Tactile Knife Co.

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Tactile Knife Co.

Published: May 5th, 2025

Logo of Tactile Knife Co with three dots above the text.

Tactile Turn began in 2012, founded by Will Hodges to make high-quality, precision-machined pens. Using a manual lathe and a Kickstarter campaign, Hodges introduced the first Tactile Turn models to the everyday carry community. As demand grew, the company transitioned from manual machines to CNC equipment, allowing for greater consistency and production capacity.

The growth of Tactile Turn accelerated in 2018 when John Havel joined the team, bringing experience in branding, web development, and marketing. Between 2018 and 2020, the company saw significant expansion, leading to new hires and investments in even more advanced equipment.

During this period, Hodges decided it was time to revisit an idea he had considered before: starting a knife company. Originally, he had planned to create a kitchen knife. Early prototypes were produced but never released, as Hodges felt they were not ready for the market. The idea was put on hold until the right team and infrastructure were in place.

In 2020, Hodges reached out to Michael Miller, asking if he would help launch a new brand focused on knives. Together with Havel, Matt Palmore, and Kevin Taylor, they founded Tactile Knife Co. Their goal was to build knives with the same dedication to precision and in-house manufacturing that had made Tactile Turn successful.

Tactile Knife Co. operates with a strong focus on in-house production. The company handles nearly every aspect of manufacturing internally, including milling, turning, grinding, assembly, laser engraving, Cerakoting, and packaging. The only processes they outsource are heat treating, which is done locally in Fort Worth, and the sourcing of bearings and stop pins, which are domestically produced.

Will Hodges standing in workshop with machinery and storage bins.

- Tactile Turn was founded in 2012 by Will Hodges (pictured above)

- In 2018, John Havel joined the Tactile

Logo of Tactile with three dots above the word.

- In 2020, Hodges founded Tactile Knife Co with the help of John Havel, Matt Palmore, Kevin Taylor, and Michael Miller

- Tactile Knife Co. handles almost every aspect of manufacturing internally

The first knife released by Tactile Knife Co. was the Rockwall, named after a nearby county in Texas. It was designed as a small, easily carried everyday knife with a titanium frame and a deep-carry clip. The Rockwall set the tone for what would become the company's design philosophy: slim, simple, practical tools meant for real-world use.

Following the Rockwall, they introduced the Bexar, a minimalist slipjoint that continued their focus on compact, lightweight designs. Later, they released the Archer, a larger model that offered a bigger option for those who preferred more substantial knives while maintaining the company’s overall design language.

Most of Tactile Knife Co.’s work remains internal, but they have also collaborated with respected outside designers. The Archer was developed in collaboration with TJ Schwarz, while the Maverick, one of their most successful models, was designed by Richard Rogers. They approach collaborations by choosing designers whose existing style naturally fits Tactile’s clean, minimalist aesthetic, without needing heavy direction or adjustments.

Tactile Knife Co. Archer

- Tactile Knife Co. developed the Archer (pictured above) in collaboration with TJ Schwarz

Before any knife reaches customers, it goes through a strict development process. Each new model starts with a small sprint run, with employees carrying and using the knives to identify issues and improvements. Full production runs are then subjected to 100 percent quality control, with every knife inspected individually by their quality team, many of whom are knife enthusiasts themselves.

Tactile Knife Co.'s approach has earned industry recognition. In 2023, they won Best EDC Folder at Blade Show Texas for the Maverick. However, the company measures its success not just in awards, but in the continued growth of its in-house capabilities. By adding their own Cerakote shop, bringing more production processes under their roof, and maintaining a focus on American manufacturing, they have steadily built a reputation for reliability and craftsmanship.

Tactile Knife Co. regularly attends major knife shows, including Blade Show Atlanta, Blade Show Texas, Blade Show West, and the California Custom Knife Show. They prioritize events that highlight American manufacturing and have previously hosted their own event, the Lone Star Invitational.

Looking ahead, the company has several projects in the works. A revised version of the Rockwall, incorporating improvements based on years of feedback, is set to be released soon. They are also preparing a fixed blade collaboration with Taylor Martin called the Red Hawk.

Tactile Knife Co. is not trying to follow trends or expand faster than they can control. Their focus remains the same as it was when Will Hodges first turned on that manual lathe in 2012: make high-quality tools, handle the work themselves, and do it all without cutting corners.

What to Buy

The Tactile Knife Co. Rockwall is a sleek, American-made folding knife built for precision and everyday reliability. It features a 2.84-inch CPM MagnaCut stainless steel blade with a satin finish, offering outstanding edge retention, durability, and corrosion resistance. Ambidextrous thumb studs and a ceramic ball bearing pivot provide fast, smooth deployment, while a secure linerlock keeps the blade firmly in place. The lightweight titanium handle adds strength without bulk, making it an ideal companion for daily carry. Compact at just 4 inches closed and with an overall weight of only 3 oz, the Rockwall Clip Point delivers exceptional performance and refined simplicity in a knife you’ll want to carry everywhere.

Built for hard use with a refined touch, the Tactile Knife Co. Maverick is a modern folding knife that brings serious performance to everyday carry. Its 3.5-inch CPM-MagnaCut blade delivers a sharp, durable edge with excellent corrosion resistance, finished with a rugged stonewash that stands up to wear. A smooth thumb stud action and reliable crossbar lock make operation fast and secure. The textured green G-10 handle, paired with stainless steel liners, offers a lightweight but balanced feel. Complete with titanium hardware and a low-profile titanium clip, the Maverick is ready to handle real work without slowing you down.

The Tactile Knife Co. Ranger brings classic style together with modern performance in a sleek, American-made folding knife. It features a 3.15-inch CPM-MagnaCut clip point blade with a stonewashed finish, offering outstanding durability, edge retention, and corrosion resistance. A traditional nail nick keeps deployment simple and refined, true to its timeless character. The titanium frame, paired with vintage Micarta inlays, creates a handle that feels both rugged and comfortable, developing unique character over time. Compact at 4 inches closed and 7.3 inches open, the Ranger is a versatile, everyday companion ready for work or adventure.

Written By

Drew Clifton

Drew Clifton

Drew is the lead writer for SMKW's Knives 101, crafting informative and engaging content for the world’s largest knife store. With expertise in knife history, design, and functionality, Drew delivers articles and product descriptions that educate and inspire knife enthusiasts at all levels.

Expert Reviewed

T.C. Barnette

T.C. Barnette

T.C. Barnette is a dynamic media personality and the esteemed spokesperson for SMKW (Smoky Mountain Knife Works), where his passion for knives intersects with his captivating on-screen presence. With a magnetic charisma and deep expertise in cutlery, T.C. has become a beloved figure in the knife community.

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