Laconico Mid-tech Fixed Blade Coming Soon!

[raylaconico]

Hey guys, Here's a prototype showing what my first mid-tech knife will look like. It won't be identical but it will be close. I decided to go with a fixed blade instead of a folder to keep it simple. I'm not sure yet on what steel but I'm thinking D2 or A2 at around 5/32" thick. The blade is 4" and overall is 8 1/2". For the sheath, I'm not yet sure if I'm doing kydex or leather. I need to find a good source for sheaths because I don't want to make them myself. Please let me know what you think of this design and if you have any suggestions or critique. Thanks!
-Ray

[Capbyrd]

I personally really like it. Only thing I might ask for differently would be liners to give a little extra girth to the handles but thats such a personal preference that I wouldn't expect it. I'd buy one as is!

[mtnfolk mike]

thats great news Ray.. i like the looks of that knife a lot..

[raylaconico]

Thanks for the input. I can also put thicker scales for those who want a fuller grip.

[TPVT]

I personally really like it. Only thing I might ask for differently would be liners to give a little extra girth to the handles but thats such a personal preference that I wouldn't expect it. I'd buy one as is!

I have Ray's Bushcrafter, which looks to be quite similar in shape to this one. the handle shape is a bit different between the two, but the mid-tech still looks "beefy" (i'll explain what i mean in a sec). i also at first wondered if i would like the slim handle. as it turns out...i love it. it's actually one of my favorites. simple and smooth. yes, it seems thin; however, the "flat" of the handle is wide enough that it gives a great hammer-grip fit.

as you said, handles are indeed a personal preference....just wanted to give you an fyi. and obviously, i am just guessing that the handle specs are similar between the new mid-tech and his bushcrafter. I will let Ray have the final word on that.

oh yeah...Ray...love the new knife. i want one.

here is a pic to demonstrate the width of the grip.

[gundude73]

Looks great to me! Will you keep your same makers mark on the midtech version? Or will the midtechs have their own distinctive mark?

[raylaconico]

Matt, I will probably have a different mark on the mid-tech versions.

TPVT, great patina on that knife! I thought about using that design for this project but decided to go with something totally new.

As for pricing, I don't know the exact number but I want it to be comparable to Bark River and similar knives. I'll make sure these knives are of custom quality. The blades will be hand ground my me, and the handles finished by me as well. What makes these different from custom is that the parts will be profile cut by CNC, heat treating will be outsourced, sheaths will be outsourced. The mid-techs will be every bit as good as a custom.

Thanks guys for your support!
-Ray

[Capbyrd]

I love that your doing this Ray (may I call you Ray?). I have been eyeing everything you put up and hoping one day to afford one. This will bring me a bit closer! I love your work!

[raylaconico]

Thanks Capbyrd! Yes you can call me Ray, that's my name!

[baldtaco-II]

Good luck with this Ray.

[pilipinoy]

Can't wait Ray. I don't have a lot of fixed blades (relative the the number of folders I own) but this is one to add for sure.

[justsomedude]

Looks clean and beautiful like all your work Ray! I really can't wait for a mid-tech folder from you though...

[Choke]

Love the design Ray. Would be cool if there was an option for horizontal carry with the sheath (scout style, cross draw, etc.). Cheers.

[bob morane 54]

I love the design as well. And if the blades will be hand ground by you, and the handles finished as well, they really will be midtech, opposite to other makers who call some outsourced knives midtech and they never touched the knife. (Oups...I hope I will not start an argue here). Anyway, best luck with the outcome.

[raylaconico]

Choke, I'll have to see what my options are for sheaths. I haven't picked a style or maker yet.

Bob, thanks for the kind words. Heck some people might call it custom. I decided to do the grind on this model but I may have other knife designs ground by someone else and I'd still call it mid-tech. Like if I design a knife that would look cool with a hollow grind. Well I can't hollow grind so I'd have someone else do it.. It doesn't matter what you call it as there's no clear definition. Just as long as you're honest about how it was made.

[Ed G]

I am no one to critique the work of such a master, I really like this design. One note of personal preference would be to perhaps round the back corner of the cutting edge (just forward of the sharpening notch) just a bit - for aesthetics, and to possibly keep that corner from catching on work. Also, +1 for liners.

Beautiful knife, Sir.

~ Edge

[Makarovii]

I too like the looks of this knife and will be keeping an eye out for the mid-tech release.

[pizza713man]

Ray,

As an owner of two of your exquisite fixed blades, I am pleased to see that you are expanding your business.

Your knives have always struck me with the unique combination of simplicity, utility, and elegance. I am quite impressed by this new prototype. Straight forward, drop point blade. Perfect! Flat ground? I wouldn’t have it any other way. Four inches? Not too big, not too small.

The handles look comfy with curves in all the right places. I especially like the taper on the scales to ease the transition from scale to blade. Perfect for the side grip, permitting the thumb to sit on the side of the blade without a 90 degree scale edge creating a hot spot. I love this knife!

All that said, there’s just something missing. I’m reminded of a super model, dressed only in blue jeans and a white T-shirt. Stunning! Perfection! But, one of the subtle tricks of any super model…Even if you don’t wear make-up, you still put on lipstick. It’s that finishing touch. That little bit of “pop” that completes that package. Simplicity and beauty.

This new knife is like a super model, in jeans and T, without her lipstick. Pleasing to the eyes, but not complete. I’m in full agreement with the others that mention the need for a liner behind the scales. Maybe “lipstick” red, to create that finishing touch. The liners would also add a bit to the girth of the handle, and looking at the pics of the slim grip, I think that is a good thing.

She’s a simple beauty waiting for a touch of color so she can show off her stuff.

Best of luck to you Ray, in your new endeavor.

TR

[KalEl]

Looks great Ray! Will there be multiple handle color options?

Also, maybe you could look into a steel that will be more expensive than A2 or D2 but better performing and easier to surface finish to help offset some of the cost. I know you mentioned working with ELMAX a while back for folders and you said it would cost $10 more per knife?

I think upgrading the steel would really entice people to buy even if its at a slightly higher cost.

Anyways just some thoughts! Love the design. If you end up making these with a steel like CTS XHP, ELMAX, etc.. Id be down for several! Especially if orange G10 is a handle option!

[grangerknives]

I like it a lot, Ray. I think it will be real popular! At my house!! And elsewhere too...