Matt Cucchiara is relatively new maker from Fresno, California. He has only been making knives since 2003, but has already proved himself to be among the best tactical knife makers in the USA. Recently he has started making hand-carved one-of-a-kind masterpeices that is a bit of a departure from his fizz-folders.
The second of two Matt Cucchiara knives in my collection, the Small Poncho was something I asked Matt if he would consider making after I saw his full sized one. I really have a thing for blades in the 3 to 3 1/2 inch zone, and this one would go well with the Sirocco that I already had.
This is my first Cucchiara knife, and its a helluva knife! I really like his fizz treatment and heat coloring of the handles. The thick blade and big-bellied recurve make for a nice blade profile as well. The blade on this bad boy is even thicker than the handles! This knife was made prior to the later styles that Matt has been making with the hand-carved handles.
