Accepting New Terminology: The "Tactical Folder"

[OrdnanceBubbaUSMC]

Trying to fight the existence of tactical folders or even just the title is going against human nature. People want knives with the looks and/or marketing of tactical, combat, warrior, SWAT, etc. because it's ingrained in them after tens of thousands of years. Humans need and want weapons and other items that will take care of them and offer some security and comfort.

Same need and want that drives the huge sales of handguns and carbines around the U.S. which are designed for military and law enforcement instead of simply shotguns and rifles for farm utility and hunting. Compact 9mm/40 S&W pistols and 1911's sell much more than .357 or .44 magnum long barreled revolvers, AR-15's and AK-47's much more than camo'd turkey shotguns and classic deer hunting lever-action rifles.

It's just natural. Some people think it's silly because they have had a very safe, sane (lucky) life and have felt truly well-protected by the gubment and the supposedly wonderful ethics/morality of modern man. Others think it's silly because the rest of bladeforums says so, just like how we know tanto blade design and serrations are just pathetic...

Much the same way that my wife thinks I'm silly for never speeding since she has always done it and has never once been pulled over....I was pulled over at least 6 times with 3 tickets when I used to speed on the freeways/highways in So Cal much less than any one else I knew. Hopefully all bladeforums members and visitors never need a tactical folder, fixed blade, carbine, pen, etc. but it is planet Earth and reality again when you get off the internet.

 

[powernoodle]

One branch emphasizes non-violent utility functions and the other emphasizes fighting and self defense functions.

I have never interpreted anyone's use of the term "tactical" to include utility. In my view, "tactical" has always meant "self defense". I don't particularly like the word, either, and don't use it. I would rather say "self defense folder" or some such. The word "tactical" always seems to have a mall ninja flavor to it, unless it is used in relation to SWAT, military or similar applications where actual "tactics" are employed. Seems also that manufactures and vendors are overusing the word so much - to make their products sound cool - that I recoil from it even more. JMO.

 

[stabman]

Why would you assume that?

It's more fun to assume things.
At least that's what I'm going to assume.

Seriously though, it it fits in a pocket, call it a pocket knife.
If it takes up most of a pocket, call it a big pocket knife.

One girl at work once asked why I was carrying a weapon.
I said, "what? you mean my pocket knife?"
She thought it didn't count as a pocket knife.
Then I pointed out "how can it not? It's in my pocket right now!"
She had to agree I had a point.

 

[Longtrang]

I suppose any folder can be tactical. It's how you use it.
RC-4 is a survival knife. When I am working it becomes a tactical knife.

Some knives were designed to be military/police knives. I would think that would be the purest definition of the word.

 

[Nternal]

Trying to fight the existence of tactical folders or even just the title is going against human nature. People want knives with the looks and/or marketing of tactical, combat, warrior, SWAT, etc. because it's ingrained in them after tens of thousands of years. Humans need and want weapons and other items that will take care of them and offer some security and comfort.

Same need and want that drives the huge sales of handguns and carbines around the U.S. which are designed for military and law enforcement instead of simply shotguns and rifles for farm utility and hunting. Compact 9mm/40 S&W pistols and 1911's sell much more than .357 or .44 magnum long barreled revolvers, AR-15's and AK-47's much more than camo'd turkey shotguns and classic deer hunting lever-action rifles.

It's just natural. Some people think it's silly because they have had a very safe, sane (lucky) life and have felt truly well-protected by the gubment and the supposedly wonderful ethics/morality of modern man. Others think it's silly because the rest of bladeforums says so, just like how we know tanto blade design and serrations are just pathetic...

Much the same way that my wife thinks I'm silly for never speeding since she has always done it and has never once been pulled over....I was pulled over at least 6 times with 3 tickets when I used to speed on the freeways/highways in So Cal much less than any one else I knew. Hopefully all bladeforums members and visitors never need a tactical folder, fixed blade, carbine, pen, etc. but it is planet Earth and reality again when you get off the internet.

Great post, It's funny that I see some people that say knife fighting and tactical knives are mall ninja and stupid,etc. Then on youtube I see tons of videos of soft,overweight, nerdy guys showing off there Ak 47's and other military rifles and nothing is said about it. They even take videos of themselves trudging around the shooting range and shooting at targets with there rather large bellys bulging forward.

 

[stabman]

. Then on youtube I see tons of videos of soft,overweight, nerdy guys showing off there Ak 47's and other military rifles and nothing is said about it.

A bit off topic, but I've sparred some truly tough "nerdy overweight guys."
You cannot always tell what you'll get just by looking at appearances.
Much like with knives.

