- Joined
- Nov 14, 2005
- Messages
- 11,135
Small fixed blades come in all differant varieties. From BRKT Micro Canadians and PSKs, to Gossmans legendary PSK, to JKs Hikers Backup and Koster, and Kev and Brians forum necker. At one time I laughed at the small blades. Didnt understand the purpose and functionality of a small fixed blade. I was first introduced to the BRKT PSK. Too small in the handle to suit me. Gossmans and JKs are both winners to me, however still a little small in the handle for me. I got a Busse Game warden and loved it, except fot the choil, and price tag, and super INFI steel
. The RAT Izula proto I had was a great one. I really liked the size of it, but didnt like the saber and V grind. The production model I ordered for my son hasnt shown up yet, so I might like the flatter grind more, however I am not really a coated blade kinda guy. All wonderfull blades by wonderfull makers, but just lacking in personal features for me.
I decided to have one made to my specs, and what I consider to be the "one" small fixed blade for me. I didnt take anyone else into consideration, only the size of my hands, blade shape I liked, and other feaures I like.
I am a huge fan of Ray Laconicos work. He has been a pleasure to do bussiness with, and his grinds on thicker steel are awe inspiring to me. I have several knives from Ray, and The HWK+ is my go to fixed blade, perfect in every way for me. It truely is "the one" for me, and now the yardstick I measure all blades to. I cant pinpoint one thing in particular about it, just a combination of fit, finish, size and function. His Kydex is superb, with great retention, and inovative features. He doesnt size them for tec-locks, which I have grown quite unfond of. I like to carry my belt knife a bit lower. Just a great sheath to compliment a great knife. All of this combined made me select him for the task of putting an idea into reality, a thought into steel if you will.
I contacted him about taking this one on, and he was more then accomidating, as usual. This is what we came up with. We called it the EDC in our communications to eachother, but I think he has a model named the EDC already, so I am not sure what he is calling this one.
Diamensions- 3in blade, 3.5 in handle, 6.5 overall. Diamensions + or - common in small knives.
Material- 3/16 O1 tool steel. My favorite thickness and steel.
Sheath- Rays groovy kydex
Handle- no scales, with weight reducing holes. I know some like a fat handle, or even a thin one, but I love the look of a bare knife, and I use em just fine.
Rays knives have a wicked sharp edge, and the spine has corners that are sharp too. Sharp enough to get a mish metal rod to throw is awesome molten balls, which most of the time is achieved through using the knifes edge. So for this one , the blade was left with his edges on the spine of the blade, and then beveled on and around the handle to aid in comfort. The holes in the handle were also beveled for aesthetics.
Here she is in all her glory.
Holes in kydex for neck wear.
Another inovative feature. Ray designed and installed a removeable horizontal loop, that clips to belt or pack strap with ease, and VERY securely. It clips on so good, that removing it can be a task withoud taking off the pack strap or undoing the belt, but it is possible. Very inovative and cool.
Fits my hand perfectly, even with gloves.
Did some light carving. Stripped some bark, and made some fuzz sticks, all with ease. I had no doubt in this, as every knife I own of Rays excells at any bushcraft task I have presented it with.
Heres a shot of my Laconico Favorites. I had an explorer too, but gave it to my father as a christmas gift, and soon will order me another with a longer blade. HWK+, Folding nessie(eat you heart out
), and my newest knife.
I know that some will say "Arent you worried about hotspots?" Wont it be cold in the winter?" Awnser is, Yes. However if Im doin serious work that might create a hotspot, I will grab another knife. The RC4, or the HWK+. If thats not an option, then I can cord wrap the handle if need be. As for the coldness, well, if its that cold out, I will have gloves on anyways.
This is my knife. Perfect in every way for me. I love the slim profile. Ive carried it horizontal under my shirt with no notice from anyone for a few days now. Ready at a moments notice, and sharp as hell. I am not going to blow smoke and say this is the end all be all small fixed blade, and I am done with cutlery. Fact is I will never be done. I am a knife nut, and thats what we do. I will say this is the small fxed blade that will be in my pocket, on my belt or on my pack from now on, regardless of what else I am carrying. I am done with locking folders. I will still carry my SAK Farmer, or a multi, in combo with this. My folding nessie is strictly my food knife, and will stay in my pack for that purpose, or might just sit in my drawer, because it is a hard model to get, and is my only custom slippy, and a present from my wife.
