Bob Terzuola

[Kohai999]

I was curious. You put forth a concise and well worded response. Thank you.

Steven Garsson

 

[Nakano 2]

The simple handle design of the ATCF makes for a neutral feel. Without excessive finger grooves, pinky hooks, flippers, and palm swells, it fits my hands just about right. I like the disc opener and the ample finger guard. But the liner lockup has consistently been compromised (resulting in blade play) with a modified sabre grip where the forefinger is wedged up tightly against the front guard/ lockup area and the thumb resting tightly against the blade spine (ramped) area. Personally, this is a big no- no for me. For others it may not be an issue if their grip and use intentions are different. Even with recent ATCFs I' ve handled where the liner is reduced with respect to its scale, the lockup was still easily compromised. Perhaps thicker liners is called for? Or even a framelock model?

Oh yeah, I don' t like the tip pointing up carry pocket clip! But to each their own.

N2

 

[SharpByCoop]

Interesting, and some brutally honest remarks. I just had the opportunity to purchase one of Bob's ATCF's from a member, and I will give it a good going over with all the comments in mind.

The very first aspect of a GREAT custom knife is the relationship with the maker and his attention to problems and customer service. With only one exception here, I have heard nothing but praise in this regard. Bob T. long ago helped to re-invigorate and propel the tactical market forward. There is value in inovation and tenure, and he provides that to this day, regardless of the style.

I chatted with him in Chicago about the need for him to get a website of his own to continue his exposure to the new buying climate of the internet.

I would expect he is watching this carefully and remarks are logging in.

Coop

 

[DBH]

I have had over 11 ATCFs and now I am down to a few. I have one that has been my EDC for over 2 and 1/2 years and is used daily. I have never, never had a problem with QC period. All of the knives I have owned have locked up like a vault and I have never had a lock compromised.

I have sent a cpouple in for refurbs, cosemetics, but nothing else.

I am sure Bob is reading this post, and if you have any problems, why don't you send him an email. Explain your problem, I am sure that he will respond.

 

[Kevin Wilkins]

SNIP

long ago helped to re-invigorate and propel the tactical market forward. SNIP

Coop

I think it would more accurate to say he was one of the very first Makers to CREAT the tactical market, since before him, there was basically nobody making tactical knives as defined today.

I have never owned one of Mr. Terzuola's knives, so I can't comment regarding quality, etc. The only one of his knives I have handled was very well made and worked fine after having been EDC'd by its owner for many years.

 

[brownshoe]

I agree with Mr. Wilkins. Terzuola's one of the pioneers in a way. Like Mr. Wilkins, I don't own one, but I've handled a lot, they all were in good shape. One 4 year old Ti frame lock I almost bought had heavy use and was as solid as a rock. I don't like sebenzas, and in many ways this knife was the same as a sebenza in size, materials and construction, but the terzuoal was disctingly different and much better. More comfortable in the hand, better looking, and smooth as silk after many years of use. I've always liked his designs and own both the spyderco and benchmade production knives. They are both favorites.

 

[ROBB]

I agree Bob Terzuola was and is an innovator in design and ideas.I have owned 2 of his knives.One I traded and the other I still have(I like the double grind he put on the blade).What I've noticed in knife shows is the quality does vary.Some are amoung the top with fit & finish.Others do'nt have the smooth openings or have some blade play.It also seems that the ones that I've had develop blade play a little faster than some other customs that I own,maybe this is because the liners are'nt that thick I do'nt know'but thats my experence.I am amazed at how many of Terzuola's folders I've seen over the last 15 yrs.I do'nt know if he has any help in his shop but sometimes it seemed like every dealer had quite a few of his folders especially in the 90's.Now he has a "semi-custom"company making a brand with his name(totaly different than his custom ones).

 

[Larry B.]

It's hit and miss with his knifes. You never know if the action or liner-lock will develope trouble down the road. I really think he makes to many knives per yr. and doesn't give each knife the attention a custom knife should be getting.Every intenet dealer of knives has at least a half dozen or more of his knives for sale.He mass producers them without regard for quality control.Hey, I',m just being honest.
Larry

 

[Larry B.]

I see someone gave me a Red negative rating for my posts on Bob T's knives. Thats OK I don't care about the rating, I just wonder why the person has to do it without identifying thereself. This person claims I am on a vedetta. It's a shame you can't be honest without getting berated by other people.
Larry

 

[Architect]

I see someone gave me a Red negative rating for my posts on Bob T's knives. Thats OK I don't care about the rating, I just wonder why the person has to do it without identifying thereself. This person claims I am on a vedetta. It's a shame you can't be honest without getting berated by other people.
Larry

Funny, I got the same negative rating from my post and I have a very good idea who put it there. I also got a very nasty personal message and email from an internet knife dealer that occasionally posts on this forum. That dealer does not have the courage to post on this forum. His believes because his comments may be viewed as self-serving (he has a number of Bob's knives for sale). Maybe, I guess it depends on how those comments are written.

