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- Its specifications and a detailed description of the knife;
- What makes it unique compared to other knives we found on the market;
- Its most impressive features and the very few complaints we have about it;
- How it fared against other brands in terms of the metrics; and
- Lots more…
KA-BAR TDI Review
Table Of Contents
Table of Contents
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Top Pick Award
KA-BAR TDI
- Manufacturer: Karambit
- Blade Style: Plain edge (also available in serrated edge)
- Blade Length: 2.3 inches
- Weight: 3.2 ounces
- Handle Material: Zytel handle
- Style: Fixed-blade knife
Bottom Line: A fixed blade knife that’s smaller and lighter than most is designed to be highly concealable and used as a “last option” weapon, especially for law enforcement officers.
Pros
- Designed to be highly concealable
- The sheath and sheath clip are very tight
- Very handy and light
- Made with law enforcement officer needs in mind
- The nice curved design and 15-degree angle makes for a safe stainless steel blade knife for self-defense
- Fast delivery
Cons
- The screws are too small
- Some users have trouble with the clip attached to a belt holster
From the famous knife industry brand, KA-BAR comes with an excellent fighting knife that’s small, light, and easy to conceal.
Because of its size and shape, it won’t be the best tactical knife or survival knife. And that’s alright…
Because…
The KA-BAR TDI law enforcement knife was designed as a “last resort” weapon. Meaning, when all else fails, you pull this out and fight danger off.
That should surprise your attacker, who probably thinks they have the upper hand.
This knife’s overall length is 5.6 inches, while the blade length is 2.3 inches. It weighs only 3.2 ounces. So, as you may have guessed, it’s a very compact knife designed for concealed carry.
But why is it our Top Pick?
It may be small, but its features are all functional and contribute to the knife’s intended purpose.
The KA-BAR TDI has a drop point blade attached to a Zytel handle shaped with a 15-degree angle curve. This design allows for a strong and secure grip angle that will improve your agility and the effectiveness of your attack.
Also…
The KA-BAR TDI sheath is a very sturdy one – with a super tight belt clip to keep you from losing your knife while carrying it.
Just don’t clip it on belt straps or holsters. The knife tends to cling loosely on those.
But you can clip it to your pocket, duty belt, or tactical vest. Whatever is most comfortable for you, you can be sure of its tight grip.
Not to mention…
They didn’t forget to include the other important knife qualities that KA-BAR knives are known for.
The KA-BAR TDI law enforcement knife sports a sharp blade that doesn’t rust, chip off, or dull out quickly. And its overall make is very sturdy and durable.
In fact…
The only problem we found about it is that the knife’s screws are a bit too small. If it needs repairs, you won’t easily find screwdrivers or replacement screws that fit it.
But that’s only a minor inconvenience since this knife won’t need a lot of alterations or repairs for a long time.
On top of that…
It’s one of the most affordable Tactical Defense Institute knives we’ve seen on the market – compared to the usual price of their other products.
So with this knife, you can fight off your attacker without worrying about your life and your wallet!
Our Analysis. Comparisons & Test Results
Value For Money
If I saw a knife of the same features and quality as this KA-BAR product, I’d guess a much higher price than we paid for.
It may not look like much…
This knife belongs to the smaller TDI models with an overall length of only 5.6 inches. And take note – its blade is 2.3 inches.
This whole package adds only 3.2 ounces to your belt or wherever you might carry it. That weighs next to nothing.
Still…
It functions just as well as the more expensive and bigger knives.
There’s durability and sturdiness in the blade, handle, and sheath. And its overall design and features are competent too.
So this knife proves that there’s no need to spend too much to defend yourself when the situation arises.
