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Peña Pushing Forward with Production Line, New Projects

September 17, 2018

Enrique Peña is preparing his next batch of knife releases. Based in Laredo, Texas, Peña has lined up another X Series model and is trying to get a production slipjoint out into the world.

Peña kicked off the X Series with his Lanny’s Clip flipper knife. He says the next custom Peña creation to make the transition to production will be his Diesel model. The Diesel is a stout knife with a bulbous, slightly recurved blade, and its bolstered handle reflects Peña’s penchant for popping traditional elements into modern designs. He says the Reate-produced X Series Diesel will come in both thumbstud and flipper variations.

While he has made quite a few modern knives, Peña’s signature work are his traditional knives. These blades borrow modern knife elements like stainless steel and titanium, and pair them with slipjoint construction and twists on time-honored patterns. Peña reveals that his signature look originated when he took his first crack at making tactical knives. “I didn’t know how to transition from the traditional to the tactical, so I started by playing around with screw construction and modern materials,” he explains.

One thing many Peña fans must’ve thought when the X Series first debuted was, “Where is the production slipjoint?” It occured to Peña too; in June he showed a drawing of a brand new slipjoint pattern, specifically intended for production. He hopes to make it a reality eventually. Another less characteristic project is also in the works: a Peña Knives balisong. “I’ve already got some parts cut out,” Peña confirms. “I’ll start simple, but I’d like to make them with a traditional flair.” He envisions balis outfitted with his signature jigged titanium handles and blade shapes inspired from the traditional greats.

Peña Knives Production Slipjoint Design

Peña Knives Production Slipjoint Design

Peña started making knives full-time in 2008, although he made his first blades on a stone grinder when he was just 13. Today, he remains focused on custom work, but says that he wants to push the production side of things to the point where it remains a consistent element of his catalog. “It would be nice to do something two to three times a year depending on how the market takes it and always have something lined up.”

Knife featured in image: Pena Knives Zulu

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