By: Michael Galvin

In the world of knives, there are tools — and then there are statement pieces. The Hoffner BEAST Knife firmly belongs to the latter category. It’s not a folding EDC designed for opening mail or slicing fruit. It’s a full-sized, fixed-blade powerhouse built for the toughest environments, from tactical missions to survival scenarios where reliability is non-negotiable.

With a 7-inch tanto blade and a total length of 12 inches, the BEAST commands attention. From the first moment you pick it up, you can feel that this is a knife designed for those who demand both strength and control. Whether you’re on duty, camping deep in the backcountry, or preparing for worst-case scenarios, the BEAST has the size, steel, and ergonomics to deliver.

First Impressions: Why “BEAST” is the Right Name

Hoffner didn’t choose the name lightly. Everything about this knife is oversized, overbuilt, and unapologetically aggressive — and yet, it’s balanced in a way that makes it surprisingly comfortable to wield.

When you first pick it up, the 1 lb 2 oz weight of the knife alone immediately communicates durability. It’s heavy enough to feel substantial and capable of hard use, but not so heavy that it becomes unwieldy for extended tasks. The heft inspires confidence, particularly for chopping, prying, or other demanding applications.

The tanto blade profile further reinforces its purpose. A tanto point is known for exceptional tip strength, making it a natural choice for piercing, breaching, and other high-impact uses where a drop point or clip point might fail. Paired with the full tang construction and 440C stainless steel hardened to 56-58 HRC, the BEAST offers both toughness and corrosion resistance. This is steel you can take into the field without worrying about babying it.

Blade Construction: Built for Punishment

The BEAST’s 7-inch blade isn’t just about length — it’s about the geometry and steel quality that turn that length into real performance.

• Steel Choice – 440C Stainless “Super Steel”
440C is a tried-and-true stainless steel that’s been trusted for decades in both knives and industrial tools. Hoffner’s heat treatment brings it to 56-58 HRC, a hardness range that strikes an excellent balance between toughness and edge retention. It’s hard enough to stay sharp through extended use but not so brittle that it risks chipping during heavy-duty tasks.
• Tanto Point Strength
The reinforced tip of the tanto design is one of the strongest in the knife world. While some blade shapes sacrifice tip durability for slicing ability, the BEAST does the opposite — it prioritizes sheer puncture and impact resilience. This makes it ideal for tactical breaching, piercing hard materials, or even prying in emergency situations.
• Full Tang Durability
The blade runs the full length of the knife, encased in ergonomic G10 handle scales. This full tang design ensures that the knife can take repeated stress without risk of snapping at the handle junction — a critical feature for any knife expected to perform in survival or combat scenarios.

Handle Design: Ergonomics Meet Tactical Grip

A big knife is only as good as the grip you can maintain on it, and the BEAST’s handle is designed with this in mind.

• G10 “Grippy” Scales
The G10 handles are machined with texture for a secure grip, even in wet, muddy, or bloody conditions. G10 is a fiberglass-based laminate, renowned for its strength, light weight, and resistance to moisture or temperature changes.
• Index Divots
Hoffner integrates Index Divots into the handle — round cutouts that make it easy to transition between grip styles quickly. Whether you’re switching from a standard grip to a reverse or “ice pick” grip, the indexing points act as tactile references that make transitions fast and instinctive.
• Ergonomic Contours
The handle shape naturally locks into your palm, allowing you to put the knife’s weight behind your swings without fear of slipping. It’s designed to feel like an extension of your arm, not just a tool you’re holding.

Sheath System: Secure, Versatile Carry

A large fixed blade demands an equally robust sheath, and Hoffner delivers with a black Kydex molded sheath that’s custom-fitted to the BEAST.

