KA-BAR TDI Folding Knife: opinions?

[ninong99]

Hi all,
Wifey and I are interested in the KA-BAR TDI knife. However, we live in a jurisdiction that prohibits concealed carry of fixed blades, and open carry is not feasible for us. So we were trying to find reviews of the TDI Folding knife. What I've found so far pales in comparison to the glowing praise of the fixed-blade original.



Anyone have any first hand experience with the TDI Folder? Worth it? If not, any canted-bladed clone folding knives on the market that are?

Thanks!


-Ninong99
_____
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Invisible Swordsman]

I bought one of these as an impulse buy while I was at TDI last year. The original TDI knife is a well thought out design for a specific purpose, and is small and light enough to conceal well and carry easily for a uniformed officer.

The folder is much larger and heavier, and I don't see it serving a purpose that other knives don't fill better. Opening is stiff, and the liner lock is difficult to disengage (probably good from an accidental closing perspective). Aside from the handle angle, it offers nothing over other designs. My preference in folders goes to the Spyderco Delica and Endura, or Benchmade Axis locks like the Griptilians.

 

[conw]

For the role of a defense-worthy folder I really think the P'kal is the best thing going, but it's in a totally different price bracket, especially when you factor in needing a trainer. $200 for both on the secondary market, more like $250-280 if you buy them new. But totally worth it as it really fills that role perfectly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-p4YmUJ4PA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Sk7B-XXCJY

 

[hso]

opening device

Conwict,

If it ain't round, it's sound. Sal and Spyderco have no problem pointing out when their designs are being encroached or with licensing.

 

[conw]

hso, gotcha, now that i look at it, it's not very round

 

[precisionrifle14]

I have the Tdi folder, and I love it. I have beat the thing harder than any other piece of gear I have, and it laughs at me. Anyway, they're a great buy and very worth the price

 

[glistam]

I have this knife too. The blade is unusually thick for a folder and the knife overall has some heft to it. Definitely one of the sturdier knives in my collection. Obviously the fixed version is going to be better, but if folders are all you can carry, this seems like a good option.

I concur with the drawbacks mentioned by others. The lock is harder to disengage than most liners I have handled, and the bent angle makes mundane tasks with it pretty awkward. When I do carry it, I tend to have at least one other knife on me, and I keep it as a left-hand draw. As an amusing little anecdote, my state actually has case law on the books that a folder carried with the blade already open still is exempt from the concealed weapon law. So theoretically I (or you if you state has similar case law) could have a custom kydex sheath made and carry it open exactly like the fixed version, and still be legal. Well, who ever said weapon laws are smart?