What constitutes a "tactical folder" in your opinion?

[Nyfeguy]

I would say I have a pretty rigid definition of what make a tactical folding knife. I do not subscribe to the "paint it black and double the price" definition that seems to be the hallmark of some mainstream manufacturers. To me, a knife should have at least 3 features to be considered a tac-folder. They are:

1. A minimum blade length of 3 inches;

2. A Spyderhole;

3. It's got to have premium steel.

A fourth requirement I adopted a few years back is a dead serious one though I joke about it a lot; A decent tactical blade must be devoid of any name of a television personality(yep, I'm talking to you Bear Grylls, by the way you still owe me 29.99 punk!).

So here are my three minimums, does anyone else have some requirements in their tac folder?

 

[bpeezer]

Can be EASILY opened one handed. I don't think I would ever call something a "tactical folder", but if I had to use a folder in a "tactical" situation I would want to make sure I can get it open easily.

 

[marcinek]

I would say I have a pretty rigid definition of what make a tactical folding knife. I do not subscribe to the "paint it black and double the price" definition that seems to be the hallmark of some mainstream manufacturers. To me, a knife should have at least 3 features to be considered a tac-folder. They are:

1. A minimum blade length of 3 inches;

2. A Spyderhole;

3. It's got to have premium steel.

A fourth requirement I adopted a few years back is a dead serious one though I joke about it a lot; A decent tactical blade must be devoid of any name of a television personality(yep, I'm talking to you Bear Grylls, by the way you still owe me 29.99 punk!).

So here are my three minimums, does anyone else have some requirements I missed?

So a Benchmade or Emerson is not, by definition, a tactical folder?

Are you talking about three minima for what you want in a tactical folder?

 

[marcinek]

BTW...as far as I have ever known, a tactical folder locks and can be opened with one hand. (As opposed to a slipjoint.)

 

[sideways]

Solid lock up
Secure grip
Pointy tip

 

[BePrepared]

I would say I have a pretty rigid definition of what make a tactical folding knife. I do not subscribe to the "paint it black and double the price" definition that seems to be the hallmark of some mainstream manufacturers. To me, a knife should have at least 3 features to be considered a tac-folder. They are:

1. A minimum blade length of 3 inches;

2. A Spyderhole;

3. It's got to have premium steel.

A fourth requirement I adopted a few years back is a dead serious one though I joke about it a lot; A decent tactical blade must be devoid of any name of a television personality(yep, I'm talking to you Bear Grylls, by the way you still owe me 29.99 punk!).

So here are my three minimums, does anyone else have some requirements I missed?

That one is a bit silly... there are several ways to open a knife faster than a spider hole. Automatic, Flipper, axis lock. You can open a knife almost instantly one handed with any of those three. I agree with the other two, but a spiderhole is an aesthetic preference, not a necessary functional feature.

In order to call a knife "tactical" (whatever that means), I'd need it more like 4-5 inches with a frame or axis lock

 

[marcinek]

I'm still confused...are we talking "definition" or "preferences", Nyfeguy? It would save us all effort if we knew! :thumbup:

 

[Nyfeguy]

So a Benchmade or Emerson is not, by definition, a tactical folder?

Are you talking about three minima for what you want in a tactical folder?

I live in Oregon and I am a huge Benchmade fan. I have 8 BM folders/fixed blades and two autos. Their tools easily fit the bill. The Spyderhole is just a requirement me because, as bpeezer said, it has to be easy to open. I find holes easier to open than studs, especially with gloves. I also love and respect Emerson and many other individual brands.

Basically those are my three, is there any reqs you personally have to add?

 

[marcinek]

I live in Oregon and I am a huge Benchmade fan. I have 8 BM folders/fixed blades and two autos. Their tools easily fit the bill. The Spyderhole is just a requirement me because, as bpeezer said, it has to be easy to open. I find holes easier to open than studs, especially with gloves. I also love and respect Emerson and many other individual brands.

Basically those are my three, is there any reqs you personally have to add?

So...requirements for you...not requirements to be called a tactical folder, yes?

 

[Seilu]

I do not like Spyderholes so for me it's:

1. 3.5in+ Blade
2. Secure lock
3. A good penetrating tip
4. Good handle pattern/traction for secure grip
5. Glass breaker preferred

 

[Nyfeguy]

That one is a bit silly... there are several ways to open a knife faster than a spider hole. Automatic, Flipper, axis lock. You can open a knife almost instantly one handed with any of those three. I agree with the other two, but a spiderhole is an aesthetic preference, not a necessary functional feature.

In order to call a knife "tactical" (whatever that means), I'd need it more like 4-5 inches with a frame or axis lock

I understand what you are saying about the hole. In my reply to marcinek, I clarified it is a personal preference only. There are faster and easier ways depending on how you drill. I just find my hole is faster than even my BM autos or flippers, ect, especially with my gloves.

 

[Nyfeguy]

So...requirements for you...not requirements to be called a tactical folder, yes?

Yes, these are my personal requirements, and I am looking for other folks personal requirements.

 

[BePrepared]

As far as i know, nothing is faster than a flipper or a button activated auto while wearing gloves.

 

[DedRok]

Neutral to dark color.

Pointy tip for stabbing

No need for finger choil

Lots of grip and traction

Easily deployable with one hand.... flipper, thumstuds and spyder holes.

I think my 0780 is one of my most tactical type blades...

 

[Nyfeguy]

The more I research, the more I see there seems to be some reluctance and confusion surrounding the term Tactical, so I would clarify the term tactical folder to mean a folding blade that "assists in the achievement of a goal in a combat, policing, or personal defense scenario, including but certainly not limited to killing or injuring a human being."

 

[Nyfeguy]

Neutral to dark color.

Pointy tip for stabbing

No need for finger choil

Lots of grip and traction

Easily deployable with one hand.... flipper, thumstuds and spyder holes.

I think my 0780 is one of my most tactical type blades...

I agree with you about dark, non glare blades though not on my list of top 3 needs, thank you Dedrok

 

[K.O.D.]

A tactical folder?

Must have:

Jimping
Choil
Blood groove
Black or tiger striped blade
Something tacticool-esque written on the blade, plus lots of other writing on the blade
Black or camo handle
One hand opening
Looks like it could kill you without the owner present.

 

[marcinek]

The more I research, the more I see there seems to be some reluctance and confusion surrounding the term Tactical, so I would clarify the term tactical folder to mean a folding blade that "assists in the achievement of a goal in a combat, policing, or personal defense scenario, including but certainly not limited to killing or injuring a human being."

Wait. So now you are defining tactical. I thought you just said you were listing your personal requirements in a tactical knife.

So if I can stick someone with an Opinel is it tactical?

 

[K.O.D.]

Wait. So now you are defining tactical. I thought you just said you were listing your personal requirements in a tactical knife.

So if I can stick someone with an Opinel is it tactical?

In that case I'm gonna start decapitating people with my spyderco dragonfly. While they wait.

 

[marcinek]

I agree with you about dark, non glare blades though not on my list of top 3 needs, thank you Dedrok

But I thought you "...do not subscribe to the "paint it black and double the price" definition..."

I'm lost.