Ric Valdez

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Ric Valdez

Published: October 7th, 2024

Ric Valdez, founder of Ocaso Knives, has spent over two decades carving his path in the knife industry, transforming from a young Texan fascinated by pocket knives to a respected figure known for his marketing acumen and dedication to quality craftsmanship. Ric's story is one of passion, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to creating knives that stand the test of time.

Ric Valdez was born in Texas, a place that would leave a lasting mark on his life and career. His early years were spent in Uvalde, a small town near the Mexican border. Ric recalls fondly the influence of his grandfather, who gifted him his first pocket knife at the tender age of 10. This was no ordinary gift; it was a small, stag-handled knife from the Providence company, a piece of his heritage that he still treasures to this day. "It was a classic little knife," Ric reminisces. "Everyone around me had a pocket knife. It was just part of life in the South."

Ric Valdez

- Ric Valdez (pictured above) is the founder of Ocaso Knives, established in 2022

- Ric's first pocket knife, a small stag handled knife, was gifted to him by his grandfather

Ric’s entry into the knife industry wasn’t a direct path. Before joining Cold Steel, he worked in retail and even spent some time in the life insurance industry, a job that left him craving something more stable and aligned with his passions. That opportunity came in the form of a sales position at Cold Steel. "I was ready for a change," Ric recalls. "Life insurance is a tough sell, it’s not something people wake up excited to buy. I wanted a role where I could be passionate about what I was selling."

Ric's interview with Cold Steel's founder, Lynn Thompson, was brief but impactful. He was tasked with watching a VHS tape that showcased the durability and strength of Cold Steel knives. "I was blown away," Ric says. "I didn't know knives could be that strong." This first encounter with the company’s products solidified his decision to join Cold Steel, and he dove into the role with enthusiasm.

In his early days at Cold Steel, Ric was instrumental in revolutionizing the company’s marketing strategy. Recognizing the potential of visual media, he transitioned the company from distributing VHS tapes to DVDs, which were then sent out en masse to dealers and distributors. This move proved to be a game-changer. "We put DVDs in every dealer's order, distributed them through SMKW, and it just took off," Ric explains. "We handed out almost a million DVDs, and suddenly, Cold Steel was everywhere."

Cold Steel DVDs

- After watching a Cold Steel demonstration video, Ric was blown away by the knives ability

- Recognizing this potential, Ric transitioned to DVDs and began sending them to distributors

Ric's marketing savvy didn't stop there. He introduced a program that offered free TVs to dealers who ordered large quantities of knives, encouraging them to display Cold Steel’s DVD footage in their stores. This innovative approach helped Cold Steel dominate the market, showcasing the brand’s products in a way that left a lasting impression on consumers.

Ric’s hard work and innovative ideas quickly paid off. Over the years, he rose through the ranks at Cold Steel, eventually becoming the company’s Vice President. His close working relationship with Lynn Thompson was pivotal, and together they helped build Cold Steel into a powerhouse in the knife industry. "Lynn had the vision, and I did my best to execute it," Ric says. "We were a great team, and I learned a lot from him."

One of Ric’s most significant contributions was his role in expanding Cold Steel’s reach. By leveraging partnerships with major retailers like Smoky Mountain Knife Works, Ric helped Cold Steel’s products reach a wider audience. "Smoky Mountain was a huge part of our success," Ric explains. "We worked closely with them, and their distribution network was unparalleled."

Even after Cold Steel was sold, Ric’s loyalty to Lynn Thompson remained strong. When Lynn decided to start a new venture in the gun industry, Ric was there to support him. However, the constant travel between California and Arizona soon took its toll, leading Ric to reevaluate his future.

The idea to start his own knife company came after a period of reflection and discussions with his wife, Tisa, and knife designer Andrew Demko. Both encouraged him to take the leap, and in 2022, Ric founded Ocaso Knives. The name Ocaso, meaning "sunset" in Spanish, was chosen by Tisa, inspired by the beautiful sunsets in their hometown of Ojai, California.

Ocaso Knives is a reflection of Ric’s personal style and his vision for the future of the knife industry. Focused on slim, elegant designs, the company’s flagship model, the Solstice, was developed in collaboration with Andrew Demko. "I’ve always been drawn to slim, gentlemanly knives," Ric explains. "The Solstice is our take on that style, and it’s something I’m incredibly proud of." The Solstice is more than just a knife, it’s a statement piece that Ric hopes will become a long-term staple in the industry. "I want the Solstice to be a knife that people carry for years," he says.

Cold Steel logo

- Ric's hard work and innovative ideas quickly paid off, eventually rising to the rank of Vice President of Cold Steel

- After Cold Steel was sold, Ric remained loyal to Lynn Thompson, following him to support his new gun company

Ocaso logo

- After discussions with his wife, Tisa, and legendary designer Andrew Demko, Ric launched Ocaso Knives in 2022

- The name Ocaso means sunset in Spanish, and takes inspiration from the beautiful sunsets in their hometown of Ojai, California

- Ocaso's flagship knife, the Solstice, was designed in collaboration with Andrew Demko

Ric’s approach to knife design is deeply personal. He begins by considering what he would like to carry, drawing inspiration from other designs that catch his eye. "In the beginning, I would walk around knife shows, looking for designs that resonated with me," Ric explains. "If I found something I liked, I’d reach out to the designer and see if they were interested in working with us."

As Ocaso has grown, the process has become more collaborative. Designers now approach Ric with their ideas, eager to contribute to the brand’s journey. "It’s a great feeling when designers want to be part of what we’re doing," Ric says. "But I’m still very hands-on. We go back and forth, tweaking designs until they’re just right."

