A Guide to Custom Boot Knives

Author: Aleks (Noblie Collectibles: https://noblie.eu)

A boot knife, often personalized as a custom knife, is synonymous with combat knives since they were mainly carried for self-defense. These knives are still widely used for combat and other outdoor purposes where the user might have to perform cutting and slashing actions. With that said, many people aren't sure if a boot knife, especially a custom one tailored for their specific use, is a good option for them. While a common form of knife, there is still a lot of confusion among people regarding these combat blades.

If you are looking for a knife for combat, hunting, and other utility applications, you should consider a boot knife, possibly even delving into custom knives for a more personalized touch. However, to ensure that you pick the right blade, you have to learn everything about it. There are various aspects of a boot knife, including the option for custom knives, that you should be aware of before deciding if it's a good fit for you or not. We have created this detailed guide about boot knives to help you figure out whether it's the right option for you or not. By the end of this article, you should be able to tell if you should invest in a boot knife or not, so read on.

History of the Boot Knife

As mentioned earlier, boot knives have been historically used by militaries for combat applications. However, some sources claim that these blades were developed by Shepherds in Spain during the 14th century as companion knives to be used alongside larger knives.

Their development for military purposes dates back to the 1775 American Revolutionary War, when soldiers used available materials to create double-edged blades to be carried in their boots for easy concealment. The military origins of the boot knives seem more probable as they are still being widely used as concealed self-defense knives by modern militaries.

While the design of the boot knife has been refined over time, the carrying method remains similar to the original blades, with the addition of buckles and ankle straps. While their use was limited to military personnel in the initial days, nowadays, you can find them being used by law enforcement and even everyday citizens. Those who spend time mastering boot knives can turn this blade into a formidable self-defense weapon. But what the history of this blade shows is that it was meant to be carried as a secondary knife as opposed to a primary one.

Is it legal to conceal carry a boot knife?

Boot knives are small compared to most other types of knives, and they don't necessarily fall in the prohibited knife category. With that said, some states in the US may prohibit carrying a boot knife when fully concealed. An example of a US state that prohibits carrying a concealed knife is Los Angeles. If your boot knife is hidden on the inside of the boot, it would count as an illegal carry. In addition, if your boot knife has a blade longer than 4 inches, you can't legally carry it in New York City. So, it is essential to ensure that you consider the blade size restrictions in your jurisdiction before buying a boot knife. It is best to check in with your local laws related to knives to make sure you are allowed to carry a boot knife or not.

Materials used for making boot knives

Boot knives are almost always made of stainless steel, with some exceptions. Apart from stainless steel, you may also find knives made from Delrin acetal resin and nylon. However, steel alloys, particularly VG-10, offer the corrosion resistance and ample toughness required for self-defense and utility applications. The handles of a boot knife can be made out of a variety of materials. While some boot knives have handles made of wood, the more premium knives have leather handles. Leather offers excellent grip; however, it can be challenging to maintain a leather handle knife, especially under wet and humid conditions. An alternative to natural handle materials is boot knives with aluminum handles. When combined with a suitable steel alloy and aluminum handle, boot knives can withstand harsh conditions. That said, aluminum handles don't hold well when faced with high wear and tear. Therefore, it is important to put careful consideration into picking the right combination of handle and blade material for optimal usage.

Who can benefit from a boot knife?

A boot knife's uses aren't just limited to combat, there are a lot of trades that can benefit from these knives. Without further ado, here are some applications of boot knives that you should know about:

Survivalists: When you are in a survival situation, it is nice to have an extra knife on you as a backup. Survivalists carry boot knives to ensure they have a spare blade in case they lose their main one.

Hunters and anglers: When hunting in a remote location, you need one knife to cut branches, prep the camping site, and other utility purposes.

The secondary boot knife can be kept reserved for skinning animals and cleaning fish. A secondary boot knife for a dedicated purpose can offer convenience during your hunting trip.

Military and law enforcement: Designed for combat, it is no surprise that boot knives are widely used by military and law enforcement personnel. Some branches of the military have boot knives as standard issue.

Similarly, police officers keep a boot knife as a line of defense if they find themselves in a hand-to-hand combat situation. Unlike a folding knife, a boot knife is ready when you pull it out of the sheath. This saves valuable time in life-and-death situations that are common for both military and law enforcement.

Bike messengers: Since bike messengers and postal carriers often need to open packages, they can benefit from having a boot knife that they can access easily without getting off the bike.

Not to mention a boot knife also serves as a line of defense for postmen in case of an attack by a person or animal.

Conclusion

To sum it all up, a boot knife is a reliable self-defense tool that anyone can carry as long as it's not prohibited by law. The element of surprise that this knife has to offer makes it an excellent combat knife since the opponents don't expect a knife to be hidden away inside the boot.

If you were planning on buying a boot knife, it is an excellent investment if you want to learn self-defense. And now that you know more about a boot knife, you can decide whether it's a good choice for you or not.