BLADE MATERIAL
CPM S35VN
HANDLE MATERIAL
Titanium
BLADE SHAPE
BLADE LENGTH (in)
2.88
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 Aluminum Liner lock models are now in production.
Kaviso x Keen Mini Frame lock poll results:
- Titanium Handles: Blue, Gray, and Bronze
- Blade Steel: S35VN
- Blade Finish: Stonewashed or Satin
Available in Late Spring 2023
HOW DID WE DO?
Feel free to yell at us about stuff.
A FAN FAVORITE, REDUCED
An elegant and functional design trimmed down to 70% original size: Introducing the Keen Mini by Ray Laconico.
This 6.71-inch titanium frame lock is a master class of minimalism with robust components to get the job done. The Keen Mini Frame Lock Features a smooth, slightly curved titanium handle and a satin or stonewashed-finished spear-point blade. The full flat–ground S35VN 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.
What’s more, the frame lock comes in six variations and even an Aluminum Liner Lock version. With a 30% size reduction, the Keen Mini is now easier to carry in your summer speedo while staying true to the elements that make the Keen an all time favorite. Of course, if size is an issue, the original full-size Keen is still available.
This 6.71-inch titanium frame lock is a master class of minimalism with robust components to get the job done. The Keen Mini Frame Lock Features a smooth, slightly curved titanium handle and a satin or stonewashed-finished spear-point blade. The full flat–ground S35VN 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.
What’s more, the frame lock comes in six variations and even an Aluminum Liner Lock version. With a 30% size reduction, the Keen Mini is now easier to carry in your summer speedo while staying true to the elements that make the Keen an all time favorite. Of course, if size is an issue, the original full-size Keen is still available.
DRAWING BOARD POLL RESULTS
The final specs of our Kaviso x Keen Mini Frame Lock lineup are born entirely from our community polls on the Drawing Board. Based on your feedback, we landed on CPM-S35VN blade steel offered in both Satin and Stonewash finishes along with anodized blue, stonewashed bronze, and gray bead blasted titanium handles. Hardware is color and finish matched titanium, including an extremely minimalist show side pivot. Signature R. Laconico branding appears on the spine of the blade, and serial numbers for each piece are engraved on the titanium backspacer of the handle.
SIDE BY SIDE
The Keen Mini is a master of everyday carry with a feather light weight of just 2.6 ounces (compared to 4.4 ounces on original Keen). Weight savings was achieved by painstakingly honing the width of the handle and 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 Frame lock is manufactured by QSP Knife, 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 | Frame Lock |
| Best Use | Everyday Carry |
| Manufacturer | QSP |
| Designer | Ray Laconico |
| Country of Origin | China |
| MATERIALS | |
|---|---|
| Blade Material | CPM S35VN |
| Blade Finish | Stonewashed / Satin |
| Blade Shape | Spear Point |
| Blade Grind | Flat |
| Handle Material | 6AL4V Titanium |
| Handle Finish |
Blue: Anodized Bronze: Stonewashed Grey: Bead Blasted |
| Bearings | Caged ceramic-bearing system |
| Spine | Flat |
| Clip | Titanium |
| Hardware | Color & Finish Matched Titanium |
| Serialized | Individually serialized on the backspacer |
| 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 | 0.3945 in (1.002 cm) |
| Weight | 2.653 oz (75.2 g) |
| INCLUDED | |
|---|---|
| In the Box | Display Drawer |
KnifeActionSizeEdcBig brotherCarryKitPivotPivot screwWay
r
I have always been a fan of Ray Laconico's work, I own a few of his knives but this custom Keen is a masterpiece of elegance and good taste. I would have payed a lot more for it without complaining.
A
The size is great, the action is smooth
m
Very very nice knife
J
Crisp detent and smooth action. This is a great version of the full size Keen.
C
YEP small but useful Great Quality
M
Love it 😀
V
What can I say other than Ray Laconico! The Keen Mini is the EDC knife I have I have been searching for. Minimalist design, lightweight, buttery smooth flipper action. If you have been looking for a great daily carry this is your knife.
G
Great knife and design. Detent is a little tight but very good all around.
G
Fantastic, very well built knife, exactly like it's big brother in every way, but perfect size for every day jobs and easy stowed in my jeans pocket, I'm loving it. Five stars from me
M
Flip doesn't work, feels like the pivot is grinding, tried to loosen the pivot screw and it just stripped with very little force. What a waste of $$$.
P
Beautiful and well-made. Silky smooth action and very sharp out of the box.
V
Simple, just the right size for bopping around town, using in the office, just having as a tool. Not so aggressive in appearance. Blends in nicely to the everyday, but still one hell of a good knife. Stonewashed blade and bronze scales
T
Blade centered and sharp. Flips nicely and good lockup. Screws in handles protrude enough to take away from handle feel of clean lines. Pocket clip grips tightly making it annoying to remove and confident it's not falling off
J
Based on my preferences, this knife is the perfect balance of size, profile, grind, materials, aesthetics, and build quality. I find it to be the best gents knife for the money. Ray’s design with Kaviso’s execution is an outstanding combination.
P
The quality surprised me. It's a lot of goodness for the price.
M
The mini keen in S35VN is a perfect, long awaited knife with subtle differences
Gimping on the flipper tab, captured pivot and no outrageous makers mark, or KAVISO on the blade
D
The mini Keen from Kaviso is a very simple design with Great materials. I chose the blue/stonewash version and love everything about this knife and thinking about getting the full size version. Great knife, Great price, and Great place to buy your knives from.Dominick
D
It was a father's day gift from my wife and daughter. And it is now my hands down favorite knife I own. It feels really good in hand. And the action is flawless. I have Kavisos EDC storage cache and droor as well and I am very pleased with the Kaviso line of products so far.
B
Great design but build is just a bit off the full size. Maybe it is WE versus QSP but I really like the penguin series. Still a great knife at a great price
Hi Benjamin, thanks for the review. We agree, WE Knife typically is a little better quality than QSP which is also reflected in the pricing. We did look at having WE Knife make this originally but the pricing did not make sense (retail price would have been nearly identical to the full-size Keen) as most of the cost is in labor.
Overall though, we are super happy with how it came out and the fact we were able to price it so competitively.
F
I've been waiting for this knife for years. I'd always liked the look of the Keen, but prefer a 3 inch blade so I was very excited for the Keen Mini. Once I had it in hand, it was like a match made in heaven. It fits my (small to medium sized) hand perfectly, the action is very smooth, and the fit and finish is great for the price. If you like knives with a blade under 3 inches, this is an absolute winner.
A
Great! Very well executed with good tolerances. This is almost like the Laconico Yorkie but a bit longer and slimmer- kind of perfect. There's only one thing I don't like: the pocket clip is way too long & looks odd, (to me). I wish it was shorter, (I even tried the Yorkie clip, which is the perfect length, but it doesn't fit.) Knife is still a keeper! - I took off a star for fit & finish/QC because the blade came scratched!! I was disappointed, but since the grind was even and the detent was perfect, I decided to live with it as is.-- I may actually get another one of these- good job Kaviso!!
Thanks for the feedback Alex, we'll keep your comments about the clip in mind for future iterations and product polls.
P
Great build quality with an awesome action. For the price it is unbeatable. Love it.
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