Cutlery Hall of Fame member and master lockback folder designer Ron Lake showed CRKT a prototype of this very tasty concept. It had a clean shape, choiled grip and a flat profile with G10 scales. In other words, it was a knife that just about every knife fancier would want. CRKT then made it a knife that anyone could afford. Because it’s a rugged no-nonsense design with Western flair, they decided to call it the Laredo. First, they looked at the modified drop point blade with its high hollow grind. They specified premium 8Cr14MoV high-chromium stainless steel with a high satin brush finish to aid in corrosion resistance. The result is a strong blade with great slicing and penetrating ability that will hold an edge well.

For the frame, CRKT specified brass liners and scales CNC machined from black G10, just what you find in the finest custom knives. The grip is excellent, thanks to the G10 texture, three finger choils and thumb friction grooves at the spine. In the process, CRKT built in Ron’s patented* Lock Back Safety (L.B.S.™) which allows the user to slide the small L.B.S. button forward to lock the blade both in the open and closed positions. When locked open, it is virtually impossible to accidentally release the blade even during vigorous cutting tasks. For those who are concerned about accidental opening, in-pocket or on-belt, simply slide the button forward to lock the knife closed until its next use. All Laredo models are equipped with a removable custom stainless steel clip. If you prefer to use a fob or lanyard, there’s a handy lanyard opening in the brass liners at the butt.

CRKT learned from experience that many of their customers want a smaller-sized pocket carry, so they made the Laredo in two sizes. This smaller Laredo 2 model features a 2 ¾ in blade and is 6 ¼ in long when opened.