Collaborative Folders American Handgunner Jan, 2001  by Pat Covert Several Knife companies are tapping the custom knifemakers to create designs that offer the same sort of quality and excellence of a handmade blade, at affordable prices. For aficionados of tactical folders, these are the best of times. The demand for combat pocketknives is at an all-time high, and nowhere is this more evident than in the heavy manufacturing side of the knife industry. It seems everywhere we turn there is a new cutting-edge factory tactical staring us in the face- and what's most impressive is the sheer quality. Factories are using the top-shelf blade steels, leading-edge frame materials, and state-of-the-art synthetics to make knives that used to be reserved for the work of a custom knifema ker. Somewhat ironically, it is the custom tactical knifemakers and manufacturers together who are making all of this happen. Custom collaborations between these two uniquely different sources have totally changed the face of the cutlery industry in the past few years. While the concept of factories hiring custom knifemakers isn't new, the recent explosion in custom-designed factory knives has gone off the scale. A bit of history is in order. About 10 years ago a small group of custom knifemakers were creating a new genre of knife called the "tactical folder." These were no-non-sense folding knives meant to perform utilitarian and combat duties in the field. These makers were exploring the use of alternative blade styles and the latest high-tech handle and frame materials to meet a new set of parameters not served by the market at that time. Baker Knives Boker is a name many of us recognize for their "Tree Brand" pocketknives. The comp any is known worldwide for making top quality cutlery, but in the past few years Boker has been rewriting their own legend by adding cutting-edge tacticals to its repertoire. Boker eased into the factory custom market over a half-decade ago by collaborating with American knifemaker cum laude Michael Walker, the inventor of the original liner-lock so prevalent on many folding knives today. Recently, Boker revealed a factory tactical designed by Walter Brend, one of the most respected names in the custom industry. Brend is known for his efficient blade designs and bullet-proof construction. His custom knives, both fixed blades and folders, are in high demand worldwide and command a commensurate price. Boker's Brend series of tactical folders doesn't disappoint. The company has infused Brend's penchant for sound design and solid construction directly into their manufactured versions. Boker's line of tacticals by Michael Walker and Christ ian Wimpff are every bit as nice. A staunch warning, however. Despite their apparent thoughtful design and good looks, these knives have to be handled to be fully appreciated. They have a feel of precision rarely found in any type of folding knife.