- Joined
- Jan 29, 2003
- Messages
- 1,568
I recently purchased my second and third Laconico knives - an Explorer and a model that Ray sold as the "Stout Bowie".
Explorer on top, Stout Bowie on the bottom...
Here are the stats...
The Explorer has a 6" flat ground blade with a polished convex edge. It is made from .25" thick 5160. The Explorer features full exposed tang construction.
The Stout Bowie is indeed a very stout bowie. The 5.25" blade is made from .25" thick O1 steel! The construction is interesting in that it is a framed full tang. The tang actually protrudes slightly out of the bottom of the handle for hammering and such.
In use...
I have been able to do two hikes and a 3 day hiking trip with these knives. They may be .25" thick across the spine but Ray does a great job of giving them tall flat grinds that really allow his knives to cut well. From batoning to fine feather sticks to cutting apples on the trail - these knives handled it all.
Fit and Finish...
Ray has a very distinctive style. His knives seem to meld classic patterns with the stark utilitarian look of the future. The look even carries over into his maker's mark. His grinds are even and the finish is near flawless. They look good but beg to be used.
If you aren't familiar with Ray's work, you should definitely make your way over to the Maker's forums and see if you can snag one of his offerings.
Explorer on top, Stout Bowie on the bottom...
Here are the stats...
The Explorer has a 6" flat ground blade with a polished convex edge. It is made from .25" thick 5160. The Explorer features full exposed tang construction.
The Stout Bowie is indeed a very stout bowie. The 5.25" blade is made from .25" thick O1 steel! The construction is interesting in that it is a framed full tang. The tang actually protrudes slightly out of the bottom of the handle for hammering and such.
In use...
I have been able to do two hikes and a 3 day hiking trip with these knives. They may be .25" thick across the spine but Ray does a great job of giving them tall flat grinds that really allow his knives to cut well. From batoning to fine feather sticks to cutting apples on the trail - these knives handled it all.
Fit and Finish...
Ray has a very distinctive style. His knives seem to meld classic patterns with the stark utilitarian look of the future. The look even carries over into his maker's mark. His grinds are even and the finish is near flawless. They look good but beg to be used.
If you aren't familiar with Ray's work, you should definitely make your way over to the Maker's forums and see if you can snag one of his offerings.