Sorry for the long ramble, I just wanted to share my idea of the perfect small fixed blade for me. I hope you enjoyed it, and maybe it inspired you to look at what you think matters in a knife to you.
. The RAT Izula proto I had was a great one. I really liked the size of it, but didnt like the saber and V grind. The production model I ordered for my son hasnt shown up yet, so I might like the flatter grind more, however I am not really a coated blade kinda guy. All wonderfull blades by wonderfull makers, but just lacking in personal features for me.I decided to have one made to my specs, and what I consider to be the "one" small fixed blade for me. I didnt take anyone else into consideration, only the size of my hands, blade shape I liked, and other feaures I like.
I am a huge fan of Ray Laconicos work. He has been a pleasure to do bussiness with, and his grinds on thicker steel are awe inspiring to me. I have several knives from Ray, and The HWK+ is my go to fixed blade, perfect in every way for me. It truely is "the one" for me, and now the yardstick I measure all blades to. I cant pinpoint one thing in particular about it, just a combination of fit, finish, size and function. His Kydex is superb, with great retention, and inovative features. He doesnt size them for tec-locks, which I have grown quite unfond of. I like to carry my belt knife a bit lower. Just a great sheath to compliment a great knife. All of this combined made me select him for the task of putting an idea into reality, a thought into steel if you will.
I contacted him about taking this one on, and he was more then accomidating, as usual. This is what we came up with. We called it the EDC in our communications to eachother, but I think he has a model named the EDC already, so I am not sure what he is calling this one.
Diamensions- 3in blade, 3.5 in handle, 6.5 overall. Diamensions + or - common in small knives.
Material- 3/16 O1 tool steel. My favorite thickness and steel.
Sheath- Rays groovy kydex
Handle- no scales, with weight reducing holes. I know some like a fat handle, or even a thin one, but I love the look of a bare knife, and I use em just fine.
Rays knives have a wicked sharp edge, and the spine has corners that are sharp too. Sharp enough to get a mish metal rod to throw is awesome molten balls, which most of the time is achieved through using the knifes edge. So for this one , the blade was left with his edges on the spine of the blade, and then beveled on and around the handle to aid in comfort. The holes in the handle were also beveled for aesthetics.
Here she is in all her glory.
Holes in kydex for neck wear.
Another inovative feature. Ray designed and installed a removeable horizontal loop, that clips to belt or pack strap with ease, and VERY securely. It clips on so good, that removing it can be a task withoud taking off the pack strap or undoing the belt, but it is possible. Very inovative and cool.
Fits my hand perfectly, even with gloves.
Did some light carving. Stripped some bark, and made some fuzz sticks, all with ease. I had no doubt in this, as every knife I own of Rays excells at any bushcraft task I have presented it with.
Heres a shot of my Laconico Favorites. I had an explorer too, but gave it to my father as a christmas gift, and soon will order me another with a longer blade. HWK+, Folding nessie(eat you heart out
), and my newest knife.
I know that some will say "Arent you worried about hotspots?" Wont it be cold in the winter?" Awnser is, Yes. However if Im doin serious work that might create a hotspot, I will grab another knife. The RC4, or the HWK+. If thats not an option, then I can cord wrap the handle if need be. As for the coldness, well, if its that cold out, I will have gloves on anyways.
This is my knife. Perfect in every way for me. I love the slim profile. Ive carried it horizontal under my shirt with no notice from anyone for a few days now. Ready at a moments notice, and sharp as hell. I am not going to blow smoke and say this is the end all be all small fixed blade, and I am done with cutlery. Fact is I will never be done. I am a knife nut, and thats what we do. I will say this is the small fxed blade that will be in my pocket, on my belt or on my pack from now on, regardless of what else I am carrying. I am done with locking folders. I will still carry my SAK Farmer, or a multi, in combo with this. My folding nessie is strictly my food knife, and will stay in my pack for that purpose, or might just sit in my drawer, because it is a hard model to get, and is my only custom slippy, and a present from my wife.
Sorry for the long ramble, I just wanted to share my idea of the perfect small fixed blade for me. I hope you enjoyed it, and maybe it inspired you to look at what you think matters in a knife to you.
:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
that is a sweet looking knife bro..... great all around design.. nice job...:thumbup: just my style... 
IMO...
