Elegance, functionality, and precision define knifemaker Ray Laconico’s work. Never one to overcomplicate a design, Laconico has become known for his minimalist style and emphasis on utility. Our latest collaboration, the Keen, is right in Laconico’s wheelhouse. This 7.9-inch titanium frame lock is as clean as it gets. Featuring a smooth, slightly curved titanium handle and a satin-finished spear-point blade, the Keen is a work of art—but it’s robust enough to perform strenuous tasks if you need it to. The full flat–ground S35VN stainless steel blade measures 3.4 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. What’s more, the knife comes in three different finishes and three handle patterns. (There's even a lefty version!)

From the tip of the Keen’s blade to the base of the handle runs a single clean line, creating continuity and visual balance. Absent of jimping, the knife feels smooth and satisfying in the hand. Plus, the handle measures less than a half inch thick, so it’s relatively slim for a knife of this size. In keeping with the minimal nature of the knife, the blade’s full-flat grind is simple and effective. When it comes time to sharpen, it’s easy to maintain, too. Armed with a hardened steel lockbar insert, the titanium frame lock is built for the long haul. Finally, the titanium pocket clip is rounded and smooth, just like the handle. It offers tip-up carry on the right side, but you can grab the left-handed version if you prefer.

Developed by Crucible Industries (one of the leading manufacturers of specialty steels for the cutlery industry) and Chris Reeve (arguably the most famous knifemaker in the world), S35VN is perhaps the most balanced blade steel ever created in terms of all-around performance. It’s made through a process of powdered metallurgy known as CPM, which results in near perfect consistency in the distribution of carbides. Compared to conventional melting practices, the CPM process produces a steel characterized by superior dimensional stability, grindability, and toughness.

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.