The folding knife is much more than just a tool; it's the adventurer's indispensable companion, a reliable everyday partner, and the legacy of exceptional craftsmanship. At TB Outdoor, we perpetuate the French knife-making tradition by designing folding knives that combine technological innovation, cutting-edge materials, and proven robustness tested in the most demanding operational environments. Whether you're looking for a compact EDC knife, a durable bushcraft tool, or a tactical model developed in 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

Characteristic	Benefit for you
100% French-made	A guarantee of quality, traceability and support for a historical industrial know-how.
Military & Operational DNA	Access to technologies and robustness validated by the most demanding professionals.
High Performance Steels	Blades with a durable cutting edge and superior resistance (corrosion, wear).
Secure Mechanisms	Reliable locking systems (Liner lock, Axis lock) for confident use.
Versatility of Use	Models designed for every need: EDC, outdoor, bushcraft, survival, tactical use.
Ergonomics and Modern Materials	Optimal handling, lightweight and resistant to extreme conditions (G10, PA6).

Why choose a TB Outdoor folding knife?

Choosing 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 isn't limited to tradition; it's constantly enriched by innovation and feedback from field experience. Each knife is the result of in-depth research to guarantee 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 story behind the quality of our folding knives?

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

Which folding knife for which use?

The best knife is the one that suits your needs. We've structured our range to precisely meet the needs of every application, so you can find the perfect partner.

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

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

Discover our selection of EDC folding knives .

The folding outdoor and bushcraft knife: ready for adventure?

For your outdoor adventures, hikes, bivouacs, or bushcraft sessions, you need a more robust and durable knife. The priority is blade strength, a reliable locking mechanism, and excellent grip, even with gloves or wet hands. Models like the Baroudeur® are specifically designed for these challenges. Their thicker blade and ergonomic handle made of durable materials (G10, PA6) make them reliable tools you can count on for building a shelter, splitting firewood, or cooking outdoors.

Explore our bushcraft and survival knives .

The tactical folding knife: military heritage at your fingertips?

Directly derived from our experience with special forces and intervention units, our tactical knives are designed for maximum effectiveness. The civilian versions of the CAC® incorporate operational features: one-handed rapid opening, ultra-secure locking mechanism, glass breaker, strap cutter, and more. They are crafted from the most durable materials to guarantee flawless performance in critical situations. For professionals or enthusiasts who demand the best, this is the choice for 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 its materials. We select each component for its specific properties to guarantee a consistent and high-performing final product.

Why use Nitrox® steel for our blades?

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

1. Excellent corrosion resistance : Your blade remains intact longer, even in humid or saline environments.
2. Superior and durable cutting capacity : Nitrox® steel allows you to obtain a very fine edge and keep it for a long time, thus spacing out sharpening sessions.

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

What material should you use for the handle of your knife?

The handle is the link between you and the blade. Choosing it is crucial.

• G10 : This is a composite of fiberglass and epoxy resin, pressed and heated. It is incredibly strong, stable in the face of temperature and humidity variations, and offers a very secure textured grip. It is a premium choice for our outdoor and tactical knives.
• Glass fiber reinforced PA6 : This technical polymer is used in our military knives for its extreme impact resistance, lightness, and cost-effectiveness. It offers exceptional durability in the harshest 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 primarily use two proven systems:

• The Liner Lock : A metal plate inside the handle wedges under the blade's heel to lock it in the open position. It's a simple, reliable system that's easy to operate with one hand.
• The Axis Lock (or pump lock) : A movable axis passes through the handle and locks the blade in place. This system is renowned for its robustness and ambidextrous design. It's the one we perfected for our CAC® assault knife.

How to maintain your folding knife for 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 (fruits, etc.), wipe your blade. If necessary, wash it in warm water with a little soap, taking care to rinse thoroughly and dry the entire knife immediately, including the mechanism.
2. Lubrication : A drop of suitable light oil (such as gun oil or mineral oil) on the pivot shaft from time to time will facilitate opening and protect the mechanism from corrosion.
3. Sharpening : Maintain the edge of your blade with a quality sharpener. Regular, light sharpening is always preferable to extensive reworking of a dull blade.

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

French law classifies folding knives as category D weapons. Adults are free to purchase and possess them. 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 checks (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 short: use common sense, keep your knife in your bag and not in your pocket when you're out and about, and choose the knife you carry appropriate for the activity you're doing.

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 thanks to their French manufacturing, and their design appeals to a wide audience. It's a useful and lasting gift.
• How to properly sharpen a TB Outdoor folding knife?
  We recommend using a diamond or ceramic honing steel for regular maintenance, or a controlled-angle sharpening system for complete edge restoration. 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 offer after-sales service from our factory in Thiers.
• Is the CAC® knife the real army knife?
  Yes, the CAC® (Combat Assistance Campaign) model that we offer is the official version developed in partnership with the French Army and selected to equip soldiers.

Glossary

• EDC (Every Day Carry) : English term referring to the items that one carries on one's person on a daily basis (knife, lamp, pen, etc.).
• Liner Lock : Blade locking system where an internal plate (liner) locks the blade in the open position.
• Axis Lock : Blade locking system using a movable axis that engages the blade heel to hold it open.
• G10 : Highly 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.