CBR,
I am not trying to come off as a snob. I am letting you know my background with regards to this.
If I make 2 of the same identical tatical style knife and use certain materials (lets say g10 and stabalized wood) suddenly one is a whole different style knife then the other? So materials define what the knife is versus the shape or geometry or intended use?
Yes, you are exactly right. The one with G-10 is a Tactical folder (Remember....Tactical is a Marketing Term...which identifies a certain look and/or materials...it in no way indicates what the knife can and cannot do). The one with Stabilized wood would not be a tactical folder...as it has natural handle material on it.
It is that simple.
The reason certain categories are created at shows for judging is because a certain style of knife is prevalent enough in the custom knife world to dictate it has it's own category. Such is the case with the "Tactical" category. The category exists with the criteria it has because there are enough knives out there that exhibit those characteristics within the criteria that define the category.
First the market defines the term (lexicon)...the term then becomes the accepted term for a particular style of knife. Damascus is called Damascus...but None of it that is used by member of the ABS is made in Syria. It is the lexicon of custom knives. Even the word "custom" had to be discussed for years before it became part of the lexicon of custom knives. The word in one sense represents a word that can be used by all those who have an interest in custom or hand made knives, etc. That we can talk about. Are all the Knives at the "East Coast Custom Knife Show" custom knives? Some are...most aren't...by the true definition of the word. However, in our lexicon...the title of the show tells you that there will be custom knives at this show. For those of us who are involved in custom knives and are familiar with its lexicon. Understand that there will not be Factory, Production, Semi-Production or Antique knives there.
Again, Tactical is merely a marketing term that became part of the lexicon of custom knives. Many want to employ this term (especially when it comes to folders) as they understand that the knives that make up this category are good sellers. And/or they want to be part of that sector of the custom market. Then, as we have seen here....they try to put a round peg in a square hole.
If you want your knife to be a tactical knife...put a synthetic handle material on it.
The question as a maker that you have to ask yourself is....If I am a maker trying to sell a knife to a tactical folder buyer that is clearly not a tactical folder. What level of expertise or knowledge do you think the buyer will give me. And as such will that transfer in a negative light?
Remember a big part of sales is product knowledge. As someone who has sold tens of thousands of tactical folders I feel I have a pretty good handle on the product knowledge of that particular market sector.
