Tactical Gear, Knife, and Training Knives Definitions

Posted by TrainingKnives.com on Jul 2nd 2024

Tactical Gear, Knife, and Training Knives Definitions

Here are some definitions you may stumble across on our website:

  • Alert Status: The level of readiness or awareness maintained by individuals or teams in anticipation of potential threats or emergencies.
  • Anodization: An electrochemical process used to add color and corrosion resistance to metal surfaces, often applied to knife handles.
  • Assisted Opening: Knives with a mechanism that assists in opening the blade quickly with one hand, typically via a spring or flipper.
  • Ammunition Pouch: A container or pouch designed to hold ammunition magazines or rounds for easy access during tactical operations.
  • Ballistic Helmet: Protective headgear designed to resist ballistic impact, commonly worn by military and law enforcement personnel.
  • Ballistic Protection: Resistance provided by armor or gear against projectiles such as bullets, enhancing personal safety in combat or dangerous situations.
  • Balisong: Also known as a butterfly knife, characterized by two handles that rotate around the blade, often used in martial arts and flipping tricks.
  • Boning Knife: A kitchen knife with a thin, flexible blade used for removing bones from meat and poultry.
  • Camouflage: Patterned fabric or gear designed to blend into the surrounding environment, used for concealment and reducing visibility.
  • Carbon Fiber: Lightweight and durable material used in knife handles to provide strength and rigidity.
  • Chef's Knife: Versatile kitchen knife with a broad blade used for chopping, slicing, and mincing various ingredients.
  • Chisel Grind: A blade grind where only one side is ground and sharpened, typically used for woodworking and some utility knives.
  • Cover and Concealment: Tactical use of objects (cover) for protection from enemy fire and hiding (concealment) to avoid detection.
  • Dagger: A double-edged blade designed primarily for thrusting and stabbing.
  • Drop Point: Blade style where the spine of the blade curves downward towards the point, suitable for general-purpose cutting and hunting.
  • Diamond Stone: Sharpening stone with a surface embedded with diamond particles, used for coarse sharpening of knife blades.
  • Duty Belt: Belt worn by law enforcement officers and military personnel to carry equipment such as firearms, handcuffs, and batons.
  • Edge Angle: The angle formed between the blade edge and the knife's spine, influencing cutting performance and sharpness.
  • Emergency Response: Immediate action taken by trained personnel in response to accidents, disasters, or critical incidents to mitigate harm and save lives.
  • Emerson Wave: A patented feature on folding knives designed by Ernest Emerson, consisting of a small protrusion on the spine of the blade. When drawing the knife from a pocket, the protrusion catches on the edge of the pocket, automatically opening the blade as the knife is removed. This feature allows for quick deployment of the knife with one-handed operation, enhancing its utility as a self-defense tool and improving response time in tactical situations. The Emerson Wave is particularly favored by military and law enforcement personnel for its rapid deployment capability.
  • Eyewear: Protective glasses or goggles worn to shield the eyes from debris, impact, and environmental hazards during tactical operations.
  • Fillet Knife: Thin-bladed knife used for filleting fish and trimming meats, designed to make precise cuts along bones and joints.
  • Fixed Blade: A knife with a non-folding blade that extends into a handle, known for durability and strength in tactical and outdoor applications.
  • Flashlight: Portable light source used for illumination in low-light or dark conditions, essential for tactical operations and nighttime activities.
  • Firearm Safety: Principles and practices for safe handling, storage, and use of firearms to prevent accidents and injuries.
  • Full Tang: A knife construction where the blade extends fully through the handle, providing maximum strength and durability.
  • Ghillie Suit: Camouflage clothing designed to resemble foliage and break up the outline of the wearer, providing effective concealment in natural environments.
  • Grind: The shape of the blade's cross-section, such as hollow grind, flat grind, or convex grind, affecting cutting performance and blade strength.
  • Gut Hook: A specialized blade feature with a sharpened hook on the spine, used for field dressing game animals.
  • G10: High-pressure fiberglass laminate used in knife handles for its durability, lightweight properties, and excellent grip, even when wet.
  • Hawkbill: Blade shape with a concave cutting edge resembling a bird's beak, designed for slicing and pulling cuts in tactical and utility knives.
  • Holster: Device or pouch used to carry and secure a firearm on a person's body, providing quick access while keeping the weapon safely holstered.
