I've been wondering..

E

Emden

Joined
Apr 9, 2015
Messages
41
...why people call knives (fixed and folders) to be either Traditional or Tactical?

I mean, wouldn't Traditional or Modern sound a bit better?

For me word tactical is not quite right word for certain modern knives.
Surely there are knives that are best describe with word tactical,
but mostly, my opinion is that, modern knives are
neutral looking knives that don't cause panic fit amongst non-knife-persons.
(Like SAKs and "Grandpa" style folders)

Just a thought that occured to me.
 
I tend towards "modern" instead of "tactical". A "tactical" knife isn't "tactical" if all you use it for is breaking down boxes, opening mail, and scaring your aunt. "Tactical" refers much more to the situation rather than the equipment. A Leatherman can be "tactical" if need be.
 
There was a time when modern folding knives were termed as high tech knives
http://www.donrearic.com/lotechhitech.html
Tactical knives were basically conjured as tactically useful cutlery
to go along with the image of armed uniformed personnel out to save the day
in harms way.
It could mean defensive or martial offensive material.
But then not everybody bought into that that ninja mall image.
So we have tactitools, EDCs...and so outdoors survival never quite died.
Yeah, and then came along bushcraft...
Recreational, work, sporting,
Combative and fighting knives aside,
It's all just outdoors knives or traditional patterns really.
 
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Damn near anything can be used tactically. A pillow can be used to smother, tactical pillows anyone?

It comes with a hook and loop field for patches and all!
 
Well, there is a Combat Cock, so why not an assault pillow (the tacticlol idiocy never stops).

7N8Tbxo.jpg



 
evilgreg said:
Just announced: deadly assault pillows banned by the states of California, New York, Massachusetts and Illinois.

After a CNN report describe the deadly killing power of "full semi auto" pillows, the same states are now eyeing a ban on non-assault pillows.
Click to expand...
"Pillows limited to 3in thick and must have breather holes placed every half inch."
 
I'd say it really comes down to an unfortunate side-effect of marketing. A number of companies - both makers and vendors - cater to the mindset of knives as weapons. This is one of those scenarios where otherwise useful distinguishing terminology has been co-opted by the community for the sake of convenience or to reflect a bias.

"Modern folders", while accurate, is kind of a muddy term that doesn't really do a lot to distinguish, say, a slipjoint with modern materials (like the Benchmade Proper) from a Zero Tolerance knife.

The word "tactical" has some negative connotations, but it does definitely put the thought of a G10-handled knife with a pocket clip in mind. While few people are going to look at a Spyderco Manix2 and think "this is for tactical operators", the category of "tactical" does at least distinguish it from the smaller and more classic styles of pocket knives.

It's not my favorite term, and I wince a little whenever I find myself typing "tactical" instead of "modern" - but, sometimes, I just don't feel like "modern" is really expressive enough, and I kinda feel like it implies that "non-modern" folders are inferior. I think there's a bit of a vacuum of appropriate terminology here.
 
I am so tired of the word 'tactical.' It's losing all meaning and seems to be an excuse for mall ninjas to feel more fit and capable than they really are. I buy a lot of mil-spec (that's another word I'm growing to hate, but it's the only word that fits the situation) equipment, but I wouldn't claim that it's tactical gear just because I don't use the stuff for military or law enforcement operations (operations is another word that's overused). From now on, I'm going to use phrases like 'modern camping' or, as suggested by the OP, just 'modern' to describe (what are currently called) 'tactical' knives.

Then there are the few people who feel that a 'tactical' knife is a knife that must (obviously, right?) be used for harming other people (and they usually conclude that 'tactical' knives should be banned). Not going to comment on that one since I don't want to get into politics or knife law.

In conclusion, any knife could be used tactically. Even if it has bone handles and a silver finish, a knife still may make an excellent tool for our patriots overseas (and those at home). It's not about the label, it's about the quality of the steel, the strength of the construction, and the consistency of the manufacturing process. If we're going to classify them, let's do it by the style of design and not the intended use... That's just my opinion.
 
I hate the word "tactical" as applied to knives. While I am sure many of my knives are billed as or would be called tactical folders, they are just knives to me. Maybe I use modern, or occasionally "hard use" for a beefy overbuilt knife, but calling anything tactical that I will mostly be using for boxes, twine, etc. is kind of silly.

I mean, a "tactical" knife is going to be useless to me in the event I meet someone else with a tactical knife and training. A knife itself is not "tactical", the person holding it may or may not be.
 
One of my favorite examples is the Tactical Spork! Now playing on Massdrop...
 
Well I don't know ..every time I open a box with my Adamas or chop a fallen branch with my Busse, I have my eyes peeled out for Ninjas and Zombies, oh and Pirates.
 
They're not all modern.
Take the rules of the porch.
If you would / could easily recognize it in the 1960's it's traditional.
Furthermore if it has a clip, and thumb stud...ect it's modern.

It doesn't have to be a tactical, take the KA-BAR Dozier for example it's modern but definitely not tactical.
The Gerber EAB utility knife is also modern, but not tactical.
 
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