Regarding the "reputation" of the knife maker.
The knife industry is a relatively small one. That is not a negative statement, it is just an economic fact. The "custom" market is very, very small compared to the "factory" segment of the market. I think it has been noted many many times in the past that members on Bladeforums constitute a relatively small segment of the "custom" market buyers. The statement I made (and perhaps Larry B's comments) are merely stating facts - whether these damage Mr. Terzuola's reputation, I very much doubt - as I imagine the majority of Mr. Terzuola's knives are not purchased by Bladeforums members.

As I mentioned in my original post, I believe Mr. Terzuola is a very good designer and was quite innovative in the early years of a developing new market for handmade knives and has been a leader in the factory collaboration market - all good for consumers.

Mr. Terzola makes liner locking folders, exclusively (unless I have missed something). The liner lock hwoever, has simply been surpassed by other lock designs that are more reliable and provide greater certainty of not failing. That doesn't mean people should not make them. I think that if a maker is dedicated to producing a particular locking mechanism and they do not constantly change their knife designs, as some makers do - they should be held to a very, very high standard, especially when their knives are consistently offered at a higher price than their competitors. My comments were made in that light.

 

[Kevin Wilkins]

Architect:

I disagree with you on two points:

Bladeforums and the other Net based knife forums are extremely important regarding sales etc of custom knives. I've been active since way back in rec.knives days and I believe a large part of the custom knife business in now Net based. What get said here and elsewhere on these forums has a tremendous impact on sales and popularity of particular knives and their makers.

However, that doesn't mean these forums are for blowing smoke to push one or the other maker. The thing that makes these forums important is the breadth of knowledge and experience which are offered. That means honest opinions, both positive and negative. Let the chips fall where thay may.



My second point:

I don't believe the liner lock das been surpassed by other locking systems. Some locking systems are prefered by some users over others and some makers do a better job at making some systems than others do. "Surpassed" implies the liner lock is obsolete, which it is not.

That said, designing and making a liner locking folder that is both functional and reliable is lot more difficult than it looks! Believe me, I know.

PS
I think the whole "rating thing" is a bunch of crap. I've never even read mine and dont plan to start now.

 

[Architect]

Architect:

I disagree with you on two points:

Bladeforums and the other Net based knife forums are extremely important regarding sales etc of custom knives. I've been active since way back in rec.knives days and I believe a large part of the custom knife business in now Net based. What get said here and elsewhere on these forums has a tremendous impact on sales and popularity of particular knives and their makers....

I am genuinely interested if you have any information on this subject that goes beyond intuition. I can't find any. I read the various knife magazines, but other than some anecdotal (and not terribly well written or researched) quotes, nothing of substance on the subject. What do you base this belief on?

Architect:
...I don't believe the liner lock das been surpassed by other locking systems. Some locking systems are prefered by some users over others and some makers do a better job at making some systems than others do. "Surpassed" implies the liner lock is obsolete, which it is not.

That said, designing and making a liner locking folder that is both functional and reliable is lot more difficult than it looks! Believe me, I know.

PS
I think the whole "rating thing" is a bunch of crap. I've never even read mine and dont plan to start now.

Well, we will just have to disagree on whether the liner lock is obsolete. There are simply a number of newer designs I have "field tested" that simply function better. I think a poll or survey of at least BF members would suggest that this is not just a personal preference. Perhaps a new thread on that one?

Regarding the ratings - I agree, they are meaningless, I only brought it up because someone feels very strongly about the subject, but has yet to weigh in here on the forum.

 

[DBH]

Architect and Larry B, I am sorry that someone gave you negative points on your own views, that is a crappy thing to do. Everyone has an oipinion on what lock is strongest, what the best blade steel is, and how thick liners should be. Everyone has their own view and perspective as to what is better.

As I have said, I have not "personally" had a problem with any of his knives. I use some and some are safe queens. My user as stated before, locks up like a vault and it used a lot, probably on somethings that it shouldn't. Again no problems.

Bob, may make a lot of knives per year, but he also builds many of the same model at the same time, and with all of his jigs, he knocks them out quickly. Efficient? yes. Possible for one to slip through? Sure.

Hopefully your problems with lock up and blade play can be taken care of.

