 Tactical, these knives get my highest recommendation for being the right quality at the right price and would be an asset for everything from the hunting camp to the business suit. I even give them to my female defensive tactics students for everyday carry. They are that good and that practical.