Looking for your thoughts on Ray Laconico Bushcraft/Woods Knife

LightGuy

LightGuy

Gold Member
Joined
Sep 12, 2010
Messages
1,097
For those of you lucky enough to have one, what are your thoughts on it? I know most are 1/8" thickness, and I typically prefer a slightly thicker (3/16") blade for a 4" woods knife since I'll use it for hiking, around camp, etc. What do you feel about the blade, grind, and ergonomics? Ergonomics is the big question since I can't hold one before I buy. I have a large 6", 0.25" thick camp knife from Ray and I consider it indispensible. It is awesome beyond belief...

But, the woods/bushcraft knives are quite a bit different, and I'm looking to get your input on the feel in the hand and function. I'm referring to one like this: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/878872

Thanks for your input in advance!
 
I would be willing to bet they are great. I have 2 from him but not the bushcrafters. My favorite is what he calls his stout camper about like yours. I don't think ray will sell a knife that isn't damn near perfect :)
 
I have to agree, I have the Stout camp knife and that is my daily carry when in walks with my daughter (cut flowers), carry on the office and around the backyard. His knives are awesome.
 
grunt soldier said:
I would be willing to bet they are great. I have 2 from him but not the bushcrafters. My favorite is what he calls his stout camper about like yours. I don't think ray will sell a knife that isn't damn near perfect :)
Click to expand...

I agree 110%

I have tested several of his knives

ALL FIRST CLASS
 
Good to hear. I had no doubt anything that Ray makes is top notch - that's a given. Just curious if you have any feedback regarding the particular handle shape he uses in the woods/bushcraft models (in link). i.e.: it molds well to the hand, a little large for small hands, small for large hands, etc... Also curious as to your thoughts on the 1/8" thickness vs. 3/16" (my preference) for a good woods/ 4" all-arounder.

BTW - here's the Laconico I have now. As you can see, it get's used... a LOT....

6307008459_850b2599fa_b.jpg


6307530888_446a66f1e9_b.jpg
 
1/8" or thinner is great for "bushcraft". For an all purpose knife 3/16" will work well, and it is my preference in an EDC fixed blade.

Bushcraft, however, is a specialized activity. A thinner knife is just more in line with general bushcraft tasks, and I have become more inclined to prefer a thinner blade for a general woods knife. I also carry my GB mini hatchet in the woods most of the time, so I don't really need a more stout blade, so ymmv, obviously.
 
Top notch. He grinds his knives thin so they are very good cutters. His fit and finish are great. I have three from Ray and they all see alot of use.
 
KFU said:
Top notch. He grinds his knives thin so they are very good cutters. His fit and finish are great. I have three from Ray and they all see alot of use.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the input. What about the size of the bushcraft model in hand? The in-hand shots make them look larger than they seem in the other pics. How comfortable is the handle? I have medium sized hands.
 
Lightguy, that knife that you own of mine is really old! I think I made that one in my first year of selling knives. I'm glad it's getting some use. The handle on that knife is probably a little bigger than I normally do on my bushcraft/woods knives. My hands are about medium size and I make my handle so that they're comfortable to me.
 
I own this beauty,

DSCN3735.jpg


and while the handle is a little longer then most other knives I own, I really like it. It really shines in the winter when wearing mittens or gloves. Top notch craftmanship.
 
I have a couple woods knives and the handles are around 4 3/4 to 5" the best I can remember. They fit the hand very well. I actually would like a little thicker scales so you could round them a little more but I have larger hands. They are still really comfortable and no hot spots to speak of. The ones I have seem to have a CA glue finish but that might just be the feel of them. You can't go wrong with one of Rays knives. He is consistently putting out a high end knife at a really good price. He honestly should charge more for his fixed blades.
 
I've owned a few of Ray's knives.If you think you can beat one of his Bushcraft/Woods Knives,I want one.I don't see it happening,they are perfection.
 
Thank you all for the comments. I'm happy to say one is in the works! Can't wait to share some pics here when I get it!
 
LightGuy said:
For those of you lucky enough to have one, what are your thoughts on it? I know most are 1/8" thickness, and I typically prefer a slightly thicker (3/16") blade for a 4" woods knife since I'll use it for hiking, around camp, etc. What do you feel about the blade, grind, and ergonomics? Ergonomics is the big question since I can't hold one before I buy. I have a large 6", 0.25" thick camp knife from Ray and I consider it indispensible. It is awesome beyond belief...

But, the woods/bushcraft knives are quite a bit different, and I'm looking to get your input on the feel in the hand and function. I'm referring to one like this: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/878872

Thanks for your input in advance!
Click to expand...

Just describe to Ray what you want, and he'll make it for you. Simple as that. I have several of his knives and they are excellent!

Andy
 
I've got a 3.5" bushcraft/utility from Ray and love it. You won't go wrong with his knives. Simple, elegant, and efficient.

Laconico1.jpg
 
http://s137.photobucket.com/albums/q203/sodak_photos/inventory/p1010027.jpg

I've got these two a couple of years ago, their fit and finish is good, but when they came, they stunk like you wouldn't believe. I mean that literally, they smelled of industrial solvent or something, I had to put them in the garage and clean them several times, but have never been able to get all the smell out, and it got into the sheaths also.

Their dimensions are good, and they cut pretty well, but definitely are outdoor knives....
 
I have his "kepmuk" knife. I have not used it enough, but what I have, it a great slicer, light camp knife, and decent bushcrafter.
 
Here are my two Laconicos. The bigger one is similar to his Bushcrafter and almost identical to the knife he submitted to the Bushcraft Knife Challenge.

009.jpg

IMG_0398.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top