With proper handling and training, a duty knife can be a lifesaving tool. It has a range of practical uses, from cutting through obstacles to providing emergency medical aid and helping secure weapons in high-risk situations. I recommend carrying two different duty knives — one for everyday utility tasks and another reserved strictly as a secondary weapon.
Why a duty knife matters for weapon retention
Weapon retention — preventing a suspect from taking your firearm — is one of the most vital components of officer safety. Few scenarios are more dangerous than a suspect attempting to grab your sidearm. In these high-stakes moments, a duty knife can become a critical tool. If an officer finds themselves in a physical struggle and a suspect goes for their weapon, having a knife within immediate reach can provide a crucial advantage to regain control and protect their life.
But simply adding a knife to your duty belt isn’t enough. To be effective in a real fight, several key factors must be considered — from placement and accessibility to training and muscle memory.
Key considerations for carrying a duty knife
Carry on your support side
One of the most important tips for carrying a duty knife is placing it on your support side — usually your non-dominant hand. This setup allows your dominant hand to stay focused on retaining your firearm while your support hand deploys the knife. Placing the knife too close to your primary hand can lead to confusion or fumbling in a high-stress moment, when every second counts. Positioning it on your support side ensures fast, reliable access without compromising your ability to protect your weapon.
Opt for a fixed-blade duty knife
A fixed-blade knife offers a critical advantage over a folding knife when every second matters. In a physical altercation or high-stress encounter, trying to open a folding knife with one hand can be a costly delay. A fixed blade is always ready — no unfolding, no extra steps. With a well-designed fixed blade, you can quickly draw and put it to use for weapon retention, self-defense, or even emergency medical situations, giving you a faster, more reliable option when time and control are everything.
Concealment and accessibility
Striking the right balance between concealment and accessibility is key when deciding how to carry your duty knife. It must be easy to reach in an emergency, but keeping it out of plain view is equally important. A visible knife can undermine a professional appearance and give a suspect a tactical advantage by revealing your gear setup.
From personal experience, I’ve found that positioning my knife behind my magazine pouches offers the best of both worlds — it’s quick to access yet discreet enough to avoid drawing attention. Ultimately, the ideal placement will depend on your body type, gear layout, and personal preferences. Regardless of where you choose to carry it, the priority should always be rapid access without sacrificing readiness or professionalism.
Train with your duty knife
More important than where and how you carry your duty knife is knowing how to use it effectively. You can’t afford to “figure it out” in the middle of a real-life confrontation. Officers often hear the phrase, “you’ll rise to the occasion,” but the reality is that you’re more likely to fall to the level of your training. Familiarity with your knife — including how to deploy and use it under pressure — can make all the difference when your life is on the line.
Regular training that incorporates your duty knife into a variety of scenarios — such as weapon retention, defensive tactics, and realistic combat situations — ensures that when the moment comes, you won’t have to think; you’ll simply react. Whether it’s an instructor-led course, training with peers, or solo practice in a safe, controlled environment, repetition builds instinct.
From personal experience, don’t limit yourself to practicing from a standing position. Practice drawing your knife in confined spaces (like a vehicle’s driver compartment), while seated, or even while on your back. You need to understand how your body position and posture — especially when wearing body armor — can affect your ability to access your knife. Other gear can be displaced when you’re in positions other than standing in front of a mirror in the station locker room.
Conclusion
A duty knife may be small, but it’s an incredibly effective tool that can strengthen an officer’s ability to maintain control in a high-risk situation. While it’s no substitute for proper firearm retention techniques, it can offer a critical edge during a disarmament attempt or physical struggle.
When carrying a knife, focus on strategic placement, choose a reliable fixed blade and train to use it confidently under pressure. With the right preparation and consistent practice, a duty knife can become a vital component of your safety gear — one that could make the difference between life and death in a crisis.
As always, stay safe and watch your six.