 

[Kevin Wilkins]

Hello Architect,

well I base this on my own personal business as a knifemaker. Almost 100% of my sales are either directly through my website or come from customers who have seen my website and come to a show prepared and well versed in what type of knives I make. One example, the last show I did I previewed several knives on a german language knife forum. Several customers saw the thread and were lined up at the door when the show opened. They literally rushed over to my table to buy that knife. I could have sold it many times over. Other customers came to buy other knives they had seen on my site or in my german language forum. I hear similar stories from other makes as well. Have a look at my site: www.wilkins-knives.com

I dont know if you remember the original Saturday Night Live crew, but one member Garrick Morris, used to do a bit as baseball player where all he said was, "Baseball been very verry good to me!" I gues I can say, The Internet been very very good to me!

Of course I also happen to make a damn good knife... so I guess that helps!

 

[SharpByCoop]

Guys, I just took delivery of an ATCF from a BF member (Artsig1). It is exactly as described by him—Mint. I promised a report when I did.

That said, I can't find a single thing I can fault with this knife. The fit and finish can stand up to my macro lense, the action opening is super-smooth, the blade is as sharp as anything I own, the lockup is solid, perfectly positioned, and releases easily. Exactly what one would expect. The angles must be right on.

So, of the hundreds of knives that get produced, I would like to think I have a representative example. I didn't even give Bob or any dealer my direct business on this transaction, so I've got no real reason to interject—other than a hands-on opinion of Bob's knife.

I say it is deserving of the accolades it has garnished. Thanks, Bob.

Coop

Kevin- The internet has also been very very good to me as well! Good remembrance.

 

[Larry B.]

Guys, I just took delivery of an ATCF from a BF member (Artsig1). It is exactly as described by him—Mint. I promised a report when I did.

That said, I can't find a single thing I can fault with this knife. The fit and finish can stand up to my macro lense, the action opening is super-smooth, the blade is as sharp as anything I own, the lockup is solid, perfectly positioned, and releases easily. Exactly what one would expect. The angles must be right on.

So, of the hundreds of knives that get produced, I would like to think I have a representative example. I didn't even give Bob or any dealer my direct business on this transaction, so I've got no real reason to interject—other than a hands-on opinion of Bob's knife.

I say it is deserving of the accolades it has garnished. Thanks, Bob.

Coop

Kevin- The internet has also been very very good to me as well! Good remembrance.

Enjoy your knife, but it only stands to reason that nobody is going to sell you a defective knife. If I were to sell any of my Terz. naturally I would only sell the perfect ones.
Larry

 

[Boink]

Guys, I just took delivery of an ATCF from a BF member (Artsig1). It is exactly as described by him—Mint.

Coop - ANY knife you get from Art will be a winner. (this is not to disparage any maker and I don't have an opinion other than I had a Terzuola and he fixed any problem with it promptly and well, for no charge ...) It's just that any knife going through Art's hands will usually be great. I don't know if this is still the case, be he once posted that when he gets a new knife (NEW, mind you), he disassembles it and gives it a super reconditioning and buffing of washers with dremel tools, etc. and then puts it all together again. Gotta love that guy!

And for what it's worth, BF members should take the reputation thing with a grain of salt. On mine, Glorfindel got mad at me some time ago and called me a racist.

 

[Mr Grayson]

Its a paradox that Bob is THE innovator in creating the tactical folding knife, yet has not introduced a new wrinkle in ten years. He can be credited with inventing the thumb disc, with popularizing titanium as a frame material, with marrying the clip, disc, ti handle, and fighter blade into a single knife. It is hard to overstate his contributions on this score. But, he has chosen to make subtle, continuous changes to his flagship ATCF instead of creating new models. If you look at an early ATCF next to a new one, you'll find a dozen small and meaningful modifications, all of which make it a better knife. But, its still the same knife in the larger sense. No new designs at all since the Century Starfighter. I guess he's looked at the new models some of his peers have come out with recently (the newer CQC series knives from Emerson come to mind) and decided they would only hurt his legacy!

 

[Marcel J.B. Morin]

I have had three of Bob's knives. One got sold to buy another knife and two are still in my collection. One I carry on a fairly regular basis, the other with stag scales is what I consider my weekend carry. I have never had a problem with either of the two knives. I own knives by over a dozen makers and I rotate which knife I carry depending on what I am doing. The lockup is absolutely flawless on both knives and I couldn't be happier. Just my .02 cents worth.

Marcel

 

[Larry B.]

I have had three of Bob's knives. One got sold to buy another knife and two are still in my collection. One I carry on a fairly regular basis, the other with stag scales is what I consider my weekend carry. I have never had a problem with either of the two knives. I own knives by over a dozen makers and I rotate which knife I carry depending on what I am doing. The lockup is absolutely flawless on both knives and I couldn't be happier. Just my .02 cents worth.

Marcel

That's nice to hear. Would you like to buy mine?