The 5 Best Military Combat Knives with Tanto Blades
When lives are on the line, the blade in your hand matters. That’s where the tactical advantage of the tanto blade comes in—a blade style engineered for armor penetration, brute strength, and devastating point control. From ancient samurai swords to modern battlefield tools, the tanto has evolved into a combat-ready shape trusted by professionals. And when those blades are forged by veteran-owned knives brands, you’re not just buying gear—you’re backing real-world experience.
Let’s break down why tanto combat knives matter, and highlight the five best military combat knives with tanto blades that are Made in the USA—with a spotlight on Stroup Knives, a leader in functional American-made and veteran-owned knives.
Why the Tanto Blade Excels in Combat
Unlike traditional drop-point or clip-point blades, the tanto blade features a sharply angled tip, often referred to as a chisel or armor-piercing point. That angular profile:
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Increases tip strength, reducing the chance of breakage during penetration.
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Offers a second point of contact, ideal for cutting through synthetic or hardened materials.
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Enhances combat utility, particularly in military and survival applications.
These characteristics have made tanto blades a go-to for warfighters, tactical operators, and those who rely on their knife as a tool of life or death.
What Defines a True Combat Knife?
Combat isn’t pretty. Your blade must:
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Be full tang for strength
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Use high carbon or tool steel for durability
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Feature aggressive grip geometry
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Work in wet, cold, muddy, and bloody conditions
That’s why the knives on this list are more than showpieces. These are the real-deal, field-tested blades designed to survive combat, not just the showroom.
Why Choose Veteran-Owned Knives?
Here’s the deal: veteran-owned knives are built by those who’ve walked the walk. They’re not guessing at what a soldier needs—they know because they’ve carried one through the suck. Supporting veteran-owned knives doesn’t just mean patriotism—it’s investing in tools built by people who know what it takes.
You’re not paying for marketing hype. You’re paying for battlefield experience, American grit, and real-world craftsmanship.
Made in the USA: Built Better
Every knife featured here is proudly Made in the USA. That means:
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Higher material standards
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No overseas outsourcing
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Accountability and quality control
In a world flooded with cheap imports, Made in the USA knives—especially from veteran-owned knives makers—stand as a beacon of quality and performance.
The 5 Best Military Combat Knives with Tanto Blades
1. Stroup Knives – TU2 Tanto
Blade Length: 5.5”
Steel: 1095 High Carbon
Handle: Micarta
Made by: Stroup Knives, a veteran-owned family business
Why It Ranks: The TU2 by Stroup Knives was engineered for combat. It delivers insane piercing capability thanks to its reinforced tanto tip. The 1095 high-carbon blade is heat-treated in-house for precise durability, and the full tang build ensures zero flex under stress. With grip-sure Micarta scales and a no-nonsense design, this is the combat knife professionals carry when they don’t have time to fail.
Veteran-Owned Knives Factor: 100%. Designed by a former 82nd Airborne paratrooper, this knife was born for the battlefield.
2. KA-BAR Tanto
Blade Length: 8”
Steel: 1095 Cro-Van
Handle: Kraton G
Why It Ranks: A classic turned modern. The KA-BAR Tanto takes the legendary Marine fighting knife and evolves it into a tanto-tipped juggernaut. It offers impressive tip strength and a robust build for field utility. Though not a veteran-owned brand, its roots in military gear run deep.
Veteran-Owned Knives Factor: Low, but its long-standing military history earns it a spot.
3. Stroup Knives – Mini Tanto
Blade Length: 3.75”
Steel: 1095
Handle: Custom Micarta
Purpose: Compact EDC or backup blade
Why It Ranks: Tactical doesn’t always mean oversized. The Mini Tanto from Stroup Knives delivers maximum punch in a compact frame. Whether you’re on recon, low-vis ops, or need a secondary blade, this knife punches well above its weight.
Veteran-Owned Knives Factor: 100%. Field-tested, American-made, and combat-approved.
4. TOPS Knives – Tac Raze 2
Blade Length: 3.125”
Steel: 1095
Handle: G10
Why It Ranks: This folding tanto brings minimalist tactical design to life. With clean G10 scales and a sleek tanto edge, it’s ideal for covert missions, EDC, or backup duty. While TOPS is not veteran-owned, their team includes multiple former military personnel.
Veteran-Owned Knives Factor: Medium. Military experience influences the design, but not fully veteran-owned.
5. Spartan Blades – Alala Tanto
Blade Length: 3.75”
Steel: CPM-S35VN
Handle: G10
Made by: Spartan Blades, veteran-owned
Why It Ranks: Lightweight yet overbuilt, the Alala is an American-made combat tanto built by a veteran-owned knives company. Its ergonomic G10 handle and ultra-corrosion-resistant S35VN steel make it perfect for humid environments and prolonged deployments.
Veteran-Owned Knives Factor: High. Founded by Green Berets and made in North Carolina.
Final Thoughts: Why the Right Blade Matters
A military combat knife isn’t a fashion statement. It’s a tool of war. And when that blade is a tanto, you’re getting specialized penetration, tip control, and brute reliability.
But the blade is only half the story. The hands that forged it matter just as much. Veteran-owned knives aren’t just knives—they’re missions. They’re purpose-built for the fight, and buying one supports the warriors who once carried steel into battle.
Choose wisely. Choose American. Choose veteran-owned knives.