Laconico Keen vs Ferrum Forge Crux

marchone

marchone

Joined
Mar 13, 2013
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Both are Massdrop productions produced by WE. I own two Keens so know the very high quality. How does the similarly sized Crux compare? Massdrop has sold twice as many Crux models as Keens. Pivot issues have been mentioned in the Crux's comments section. Owners reported they needed to disassemble theirs and apply Locktite. Have these issues since been corrected? I noticed there has been a price increase since the first release from $100 to $125.

I look forward to owner's opinions. Particularly from BF members who own both. Thanks.
 
I’ve got two Keens, no Crux as of this reply. If I recall correctly, the Crux launched way ahead of the Keen. I’d be really interested in average units/week through the same period, for academic reasons. The Keen is certainly more my style, but the Crux is similarly minimalist, with great lines.
 
The Crux was never $100. I bought from the first run and paid $125 + tax.
Yes, I had to apply locktite to the pivot; that’s a non-issue to me personally.

They supposedly improved the Crux’ clip along the way to make it more compliant while maintaining the same profile. However that change doesn’t address the clip’s horrible hotspot issue, for my hand anyway. In my case an aftermarket clip was absolutely necessairy for the Crux. YMMV.

From all appearances and feedback, it seems to me the Keen is more refined, though I’ve never had the opportunity to check one out in parson.
 
They just sold through the first batch of Keen production, so the Crux has been around a lot longer, hence more sales. Of the FF designs, the Gent was the star by a wide margin. The Falcon (the fist FFxMassdrop product) and the Crux (their second collaboration) weren’t as well-received as the Gent and had the clip issue (that was worked out in later versions; that was purely a design issue and not anything that WE Knives can be faulted for).

Personally, I think the biggest thing the Falcon and Crux had going for them was that they were very good quality, affordable products designed by guys whose small-batch knives cost a bundle. Otherwise, they were just more nice titanium framelock flippers with S35VN around $150. That’s not exactly new ground within the market.
 
The blade stock is much thinner on the Gent, so it's a good slicer, maybe even better than the Keen. However, it's not necessarily as impressive as the grind on the Keen, which is very thin behind the edge for being such a thick blade stock.
 
marchone said:
How thin is the Gent behind the edge? Is it as good a slicer as the Keen?
Click to expand...

I’d say it’s as good as the Keen, although the taller blade and full flat grind of the Keen may make a difference depending on use (the Gent has a not-quite-full flat grind). The Gent has thinner blade stock (0.13” vs 0.16”; 0.7mm difference). Behind the edge seems to be close or the same (Keen advertised at 0.01”, not stated for Gent).
 
The Crux is now out of contention. I’m hoping my wait list spot is fulfilled for a MBK Laconico EZC. If it isn’t I will likely Forge ahead (pun intended) and order a carbon fiber Gent. The Keen opened my eyes to the pleasures of 3-inch folders. Thanks, gents! ;)
 
I have a Crux (bronze saber model) that I really like. It is one of my favorite knives, especially for its price point. The fit/finish and action on mine are great, which I have come to expect from WE. My only gripe is that the edges of the milling where I place my thumb near the pivot are a little sharp and could have used some chamfering. I am awaiting delivery of a bronze Keen, so I cannot compare them yet.
 
I have both,the crux is a tad blocky feel to it,the blade stock is a tad too thick but if you want a stout smaller knife you will like it,when placed in my carhartt jeans pocket I feel a little to much sticks out....the Keen is one of my favorite knives and it is a heck of a slicer, smooth action ,they are both nice Nick Shabazz loves the Crux and that's a beautiful thing.
 
I love both, the crux for it's balance and versatility it's a fairly heavily built knife probably because of FF influence I like the blade shape just a little better than the keen it also feels a little better in hand (at least my hand). The Keen in the other hand is a more interesting design simple and attractive the Keen is every bit as well built and a little thinner behind the edge. I have heard of both having an overly stiff detent my Keen was very good while my Crux was a little stiff but I like that. I gave my Crux to a friend who really wanted one and have since ordered another one which is on the way now.
 
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