If you’ve ever considered carrying a tactical knife on you it is something that may deserve a second thought. It’s an everyday tool that fits in your pocket while providing the security of having a self-defense weapon should a compromising situation arise. Plus, you can add a little extra manliness to every day tasks such as opening a letter. Whether your knife is for practical uses or more extreme circumstances, there are several aspects of a knife you can assess when selecting the right one.

First, it is very important to select a knife that has a partially serrated blade. This gives you the best of both worlds. A non-serrated edge is great for every day tasks such as opening boxes or cutting a string. The serrated edge is necessary for those more difficult situations that may require the added manpower.

Second, it is also important that the blade is between 3 and 4.5 inches in length. This is the optimal balance between size and utility. Any shorter and the blade will be limited in functionality. Any longer, you will be tempted to leave the knife at home because it is a bit too bulky for daily pocket carry.

These are just two factors you should consider when selecting a tactical knife. For a more detailed and in-depth information, check out the infographic below, created by Knife Hog. I found it informative and helpful, hopefully you will too!