SPYDERCO MATRIARCH 2
FOX KNIVES FOLDING KARAMBIT
Spyderco Yojimbo 2 Pocket Knife
KA-BAR TDI
SOG SEAL Pup Elite Fixed Blade Knife with Sheath
Clever Girl Straight Edge Knife
Spyderco Harpy Single Blade
Benchmade Turret 980 EDC
Fox Knives G10 Karambit with Emerson Wave
Cold Steel Black Talon 2
Blade Quality
The KA-BAR TDI knife’s blade is stainless steel and has a drop point design. You can choose between smooth and serrated edges.
For this review, we tried the smooth-edged model.
And what did we find out?
Right from the box, this knife is so sharp – both edge and tip – that we didn’t have to hone it initially. We went straight to cutting, and it did its job excellently.
There were a few scratches after several uses. But it didn’t get any major damages like chipping off or bluntness.
Thankfully…
None of us had the chance to try defending ourselves with it – yet.
But we took turns carrying this out backpacking and camping. Because it’s small but terrible, it’s also great for delicate tasks. And even after exposure to the elements, it didn’t rust easily.
So there’s no doubt that this tool would have a high score in this particular metric.
SPYDERCO MATRIARCH 2
SOG SEAL Pup Elite Fixed Blade Knife with Sheath
FOX KNIVES FOLDING KARAMBIT
Spyderco Harpy Single Blade
Fox Knives G10 Karambit with Emerson Wave
Spyderco Yojimbo 2 Pocket Knife
Clever Girl Straight Edge Knife
Cold Steel Black Talon 2
Benchmade Turret 980 EDC
KA-BAR TDI
Features
If we haven’t mentioned it before – the KA-BAR TDI knife is our Top Pick. And it’s because, for such a small package, it has so much to offer.
And the most impressive…
Is how everything about this knife – from shape to size to features – is purposefully done to make it an efficient weapon.
The blade’s design is unique.
Because of its drop point shape, it curves following the direction of the handle. This makes the knife easier to wield. Consequently, it makes your move even more agile, fast, and forceful.
Plus…
The handle has a hollow for your forefinger, so your grip will be more secure. You can grab it and hold it like a small gun or a pistol. And it won’t fall off while you’re striking the enemy.
Lastly…
The belt clip is so tight that you won’t lose it even in the heat of the fight. You can carry it in the most comfortable way worry-free.
And of course, it didn’t forget the timeless features that a knife should have – the sharp blades, comfortable handle, and sturdy overall build.
SPYDERCO MATRIARCH 2
KA-BAR TDI
FOX KNIVES FOLDING KARAMBIT
SOG SEAL Pup Elite Fixed Blade Knife with Sheath
Spyderco Yojimbo 2 Pocket Knife
Clever Girl Straight Edge Knife
Cold Steel Black Talon 2
Spyderco Harpy Single Blade
Benchmade Turret 980 EDC
Fox Knives G10 Karambit with Emerson Wave
Handle Quality
Don’t you just hate it when you’re fighting off a wild animal – or worse – and your knife handle breaks under your grip?
That’s a major inconvenience. But…
Good thing…
You don’t have to worry about that with the KA-BAR TDI knife!
Its Zytel handle is a combination of durability and comfort. The material’s finish and its 15-degree curve allow friction and an excellent grip angle to secure the knife in your hand.
Rest assured…
You can rely on the KA-BAR TDI knife. It won’t leave you alone undefended.
SPYDERCO MATRIARCH 2
FOX KNIVES FOLDING KARAMBIT
Benchmade Turret 980 EDC
Clever Girl Straight Edge Knife
Fox Knives G10 Karambit with Emerson Wave
Spyderco Yojimbo 2 Pocket Knife
KA-BAR TDI
SOG SEAL Pup Elite Fixed Blade Knife with Sheath
Cold Steel Black Talon 2
Spyderco Harpy Single Blade
Safety
When it comes to knives, safety is a coin with two sides. The first one is your safety from attackers. And the second one is your safety from the knife itself.
The KA-BAR TDI won’t fail you in both!
Its blade tip and handle are all reliable. They won’t break or leave you unguarded in the time of your need.
And when you carry it around, just lying dormant but at the ready, it’s not going to hurt you.