• Kydex Durability
Kydex is an impact-resistant thermoplastic often used for firearm holsters. It’s strong, weatherproof, and holds its shape under extreme temperatures, making it ideal for field carry.
• Double Locking System
The sheath features an ambidextrous, double locking, belt latch that ensures the knife stays secure, even during dynamic movement.
• Multiple Carry Options
The mounting system allows for vertical or horizontal carry, depending on your preference and mission requirements. Horizontal carry across the lower back offers concealment and comfort, while vertical carry on the hip allows for quick deployment.
• Weight Considerations
The sheath weighs 3.6 oz, bringing the overall carry weight to 1 lb 5.6 oz — a manageable load for such a large fixed blade.

In-Field Performance: A True Multipurpose Blade

The BEAST is not a kitchen knife, nor is it a delicate slicing instrument. It’s a hard-use tool built to tackle jobs that smaller knives simply can’t handle.

Chopping and Clearing

The weight-forward design, combined with the 7-inch blade length, makes it surprisingly effective for light chopping tasks such as clearing branches or shaping wood for shelter building. While it’s no replacement for a hatchet, it can absolutely get the job done in survival conditions.

Prying and Breaching

Thanks to its full tang construction and tanto tip strength, the BEAST can be used for prying open doors, crates, or even windows in emergency situations. This is where lesser knives often fail — the BEAST is built to survive that abuse.

Piercing Power

In tactical scenarios, piercing performance is essential. The reinforced tip can penetrate heavy materials — from thick leather to sheet metal — without deformation.

Self-Defense

With its size, grip ergonomics, and blade geometry, the BEAST is a formidable defensive tool. The indexing divots make quick grip changes natural, and the tanto point offers devastating penetration potential.

Utility Tasks

Although it’s built for heavy-duty work, the BEAST can still handle more delicate jobs when needed. With practice, the flat edge near the handle can be used for controlled slicing tasks like food prep or rope cutting.

Strengths and Advantages

• Unmatched Tip Strength from the tanto blade design.
• Superior Durability with full tang 440C stainless steel construction.
• Excellent Grip Security thanks to G10 textured scales and indexing divots.
• Versatile Sheath System offering both vertical and horizontal carry.
• Field-Ready Size that bridges the gap between a large knife and a small machete.
• Balanced Hardness at 56-58 HRC for a strong yet resilient edge.

Potential Drawbacks

• Weight – At over a pound without the sheath, this is not a lightweight knife for casual carry. It’s designed for situations where size and power matter more than minimalism.
• Blade Length Restrictions – At 7 inches, it may be illegal to carry in certain jurisdictions. Always check local laws before carrying.
• Overbuilt for Light Tasks – For small, fine-detail cutting, a smaller blade will be easier to control.

Who the BEAST is For
This is not a knife for everyone — and that’s a good thing. The BEAST is designed for:

• Military and Law Enforcement professionals who need a hard-use fixed blade for duty.
• Outdoor Survivalists who value a knife that can chop, pry, and endure.
• Emergency Responders who may need to breach, cut, or pry during rescues.
• Collectors who appreciate large, purpose-built tactical knives with unique features.

Care and Maintenance

While 440C stainless steel is corrosion-resistant, it’s still wise to clean and dry the BEAST after exposure to moisture or saltwater. A light coat of oil on the blade will keep it in top condition. The G10 handles require virtually no maintenance, and the Kydex sheath can be rinsed clean if it collects dirt or debris.

Sharpening a tanto blade takes a bit more patience than a drop point, as it involves maintaining two distinct edges. A sharpening system with an angle guide is recommended to keep the blade’s performance at its peak.

Final Verdict: Why the Hoffner BEAST Lives Up to Its Name

The Hoffner BEAST Knife is exactly what its name suggests — a large, aggressive, and capable fixed blade designed for serious use. From the 7-inch 440C tanto blade to the ergonomic G10 handle with indexing divots, every detail has been considered for strength, control, and versatility.

It’s not a minimalist tool, nor is it meant to be. This is a knife for people who want their gear to be overbuilt, dependable, and ready for anything. Whether you’re breaching, chopping, prying, or defending, the BEAST delivers.

Where to Buy: The Hoffner BEAST is available directly from the manufacturer at https://hoffners.com/, where you can explore additional configurations and Hoffner’s full lineup of tactical knives.