This collaborative approach has led to some exciting partnerships, including a successful collaboration with Crispy Donut Community (CDC) on the Crispy Donut Solstice knife. In August, Ocaso released its latest anodized line in collaboration with Way of Knife, a project that brings new color and customization options to the popular Solstice model. "Working with Way of Knife has been fantastic," Ric shares. "They’re incredibly talented, and their anodizing work on the Solstice has really brought new life to the design."

Ocaso CDC Solstice collab

- As Ocaso has grown, companies have collaborated to produce new styles and designs on the Solstice

- One of these successful collaborations is the Crispy Donut Solstice (pictured above)

the industry, which promise to bring fresh innovations and designs to Ocaso’s growing product line.

For Ric, ensuring the quality of his knives is paramount. As a new company, he knows that every product must meet the highest standards to build trust with customers. "We inspect every single knife that goes out," Ric emphasizes. This meticulous attention to detail is also reflected in Ocaso’s customer service policies. The company offers a 60-day no-hassle return policy, and Ric is personally involved in addressing any customer concerns. "I care deeply about what our customers receive," he says. "We’re constantly growing and learning from feedback to ensure we deliver the best possible product."

With over 20 years of experience in the knife induastry, Ric has valuable insights for aspiring knife designers and makers. His advice is simple yet profound: "Just take that first step towards doing it and never give up. Believe in yourself, and don’t take no for an answer."

Ric acknowledges that the journey isn’t always easy, but he believes that perseverance is key to success. "There will be challenges, and it won’t happen overnight, but if you’re passionate about what you’re doing, you have to keep pushing forward," he advises. "Learn from your mistakes, and don’t be afraid to fail. It’s all part of the process."

One of the aspects Ric enjoys most about running Ocaso Knives is the opportunity to engage directly with the knife community. Events like the SMKW Fall Festival and Blade Show are highlights for him, offering a chance to connect with both customers and industry peers. "I love talking to the end consumer," Ric says. "Their feedback is invaluable, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see people excited about our knives."

The SMKW Fall Festival, in particular, holds a special place in Ric’s heart. "It’s a great event because it’s intimate, and you really get to engage with the people who are passionate about knives," he shares. "Plus, it's a chance to build relationships with the amazing folks who work at Smoky Mountain Knife Works."

As Ocaso continues to grow, Ric remains committed to building a respected name in the knife industry. His focus remains on quality, innovation, and engagement with the community. He hopes that Ocaso will continue to grow as a brand known for its distinctive designs and commitment to customer satisfaction. "I want Ocaso to be synonymous with craftsmanship and reliability," Ric says. "It’s about building something that will last."

SMKW Fall Festival logo

- Ric actively engages with the knife community, listening to feedback on his knife designs

- One of Ric's favorite places to engage with his customers is at the annual SMKW Fall Festival

For Ric Valdez, knives are more than just tools; they are a lifelong passion and a family legacy. From his first pocket knife at ten to founding Ocaso, Ric's journey in the knife industry reflects his unwavering dedication to craftsmanship, innovation, and connecting with people, one knife at a time.

Written by Drew Clifton

What to Buy

The Ocaso Spear Point Duo Desk knife combines functionality, innovative design, and modern aesthetics. Featuring two symmetrical chisel ground knives held together by neodymium magnets, this set offers an engaging experience for fidget enthusiasts. Each knife has a 2.75-inch 420J2 stainless steel spear point blade, known for durability and corrosion resistance, with a satin finish for a smooth, low-friction surface. The accompanying stand blends walnut's natural warmth with stainless steel's sleekness, creating a compact, stylish base for easy access. This set serves as both a practical cutting tool and a captivating desk accessory, with its magnetic system and sharp, precise blades enhancing any workspace. Perfect for collectors, office workers, or anyone who values fine craftsmanship.

The Ocaso Knives Solstice Satin & Titanium Harpoon is an elegant and functional gentleman's knife ideal for everyday carry. It boasts a 3.5" Crucible S35VN stainless steel harpoon blade with a satin finish, a titanium handle, and an ambidextrous deep-carry pocket clip for versatile use. The secure liner lock and blade flipper provide reliable and easy operation. Measuring 7.8" overall and 3.5" closed, with a 0.12" blade thickness, this manual folder weighs just 2.95 oz, making it a lightweight yet durable option. A perfect blend of style and performance, this knife is designed for those seeking a premium EDC folding knife.

Ocaso's Strategy liner lock, crafted by custom knifemaker Mike Wallace, combines comfort, durability, and power for the perfect everyday carry (EDC) knife. Featuring a 3.5" Bohler K110 (D2) steel clip point blade with a black PVD-coated finish, this manual folder includes a blade flipper on a stainless steel caged bearing pivot for smooth operation. The textured black carbon fiber handles provide a secure grip, while Ocaso's signature fold-over ambidextrous deep carry pocket clip ensures convenient and versatile carry options. With a closed length of 4.3" and a weight of just 4 ounces, the Strategy liner lock is designed for reliability and performance, making it an ideal companion for daily use.

Expert Reviewed

T.C. Barnette

T.C. Barnette

T.C. Barnette is a dynamic media personality and the esteemed spokesperson for SMKW (Smoky Mountain Knife Works), where his passion for knives intersects with his captivating on-screen presence. With a magnetic charisma and deep expertise in cutlery, T.C. has become a beloved figure in the knife community.

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