In 1987, Bob Terzuola, a pioneer in tactical knife design, completed work on what would become his first EDC knife—the Mariner 2. His original design has now been resurrected by Tactile Knife Co, thanks to an incredible discovery at a flea market. That’s right, a casual market find led to the revival of a knife that had seemingly been lost to time. This is the story of how that discovery, combined with the ingenuity of a legendary knife maker and a passionate team, brought the Tactile Knife Co Mariner 2 back for EDC fans everywhere.
1987: A Year to Remember for Knifemakers and EDC Fans
1987 was a big year for entertainment and culture—Guns N’ Roses released Welcome to the Jungle, and Dirty Dancing made its mark in theaters. But for the EDC (Everyday Carry) community, two major milestones occurred in the knife world. Chris Reeve, another hero of the industry, designed the Sebenza. But equally important was Bob Terzuola’s work on folding knives, culminating in the birth of his second folder: the original Mariner 2. This knife was designed with practicality and durability in mind, and its return in 2024 shows that it still holds up.
Who Is Bob Terzuola?
Bob Terzuola holding two of his knife designs | Instagram
Bob Terzuola holds a special place in the world of tactical knives. Known as the “Godfather of Tactical Knives,” Bob’s path to knife-making wasn’t exactly a straight line. With a degree in industrial arts, Terzuola initially entered the Peace Corps and even managed a jade jewelry factory before his neighbor’s interest in knife-making sparked something new for him.
His first design was the Model 30, a fixed blade created for Guatemalan soldiers. But it was his shift into folding knives that really defined his legacy. In the late ‘70s, Terzuola started experimenting with titanium for his folders, giving birth to the Terzuola Titanium Folders (TTF) series. One of these models, the TTF2, came to be known as the Mariner 2, a knife designed especially with seafarers in mind.
The Thought Behind the Mariner 2
So why create a knife specifically for sailors and dockworkers? As it turns out, Terzuola’s grandfather worked as a longshoreman, often bringing home thick Manila ropes from the docks in Hoboken, New Jersey. Cutting through conditions like these inspired Terzuola when designing the Mariner 2. He opted for a sheep's foot blade, perfect for slicing through tough materials without piercing, which was ideal for anyone working at sea or on the docks.
This blade would also prove useful on sailing ships, where cutting large, heavy ropes required durable blades. The flat cutting edge and robust construction of the Mariner 2 made it well-suited for the job. Even the name—“Mariner”—was a tribute to the ocean-based workers who would have most benefited from its design.
A Lucky Flea Market Find Sparks a Revival
Fast forward to 2014, and Michael Miller, a knife enthusiast and employee at Tactile Knife Co, stumbles across something special at a flea market—a pristine example of Terzuola’s original Mariner 2. Not realizing the significance at first, Miller soon learned from friends and experts that he had found a gem. Only about 50 custom Mariners had ever been made, and Bob Terzuola himself no longer owned one.
Possessing this piece of history, Miller eventually brought the Mariner to Tactile Knife Co., where he and the team began brainstorming how to bring it back to life for a new generation of knife enthusiasts. When Bob Terzuola approached Tactile Knife Co. about collaborating on a new project, Miller seized the opportunity to propose reviving the Mariner 2. Bob agreed, and they set out to create a modern take on a timeless design.
The Mariner 2: Specs and Design
When the collaboration finally saw the light of day, it didn’t disappoint. The updated Tactile Knife Co Mariner 2 retains what made the original great while incorporating modern materials and craftsmanship, making it better than ever. Here are some of the key specs:
Overall Length: 7.1 inches
Blade Length: 2.9 inches
Blade Material: MagnaCut
Blade Style: Sheep's foot
Handle Material: Grade 5 Titanium
Pocket Clip: Deep carry, textured with Terzuola’s dragon emblem
One of the most exciting aspects of the new Mariner 2 is its customizable thumb disc. You can really make it your own by choosing from options like titanium, timascus, or mokume. The choice of blade steel, MagnaCut, shows Tactile Knife Co.’s commitment to quality, as it’s notoriously durable and highly resistant to wear and corrosion. The ergonomic design, smooth action, and subtle embellishments, such as the tactile texture on the pocket clip, make this knife a joy to carry and use.
How Tactile Knife Co Modernized the Mariner 2
Tactile Knife Co didn’t just slap a logo on the original design and call it a day. They updated the Mariner 2 by adopting modern manufacturing techniques while retaining the essence of Terzuola’s original.
For instance, Tactile streamlined the knife by converting the original three-piece design into a more integrated inset liner lock. This change also simplified maintenance, allowing users to take the knife apart without having to remove the lock bar separately. Terzuola’s signature “dovetail” technique for ensuring seamless fitment was refined using Tactile’s manufacturing capabilities, making for a knife that’s both simple to produce and incredibly functional.
Another noteworthy upgrade is the pocket clip. The original featured a Spyderco-style clip, but the new model improves on that by following the lines of the knife and adding just enough texture to keep the design interesting while maintaining functionality.
Is the Mariner 2 Worth the Price?
The Tactile Knife Co Mariner 2 is priced at $429, and if you opt for a custom thumb disc, that’ll add another $30 to $40. Some may balk at the price tag for a pocket knife, but there’s more to consider. First, it’s made in the USA using top-tier materials like MagnaCut steel and full titanium handles. This isn’t just a tool; it’s a piece of history wrapped in modern craftsmanship.
Additionally, the design and craftsmanship mean that, with care, this knife could last a lifetime. It’s built for durability, but it also carries the weight of Terzuola’s legacy. It’s a knife that’s been 37 years in the making. For fans of EDC or knife enthusiasts who appreciate historical significance, the price suddenly feels much more reasonable.
Conclusion
The long-lost Mariner 2’s return, thanks to Tactile Knife Co., is more than just a re-release. It’s a piece of EDC history brought back with modern precision and craftsmanship. This knife serves as a direct link to Bob Terzuola’s original vision while being refined for today’s world. The fact that it was rediscovered in a flea market speaks to the enduring legacy of what Terzuola achieved in the ‘80s.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of tactical knives or just someone looking for a high-quality, functional EDC blade, the Tactile Knife Co Mariner 2 offers both performance and history in one incredible package. If you want to explore this knife or add it to your collection, check out the link below and experience this renewed icon for yourself.
