Kizer Ki4495 Lancer Titanium Folding Knife

Based on the custom version developed by Ray Laconico and Michael Vagnino, the Kizer Lancer is at once minimal and ever-so-slightly tactical. The handle, done in a cool blue anodized color, has Laconico’s signature hole cutouts to help reduce weight. (Look closely and you’ll see the golden accents in the holes.) The blade is all Vagnino with its clip-point profile and raised swedge. Both are crafted from fine materials in titanium and S35VN stainless steel respectively. The knife deploys with a simple press on the flipper. It carries with the gray titanium pocket clip on the right-hand side.

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.