 

[Nternal]

A bit off topic, but I've sparred some truly tough "nerdy overweight guys."
You cannot always tell what you'll get just by looking at appearances.
Much like with knives.

No, I'm not saying they are not capable based on appearance but that is the way they look. Just as knife people are labeled as mall ninja because of the same reasons.

 

[stabman]

No, I'm not saying they are not capable based on appearance but that is the way they look. Just as knife people are labeled as mall ninja because of the same reasons.

Well yes, labeling based on appearances is silly.

 

[stabman]

Perhaps this would work:
Over Built Edged Survival Equipment.
O.B.E.S.E.
Gotta admit I love my O.B.E.S.E. knives!

 

[CWL]

"I carry a tactical folder next to my Glock9 clips, just in case I need to decimate some Tangoes!" -There is so much "fail" with this sentence.

Just because a subgroup insists on using a word incorrectly out of ignorance does not make it suddenly acceptable or correct.

 

[timberweasel]

I don't think it matters if one agrees with the term 'tactical' or not. It's here to stay and when it comes to knives, it means 'designed to be a weapon.'

It still makes me cringe, though...

 

[The Government]

I have been reading everyones responses, and I just wanted to say thanks to you all. :thumbup: The serious posts are informative and the comedic and satirical ones are almost always amusing, at least to me.

This thread is not about taking sides or about anyones opinion of "tactical knives," it is simply about recognizing the term as meaning something specific. Again, thanks everyone.

I have never interpreted anyone's use of the term "tactical" to include utility. In my view, "tactical" has always meant "self defense".

I would have to agree. I have always thought along the same lines. I have read in other related discussions that there were some people who did consider tactical knives as also being utility based, so that is why I included that "branch of thought."

I would feel pretty safe to agree that most "tactical folders" would be one hand opening knives designed with some sort of violent intent in mind -wether it be self defense or other forms of advanced knife fighting.

 

[Charlie Mike]

I consider these knives "tactical" (except the Case toothpick)...

BTW... Nternal... When are you gonna send me your Spartan? I'm itching to put a clip point bowie regrind and handle job on it.

 

[GallantEdge]

I would feel pretty safe to agree that most "tactical folders" would be one hand opening knives designed with some sort of violent intent in mind -wether it be self defense or other forms of advanced knife fighting.

You do realize that there are a lot of people that would consider it extremely necessary to outlaw "tactical folders" based on your definition, right?

 

[The Government]

You do realize that there are a lot of people that would consider it extremely necessary to outlaw "tactical folders" based on your definition, right?

I had considered that and the reason I haven't mentioned it is because it might belong best in another sub-forum. Maybe in legal or political.

I am sure it would be a complete discussion all on its own, and I have my own opinions as to why we should be able to define this term.

I do see how it is important, and a worthy thing to consider for many people. :thumbup:

Maybe we can discuss it without going into opinions on politics?

I wouldn't want this thread closed because it became "political."

 

[The Government]

I consider these knives "tactical" (except the Case toothpick)...

+1 -It is obvious, but complicated to explain.

I bet most people around here would agree that those knives could be described as "tactical knives," and no one would be surprised by what they saw.

There are subtle combinations of things that allow you to know they are specifically tactical knives: They are made of modern materials, designed with some degree of violent intent, and have an emphasis on speed, strength, durability, reliability, and accessibility. It is all about emphasizing "functional characteristics" for possibly violent or unexpected scenarios.

EDIT: One post from 2K!!! That means I can't reply until I come up with a giveaway.
EDIT: Rain-check

 

[Charlie Mike]

But go back a century and this forged 5160 would have been "tactical" of the period.

 

[GallantEdge]

I am sure it would be a complete discussion all on its own, and I have my own opinions as to why we should be able to define this term.

I don't understand the need to define the term. The media has attached a stigma to certain knives that we can no longer carry. Why assist them in outlawing more knives by grouping and classifying knives that are used in violence? All of my knives are just handy tools with sharp edges that I use to cut things when the need arises in the execution of some ordinary task. That is the answer that all sheeple get when they ask about my "weapon".

 

[The Government]

IMHO, one simple reason to define the term is for ease of discussion.

The term, "modern folder" does not implicate the same meaning as the term "tactical folder."

With the creation of new things there will be the creation of new terms to describe them.

It is a matter of our evolving communication.

Many honest threads have derailed because of the term "tactical folder," when people endlessly argue that it is "not a term that has meaning."

 

[Nternal]

I consider these knives "tactical" (except the Case toothpick)...

BTW... Nternal... When are you gonna send me your Spartan? I'm itching to put a clip point bowie regrind and handle job on it.

Patients brotha I am also itching for it but I got side tracked by other purchases.. you know how knife guys are.