  • Hollow Grind: A blade grind characterized by a concave, inward-curved cutting edge, known for its sharpness and slicing efficiency.
  • Honing Steel: Rod used to realign and maintain the edge of a knife blade between sharpening sessions, enhancing cutting performance and edge longevity.
  • Incident Command: Organized structure and system used to manage emergencies and critical incidents, ensuring effective coordination and response.
  • Inlay: Decorative material set into the handle of a knife or firearm for aesthetic enhancement and customization.
  • IR Patch: Infrared reflective patch worn for identification under night vision devices, enhancing recognition and visibility during low-light operations.
  • Japanese Kitchen Knives: Traditional knives crafted in Japan known for their craftsmanship, sharpness, and specialized designs like Santoku and Deba.
  • Jimped Spine: Notches or grooves on the spine of a knife blade, providing grip and control for the thumb during precise cutting tasks.
  • Jimping: Small notches or grooves on the spine of a blade or handle for improved grip and control during precise cutting tasks or tactical operations.
  • Jacket: Outer garment worn for protection against weather and environmental elements during outdoor activities and tactical missions.
  • Karambit: Curved blade knife resembling a claw, originally from Southeast Asia, used in martial arts and self-defense for slashing and hooking maneuvers.
  • Kill Zone: Area designated for engagement or attack during tactical operations, focusing on incapacitating or neutralizing threats effectively.
  • Knife: A cutting tool consisting of a blade with a sharp edge, usually attached to a handle. Knives are used for various purposes, including cooking, hunting, self-defense, and utility tasks.
  • Knife Block: Storage device for organizing and safely storing kitchen knives, usually made of wood or acrylic with slots for different types of knives.
  • Knee Pads: Protective gear worn over the knees to cushion impacts, reduce strain, and prevent injuries during kneeling or crawling movements.
  • Laser Sight: Device attached to a firearm to emit a visible or infrared laser beam for precise aiming and targeting, enhancing accuracy in low-light or fast-paced situations.
  • Liner Lock: Mechanism that secures the blade open via a side spring bar, commonly found in folding knives for reliable blade locking and safety.
  • Lockback: A type of folding knife mechanism where a spine lock releases the blade for closing, offering secure locking when opened.
  • Machete: A large, heavy knife used for clearing vegetation, chopping, and survival tasks in outdoor environments.
  • Martensitic Steel: Hardened steel used in knife blades for its strength, durability, and ability to hold a sharp edge even under challenging conditions.
  • MOLLE System: Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment system featuring webbing and straps for attaching gear, commonly used on tactical vests and packs for customization and versatility.
  • Micarta: Composite material used in knife handles for its durability, water resistance, and excellent grip, made from layers of fabric or paper bonded with resin.
  • Night Vision Goggles: Optical devices that amplify available light to improve vision in low-light conditions, crucial for surveillance, navigation, and tactical operations.
  • Nylon Sheath: Sheath made from nylon fabric, lightweight and durable, used for safely carrying and storing knives, especially in outdoor and tactical environments.
  • Non-Slip Handle: Knife handle designed with textured or ergonomic materials to provide a secure grip and prevent slipping, ensuring safety and control during use.
  • Operations Center: Command and control facility used for managing and coordinating tactical operations, communications, and decision-making during critical incidents.
  • OD Green: Olive Drab Green, a common color used in military and tactical gear for camouflage, blending into natural surroundings, and tactical uniformity.
  • Oxidation: Surface discoloration or rusting of metal, including knife blades, caused by exposure to moisture, air, or chemicals, requiring maintenance and protection.
  • Paracord Wrapped Handle: Handle wrapped with paracord for grip, emergency cordage, and survival use.
  • Pocket Clip: A metal clip attached to a knife handle for securing it inside a pocket or on clothing, providing easy access and retention.
  • Pommel: Butt end of a knife handle, often designed for striking or hammering tasks, enhancing versatility and functionality in tactical and survival knives.
  • Plate Carrier: Tactical vest designed to hold ballistic plates for protection against projectiles and provide load-bearing capabilities for carrying essential gear and equipment.
  • Quillon: Crossguard or protective projection on the handle of a knife or sword, designed to protect the hand and provide leverage and control during cutting and thrusting movements.
  • Quenching: Rapid cooling process used in heat treatment to harden and temper steel, enhancing its hardness and toughness for knife blades and other metal tools.
  • Quick Reaction Force (QRF): Rapidly deployable unit or team trained and equipped to respond quickly to emergencies, threats, or incidents requiring immediate action.
