Our Story
Ocaso (oh-kah-soh) specializes in premium gentleman’s, executive, and every day carry (EDC) pocket knives. Our knives are designed by leading knifemakers in the industry, with careful attention to detail, quality craftsmanship, and superior function. We strive to make the highest quality production knives using premium materials and a refined, elegant design aesthetic. It’s the purpose behind every knife we make.
The founder of Ocaso, Ric Valdez, is a former executive for a leading knife manufacturer and has been in the knife industry for 20 years. Ocaso was founded by Ric’s belief that the knife you choose to carry every day defines the essence of who you are and what you believe in. Our goal is to craft sophisticated, versatile, distinctive pocket knives that are a reflection of your personal style. From the office to the outdoors, Ocaso knives are designed to be your companion, for life.
The founder of Ocaso, Ric Valdez, is a former executive for a leading knife manufacturer and has been in the knife industry for 20 years. Ocaso was founded by Ric’s belief that the knife you choose to carry every day defines the essence of who you are and what you believe in. Our goal is to craft sophisticated, versatile, distinctive pocket knives that are a reflection of your personal style. From the office to the outdoors, Ocaso knives are designed to be your companion, for life.
Gear for the Modern Gentleman
By design, gentleman's knives are meant to be simple, stylish, and small. A classy, timeless tool for every outfit and occasion. The best gentleman's knives are discreet, lightweight, uncomplicated cutting tools that exude elegance and style.
We believe a well-designed, well-made knife is like a piece of functional art. Our mission is to design and craft knives with a focus on luxury, fit and finish, and the performance to match their good looks. We use premium materials including titanium, carbon fiber, Damascus, and S35VN steel to create knives that are the ultimate expression of your personal style.
FAQs
How was the company started?
Ocaso’s founder, Ric Valdez, began his career in the knife industry at Cold Steel Knives, working nearly 20 years to expand the brand’s reach and eventually moving into the role of Executive Vice President. Throughout his years in the industry, Ric has collected knives and gentleman’s accessories that fit his personal style and preferences. After Cold Steel was sold to GSM Outdoors in 2020, Ric began his own venture, starting Ocaso with the goal of making pocket knives and everyday carry accessories that reflect his individual style – sophisticated, modern, minimalist, and made with premium materials. Ocaso was founded on Ric’s belief that the knife you choose to carry encapsulates the essence of who you are and what you believe in.
Where are your knives made?
Our knives are designed in the U.S. and crafted by our trusted manufacturers in Taiwan and Italy. We have long-standing relationships with our production partners and work closely with them through every step of the design and production process. They are experienced knife makers with strict engineering, fit and finish, and quality control policies. From prototype to production, we ensure that every knife is carefully inspected to meet our quality standards.
What steels do you use?
Damascus: Damascus is a premium pattern-welded steel recognizable for its distinctive wavy design. Our knives feature 120-layer stainless martensitic Damascus steel, produced in Germany using the traditional fire-welding process, resulting in a premium blade with high edge retention and sharpness. Our knives with Damascus steel have a Rockwell Hardness of 60-61.
CPM S35VN: Crucible Particle Metal (CPM) S35VN is a USA made, high-end stainless steel that provides an excellent balance between toughness, corrosion resistance, and edge-retention. It is recognized as a premium steel due to its durability and remarkable wear resistance. Our knives with S35VN steel have a Rockwell Hardness of 60-61.
K110 (D2): We use premium Bohler K110 (D2) steel in our knives. It offers high wear resistance along with good hardness and toughness, making it an excellent steel for everyday carry pocket knives. Our knives with D2 steel have a Rockwell Hardness of 59-60.
AUS-10A: We use high-quality Japanese made AUS-10A stainless steel in our knives. Due to its high carbon content, AUS-10A is considered the strongest steel type within the AUS-series. It provides excellent corrosion-resistance, durability, and ease of sharpening. Our knives with AUS-10A steel have a Rockwell Hardness of 59-60.
CPM S35VN: Crucible Particle Metal (CPM) S35VN is a USA made, high-end stainless steel that provides an excellent balance between toughness, corrosion resistance, and edge-retention. It is recognized as a premium steel due to its durability and remarkable wear resistance. Our knives with S35VN steel have a Rockwell Hardness of 60-61.
K110 (D2): We use premium Bohler K110 (D2) steel in our knives. It offers high wear resistance along with good hardness and toughness, making it an excellent steel for everyday carry pocket knives. Our knives with D2 steel have a Rockwell Hardness of 59-60.
AUS-10A: We use high-quality Japanese made AUS-10A stainless steel in our knives. Due to its high carbon content, AUS-10A is considered the strongest steel type within the AUS-series. It provides excellent corrosion-resistance, durability, and ease of sharpening. Our knives with AUS-10A steel have a Rockwell Hardness of 59-60.
What is your warranty?
We stand behind our products 100%. All Ocaso® knives carry a limited lifetime warranty. We warrant that our knives are free of defects in workmanship and materials. If one of our knives ever breaks or fails because of a material or manufacturing defect, we’ll repair or replace the knife. This warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, damage, breakage or failure caused by misuse, lack of normal maintenance, or disassembly. If you have a warranty issue or concern with your knife, reach out to us and we will make it right. Email us at info@ocasoknives.com or call us at (805) 500-8043.
Where can I buy your products?
View our Where To Buy page for a list of online retailers, U.S. dealers and international distributors. Orders placed through our website can be shipped worldwide. For more information on shipping options, click here. If you need additional assistance finding a dealer in your area please send us a message through our contact page, or email us at info@ocasoknives.com.
How do I become a dealer?
Visit our dealer information page here for our Dealer Program requirements.
When will my order ship?
We make every effort to ship orders the same day they are placed. If we receive your order after 12:00 pm PST it may be shipped the following day. You will receive an email notification with a tracking number once your order has shipped. For more information on shipping and returns, click here.
Do you offer a military/law enforcement/first responder discount?
Yes. We offer a 20% discount to all U.S. active, reserve, and retired U.S. Military, Police, Fire, and EMS Personnel. To receive this discount you must be a U.S. resident or service member. Email us (info@ocasoknives.com) a copy of your public service ID and we will provide you with a discount code to use at checkout.
