Monterey Bay Knives Laconico Minpin out!

Agartha Audio

Agartha Audio

Joined
Jun 20, 2015
Messages
652
Been eagerly awaiting this drop, and it finally happened a few minutes ago. Handled the Minpin prototype at Carmel Cutlery a couple weeks ago, and was blown away by the design and fit/finish. Thought they had all sold out via pre-sale, but I was wrong (luckily), and copped one just now.
Only available through their website (removed link to be safe, but you can google that right?).
 
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Not sure you’re allowed to link to that site here. BUT that’s a sweet looking knife. I like Laconico’s designs. Wish it wasn’t a flipper though. So tired of flippers.
 
It really is super tempting. Do we know if it's a limited run or an ongoing production?
 
I'm sorry, while I love Laconico's designs (for the most part), I think it cheapens the "brand" by having it made in China. I really don't think I could bring myself to buy a knife made in China, even if at first glance, the quality seems OK. Call me old fashioned if you will, I'm OK with that. :)

I think that the "semi-customs" such as the Jasmine are a different animal. Not sure if any parts are sourced from China, but on the semi customs, Ray takes the parts and hand assembles, grinds, tunes, etc. Also, with country of origin listed as USA, we know that a high percentage (forgot the actual number) of parts must be made in the USA.

Yes, they are at different price points, but is this new knife or any knife for that matter, that comes from some production line/factory in China worth the $200+ price tag? I'd be hard pressed to say yes. YMMV.
 
VernonRemington said:
Any idea who makes these? WE?
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When I talked to Sanford (part owner of MBK) at Carmel Cutlery, he told me the whole story. He has a connection at either WE/Reate who pointed him to a Chinese OEM who does a lot of work for both WE and Reate (behind the scenes, Chinese name only). They're the ones manufacturing the Minpin, so quality is at that WE/Reate level, but at a more affordable pricepoint...
Another MBK prototype - the EZC, is being manufactured by Kizer. Good build quality, but not quite at the same level as the Minpin.
 
When that email appeared I confirmed I'm on the list for an EZC. I already have a Keen. Slowly but surely, I'm inching toward a full blown custom Laconico.
 
marchone said:
When that email appeared I confirmed I'm on the list for an EZC. I already have a Keen. Slowly but surely, I'm inching toward a full blown custom Laconico.
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You won't regret it-I haven't tried his flippers, but his non-flippers are fantastic
 
Some people are going to be very, very happy with the knife. The Keen is a little more my style, so I got two of those instead of 1 + 1.
 
The production Minpin has been on my radar ever since I first heard about the project. I had (and still do) have mixed feelings regarding the project. I have owned 2 of Ray's full customs, his semi-custom, and soon to be this production Minpin. I like that Ray is branching out and expanding his brand however I think making high-end Chinese production knives of his flagship models is a bad idea. The photos and videos I have seen of the production Minpin look so similar to the actual custom that I think it will hurt the value of the full customs in the long run. I think he should've designed a new knife specifically for a production knife or used an older less popular design. Anyway, I am excited to see how the production compares in terms of action, fit and finish, and quality.
 
gusnuts said:
The production Minpin has been on my radar ever since I first heard about the project. I had (and still do) have mixed feelings regarding the project. I have owned 2 of Ray's full customs, his semi-custom, and soon to be this production Minpin. I like that Ray is branching out and expanding his brand however I think making high-end Chinese production knives of his flagship models is a bad idea. The photos and videos I have seen of the production Minpin look so similar to the actual custom that I think it will hurt the value of the full customs in the long run. I think he should've designed a new knife specifically for a production knife or used an older less popular design. Anyway, I am excited to see how the production compares in terms of action, fit and finish, and quality.
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I can respect that, and in the Keen, I think he burnt a great potential custom or semi-custom model, as I see enough difference in it to stand alone.
 
gusnuts said:
The photos and videos I have seen of the production Minpin look so similar to the actual custom that I think it will hurt the value of the full customs in the long run.
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Officer's Match said:
and in the Keen, I think he burnt a great potential custom or semi-custom model
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It sounds like Ray cares more about getting his art into people's hands than generating investment opportunities. That choice earns my enduring respect.
 
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