Interview: Samson Tran (Raventhepirate) on the WE Knife Ryson

Samson Tran, better known as Raventhepirate, has been a familiar face in the knife community for years. With his passion for design and functionality, he inspires enthusiasts worldwide on a daily basis. Now he’s launching his very first knife design. A special moment for him and the community! We spoke with him about how the WE Knife Ryson came to life.

You have a lot of experience with knives. What inspired you when designing the Ryson?

I’ve noticed that in recent years knives have become more and more luxurious and complex. They had to be as “drop shutty” as possible, with extra details, design elements, and hidden features. And while I truly appreciate the craftsmanship behind that, I found myself going back more often to simpler knives. Knives you’re not afraid to really put to work. I call those old school knives: think of Emerson Knives, Chris Reeve Knives, and Rick Hinderer. Real tools, built for use, easy to maintain, and simple to take apart when needed.

How did you start the design process of the Ryson?

I didn’t have one specific design in mind, but rather individual elements that set the direction. For example, I knew I wanted an overall length of about 194 mm. Right between the Small and Large Sebenza. I’ve always wanted a medium Sebenza, so that size just felt logical. I also wanted a harpoon-style blade, a backspacer instead of standoffs, and a simple two-screw construction to make maintenance easier.

With those ideas, my friend Toni (TNT Knives) translated my thoughts into CAD. That way, the design evolved from a rough sketch into something resembling the Ryson. We also made a fixed-blade prototype to get a better sense of ergonomics and proportions. At the belt grinder, we fine-tuned the lines until I was completely satisfied. Toni then reverse-engineered that prototype back into CAD.

Another friend, Alex Kremer (designer of the Böker AK1), then helped with 3D-printed prototypes of the folder. Once I was finally happy with the design, WE Knives only had to make a few small adjustments to make it suitable for mass production.

What material choices did you make for the Ryson, and why?

I had some very clear ideas. It had to be a knife that you could open one-handed with thumb studs, not with a flipper. My issue with flippers is that they often stick out, so when the knife is closed in your pocket, you tend to scrape your hand on the flipper when reaching inside.

I’m also a big fan of titanium. It combines strength and durability with relatively low weight, yet still feels solid and reliable in hand. You should feel like you’re holding a tool that can handle anything.

For the blade, M390 was an obvious choice. It’s one of my favorite steels: it holds an edge extremely well, yet is still fairly easy to sharpen. I’ve never had any problems with it.

Another point I insisted on was washers. Of course, ball bearings are great for fidgeting, but knives on washers carry a sense of nostalgia for me. That glassy smooth feeling, like closing a bank vault, is unique. From a practical perspective, washers are easier to maintain, attract less dirt, and give more stability due to their larger surface area. They also allow for a slimmer build.

I designed this knife with functionality in mind. So there weren’t really any trade-offs: the function dictates the aesthetic, and the aesthetic respects the function.

Who did you design the Ryson for?

For everyone. Whether you’re a hard user who puts your knife through heavy use every day, or someone who simply wants a reliable and timeless tool. Whether you want to tinker with it, customize it, or even display it in a showcase. Thanks to its no-nonsense design and simple construction that’s easy to take apart and reassemble, anyone can enjoy it.

How did you come up with the name Ryson?

My full name is Samson, which is Vietnamese and means “great mountain” (Son means mountain). My brother and both of my children also have a name with Son in it, so it’s kind of a family tradition. I combined Son with the English word rise, which stands for growth, progress, and strength. And as a bonus, it also sounds a bit like horizon, which I think is pretty cool.

Do you already have plans for future projects?

Absolutely! I already have several ideas that I’d love to further develop and share with the world.

The WE Knife Ryson

With the launch of the Ryson, Raventhepirate takes an impressive first step as a knife designer. His mix of passion, functionality, and eye for detail makes this design truly special. We can’t wait to see what the future will bring. And we’re already looking forward to his next creations.

The WE Knife Ryson will launch on the 25th of september

WE Knife Ryson Give Away!

Starting September 24th, Knivesandtools, in collaboration with Raventhepirate and WE Knife, is giving away one Ryson! On October 1st, we’ll announce the lucky winner. Want to join in? Make sure to keep an eye on Raventhepirate’s Instagram for the terms and all the details of the giveaway.