Here at Pro Tool Reviews, we love knives. Why? Because we all carry one every day. That and because they’re just cool. Part of your rights as a man card holder at any level allows you to carry one (except in certain areas where prohibited by law), so we do. What got our attention recently was HART’s Tactical Knife Set. This two piece set features an EDC (every day carry) style along with one designed for more urban survival situations. At less than $20 for the set, we wanted to know more.
Both knives feature 7Cr17mV stainless steel blades and aluminum handles. That steel blend isn’t one that is used by premium knife makers, so take it for what it is – an inexpensive EDC that takes care of most shop and jobsite cutting duties. Just keep a hand sharpener nearby. They also lose a little bit of the “tactical” definition thanks to the trademark HART red that shows up in the design. I’ll take it since it makes for a very attractive look.
For the true EDC of the pair, it’s all about blade design. This one has a partially serrated edge that will take care of rope and braided materials with its serrated back edge. The plain front edge of the blade can handle anything from cardboard boxes to wire stripping. The weight and balance of this member of the HART Tactical Knife Set is decent and has a good feel in your hand. The aluminum may get a little slippery in wet or sweaty conditions.
Deployment is simple with the thumb studs. With a flick of your thumb and a little wrist action, you an deploy the blade one handed. Similarly, pushing the liner lock out with your thumb will allow for one handed closing. What I love about this knife is that’s it’s a great tool box blade. This one lives in my tool cabinet at the shop so I know that there’s always one handy. If it comes up missing, I’m not out $80 or $100. At the same time, it’s a good looking and effective design.
HART Tactical Knife Set: EDC Specs
- Blade Material: 7Cr17mV
- Blade Style: Partially Serrated
- Blade Length: 3.25 inches
- Handle Material: Aluminum
- Deployment System: Manual Thumb Stud
- Locking System: Liner Lock
- Clip Positions: 1, tip down (removable)
“Stubby”, as I’ve come to call it, has a few more features to talk about. It has the same deployment and closing characteristics of the EDC to go along with its urban survival design. What do I mean by urban survival? Mainly we’re looking at the ability to deal with urban threats. Specifically the ability to fend off an attacker or escape a vehicle.
There are two major features to accomplish these tasks. First, a belt cutter is built into the frame in case you can’t get your seat belt off of you or you’re trying to free someone else that is stuck and unconscious. The belt cutter also happens to be very useful on fishing trips for both monofilament and braided line.
The urban survival knife also features a glass breaker on the back end. While this is intended to break a side window or windshield, it’s also very handy as a non-lethal defense weapon. A jab with the glass breaker just about anywhere on an attacker lets him or her know that you can defend yourself. A shot to the head will be quite painful.
There’s a plane edge blade on this knife that is useful for all kinds of slicing duties. The closed size of the knife is small enough to be completely concealed in your hand. This is a big advantage if you need to have it out because you believe you might be in danger but aren’t wanting to invite a conflict.
HART Tactical Knife Set: Urban Survival Specs
- Blade Material: 7Cr17mV
- Blade Style: Plain
- Blade Length: 2 inches
- Handle Material: Aluminum
- Deployment System: Manual Thumb Stud
- Locking System: Liner Lock
- Clip Positions: 1, tip down (removable)
Overall, the HART Tactical Knife Set is a very handy and inexpensive option to have. You can keep the EDC in your shop and the urban survival in your truck. The EDC in your pocket and the urban survival in your tackle box. The EDC in your… well, you get the idea. The HART Tactical Knife set won’t replace your gentleman’s pocket knife or high end EDC. It’s not designed to. It’s designed to work without breaking your wallet to get it or your heart if something happens to it.
