It’s metal, it’s shiny and it’s cool
Utility knifes can be tactical, but my idea of a tactical knife is something with a good sharp edge that can be used defensively, can pry things open and also be used to cut a seat belt without sawing it. Folding knifes are in their own category and I know some people frown on them, but you gotta use what you have and know in your mind what it is capable of withstanding and what it can be used for.
I think that sums up about 75% of what the tactical knives market and the remaining 25% have a different reason they own a knife. I think a lot of America has lost the idea of how useful a knife is these days, probable because people have access to so many fancy tools that the idea of having to sit there an sharpen something that knife owners know is a tool, is something they don’t understand. Nowadays, most highway emergency reponse and law enforcment are carrying knives that can slice a seat belt in half a second.
Anyone that works for a fire company will tell you the stories about having to cut people out of cars. This is literally what occurs when really bad car accidents occur. Not only do you have to pull people out of twisted metal, but you may have to cut them out of their seat belt of they were fortunate enough to be wearing one. Storing fix a flat in your car is very practical and useful for you and if you know someone who is in a bad situation that can use it. There are times when I have done more good samaratin deed and handed someone a can of fix a flat and told them to just get on their way, but what about if you get in a car wreck, can you get yourself free of your own seat belt? They make quick and easy to detach slings for rifles for such incidences, but seat belts can restrain you in situations where you need to get out.