Why so?
Because you can rely on its sheath too!
It’s meant to be worn close to your body. And that may pose a few dangers like accidentally sliding out and cutting you.
But that’s not a problem with this knife because it’s fitted safe and snug in the sheath and clipped tightly to your belt.
SPYDERCO MATRIARCH 2
FOX KNIVES FOLDING KARAMBIT
KA-BAR TDI
Clever Girl Straight Edge Knife
Cold Steel Black Talon 2
Fox Knives G10 Karambit with Emerson Wave
Spyderco Yojimbo 2 Pocket Knife
SOG SEAL Pup Elite Fixed Blade Knife with Sheath
Spyderco Harpy Single Blade
Benchmade Turret 980 EDC
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Q - Will the sheath clip on a pocket?
A - Yes, the sheath has a pocket clip.
Q - Is this gen 2?
A - Yes, this knife is a Gen 2.
Q - Is this knife a single or doubled edge?
A - This is a single-edged knife.
Q - Is this the sheath with the clip?
A - Yes, the sheath has a clip.
Our Final Verdict: KA-BAR TDI
With its efficient, functional, and unique curved design – the KA-BAR TDI knife is easily our Top Pick! It’s not every time we see such a durable, sharp, and affordable self-defense tool.
Its secure and angled grip will add force to your every move while you’re fighting for your life. So you can rely on this knife to keep you safe!
Final Verdict CHART:
SPYDERCO MATRIARCH 2
FOX KNIVES FOLDING KARAMBIT
Spyderco Yojimbo 2 Pocket Knife
Fox Knives G10 Karambit with Emerson Wave
Spyderco Harpy Single Blade
KA-BAR TDI
SOG SEAL Pup Elite Fixed Blade Knife with Sheath
Clever Girl Straight Edge Knife
Benchmade Turret 980 EDC
Cold Steel Black Talon 2
Conclusion: Best Self Defense Knives
Even if fighting isn’t your scene, at some point, you’ll need more than just a utility knife in your bag. The danger is real, and you need a weapon to defend yourself.
The question is – are you going to choose our Top Pick KA-BAR TDI?
If you don’t mind that it’s hard to find replacement screws for it if it doesn’t live up to your standards, then this is the perfect one for you.
It’s durable, sturdy, tough, and sharp. It clings tight to your shirt, pocket, belt, or vest – just not the straps. And most of all, it’s super easy to conceal.
And to add sugar on top…
The KA-BAR TDI law enforcement knife is going to look amazing on your duty belt!
Your opponent won’t even realize what’s coming!
RELATED: Best Self-Defense Knife (Definitive Review)
Other Versions:
If you’re looking for a larger version of this knife, you don’t have to look further. KA-BAR hears you!
The KA-BAR 2491 TDI Pocket Strike is a full-tang, fixed-blade knife of the same quality – only bigger. And if you want a more compact tool, the TDI Folder is also available.
Don’t go just yet!
You might prefer the more uniquely designed TDI models.
There’s the Ladyfinger with its thin and long handle for more speedy strikes. The Last Ditch Knife has a sharper angle and tip than any TDIs. And then there’s Tanto Point – another bigger one with a Tanto tip.
There’s a lot to choose from, so dig in!
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About Author
Bug Out Bill is an adventurer and survivor through and through. From the time he was just a little boy (Bug Out Willie) running and jumping through the backwoods of the rocky mountains in Colorado, to the man he is today. Backpacking through South America, scaling two 26,000+ ft peaks, sailing across the Mediterranean, surviving a near death 50 foot fall with very little food while waiting 6 days to be rescued in the wilderness, and everything in between. No wonder he wants to Bug Out, hahaha. BO Bill is truly a passionate outdoorsman when it comes to living life to the fullest with no boundaries. The way we were meant to live and survive. He shares that passion here with you in his writing and sharing. We hope you enjoy your stay at the Bug Out Bill website. . Now Bug Out!
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