new and need info reTerzuola

D

Dread

Joined
Jun 29, 2002
Messages
9
I am new to this forum and would appreciate some information about Terzoula knives I bought this folder at a knife show and it seems very well built. It has a zytel(sic) handle with a lock-liner and a 4" blade. The handle bears a round emblem with the words CENTURY STARFIGHTER wrapped aroud a star. I was told this guy has been a Guild member for 25+years and is well respected.
Has anybody ever heard of him? Where can I check on the value of this knife?
Thanks, Dread
 
First of all - Welcome to Blade Forums.

Bob Terzoula knives are known as some of the finest out there. He is very well known so you have made an excellent choice.

The Starfighter is in Dexter's Ewing's words a "tweaked out version" of the very popular ATCF model.

Dexter wrote a review on the knife you have. here where you will find more information.

As an aside, Bob has written a highly regarded book on making folding knives.
 
:) Thanks Gus,
I followed the thread in your post and all of my initial positive impressions were confirmed. Now I think I may even get my wife to see the wisdom of this purchase. I paid $485 out-the-door (asking price $550). The knife is absolutely beautiful, smooth as silk and opens with a flick of the wrist--w/o even touching the thumbstud. The review is accurate!
Thanks again, Dread
 
I'll add to what Gus said: If you go to any of the major knife shows, you better get there early because Terzuola's table will be cleaned out real fast. You made a fine choice.:cool:
 
:D OK Gentlemen, Now that I've stumbled into the world of fine knives where do I look (makers) for comparable quality?
 
Hi Dread,

Welcome to the forums and congrats on your fine purchase...yes, Terzuola is one of the "legendary" makers...I believe he is often credited with inventing "tacticals" as we know them today.

Other makers of his caliber (and long-standing history) include Kit Carson, JW Smith, Darrel Ralph, and Pat Crawford, just to name a few. You might want to look at Ernest Emerson customs as well.

As for fixed blades...Walter Brend :)

RL
 
Dread, as much as I have learned from the Net. There is nothing like a good knife show for learning and meeting makers. If you can make it up to the Guild Show in Orlando July 12-14 that would be a fantastic start.

To check out knife-maker web pages on the net this is a great start:
Theo's knife links

Once you find a maker whose style you like you might want to run a search or post a thread here and see the opinions of others.
 
Originally posted by Dread
It has a zytel(sic) handle with a lock-liner and a 4" blade.
Click to expand...

I used to own a Century Starfighter w/ a black blade. These are usually made with G10 handles, although I think Bob makes carbon fiber versions now also.

It is assuredly not Zytel, which is a DuPont engineered plastic, and which is the province of production knives (e.g. Spyderco), as it is a nylon polymer that requires specialty gear to produce in the shape of knife handles.

http://52.128.224.235/NASApp/plasti...10&htmlFile=english/products/zytel/zytel.html

Terzuola is, arguably, the father of the modern tactical folder (ATCF). His work is very high quality, high fit/finish.
 
Oops--My mistake on the zytel. What exactly is G-10?
Gus, thaks for the Theo's link--that ought to keep me busy for a while!
 
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