A luxury EDC folder that’s built for hard work, the Maverick from Tactile Knife Co. delivers the perfect balance of style, handling, and performance
by Dexter Ewing; photos by Marty Stanfield, Marty Stanfield Photography
Tactile Knife Co. is a new knife brand on the market that brings exciting innovation to its products. Sister company to the Tactile Turn writing pen brand, Tactile Knife Co. has already turned heads with their high-end knives, such as their Bexar slipjoint and Rockwall linerlock folder for EDC. The Maverick is their first collaboration knife, designed by custom knifemaker Richard Rogers. Both stylish and practical, the Maverick showcases Tactile Knife’s manufacturing prowess with a newly instituted Crossbar Lock ambidextrous blade lock along with 3D handle machining. It’s destined to become a favorite for both EDC as well as formal carry. One knife that does it all. Aside from this, it is Tactile Knife Co.’s attention to detail that really makes the Maverick a winner.
The 3 ½-inch long blade is a modified drop point shape and is flat ground from premium CPM Magnacut blade steel. Currently, Magnacut is the top dog of premium knife steel, and it boasts excellent edge retention — something that knife enthusiasts everywhere crave. A stonewash tumbled finish helps to seal the pores of the steel and gives the blade a unique appearance. The high, flat grind allows the blade to sail through whatever you are cutting. Overall, the shape is just unassuming. Nothing too wild or too fancy. It’s just what’s needed to work and work well. To deploy the blade, two stylized thumb studs are screwed to the blade, allowing the Maverick to be deployed with either hand quickly and easily.
In the handle department, the Maverick measures 4.7 inches closed (overall length is 8.1 inches). The handle is optimized for refined ergonomics. There is an integral lower hand guard to prevent forward sliding. The overall profile is rounded and contoured so it not only lays in your grip well but also carries comfortably in the pocket. Double inlaid stainless-steel liners provide the backbone and strength for the crossbar lock as well as the entire knife handle. The inlaid liners also keep the overall handle width to a minimum. The handle sports a three-dimensional machining pattern that not only boosts the aesthetics of the handle but also serves as hand traction for a no-slip grip.
There is a choice of handle materials for the Maverick. It is available in either titanium (MSRP $349) or Richlite micarta (MSRP $249). Both are premium materials that give an excellent grip. There is a slight weight difference between the two materials, with titanium weighing in at 3.9 oz. and the Richlite micarta coming in at 2.7 oz. It’s a noticeable difference.
Either style knife has a wide, sturdy pocket clip. The titanium handle version has a titanium clip and the micarta version has a steel clip. The clip is attached to the handle via two posts with screws running through them, and not a standard stamped metal clip like most other manufacturers use. A very fancy way to execute this! Either clip is sturdy and does a great job at keeping the knife held in your pocket. It looks cool as well!
The Crossbar Lock functions flawlessly. It locks up tight and secure and is easily released by pulling back on one of the exposed thumb buttons on either side of the handle and rotating the blade closed. It’s worth mentioning that the blade of the Maverick rides on a pair of large phosphor bronze washers, not bearings like some of the newer folders employ. It’s amazing how smooth the action is dialed in on the Maverick — it almost does feel like the blade rides on bearings! The best thing about bronze washers is that, over time, the contact surfaces tend to burnish and the action inherently becomes even smoother.
You have heard the saying “the devil is in the details.” This holds true for knives as well. The Maverick is full of little details that make this knife a must-have for anyone looking for a stylish lockblade folder.
First, you will notice the thumb studs. They are hourglass shaped and have character to them. You will also notice the Crossbar Lock release buttons on either side of the handle also match the thumb studs for visual continuity. A pair of handle spacer pillars at the back leave the handle pretty much open for cleaning out lint by either rinsing with water or blowing with compressed air. Then you have the pocket clip that we discussed previously. There are also the custom triangular pivot bolt and collar. This triangular hardware gives a unique character to the Maverick and makes it easily identifiable. On the Richlite micarta Maverick, the triangular pivot hardware sports a bead-blast finish. The titanium Maverick has contrasting blue anodized pivot hardware. Finally, you will notice the nice contouring on the handle’s cross section. It’s not flat…but the contouring gives a touch of sophistication to the overall handle design and makes it more comfortable in-hand for an elevated user experience.
Speaking of user experience, the Maverick is impressive in action. The blade geometry is right on the money. Its flat grind has plenty of bite and can sail through tough materials easily. Put this knife to use and you can feel it is a serious tool. The graceful curve of the cutting edge allows the Maverick to slice easily with efficiency of motion. The handle feels comfortable thanks to the 3D machining and contouring. There are no hot spots to speak of. The tip-up pocket carry clip is mounted at the end of the handle so the knife carries deep in the pocket but also it gets the clip physically out of the way of your grasp so you don’t feel the clip pressing into your hand when you grip it. This is a very well-thought-out design feature. The Maverick’s overall design is such that it will go well with your wardrobe for any occasion.
Proudly made in Dallas, Texas, the Tactile Knife Co. Richard Rogers designed Maverick is a knife that’s engineered to be a stylish and highly functional EDC folding knife for life’s adventures.