  • Quick Release: Mechanism or system designed for rapid detachment or release of gear, equipment, or straps, enhancing operational efficiency and emergency readiness.
  • Rescue Knife: Knife designed with features such as a seatbelt cutter and glass breaker for emergency rescue operations, providing versatility and functionality in crisis situations.
  • Rappelling: Technique for descending ropes from heights using specialized equipment and techniques, commonly used in military, rescue, and tactical operations.
  • Razor Edge: A blade sharpened to an exceptionally fine and sharp edge, suitable for precise cutting and shaving.
  • Rockwell Hardness: Measurement scale used to determine the hardness of materials, including knife blades, influencing their durability, edge retention, and sharpening requirements.
  • Santoku Knife: Japanese multipurpose kitchen knife with a straighter edge and less curved belly than a chef's knife, used for slicing, dicing, and mincing.
  • Serrated: Blade edge with notched teeth or serrations, designed for cutting tough materials such as rope, fibrous foods, and fabric with increased grip and efficiency.
  • Sheepsfoot: Blade shape with a straight edge and a spine that curves downward to the point, known for safe cutting and rescue applications.
  • Skeletonized Handle: Handle design where material is removed to reduce weight and enhance grip without compromising strength.
  • Sling: Strap or harness used to carry a firearm or other equipment over the shoulder or across the body, providing comfort, accessibility, and security during tactical operations.
  • Slip Joint: A non-locking folding knife mechanism held open by spring tension on the back of the blade, requiring manual pressure to close.
  • Sword Trainer: Training sword or replica designed for safe practice and skill development in martial arts, historical fencing, and theatrical combat performances.
  • Tactical Communication: Clear and concise communication used by personnel during tactical operations, ensuring effective coordination, situational awareness, and mission success.
  • Tang: Portion of the blade that extends into the handle, providing structural support, strength, and durability in knives and swords, affecting balance and performance.
  • Tanto: Blade shape inspired by Japanese swords, characterized by a straight spine and angular tip, ideal for piercing and thrusting.
  • Trailing Point: Blade shape with a concave curve that sweeps upward to the point, enhancing slicing capability and decorative aesthetics.
  • Training Knife: A non-sharp, often blunt-edged replica of a real knife used for practicing knife skills, techniques, and self-defense maneuvers. Training knives are made from materials such as rubber, plastic, or aluminum to mimic the weight and feel of real knives without the risk of injury during training exercises.
  • Undercover: A term referring to discreet or concealed carry knives designed to be inconspicuous.
  • Utility Knife: Versatile knife used for various cutting and slicing tasks, such as opening packages, stripping wire, and cutting rope or tape, essential in tactical, DIY, and household applications.
  • Utility Pouch: Pouch or compartment on tactical gear for carrying miscellaneous tools, equipment, or accessories needed for specific tasks or missions.
  • VG-10: High-quality stainless steel alloy used in knife blades for its exceptional edge retention, corrosion resistance, and ability to take a fine edge.
  • Vehicle Mount: Attachment system for securing weapons, communication devices, or other gear inside vehicles, ensuring accessibility and readiness during mobile operations.
  • Water Bottle: Container for carrying drinking water during outdoor activities, tactical operations, or emergency preparedness, ensuring hydration and survival in challenging environments.
  • Wharncliffe: Blade style with a straight edge and a spine that tapers gradually to the tip, providing precise cutting control and efficient slicing, often used in utility and tactical knives.
  • Whistle: Some tactical knives feature integrated whistles for signaling and emergency use.
  • XHP Steel: High-performance stainless steel known for its exceptional hardness, wear resistance, and edge retention, ideal for knife blades and cutting tools in demanding environments.
  • X-Ray Bag: Shielded bag or container used for transporting and containing hazardous materials or equipment, providing protection against radiation exposure and contamination.
  • Yojimbo: Tactical folding knife designed by Michael Janich for personal defense, featuring a distinctive blade shape and ergonomic handle for enhanced grip and control.
  • Yoke: Part of a harness or strap system that distributes weight evenly across the shoulders or body, improving comfort and reducing fatigue during extended wear.
  • Zirconium: A material sometimes used in knife construction for its hardness, corrosion resistance, and distinctive appearance.
  • Zytel: Thermoplastic material used in knife handles for its durability, affordability, and resistance to chemicals and impacts, providing a lightweight and ergonomic grip.