COMMUNITY INPUT
A big thank you to everyone who participated in our inaugural community poll, now dubbed The Drawing Board and being replicated for future collaborations and other exciting projects. The Keen Mini represents an ongoing trend to deliver community-input-infused knives to the market with minimal markup, maximum upgrades from notable designers, and new tweaks to time tested favorites (like the original Keen). Full Keen Mini specifications are available in the description tab – both Frame lock and Liner lock models are now in production.
Kaviso x Keen Mini Liner lock poll results:
- Aluminum Handles: Blue, Black, or Green
- CNC Milled Clip
- Blade Steel: 14C28N
- Liners: Inset
- Blade Finish: Stonewashed or Satin
Available in Early Summer 2023
IN-DEPTH LOOK
Our original prototype with standard liners weighed in at 3.101 oz (88 g). Based on community feedback, we inset the liners for our second prototype and shaved 0.244 oz (7 g) or 8.6% off the weight. Further, the inset liners reduced the handle width by a full 10%.
HOW DID WE DO?
Feel free to yell at us about stuff.
INAUGURAL ALUMINUM COLLAB
An elegant and functional design trimmed down to 70% original size: Introducing the Keen Mini by Ray Laconico.
This 6.71-inch aluminum liner lock is minimalist perfection with a practical size to carry daily. Featuring a smooth, slightly curved aluminum handle and a satin or stonewashed-finished spear-point blade, the Keen Mini is a work of art—but it’s robust enough to perform strenuous tasks if you need it to. The full flat–ground 14C28N steel blade measures 2.88 inches. It's easy to control for slicing, and the spear-point tip provides exceptional piercing power. Deployment is smooth thanks to the caged ceramic-bearing system and subtle flipper tab. Along with the profile reduction, we also shrunk the price: landing a Laconico Keen into your pocket for under 60 bones.
What’s more, the Kaviso x Keen Mini Liner lock comes in six variations and even a Titanium Frame Lock version. Of course, if size is an issue, the original Keen is always a fan-favorite.
This 6.71-inch aluminum liner lock is minimalist perfection with a practical size to carry daily. Featuring a smooth, slightly curved aluminum handle and a satin or stonewashed-finished spear-point blade, the Keen Mini is a work of art—but it’s robust enough to perform strenuous tasks if you need it to. The full flat–ground 14C28N steel blade measures 2.88 inches. It's easy to control for slicing, and the spear-point tip provides exceptional piercing power. Deployment is smooth thanks to the caged ceramic-bearing system and subtle flipper tab. Along with the profile reduction, we also shrunk the price: landing a Laconico Keen into your pocket for under 60 bones.
What’s more, the Kaviso x Keen Mini Liner lock comes in six variations and even a Titanium Frame Lock version. Of course, if size is an issue, the original Keen is always a fan-favorite.
DRAWING BOARD POLL RESULTS
The final form of our Kaviso x Laconico Keen Mini Liner Lock lineup was born entirely from our community polls on the Drawing Board. Based on your feedback, we landed on 14C28N blade steel offered in both Satin and Stonewash finishes along with blue, green, and black aluminum handles. Signature R. Laconico branding appears on the spine of the blade.
SIDE BY SIDE
The Keen Mini is a master of everyday carry with a feather light weight of just 2.85 ounces (compared to 4.4 ounces on the original Keen). Weight savings are achieved by insetting the liners of the handle and trimming the blade stock to create harmony with the new shorter blade and handle length. Overall length of the Keen Mini is 6.71 inches featuring a practical blade length of 2.88 inches – the first Keen model in the sub-3 inch blade category. Keen Mini Liner lock is manufactured by QSP Knives, and includes Kaviso signature branded drawer box and bandaids for the first bite.
ABOUT RAY LACONICO
Ever since seeing the movie First Blood when he was a kid, California–based knifemaker Ray Laconico was fascinated by blades. As he grew older, Ray started collecting them, until his hobby got out of control—to a point where he needed to try his hand at making one. That opportunity came under the guidance of Bob Engnath, who sold Ray blade blanks and parts to experiment with. Once he got the hang of things, there was no turning back. Since officially taking up knifemaking in the ‘90s, Laconico has become known for a simple, clean, and functional style that shows through in each of his designs. He currently operates out of his garage workshop in Visalia, California.
| GENERAL | |
|---|---|
| Knife Type | Manual Folding Knife |
| Opener | Flipper Tab |
| Lock Type | Liner Lock |
| Best Use | Everyday Carry |
| Manufacturer | QSP |
| Designer | Ray Laconico |
| Country of Origin | China |
| MATERIALS | |
|---|---|
| Blade Material | 14C28N |
| Blade Finish | Stonewashed / Satin |
| Blade Shape | Spear Point |
| Blade Grind | Flat |
| Handle Material | Aluminum with inset liners |
| Handle Finish | Blue, Black, and Green Anodized Aluminum |
| Bearings | Caged ceramic-bearing system |
| Spine | Flat |
| Clip | CNC Milled Clip |
| Hardware | Stonewashed |
| DIMENSIONS | |
|---|---|
| Blade Length | 2.88 in (7.315 cm) |
| Blade Thickness (Spine) | 0.118 in (3 mm) |
| Overall Length | 6.71 in (17.04 cm) |
| Closed / Handle Length | 3.83 in (9.7 cm) | Handle Width | 0.454 in (1.15 cm) | Weight | 2.857 oz (81 g) |
| INCLUDED | |
|---|---|
| In the Box | Display Drawer |
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