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5 Knives You Can Buy from the CIA’s Former Knifemaker

Bob Terzuola, a longtime mastersmith and highly influential designer, was finally inducted into the Cutlery Hall of Fame in 2023.

a man holding a knife magazineTerzuola Tactical

By Sean Tirman

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Back in the early ’80s, a young man by the name of Bob Terzuola joined the Knifemakers’ Guild. Shortly thereafter, he scored a gig that would change his life forever: making fixed-blade knives for CIA operatives and soldiers in Guatemala. In the years since, Terzuola has been a name practically synonymous with tactical and folding knives (he literally wrote the book on the subject and even coined the term “tactical knife”), earning him a well-earned place among the greatest knifemakers and designers of all time.

Products in the Guide

Finally, in 2023, Terzuola was granted another honor: induction into Blade Magazine’s Cutlery Hall of Fame alongside Steve Schwarzer and Devin “Hoss” Thomas. But if you thought this longtime knifemaker’s career was over, you’d be wrong. In fact, he’s still designing knives to this day — and they’re up to the same high standard he’s always held. Here are five of our favorites you can buy right now.

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Pro-Tech Terzuola Tuxedo ATCF

  • Steel: MagnaCut
  • Handle: Aluminum, Micarta
  • Lock: Button
  • Blade Length: 3.50″

A high-end version of the commercially available knife that put Terzuola on the map, Pro-Tech’s take on the Terzuola ATCF is as special as they come. And while it has many of the hallmarks of the original, it’s also special. You see, this is the first time the ATCF has ever been made as an automatic knife. It also has other upgraded aspects, like a MagnaCut steel blade and an ivory Micarta handle.

Civivi Terzuola Tamashii

  • Steel: D2
  • Handle: Micarta
  • Lock: N/A, Fixed
  • Blade Length: 4.07″

As mentioned, Bob Terzuola first got his start making fixed-blade knives. But that never really stopped, as evidenced by this knife he designed for Civivi. While this isn’t the priciest fixed blade on the market, it’s definitely one that begs to be used, complete with a tough and serviceable D2 steel blade and Micarta handle. A purchase of this outdoor-ready blade also includes a Kydex sheath and an attached lanyard.

Fox Knives FX-525 TI

  • Steel: Bohler N690
  • Handle: Titanium
  • Lock: Frame
  • Blade Length: 3.50″

Just because Bob Terzuola is known for making tactical knives, that doesn’t mean he doesn’t dabble in more everyday carry-appropriate options. Take, for instance, this knife he designed for Fox, which boasts a slim profile, titanium handle, and super-steel blade. This is one of those knives that proves Terzuola really can do it all.

MKM Maximo

  • Steel: Bohler M390
  • Handle: Titanium
  • Lock: Frame
  • Blade Length: 3.30″

While not as storied as the ATCF, MKM’s Maximo is no less a prime example of Terzuola’s lane of choice in all its glory, blending tactical styling into an EDC-friendly format. But don’t let that fool you; the construction and materials are still top-notch, including a Bohler super-steel blade, titanium frame lock handle, and more.

Terzuola Tactical ATCF Lite

  • Steel: Nitro-V
  • Handle: G10
  • Lock: Liner
  • Blade Length: 3.00″

This list wouldn’t be complete without including at least one knife from Terzuola’s own personal line of folding blades. A version of the maker’s most famous knife, the ATCF Lite is a much more affordable, approachable, EDC-friendly version of Pro-Tech’s take on the same knife. This one is also not automatic, swaps the blade steel for Nitro-V, boasts a G10 handle and comes with a liner lock.

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