The Suricate knife:
Simple ingenuity, your everyday companion.
In a world where complexity often seems to reign supreme, the pursuit of simplicity becomes a true art. At TB 1648, we firmly believe that the most remarkable objects are those that brilliantly combine intuitive functionality with clean design. It is from this philosophy that the Suricate knife was born, much more than just a cutting tool: a constant companion, designed to serve you reliably and discreetly. Like the agile and vigilant little mammal for which it is named, the Suricate knife is lively, ingenious, and always ready to lend a hand. It embodies the perfect fusion of understated innovation and the timeless elegance of a fine wood handle.
We invite you to discover the history, design, and unique features of this folding knife, which we are convinced will redefine your perception of the everyday tool. Prepare to encounter an object where every detail matters, where simplicity of use conceals cutting-edge engineering, and where robustness is combined with refined aesthetics. The Suricate is not just a knife; it's an extension of your hand, a faithful partner for life's adventures, both big and small.

8cm blade
Made of stainless steel
Opening and closing knob
Patented system
Passing dragon
Meerkat Logo
The Genesis of the Meerkat: When Simplicity Becomes a Demanding Quest

“The hardest thing about developing a product is making it simple. Everyone is capable of making it complicated.” These words, from the creative mind behind Suricate, perfectly sum up the challenge we set for ourselves. In the world of cutlery, as elsewhere, the temptation is strong to add mechanisms, components, and gimmicks. At TB 1648, we chose a different path: that of simplicity and clarity. A folding knife is an iconic object, a stimulating challenge for any designer. The objective was clear: to create a tool that is both simple and sophisticated, where technical complexity, while present, fades into the background, giving way to a fluid and intuitive user experience.

Why aim for simplicity? Because it guarantees reliability. Fewer parts mean less risk of failure. Because it's synonymous with intuitiveness. A simple object is understood at first glance and becomes effortless to use. Because it's also often the hallmark of true innovation. The goal wasn't to reinvent the knife, which has existed for millennia, but to bring a fresh perspective, a new vision, while respecting the traditions of this age-old tool. The Suricate was born from this ambition: a knife that speaks for itself, inspires confidence, and proudly embodies the essence of TB 1648.

A clean design, obvious functionality for the Suricate knife
The Suricate knife stands out with its minimalist aesthetic that doesn't compromise on performance. Its design is the result of careful consideration aimed at achieving the perfect balance between form and function. The primary objective was to create a knife that is anything but aggressive, an object that is a pleasure to carry and use every day, without arousing any apprehension. A discreet yet always effective companion.
What is the Suricate, the French folding knife with patented simplicity?
The Suricate knife embodies a philosophy where simplicity becomes the ultimate sophistication. Far from the pursuit of complexity, this folding knife, entirely made in France by TB 1648, is the result of a quest for purity and clarity. Its major innovation lies in a unique opening and locking mechanism, controlled by a simple side knob, which is now patented. Designed to be an everyday companion, its understated design and noble materials like beech wood make it an appealing and reliable object. The Suricate proves that an iconic object can be reimagined with freshness, concealing complex engineering behind a completely intuitive user experience.
Key features of the Suricate knife:
- Patented innovation: A unique and totally secure side-wheel opening and locking mechanism.
- Design philosophy: The pursuit of simplicity to guarantee reliability, intuitiveness and a clean aesthetic.
- 100% French manufacturing: Designed, developed and carefully assembled in the workshops of TB 1648 in Thiers.
- Noble and durable materials: Stainless steel blade and ferrule, warm handle made of natural beech wood.
- A non-intimidating object: Designed to be a "friendly knife", ideal for everyday and respectful use.
How does its patented knob-locking mechanism work?
The true revolution of the Suricate lies in its mechanism, deceptively simple yet incredibly effective. Its use is designed to be instinctive:
- To open: Slightly unscrew the side knob to release the blade from its safety notch.
- Deploy the blade: The blade can then be easily opened to its full extension.
- To lock: Tighten the knob firmly. The blade is then perfectly locked in the open position, offering absolute safety during use to prevent injury.
To close it, the procedure is just as secure: unscrew the knob, fold the blade, then tighten it. The knife is thus secured in the closed position, eliminating any risk of accidental opening in your pocket. This unique mechanism, which required two and a half years of development, is now protected by a patent.
Why choose simplicity as the main objective for this knife?
Choosing simplicity is a demanding decision. At TB 1648, we believe it's a guarantee of superior quality. A mechanism with fewer parts means less risk of failure and therefore increased reliability . A simple object is also more intuitive ; it's understood at first glance and effortless to use. Finally, this quest led us to innovate and create a "friendly" knife, whose design, anything but aggressive, inspires confidence. The goal was to design an everyday companion that you're proud to own and use, without ever arousing the slightest apprehension.
What materials were selected to guarantee its quality and durability?
True to its philosophy, Suricate uses "simple" materials, which here means noble, robust, and time-tested. Each component has been chosen for its durability and timeless aesthetic:
- The beechwood handle: Selected for its strength and fine grain, it offers a warm, comfortable and authentic grip.
- The stainless steel blade: It guarantees excellent sharpness, high resistance to corrosion and ease of daily maintenance.
- The stainless steel ferrule and wheel: These key parts of the mechanism are also made of stainless steel, ensuring perfect consistency and unbeatable robustness.
How did two and a half years of development lead to this obvious conclusion?
The simplicity of the Suricate belies a considerable human and technical undertaking. It required two and a half years of relentless iterative work between the designer and the TB 1648 engineering department. Dozens of drawings, models, and prototypes were necessary. The teams' unwavering determination to avoid the easy path allowed them to halve the number of parts compared to the initial concept, a guarantee of reliability. "We keep going until we reach the end": this phrase sums up the commitment that enabled them to overcome all obstacles and arrive at this streamlined design, in which the side dial remained the project's unwavering anchor.
For whom and for what purpose was the Suricate knife designed?
The Suricate isn't a tool for extreme performance, but a companion for everyday adventures. It was designed for anyone who appreciates well-made, clever, and discreet objects. Whether it's opening a package, preparing a snack on a walk, or any task requiring a reliable blade, it's there for the job. Its appealing and unintimidating design makes it a knife you can confidently pull out, a tool you'll enjoy using and owning. It's the perfect everyday ally: efficient and reassuring.
FAQ - Your questions about the Suricate knife
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Is the dial mechanism really secure?
Absolutely. Once the knob is tightened, whether the knife is open or closed, the blade is perfectly locked. This is the heart of the Suricate's patented innovation. -
Why was beech wood chosen for the handle?
Beech is a wood that is both strong and elegant. It offers a very pleasant grip and a touch of warmth and authenticity, each handle being unique. -
Is the knife easy to handle with one hand?
Yes, the side wheel system has been specifically designed to offer smooth and secure one-handed operation, whether for opening or closing. -
Where does the name "Suricate" come from?
This name was chosen in reference to the small, lively, and observant animal. It symbolizes the character of the knife: compact, lightweight, always alert, and ready to serve with discreet efficiency. -
Is this knife made in France?
Yes, the Suricate is a concentration of TB 1648's know-how. It is entirely designed, developed, manufactured and assembled in Thiers, France.







More than just a knife, the Suricate is your new trusted companion. Designed by TB-1648, it embodies the perfect blend of minimalist design and precision engineering.
Its sharp stainless steel blade unfolds smoothly thanks to its ergonomic wheel. The genuine beechwood handle offers a warm and authentic grip.
Compact, reliable and secure, the Suricate is the elegant tool that will serve you well on a daily basis.
















