Carson or Terzuola?

S

Shortknock27

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Sep 2, 2002
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Ok, here's the question today for me: if you could choose between a standard user linerlock from either Kit Carson (i.e. Model 4) or Bob Terzuola (i.e. ATCF) without all the pretty bells and whistles but just for everyday carry, which would you choose? This is assuming relatively the same price point and availability for either. Thanks, I'm looking to get some advice so I can narrow down to one (I can only afford to look for one right now) and hopefully not buy any more knives for the forseeable future :rolleyes: and try to see how long I can carry just one knife. Ha.
Thanks,
Scott
 
I've carried both makers at one time or another, you can't go wrong with either.

Win
 
A year or so ago, Bob's wait time for standard ATCF, ordered from him was ~6 months. IIRC he makes different knives at different times of the year. Mine is excellent, perfect fit and finish. It is a heavy knife; the framelock version is a little lighter. It is not "super fast" in opening, but that's fine with me. A real plus is the recessed clip and the oil-less pivot. The pivot does not need lubrication, oil is not recommended since it holds in dirt. If it gets sticky, a good wash with hot water, soap and a tooth brush cleans it up.
 
Either Kit's Model 4 or Bob's ATCF are both classics of the 'tactical folder world'.......I got my first ATCF in the late '80's and have several Carson Md 4's......either are exemplary but Kit's 'production' is very limited these days and he hasn't taken an order in years.

Your call but I tend to go after the ones that aren't being made or can't be replaced..... ;)
 
Owned many of both. Prefer the Model 4 but it's really a matter of taste not function between those two. I'd throw Obenauf (disgraced I know, but the knives were good and you are looking for a user not a safe queen), Mayo, and older DDR knives in the mix too. All things being equal I would grab M4s, tho.
 
I dont have experience with Carson, but I know Bobs are solid and well made. I would go with Terzuola for heavy use.
 
I have 2 Kit Carson's left in my collection... a 3.5" Model 4 in ironwood and D2, and a 4" Model 4 in ironwood and 420V (S90V now). Several others have passed through my hands, including one in Stellite 6. They are/were very finely executed folders. They will appreciate more rapidly than a Terzuola due to Kit's health. My only quibble with the Model 4 is the lack of a "guard" aspect of the handle design.

I have literally lost count of the Terzuola's in my collection (north of 10, south of 30). So I have a bias ;-) ... partly because Terzuola's are relatively more available in a variety of materials and at prices south of nosebleed. The ATCF is one of the earliest tactical liner lock designs, and is STILL one of the finest all around folder designs extant. It still looks and feels current. The handle design gives the index finger a sort of "Guard", and the blade shapes range from the earlier spear points to a modified spear with a different grind of late... to the addition of a fuller or blood groove, also of late.

I have one ATCF one that has carbon fiber scales, no bolster, and it's ~ 2.5oz... a perfect folder for e.g. backpacking. Super light for a 4" blade of such build quality. I have various bolstered ATCF's, love them, but they get heavier with bolsters and especially with fossil mammoth scales. The Eagle Rock design is also excellent, but gets heavy too... I have a couple that go 8 oz, which is too heavy for daily carry, especially without a pocket clip (for me, carried in a slip pouch/sheeth like CRK delivers w/ a Sebbie, 8oz is too heavy feeling in the bottom of a pocket). The heavier they are, the more they need a clip for pocket carry.

The ATCF (proper) has a 3-7/8" to 4" blade. If you want a Terzuola spear point with a 3" to 3.5" blade, it's his TTF-6. He makes a bunch of blade shapes in the TTF series, all 3" to 3.5". Wharnies, modified wharnies, drop points, spear points.

Both makers are top of the top.

If you plan to carry and use, I'd do a Terzuola. If it's for investment purposes and will be a safe queen, a Kit Carson.
 
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Thank you for your input, I'm still a bit undecided. I infer, from Rob, that Mr. Carson is not in good health these days? That's too bad, but may influence my decision some, as I would like to be able to send a knife to the maker for "spa treatment" if need be. If he's not able to do that, I may sway the other way then. Not to get off the subject, but has anyone tried out/handled the Microstar from Mr. Terzuola? I'm trying to wrap my mind around how well this knife would be for EDC use. I know it has a 3-inch blade, which is usually just about perfect for me, but I'm not sure that I wouldn't want that particular design in just a tad bigger knife. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Scott
 
The Microstar has a 3&1/8 inch blade and in my opinion is awfully comfortable to hold and has excellent ergos. The Starfighter, which is a larger version of the Microstar (or if you want to be technical, the Microstar is a smaller version of the Starfighter!) has an almost 4 inch blade (similar in size to an ATCF). In between there would be a TTF-3A with a 3.5 inch blade (basically a smaller ATCF). Both makers are true masters and quality will be top-notch. There may be an advantage from an investment/resale value point of view on the Carson, though aftermarket prices have dropped dramatically in the last year or so. Bob has been excellent in terms of servicing knives sent in for adjustment. I don't have any experience sending knives to Kit.
 
Don't ever count Kit out, his wife retired last year and they are just making up on time lost as they both worked the past 30 years.....he's got plenty of knives going on. :)
 
I own, and have carried both.

Carson-Large Model 4 tanto, Medium Model 4 clip point, small precursor to the model 4, clip point....I whaled the hell out of this one(batoning through wood, dropping it, whatnot) and Kit cleaned it up for me, and the only thing that would make you know it was carried besides the scales being a bit dinged is the lock engagement moved a little to the far side of right center.



My Terzuola knives are an ATCF from the early '90's and a TTF3 with ebony scales, and a recurved blade. The ATCF is a bit big for me to carry at this point, and the TTF3 a bit chunky, but they are both beautiful knives full of great execution, and thoughtful design.

Either way you cannot go wrong, but Carson knives are harder to find, and are a bit more expensive on the aftermarket. Getting one made custom to your specs might be a bit of a challenge.

Terzuola knives are less expensive, even on the aftermarket, and you CAN get one with your requirements made, not sure how long that would take.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
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