Tactical Folding Knife Guide

The Custom Tactical Folding Knife Guide

If you are a blade craftsman or interested hobbyist there are few guides on how to make a tactical folding knife. There are many publications on the subject of tactical knives but which are any good? Very few knifemen go into such detail as Bob Terzuola does which is very generous considering the details he reveals about his tactical knives are the basis of his livelihood and what has made him a celebrity craftsman.

After going through tons of books and guides on how to make a tactical folding knife and folding blade technology, the single book that stands out from the rest is Bob Terzuola’s The Tactical Folding Knife. This book is a hefty package of 158 illustrated pages with excellent images, both photographic and illustrations. The image material is of the finished products and of the construction process step by step.

Building a quality tactical folder is much more complex than what one might think. To build folding blades even more so. At the very extreme, tactical folding knives set the standard for custom design.

Mr Terzuola is considered the father of the tactical folding knife. He is a master knifemaker and in this book he unveils everything from the definition of what makes a tactical folding knife to the final touches such as polishing of the finished blade.

The Tactical Folding Knife: A Study of the Anatomy and Construction of the Liner-Locked Folder is a trove of information and a fascinating insight into Bob Terzuola’s custom and commercial designs. A good example is the ATCF Advance Technology Combat Folder which has remained more or less unchanged since the original version of 1986. Why? Because it is complete perfection and has proved itself in the field countless times.

It also contains a time saving guide for the custom knife maker. The anatomy of a tactical linelock for example details the workings of the pivot point, spacer, stop pin and more.

The diagrams of the mechanism and the assembly are very detailed and simple to comprehend. Diagram 60 for instance details the optimum angle of a folder locking face in exact degrees. Another example from the book are the many photographs that show actual use of tools to build the separate components or a tactical folding knife, such as milling the edges of the spring and at what degrees you should do this. All of this can be done with tools you might already have in your garage. Bob goes into minute detail and leaves nothing out.

The lock and release mechanism of a quality folder is perhaps the most crucial part of any design. There are many different constructions for assisted opening blades. This book contains a comprehensive study of the geometry and inner workings of the locking system of a pocket knife.

Handle design is another factor that raises the quality feel and endearment of a good folder. Bob has through the years designed countless tactical folding knives with handles spanning from complex modern metals to the very finest varnished woods.

If you have any interest in pursuing your own production of custom knives, or just want a thorough insight into the masterpieces of Bob Terzuola, The Tactical Folding Knife
is the book for you.

The Tactical Folding Knife

What are the benefits of a tactical folding knife versus a normal pocket folder? There is not a simple answer to this. Tactical folding knives are very similar to normal folders. If you look up the term “tactic” on Wiktionary.com it supplies the following description: “A manoeuvre, or action calculated to achieve some end”. The term “tactical” is used to label ideas, methods and tools that are specifically engineered to help perform a desired tactic. A tactical folding knife should therefore be a folder that originates from military use.

A tactic is often dependent upon swift and precise execution and the tactical tool designed to facilitate the implementation of the plan will usually be of high quality and specialization. The Navy Seals are an example of a military commando force that in themselves, are a tool. They in turn have chosen to use certain tools and even developed some of their own.

A knife can be just as important a tool as a tank. It all depends upon the tactic and the situation. Because it folds into a small size, the Navy Seals and many other commando groups prefer to use a collapsible knife. As you might guess, a tactical folding knife is a collapsible blade that has been specifically designed to suit commandos and that is manufactured to military specification standards.

A tactical folding knife is also very easy to unfold the blade either by a thumb stud or a recession in the blade that gives your finger traction. Where a traditional pocket knife may require two hands to open, a tactical folding knife can be opened one-handed. The one-handed operation and small collapsed size make them ideal tools for commandos.

After being opened the blade is locked into position and these types of knives are therefore often refereed to as lock-backs or liner-locks. There are many types of materials that may be used but a quality knife will have a mil-spec blade, durable blade hinge and a liner, or handle, that is lightweight and durable. While they were originally designed as a hand combat and self-defense weapon, the knives with blades that fold back into the handle of today are very useful and versatile tools for use in all outdoor activities.

Next time you decide to purchase a blade, consider a tactical folding knife such as Buck Knives Mayo Titanium Tactical knife since it has inherited many of the features built into it from military specifications.

Benchmade Lum Design LFTi Knife

A folding knife needs to have quality components or it will cease to work properly in short time. The Benchmade knives are exclusive pieces with precision materials.

Legendary designer Bob Lum’s legacy continues with this rock-steady Ti Monolock. Large but comfortable, rugged yet subtly elegant, this new folder is a worth addition to the 2009 Benchmade lineup. The Benchmade Lum Design LFTi Knife has sand blasted titanium handles with a tip down pocket clip and a lanyard hole. The LFti features a monolock function (frame lock). The tanto styled CPM-M4 tool steel blade is BK1 black coated for durability and protection against corrosion.

Bob Lum has over 30 years of knife designing expertise and a artistic drive in his craftsmanship of knives.

Benchmade LFTi Specifications
Dual Titanium Handles
Flawless Titanium Monolock Function
Premium Grade Blade Steel
Blade Length: 4.00 in.
Blade Thickness: 0.150 in.
Overall Length: 9.00 in.
Closed Length: 5.00 in.