Folding knives

The folding knife is much more than a simple tool; it is the adventurer's essential companion, a reliable partner for daily life, and the legacy of exceptional craftsmanship. At TB Outdoor, we perpetuate the French cutlery tradition by designing folding knives that combine technological innovation, state-of-the-art materials, and robustness proven on the most demanding theaters of operation. Whether you are looking for a compact EDC knife, a rugged bushcraft tool, or a tactical model resulting from our collaboration with the armed forces, each blade is designed to offer uncompromising performance, safety, and durability. This page is your guide to understanding our philosophy and choosing the folding knife that will faithfully accompany you on all your missions, from the most ordinary to the most extraordinary.

Key features of the TB Outdoor folding knife range

Why choose a TB Outdoor folding knife?

Opting for a TB Outdoor folding knife means choosing peace of mind. It means investing in a tool designed and manufactured in France by TB, a cutler in Thiers since 1648 and an official supplier to the French Army. Our expertise is not limited to tradition; it is constantly fueled by innovation and field experience feedback. Every knife is the result of extensive research to ensure a perfect balance between blade performance, mechanism safety, and handle ergonomics. Choosing TB Outdoor means equipping yourself with a folding knife that will never let you down, designed for efficiency and built to last a lifetime.

What is the history behind the quality of our folding knives?

Our legitimacy is based on more than five centuries of cutlery tradition in Thiers, the world capital of cutlery. This heritage is our foundation. But it is our status as an armed forces supplier that has forged our reputation for robustness. For over 20 years, we have designed and produced knives for French soldiers, notably the famous C.A.C®, the official knife of the French Army. This collaboration imposes an unparalleled level of demand: every material, every mechanism, and every design is tested under the harshest conditions. The TB Outdoor folding knife range for the general public benefits directly from this military expertise, offering you operational quality in a civilian knife.

Which folding knife for which use?

The best knife is the one suited to your needs. We have structured our offerings to precisely meet every usage environment so you can find the ideal partner.

The EDC (Every Day Carry) folding knife: your daily ally?

The EDC knife is a compact, lightweight, and versatile tool that you carry with you every day. It is designed to perform a multitude of small tasks: opening a package, cutting string, preparing a snack... Our models like the Bivouac® or the Unboxer® are perfect for this use. They combine discretion, lightness, and a formidably effective blade for all of life's daily surprises. Their refined design also makes them a beautiful object, pleasant to use and carry.

Discover our selection of EDC folding knives.

The outdoor and bushcraft folding knife: ready for adventure?

For your outdoor trips, hikes, bivouacs, or bushcraft sessions, you need a more robust and enduring knife. Priority is given to blade strength, the reliability of the locking mechanism, and excellent grip, even with gloves or wet hands. Models like the Baroudeur® are specifically developed for these challenges. Their thicker blade and ergonomic handle made of resistant materials (G10, PA6) make them working tools you can rely on to build a shelter, split kindling, or cook outdoors.

Explore our bushcraft and survival knives.

The tactical folding knife: military heritage at your fingertips?

Derived directly from our experience with special forces and intervention units, our tactical knives are designed for maximum efficiency. Civilian versions of the C.A.C® incorporate operational features: one-handed quick opening, ultra-secure locking, glass breaker, seatbelt cutter... They are made with the most resistant materials to ensure flawless performance in critical situations. For professionals or enthusiasts demanding the best, it is the choice of absolute performance.

See our tactical folding knives.

How are the materials for our folding knives chosen?

A knife's performance depends directly on the quality of the materials that compose it. We select each component for its specific properties to ensure a consistent and high-performance final product.

Why use Nitrox® steel for our blades?

The majority of our blades are made of Nitrox®, a stainless steel we developed ourselves. Its composition, enriched with nitrogen, gives it two major advantages:

1. Excellent corrosion resistance: Your blade stays intact for longer, even in humid or saline environments.
2. Superior and long-lasting cutting capacity: Nitrox® steel allows for a very fine edge that lasts a long time, spacing out sharpening sessions.

It is the ideal compromise between ease of maintenance and cutting performance.

Which material for your knife handle?

The handle is the link between you and the blade. Its choice is crucial.

• G10: This is a composite of fiberglass and epoxy resin, pressed and heated. It is incredibly resistant, stable against temperature and humidity variations, and offers a very secure textured grip. It is a premium choice for our outdoor and tactical knives.
• PA6 reinforced with fiberglass: This technical polymer is used on our military knives for its extreme impact resistance, lightness, and controlled cost. It offers exceptional durability in the worst conditions.

What is the best locking mechanism for a folding knife?

Safety is our priority. The locking mechanism prevents the blade from accidentally closing on your fingers. We mainly use two proven systems:

• Liner Lock: A metal plate inside the handle wedges itself under the heel of the blade to lock it in the open position. It is a simple, reliable system that is easy to operate with one hand.
• Axis Lock (or pump lock): A moving axis crosses the handle and locks the blade. This system is renowned for its robustness and ambidextrous nature. It is the one we perfected for our C.A.C® assault knife.

How to maintain your folding knife for a maximum lifespan?

A TB Outdoor knife is an investment. With simple maintenance, it will serve you for a lifetime.

1. Cleaning: After each use, especially after cutting acidic foods (fruit, etc.), wipe your blade. If necessary, wash it in lukewarm water with a little soap, taking care to rinse and dry the entire knife thoroughly, including the mechanism.
2. Lubrication: A drop of suitable fine oil (gun oil or mineral oil type) on the pivot axis from time to time will facilitate opening and protect the mechanism from corrosion.
3. Sharpening: Maintain your blade's edge with a quality sharpener. Regular, light sharpening is always better than heavy rework on a dull blade.

What does the law say about carrying a folding knife in France?

French legislation classifies folding knives as category D weapons. Their purchase and possession are unrestricted for adults. However, carrying and transporting them is prohibited without a "legitimate reason." This reason is assessed on a case-by-case basis by law enforcement during a check (context, type of activity, type of knife). A hiker with a knife like the Baroudeur® in their backpack has a more legitimate reason than someone carrying a tactical knife in the city at night. In summary: use common sense, leave your knife in your bag rather than your pocket when moving about, and adapt the knife you carry to the activity you are performing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the best folding knife for a gift?
  For a gift, the Bivouac® or the Baroudeur® are excellent choices. They are versatile, high-quality with their French manufacturing, and their design is appreciated by a wide audience. It is a useful gift that lasts.
• How do I properly sharpen a TB Outdoor folding knife?
  We recommend using a diamond or ceramic sharpening rod for regular maintenance, or a controlled-angle sharpening system for a complete edge restore. The ideal sharpening angle for our blades is between 20° and 25°.
• Are your knives guaranteed?
  Yes, all our knives are guaranteed against manufacturing defects. Our commitment is to provide you with a reliable tool, and we handle after-sales service from our factory in Thiers.
• Is the C.A.C® knife the real army knife?
  Yes, the C.A.C® (Combat Assistance Campagne) model we offer is the official version developed in partnership with the French Army and selected to equip soldiers.

Glossary

• EDC (Every Day Carry): Term for items you carry with you daily (knife, flashlight, pen, etc.).
• Liner Lock: Blade locking system where an interior liner locks the blade in the open position.
• Axis Lock: Blade locking system using a moving axis that engages the heel of the blade to keep it open.
• G10: Very resistant composite material made of fiberglass and resin, used for knife handles.
• Nitrox®: Proprietary stainless steel from Tarrerias-Bonjean, enriched with nitrogen to improve edge retention and corrosion resistance.