FORM = FUNCTION
The Bladework of Ray Laconico
If you’ve ventured into the world of custom knife making in recent years you may have heard the name of Ray Laconico. His work is legendary for combining the simplicity of a no-frills cutting tool with incredible precision usually unheard of in the realm of handmade knives. After handling several of his pieces I can’t help but wonder how he manages such precise grinds, and such mirror-image uniformity, without the use of computerguided equipment. What is most incredible about Ray’s work isn’t the output, but the lifestyle. He loves making knives. And unlike a lot of makers that get so bogged down in custom orders that they no longer have time to enjoy the craft, Ray is able to continually play with his chosen art form, making what he chooses to make and selling any piece within a matter of days (often hours, if you check his track record). How does Ray have the patience and perseverance to continually churn out one piece after another, which each one carrying its own version of perfection? And what can both knifemakers and non-knifemakers learn from Ray’s methods and philosophies? I was fortunate enough to speak with him on his craft and hear his insights on what he does and how he does it.
How long have you been making knives? I donÕ t remember exactly when I started making knives but IÕ m pretty sure it was around 2001. This year, I made my first liner lock folder. This has always been my long time goal. It was really not that difficult. I was successful on my first attempt.
Do you consider yourself a knifemaker by trade or by hobby? Do you feel that the difference in these two mindsets affects a knifemaker’s quantity and quality of output? Knifemaking is how I make my living. However, I don’t consider it work. If I had a regular job, I’d be making knives on my days off. This started as just a hobby. I guess it’s a hobby that I get paid to do. I feel that as long as I enjoy what I’m doing, the quality will always be there. I have a lot of pride in my work. I get paid to do it but thatÕ s not the only reason why I do it.
How long were you making knives before you were able to do it full time? What methods did you employ to phase out employment and become fully independent? I was making knives as a hobby for about 3-4 years and just giving my knives away to friends or family. I started selling my knives in 2005 and the following year, I went full time. It sort of just took off real quickly. It was actually kind of easy to transition. My wife and I had a business and we decided we didn’t like it anymore so she got a job and I went into making knives full time. It was surprisingly very easy.
How many knives do you make on average (per week or month)? It all depends on what I make. If I’m making simple full tang fixed blades, I can probably do about 5 per week. If I make fancier knives like bowies or hunters with hidden tangs and guards, I can probably make 2 or 3 per week. When I was making slipjoint folders, I made about 4 per week. With liner locks, I make about 3. How long does it take you to make a knife from start-to-finish? Again it depends on the type of knife. My liner locks take about 1 ½ days to make. I can make 2 slipjoints in 2 days.
How do you stay focused once you have started working on a knife? Well, if it’s a custom order, it can sometimes be difficult because it’s not necessarily the knife I want to work on but itÕ s work so it has to be done. However, if it’s something that I’m doing for myself, it’s hard to focus on anything else other than that particular project. When I did my first liner lock a few weeks ago, it was on a weekend and I didnÕ t sleep all weekend because I could not stop working on it until I got it done. I get very excited and obsessed with my work.
Do you have a specific routine you follow to stay productive? There’s no real routine. I work when I feel like it which is just about everyday. I usually start kind of late, around 10 am and work until around 10 pm. This is usually everyday unless I have something else planned.
How do you get ideas for new knife designs? There are so many ways to make and design a knife. For me the most fun part in knifemaking is making a design or idea come to life. This is why I don’t use any patterns for any of my knives. They are all different. Even two knives of the same model will be a little different. I’m always working from my head and not from a template. The process of design is just too exciting for me right now. Maybe when I get older, I’ll use templates and become more productive.
Do you think it is harder to be a custom knifemaker now than in the past? I think although the market is probably not as good today due to the bad economy, it’s probably easier for knifemakers today. The main reason being the Internet. The Internet makes it easier for knifemakers, collectors and enthusiasts to connect. I think I’d be lost if I had to try to sell knives without the Internet. Of course there are knife shows but they only happen a few times a year. The Internet is always on. Also, these days I think the number of us “knife guys” is growing. Again, probably due to the Internet.
What is your general design philosophy regarding knives? I think sometimes, less is better. IÕ ve seen some knives that are just “overdone”. Don’t try to put too much into a knife. I think when you design a knife, you have to first think of what will cut well, easy to use, comfortable to use. Then you have to make the design “flow”. I don’t think anyone wants a knife that doesn’t look nice. Even though they are just tools, I think most knife guys feel more connected to their knives than to something like a screwdriver or a hammer. What plans do you have for your future work? For now, liner locks and frame locks are what I want to focus on. I only want to get better at it. In the future, IÕ d like to be doing more complicated designs and using fancier materials.
Ray Laconico is a California-based knifemaker who currently sells publicly available pieces at www.bladeforums.com. His production rate and sales turnaround times are at Olympian levels, far surpassing most other makers on the site.
Interview conducted on May 3, 2010. Cover photo courtesy of Madelyn Boudreaux. All other photos copyright Š Ray Laconico 2010. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Ebook introduction and design copyright Š Dan Bergevin (Capitalized Living) 2010. All rights reserved.
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