Rating: ★★★★½ 

If you want the ultimate custom knife reference book, then you need to get your hands on David Darom’s Custom Folding Knives. This tome highlights collectible custom knives by the most renowned knifemakers with fantastic full page images of handmade folders with fantastic design, workmanship and truly outstanding artwork. If you have any interest in custom knife collections, then this is the number one book you should get.

Custom Folding Knives is a expensive book, but it really is a masterpiece and the quality of images and the extreme workmanship of the custom knife designs and artwork makes it worth every penny. This is a big book at 11 x 8.9 x 0.9 inches, 256 pages and shipping weight of around 3 pounds. Buy it for yourself or give it as a coffee table book gift to anyone who is into knife making and custom knives.

Knife Making Video Instructions

Rating: ★★★★★ 

Making your own custom knife is not as hard as you might think and knife making is something we warmly recommend as combines creative hobby and getting your hands on the perfect knife, done to your own design.

Knifemaking Unplugged is a video instruction and contains a trove of information that will teach you all the steps of knife making.

This is a 2 hour video (with a five star rating) that covers everything from steel to finished product including blade, handle construction, silvering, sheath design and more.

Making your own knife blade

Rating: ★★★★☆ 

The good news is, this can be done in your garden or toolshed. The Backyard Blacksmith: Traditional Techniques for the Modern Smith is not a book specifically about making knives and has no exact information about knife blades. However, it covers everything you need to know about working with iron and above all, it is about setting up your own backyard blacksmith forge.

If you are looking for a special and unique gift for someone who is into hunting and outdoors trekking, the Exclusive Leupold Tactical Folding Knife is a quality item that fits the bill. This is a extremely well crafted folding utility knife that comes with Winewood handles embossed with the Leupold medallion. The handle is smooth yet ergonomically crafted with a thumb lock that suits both left and right handed use.

While expensive, the craftsmanship, sober design and Leupold brand makes this a perfect presentation gift for corporate occasions, or as a exclusive gift for the brand and style conscious outdoors fan. This is not a knife that anyone or everyone will own and the limited distribution adds to the exclusivity.

The Leupold Presentation Knife is a tactical folding knife whose hardened blade with serrated inner edge easily stands up as a utility knife. Thumb stud, short blade and pocket clip also makes this a street legal and comfortable knife that you can carry at all times. This is one of those items that fits just as well on the campground as in the boardroom.

Leupold is a well esteemed brand that makes some of the best rifle scopes on the market and this fine winewood pocket knife is a perfect hunting gift and match for both the small and big game hunter.

Outdoors and Hunting combo
As a alternative, a somewhat simpler yet practical item is the Leupold Binocular and folding knife set. The compact 10x25mm binocular has multicoated lenses, a waterproof design and lifetime warranty.

The Leupold folding knife is a 4-inch drop-point blade with a Leupold logo engraving, and polished wood handle with the brand medallion. The binocular and knife combo kit comes with case and weighs just 12.7 ounces.

Rating: ★★★★½ 

If you want an exclusive folder with the feel and durability of a true tactical folding knife, look no further than the Benchmade Rift G10 knife. The Rift is a Warren Osbourne design which combines good looks and features. The patented AXIS lock mechanism means you can use this knife in all thinkable ways, including as a throwing knife.

This is one of those knives that is crafted for maximum durability in the field and as such is not a assisted opening knife. Instead of the spring assisted mechanism (which can break) the blade has a dual thumb-stud opener.

Features include:
• A 3.67 Inch blade length (check your local regulations if ok to use)
• Total length opened: 8.27 Inches, Closed length: 4.60 Inches
• 154CM Stainless Steel Blade material
• Reverse Tanto design with dual thumb-studs
• 5-star buyer rating

Another alternative is the Benchmade Barrage Axis
which is a spring assisted opening knife with the Benchmade patented Axis lock. The Benchmade Barrage is slightly more expensive than the Rift Tactical Knife but the spring assisted opening of the Barrage knife evens the field for those who value this feature. Obviously, opening a blade one handed is easier in many situations with the spring assistance.

Still, if we have to choose between the two we would pick the Benchmade Osbourne Design Rift Tactical Knife for the sake of durability and opening a folder one handed if often a question of technique. Our view is that the fewer moving parts you have on your tactical folding knife the better.

Here is a shortlist of items that I recommend as they constitute usable tools at a reasonable price from established brands. You can click the images to view more information about each product.

Gerber Tactical Folding Spade with Serrated Blade
Start making camp out there and the very first thing you will wish you had is a spade. The Gerber Entrenching Tool folding spade is lightweight, very sturdy and folds into a neat package that is less than a foot long. It has a serrated blade and a secure blade locking mechanism. This is the exact same item that is authorized for use by the Nato forces.

Skinner Knife and Camping Axe Combo

If you don’t want to carry a shovel at least consider a camping axe. Just splitting firewood can be a hard and hazardous task if all you have is a folding knife. If you hunt, the Timberline Alaska Skinner Knife Axe combo fits the bill. This hunting combo is designed by Russ Kommer.

