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Review: Kizer Exist

By on December 4, 2024 in EDC, Knives, Reviews

I initially wanted to try the Kizer Exist because I was looking for a wharncliffe style blade to add to my rotation. I expected it to be good – it is a Kizer with their Clutch lock after all. The clever design touches that designer Nick Serrano baked into it took me off guard. Now, I hope this knife takes off for Kizer because I would like to see them introduce a ton of variants as they have with the Drop Bear, Militaw, and others. I think it’s that good.

Specs

  • Model: Exist
  • Overall Length: 6.79″ / 172.4mm
  • Designer: Nick Serrano
  • Opener: Thumb Stud
  • Blade Style: Drop Point
  • Blade Length: 2.78 “/ 70.70mm
  • Blade Thickness: 0.11″/2.8mm
  • Blade Material: 154CM
  • Handle Length: 4.00″/ 101.7mm
  • Pocket Clip: Reversible
  • Weight:3.36 oz/95.3g
  • Lock Type: Clutch Lock

Observations from Use

I mentioned some clever design touches that took me off guard earlier related to two things. First, is the blade shape. When I checked the listing initially, I assumed it was a wharncliffe blade. I didn’t notice that Kizer calls this a drop point and now I see why they do. It actually has edge belly, not much but it does, which makes this kind of a hybrid blade shape.

Is it a wharncliffe with some belly or a drop point with a very, very low point? Well… I don’t exactly know but I like it and it works. There is a little bit of belly which improves slicing performance and the kind of acute, splinter-picking tip you expect from a wharncliffe. It’s a blade shape that does a lot of EDC tasks very well.

The second thing that took me by surprise was how the overall shape of the knife would play into the function of the knife. You may be familiar with offset/bent blade designs like traditional Shilin Cutters or a more modern example like the Ka-Bar TDI. The idea is they change the way we interact with the point by lowering it to make it easier to access with a neutral wrist position. The Kizer Exist gives you a similar feeling to those with its curved back that carries from the tip of the blade all the way to the butt of the knife. This makes the tip present in a very natural way that is easy to access without the additional bulk in the folded position that true offset designs suffer from. It’s very clever and I like it a lot.

Apart from the unique aspects of the design, the knife is everything you expect from a Clutch lock Kizer and that is a good thing. I think Kizer does crossbar locks better than just about anyone. The action is great. The lock-up is great. The ability to easily adjust the tension on the lock is still tops.

If I could change one thing, I would make the handle scales just a bit more rounded. As it is, the scales have very square edges. The Drop Bear, for instance, has similar construction – aluminum scales over steel liners – but it feels more compliant in the hand thanks to more rounded contours. I don’t think the Exist is uncomfortable to hold by any stretch but it is a little squarish in hand. It’s a comfortable handle that seems like it could be even more comfortable.

Wrap Up

This is a unique knife that I hope gets the attention it deserves. I don’t hear a lot of talk about this knife and I hate it when something this good gets lost in the shuffle. This hard-working EDC is easy to love once you put it to work.

You can learn more at Kizer.com or buy at the official Kizer store on Amazon.com.

Vosteed Knives Gift Guide

By on November 21, 2024 in EDC, Knives, Reviews

You’ve probably noticed that I have reviewed a lot of Vosteed knives over the last couple of years. I have been provided several for review, purchased several, and I have given them as gifts. I like them. So, when Vosteed asked me if I would consider writing a gift guide, I agreed.

I am not being paid for this but some of the links below may be affiliate links which means I receive a small commission from sales (there is no additional cost to you).

I intend to break this down into categories and highlight one knife per category. That knife will be what I consider to be the pick of the litter in Vosteed’s line and in some cases, the best in category regardless of brand. I should also point out that all of these are knives that I have owned personally.

Budget Pick – Acorn

The Vosteed Acorn retails at $49 but is frequently on sale for less. What I like about it as the budget pick is that it large enough and has the style to make an impression as a gift. It is also VERY ergonomic so the gift receiver is likely to immediately connect with it.

This is the kind of knife that will resonate with knife guys or knife newbs equally. It’s easy to carry, it performs, and looks like a million bucks while doing it.

Click to learn more about the Vosteed Acorn.

Fifth Pocket Pick – Raccoon Cub

The Raccoon Cub could very well be the Budget Pick as well as it is priced similarly to the Acorn. Not only is it the best “Fifth Pocket” knife on the market in my opinion, it’s also one of the most affordable.

The Raccoon Cub works as a gift because almost anyone can carry it regardless of their jurisdiction or work setting. It’s a small knife that feels big in the hand. It fits a wide variety of hand sizes despite its compact size thanks to some ergonomic design wizardry.

Click to learn more about the Vosteed Raccoon Cub.

Fixed Blade Pick – Mink

Vosteed doesn’t have a ton of fixed-blade options but the Mink, is another that is best in class in my opinion. It is small enough to carry but large enough to be useful for a variety of tasks. If the gift recipient wants to carry it for EDC, they can. If they need a new knife for the outdoors, they can use it for that too.

The Mink comes with a very high quality sheath that will ensure the gift recipient can use it right away.

Click to learn more about the Vosteed Mink.

The Easiest Pick – Raccoon

The Raccoon, the full size predecessor the previously mentioned Raccoon Mini, is the kind of knife that anyone can use and everyone will like. This is probably their best known knife for good reason. It is Vosteed’s do-all, EDC model. It ticks all the boxes – pocket friendly, stylish, all-around useful, and tons of variations that can tailored to the recipient.

The Raccoon is available with a number of different locks but I would choose either the crossbar lock (Vosteed does these very well) or the top liner lock which is currently my favorite lock.

If you want to give a knife but aren’t sure which one, the Raccoon is a solid choice.

Click to learn more about the Vosteed Raccoon.

The Most Impressive Pick – Psyop

When you absolutely, positively need to wow someone with a high-end Vosteed… Psyop is the answer. This knife is stylish and premium in a way that newbs and knife guys will recognize immediately. It’s a large impressive knife that snaps open in a refined way and slams shut with a satisfying “thunk”.

It isn’t inexpensive but it is a great value for the kinds of premium features being delivered – titanium scales and machined pocket clip, Elmax steel blade with a striking and useful shape, a design collaboration, and overall size and shape that impresses. It has gravity as a gift that nothing else on this list can quite keep up with.

Click to learn more about the Vosteed Psyop.

Wrap Up

Vosteed is already offering sales on their website and Amazon including their Black Friday deals. This is a great time to start checking prices for Christmas gifts.

Learn Together: Meshtastic (Part 2) – N+1 Theory of Meshtastic

By on November 20, 2024 in EDC, Meshtastic, Outdoor Gear, Preparedness, Survival

When it comes to doing just about anything, there is the right way and there is the janky way that still works. My Meshtastic N+1 Theory could be either one depending on the context.

What I mean is, this simple idea would work for setting up permanent coverage around your home but it wouldn’t necessarily be the right way if done the jankiest way possible. However, if you are setting up an ad-hoc mesh on the side of a mountain, this might be pretty close to the right way.

Alright, I know I have some explaining to do and I’ll start by saying that if you don’t know what Meshtastic is, check out Part 1 of this series. Now, onto the N+1 Theory…

What is the N+1 Theory?

The N+1 Theory is a simple, practical framework for smoothing out some hiccups with Meshtastic. Here’s how it works:

  • N represents the number of people in your group who need to communicate.
  • You add 1 extra device—the “+1” node—to improve mesh performance and reliability.

For instance:

  • If it is just you, N would be 1 and you would need N (1) + 1 = 2 devices.
  • For a team of 7, you’d need N (7) + 1 = 8 devices.

The “+1” node isn’t just a spare; it’s a strategic addition. By placing this device in a location that optimizes coverage—such as on a hill, at a central point, or in an area with poor connectivity—it strengthens the entire mesh. This ensures that everyone in the group remains connected, even in challenging environments.

This node is just attached to the end of an extendable paint roller pole and lashed to a fence post. Don’t judge me. It works.

Why Refer to This as Janky?

The beauty of this idea is that it can be done in a pretty quick and dirty way. It could be as simple as pulling a node up into a tree on a rope, running a node up an extendable painter’s pole, or even using a magnet to slap it on the side of a metal building… all of which I do on the regular. They all work.

Of course, for a more permanent situation, you may want to install a powered unit outdoors like which I have also done. That unit then serves as your +1 node – your first “hop” into the mesh.

This works because Meshtastic is a mesh network where every node functions as a repeater. The messages are intelligently routed across the mesh and therefore as long as any one node can hit another, there is a great chance that the messages will end up where you want them. So, by ensuring that at least one node is strategically placed, you help the entire mesh.

Meshtastic even expressly supports this kind of scenario with their “Client” and “Client_Mute” roles. I highly recommend you read up on roles when you are setting up your nodes.

The magnet and lanyard I added to this Lilygo T-Echo make it especially useful as a +1 node.

Wrap Up

I know this isn’t especially ground-breaking or even that smart. It’s just something I had to learn by trial and error. So… I gave it a name and now I’ll be rich and famous for it… probably.

I will note that I am working with a new type of node, credit card sized radios from Seeed Studio called the SenseCap T1000-E that makes this concept especially convenient and easy to do the janky way. Stay tuned for more info on those devices.

Whether you are doing it the janky way or the right way, I highly recommend having that +1 node in a strategic location to improve your Meshtastic experience.

It’s way up there but…
It’s easy to get down with one of these.

Review: Vosteed Psyop

By on November 15, 2024 in EDC, Knives, Reviews

The Vosteed Psyop is a design collaboration between Vosteed and Tuffknives. It sits at the premium end of the Vosteed lineup and, to me, is their flagship knife. Its a showcase of the kind of design, materials, and cache that Vosteed can bring at very competitive price.

Specs

Blade Length:3.32″ | 84.40 mm

Overall Length:8.01″ | 203.50mm

Blade Width:1.22″ | 31.00 mm

Blade Thickness:0.138″ | 3.50 mm

Blade Material:Elmax

Blade Grind:Flat

Blade Style:Drop Point

Blade Finish:Stonewash

Hardness:HRC 60±1

Handle Length:4.70″ | 119.40 mm

Handle Width:0.94″ | 24.00 mm

Handle Thickness:0.500″ | 12.70 mm

Handle Material:Titanium

Weight:4.66 oz | 132.00 g

Opener:Thumb Hole | Front Flipper

Lock Type:Top Liner Lock

Pivot Assembly:Caged Ceramic Ball Bearing

Pocket Clip:Non-reversible Titanium

Carry Position:Tip-up

Knife Type:Manual Folding

Backspacer Material:