KaBar TDI Lovers...BEHOLD....TDI Folder

DaPro

DaPro

Joined
Aug 18, 2009
Messages
390
Too bad they went South on the blade steel....$28

John Benner, founder of Tactical Defense Institute, designed the original TDI knife. A former police Lieutenant, Drug Task Force Coordinator, and SWAT Team Tactical Field Commander, Benner has more than 30 years experience in the law enforcement field. He has developed courses for raid tactics, defensive tactics and knife programs that are currently taught to law enforcement, military and civilian groups. The TDI line of knives is designed by an officer with officers in mind. Newly introduced in 2011 is the TDI folding knives. The 3-5/8" blades are made from 5Cr13 stainless steel at 54-56 Rc., and are TiNi coated. The folders are very similar in shape to the fixed blade TDI's. The blades are designed to be single hand ambidextrous opening via a thumbhole in the blade. Handles are lightweight with G-10 scales over a liner lock. These knives are designed to be low profile and ship with a reversible pocket clip. Available in either a plain or combination edge. Measures 4-3/4" closed and weighs 5.7 oz.. Made in China. Suggested retail is $42.11.

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Would be a great folder if it were made with higher end materials.
 
That looks like a bad idea to me. Liner lock + the way a TDI is supposed to be used? My fingers clench at the thought.
 
Thought of SD Folding knife with open blade axis so off from the handle axis bothers me quite a bit... But I have absolutely no experience with this kind of knives. I know it is all about technique, but still I would have to put a lot of trust in the liner lock and hope it doesn't slip.
 
I bought one of the original TDI knives for my wife. It's well designed for the intended purpose.

This folder appears to be a cool design that became a POS during the execution. Cheap blade steel with a liner lock on a karambit styled knife. I can get one of those for about 10 bucks at a low-end sporting goods store. If they kept the AUS 8 and added a frame lock and wave feature, you may have something.
 
the liner lock is a very strong design just like the frame lock. a well made liner lock can function almost just as well.

just sayin'
 
I agree Kiah. The way the TDI is supposed to be used limits its ability to be a folder. Not only would the pinky/ring finger press on the liner lock, it would have to be deployed, rotated, then be able to withstand pressure on the spine. The entire purpose of the TDI is to be clipped to the belt at the waist to be drawn cutting edge forward, overhand grip, then a cutting/gutting motion across the torso of an attacker who is blocking your gun-arm. I'm sure they'll make money on it, especially since it is made in China, but it won't see any use from me.
 
I see they make a big deal out of it being "designed by an officer for officers".
Well, since I'm not an "officer", I think I'll leave that wacky-looking half-way open, XXXX folder alone.
It's way too "professional" for me. The "officers" can have it.
 
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