A tactical knife is also called a survival knife, which means a knife made for the purpose of surviving in a wilderness environment, usually only used in emergency situations, ie if the user has lost most of his main equipment. Several tactical knives were used by pilots when their aircraft might be shot down.

These survival knives can be used to trap, cut, skin wood, protect themselves and for other uses. Hunters, pedestrians, or outdoor sports enthusiasts usually use these knives to survive under certain conditions. Some tactical knives are usually heavy, bladed and thick.
Tactical knives are usually made from materials that are strong and not easily corroded.