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.