Tactical Survival Sleeper with insect net
This item is rated as an absolute favorite in the Backpacker and Outside magazines. The Lawson Camping Hammock is a extremely lightweight flat surface hammock that can be used suspended. It can also serve as a single sleeper mini tent on the ground. Raised arches and mosquito net make this the all-in-one survival shelter you should always have in the car, camper or boat.

Buck 110 Folding Hunter Lockback Folding Knife

Buck folding pocket knives have been around for a long time and have in many ways set the path for knife designs. The Buck 110 Lockback folder is a model that dates back to 1962 and is the Buck signature knife. This knife comes with unconditional lifetime guarantee.

The lockback designs is classic, proven and safe and ensures that the Buck Hunter 110 opens and closes easily. This is a classic folding pocket knife with polished brass bolsters and wood handle. Comes with a black leather belt sheath.

Leatherman 830039 New Wave Multitool with Sheath

Leatherman made the multitool famous and the 830039 New Wave is a milestone in company heritage. This multitool contains 2 pliers, wire cutters, 2 knives, a saw, scissors, 2 files, 2 drivers, a bottle opener, 2 double-ended bits, and more, all made in 100% stainless steel of the highest quality. If you need more versatility than what folding pocket knives can offer, why not add on a couple of more tools and try a Leatherman multitool?

The Leatherman 830039 New Wave Multitool comes with 25-year limited warranty and sheath.

Victorinox Swiss Army Champion Plus Pocket Knife

This is a extended version of the classic Swiss Army folder. This knife contains 30 tools of stainless steel that you will find useful while camping, hunting, hiking, fishing, etc.

The Victorinox Swiss Army Pocket Knife is perhaps the most popular pocket knife due to high versatility while being fashionable, durable and small in size when folded.

This model has over 220 positive customer reviews at Amazon.

Benchmade 585 Mini-Barrage Osborne Design Knife

This folding pocket knife has a 154CM stainless steel 58-60 HRC blade of a finish and quality that is above most folding pocket knives in this price range.

The serrations of the blade can easily handle cutting packing straps and lines.

The Benchmade 585 Mini Barrage is perhaps the ultimate EDC (every day carry) folder out there.

Rating: ★★★★★ 

The hollow ground VG-10 serrated Spyder Edge blade has a patented S-form and a ultra thin point. Stainless steel liners, scaled handle and reliable lock back mechanism makes this one of the top rated enforcement folding knives on the market.

Main features of the Spyderco Serrated Edge G 10 Handle Folding Knife

• Tactical design made for law enforcement personnel
• Patented reverse S shaped blade and ultra point provides maximum cutting power
• David Boye Dent back lock secures the open blade against accidental closure
• Black G-10 handle with textured scales provides secure grip
• Stainless steel liners provides superior strength
• Smart pocket clip allows for right side tip-down position and immediate access

Check avaliablity of Spyderco Civilian G-10 Serrated Edge Knife

Rating: ★★★★★ 

The black finish which is a baked-on black powder coat, or also known as Black Teflon, prevents the blade from reflecting light and from rusting. The tanto-style point which is a Japanese design tip is thin enough to puncture but thick enough to take serious beating. It has a somewhat chisel-like point that is thick towards the point which makes it very strong. If you have seen Japanese long and short swords then you know what a tanto point is.

The Recon 1 Cold Steel is a tanto knife that has a “hand guard” and G-10 laminate scale handle which almost feels like sand paper in order to provide the best possible grip to protect your fingers from slipping on the handle.

This tactical knife, which is purposely made for combat also has other uses which come in handy for outdoor activities. You don’t need to bring your kitchen knife if you’re out for a picnic. Cold Steel knives are also useful for craftworks, as they cut wood and may even break rock as the edge is seemingly impossible to chip. It is very sharp and yet also easy to sharpen. The blade is made out of imported Japanese AUS 8A stainless steel that has been vacuum heat treated and sub-zero quenched.

Apart from being a terrific tool, a Cold Steel Tanto knife is also suitable for personal protection and is a preferred model by the SWAT teams and special military units. (Check with you local authorities to ensure it is legal for you to possess before buying!) If you are a collector, this is one item you may consider adding to your knife collection.

Most cold steel knives are pricier compared to this one. You get the same features and the same benefits half the price. The Cold Steel Recon 1 Tanto knife is an excellent addition to your survival and protection kits. With a combo blade which has a serrated base it is as sharp as any knife can be, it cuts deep, it’s stainless, has a G10 grip and it is sturdy. In view of this, it is no surprise that the Recon 1 is a tactical knife bestseller.

Cold Steel Recon 1 Tanto Specifications
• AUS 8A stainless steel
• Black Teflon Finish
• Combo blade with Tanto Point
• G-10 laminate scale handle
• Blade measurement 4-Inches
• Overall Length 9 3/8-Inches
• Weight 5.3 ounces

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.

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 since it has inherited many of the features built into it from military specifications. Check out the bestselling folding knife list.

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 Design 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.

NOTE: The Benchmade LFTi is discontinued. There are several updated models of similar design. Please visit our list of Benchmade Design and Parade Knives where you will find every Benchmade Design Knife currently on sale.