About Us

Our Story

Based in Southern California, Ocaso Knives (oh-kah-soh) specializes in premium gentleman’s, executive, and everyday carry (EDC) pocket knives. Our knives are designed by leading knifemakers, 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 Vice President of Cold Steel Knives. After 20 years in the industry, he knew exactly what he wanted to make: knives that fit into daily life the same way a good watch or a well-made pen does. Something office-friendly, slim enough for a suit pocket, or riding along for eighteen holes. That idea became Ocaso.

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.

Ocaso Ric Valdez
Ocaso show
Titanium + Satin / Harpoon
Our Design Philosophy

Modern elegance

By design, gentleman's and executive style knives are meant to be simple, stylish, and small, typically slim blades under 3.5 inches, paired with refined materials like titanium, carbon fiber, and premium steels. A sophisticated, timeless tool for every outfit and occasion, discreet and uncomplicated enough to carry anywhere.

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.

Materials That Matter

Made To Last

Our knives and accessories are designed in the U.S. and crafted by our trusted manufacturers in the U.S., Taiwan, Italy, and China. We have long-standing relationships with our production partners and work closely with them through every step of the design and production process. Every knife is inspected, tested, and ships directly from our facility in Ojai, CA.

We use premium materials, including aerospace grade titanium, solid carbon fiber, Damasteel, and MagnaCut steel, built to the same standard in every knife we make. Every knife is backed by a lifetime warranty.

Titanium M390 Gentleman's Pocket Knife Charter

Ideal Form & Function

We believe that excellence in performance begins with expertise in design. We're proud to work with custom knifemakers and bring their designs to life with the same care and precision they put into creating them. Every knife we produce reflects that collaboration.

Image of sunset on mountains

Behind the Name

Ocaso (oh-kah-soh) means “sunset” in Spanish. We're based in the Ojai Valley in Southern California, in an area that is legendary for “pink moments,” a period just before sunset when the mountain ranges framing the valley take on a brief pink glow.

Request a catalog

Want to learn more about our knives? Our catalog has details on all of our products, including full-scale photos of our knives. Submit your request and we'll mail you a free catalog (U.S. residents only).