New Laconico on the way...

Joined
Jan 29, 2003
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Ray Laconico posted a knife he called the "Hiker's Utiliy Knife" a couple of weeks ago in the Maker's Forum. I really liked it but just missed out on snatching it up. I was long over due for another Laconico custom so I got in touch with Ray just as soon as I got back from my vacation. I wanted a Hiker's Utility but with a couple of twists...

mybushcrafterinhandur3.jpg


Basically, I just asked the Ray drop the point a bit to create more a spear point profile. I also asked for some different pins and handle material. As usual it looks like Ray came through big time.

So it came out just like I hoped, 1/8" O1 with a spearpoint and a bit of belly. Looks like a bushcrafter but with Ray's excellent flat grind/convex edge.

mybushcrafterej3.jpg


The pictures are from Ray. I can't wait until I get this one in hand. Ray is working up some kydex for it and then it will be headed my way.

This will be my 8th knife from Ray and I can't say enough good about him. If you need a knife that has to work but not break the bank, Ray is your man.
 
I need to get one. Ive been eyein his blades for waaay to long. I like yours alot.

Nice work Ray!!
 
that's a beauty matthew... i like the design a lot... looks like a great all around user...
 
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Very nice! I showed my wife the one he had for sale just after it had been sold...she said "too bad it's sold, I would have bought that for you"....I could have cried! Win some, lose some! -Matt-
 
Man, I either need to stop oogling your steel, and order one, or never open this thread again. I think the latter isnt possible:o
 
That's just awesome, man. There aren't very many knives that I have definitely know I need to acquire sometime, but Ray has several designs I need! :p :D
 
That's just awesome, man. There aren't very many knives that I have definitely know I need to acquire sometime, but Ray has several designs I need! :p :D

I'll be driving past Ray's place monday. I really have to have some self control. I just can't afford it now but I need one dangit!
 
Just in case any of you need any more motivation to track down a Laconico or two...

my8choppertd1.jpg

This one has been through a lot. It is a great camp companion because it batons so well. It splits wood more easily and safely than a hatchet. I have driven it through knots in hardwood that has been seasoned for nearly a decade. This is one tough knife. It was a blast working with Ray to come up with this design and I have noticed that he made a few others like it which is gratifying.

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This is my first Laconico. It is sporting some nice patina these days. This one is great all around and the framed tang handle construction is pretty neat.

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This little bugger is just the thing for EDC and picking apart small game.

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This is one stout bowie. It made from .25" O1. The choil area throws great sparks. Which is convenient because Ray modified a Spec Ops sheath with a fire steel loop to go with it.

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This one was a gift from my wife. It is my go to knife for everything from the kitchen to the camp. It has a gorgeous patina now from countless apples.

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This is his Explorer model. I took this on the vacation that I mentioned in the first post. It performed great around camp doing everything from splitting fire wood to carving a spare tent stake.

I don't have pics of the seventh one right now but it is pretty slick too.

Hopefully these pics have pushed you over the edge. Ray's knives can really get under your skin because they have the soul of a full custom but they still beg to be used. They can get really addicting. If I keep going at this rate, Ray is going to have to name a knife after me or something... ;)
 
Ok, I NEED that last one!!!!:eek:

Specs?

I also HAVE to have one of his folding nessies. I have to!
 
Ok, I NEED that last one!!!!:eek:

Specs?

Yeah, the Explorer usually gets a reaction like that. That one is .25" 5160. I think Ray differentially heat treats his larger knives so it is one tough mother. Normally the Explorer has a bit of a recurve but I spec'ed a plain old drop point. It may be think but because of Ray's tall flat grinds and convex edges it really cuts like a thinner blade. Making fuzz sticks or slicing fine curls of paper is no problem at all.
 
.....So it came out just like I hoped, 1/8" O1 with a spearpoint and a bit of belly. Looks like a bushcrafter but with Ray's excellent flat grind/convex edge.........


OH, BUDDY! I REALLY like that one! Everything about it. :thumbup::thumbup:
Nice to "see" you again, Matthew.
As you can see you have already been a bad influence on me again.:o
 
Matt,
Thanks for posting those pictures. You always have great things to say about my work. I really do need to name a knife after you. How about you give this new model a name. I'm sure I'll be making more of it.

Thanks to everyone for the comments.
 
nessiesv8.jpg

OMG! That is a must have! Freakin' Awesome!:thumbup:
Specs please!

That was Ray's first Nessmuk. My wife got it for me for my birthday.

It is 1/8" thick 1095 steel. The blade length is 3 1/8" and overall is 7 1/4". It came with an awesome leather sheath. The knife literally clicks into place. I use it all the time.
 
That was Ray's first Nessmuk. My wife got it for me for my birthday.

It is 1/8" thick 1095 steel. The blade length is 3 1/8" and overall is 7 1/4". It came with an awesome leather sheath. The knife literally clicks into place. I use it all the time.

You are a lucky, lucky man! On at least 2 counts. A beautiful knife and a wonderful wife who bought it for you.:thumbup::thumbup:
 
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