Blade Magazine - Tactical folders?

#1

I just received my issue of Blade Magazine's separate issue entitled "Folders Fantastic". All in all a very nice book.

There is an article in the issue about "Tactical Folders". While the afticle was interesting and provided much information, I believe that it was sorely lacking in some of the hisorical significance on "Tactical folders".

Since most of you visit the Spyderco forums because you have interest in the products and/or Spyderco history, and many of you are fairly new to the industry (less than 10 years), I thought to bring additonal fact to the Tactical folder story.

The author quotes me as defining "Tactical Folders"; "A tactical folder is one that was "purpose-designed" to be put immediately into use to effectively solve an unforseen and potentially dangerous situation". The situation is "Tactical" because of the potential danger, and the potential danger can be anything from a rope to an adversary".

What it did not mention is that was the design parameters of the first Clipit "Worker" model which went into production in 1981.

That first Clipit was IMHO the first Tactical folder. It opened one handed, had the original pocket clip and was "purpose-designed" for the above definition. The Mariner followed the following year with serrations that provided even more effective cutting power along with the clip and one hand open.

My good friend Bob Terzuola carried a Clipit Mariner in his pocket every day for 5 years before he created the "first Tactical Folder", one hand open with a pocket clip. If he is the Father of Tactical Folders, then Spyderco must be the grandfather.

Spencer Frazier, president of SOG carried a Clipit Harpy for about as long before he "created" his first tactical folder.

Al Mar asked permission to use the Spyderco clip on his tactical models in the late 80's (He always did show a lot of class).

Spyderco has been a Guild member since '79. In the mid to late 80's. Spyderco provided thousands of clips to custom makers so they could make tactical folders.

Lynn Thompson, president of Cold Steel likewise carried a Clipit Mariner for many years before he made tactical folders. An intersting point is that Lynn paid Spyderco a royalty on the integral clip even though he didn't have to, he thought it was the honorable thing to do because it was a Spyderco invention (though not patentable).

Ernie Emerson came on the scene 10 years later. We even licensed Ernie to use our hole opener for his custom knives (as Spyderco did for many custom makers).

Les deAsis, president of Benchmade was trying to emulate the Spyderco Clipit as early as '88 with his Monarch series (with clip and one hand open). Benchmade finally created their version of a Spyderco Clipit (under license) called the AFCK.

Tony, president of Microtech was inspired to make tactical knives because of the Spyderco Clipits.

By the time the term "Tactical Folders" was coined by Bob T, Spyderco already had 8 production tactical folders on the market. Spyderco was the first production company to make all black folders as well.

The Endura and Delica which came out in 1990 were certainly tactical folders. With several million out in the field, I would say that they also heavily influenced the tactical folder market. We made and sold more Tactical Enduras in one month than any custom maker will make in their lives.

Every wonder why all those clips looked the same until just recently?

We don't normally like to toot our own horn, but I believe that a true historical on Tactical folders would have to begin a decade before the author thought it did.

Sorry for the rant.

sal

murray · #2

Sal... I will give you credit were the credit is due. I will say in 1990's ish I bought myself and my dad (police officer) a delica because I saw one at a sporting goods store and thought if would be good for him and handy because he could clip it to his duty pants and be on the way. So then I bought one because I had to have everything my dad had. Then came the service for me and all types of knives because I was a ground pounding grunt. So I went on to all the other Tach knives the BM the MT the CS and even to the Chris Reeves. Well 12 years later and in a good paying job with a masters degree and all that BS. I must say I have sold all my BM except the AFCK and thats because of the hole it has. And most of my MT and my CS and Chris Reeve. And all I am buying know as before is the spyderco's. Its not about the price its about the fact that when I broke the clip on my first delica and my dads broke last year I sent them in without problems and got them back. So SAL YOU ARE THE MAN KEEP UP THE BEST WORK AROUND AND DRIVE ON. You are the orginal.......ADAM

whosyour · #3

Sal,
Forgive me,But its about **** time somebody stepped up and said what you said here.I maybe prejudice cause i'm a spyderco nut,but all of this top of the line tactical BS comes from copies of spyderco,whether it be the clip,serrations,even the hole.**** I may come out with one put a flashy box with it,a neat name, a cool clip,and a big price tag,and call it a "tactical folder"but it doesn't mean a **** thing if it isn't sharp and doesn't perform well.
Sal,you deserve more credit than anyone in the knife industry.Hopefully some of these people will realize that.But it's clear,"they just don't know"
Keep those knives coming,I'm ready for a new one.

stu · #4

Sal,

I am sorry for your frustration because of your hard work apparently being overlooked and underappreciated. You have a very legitamite complaint.

If it is any consolation, I bought my first Spyderco, Endura, in 1991 and have not bought another brand since. I buy knives to use and yours are absolutely the best.

Let's all stick together and make the knife world take notice.

Sincerely,

stu

dac · #5

That whole "Folders Fantastic" special issue did not do true justice to Spyderco. In the article on "The Top Ten Folders of All Time,"
only one "expert" mentioned Spyderco. I find that incredible when one considers the degree of Spydercos influence on current designs.

john row · #6

Sal,
I don't think your contributions have been overlooked. As you pointed out - "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!" I do agree that in many instances you haven't received the outward acclaim you justly deserve! That may be your own fault! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> One of the reasons you have gained so much respect and admiration is your humble demeanor.
I believe history will bear out the leaps & bounds in knife design and use that YOU have made reality.
John Row

"I'll have the Harpy, please, and a straight, serrated Spyderco with a four-inch blade...""Anything else?""Yes. I'd like a Spyderco Civilian..."

#7

hi guys. Thanx for the kind words. I don't think it is recognition for Spyderco that got my attention as much as Spyderco just being left out.

sal

sam the man.. · #8

Dear Poppa Spyder,
I hope the writer would carry a follow-up article based on your further clarification. That'll put the definition of "Tactical Folder" and its origin in proper order... <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> I think the T-clip two-screw C-01 is soooo Cool!! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> You Spyderco people are so modest and frank!! That's why Spydies RULE! <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

Sam

have spydies will travel

br44 · #9

Sal, do you realize you just called yourself a grandfather? Without a doubt You Are The Man!

mnblade · #10

Like others said, Sal's got a powerful point. But I submit that rapping about it here in a forum doesn't do much. Better yet, sharpen up those pencils, boys, and write letters to the editor of the magazine.

#11

Hey Br. I am a grandfather.

Hi Mn. I'm not chasing more attention. just wanted the local visitors to know more than was printed. Thanx for the thought and welcome to the forum.

sal

Edited by - sal on 6/4/2001 11:20:05 AM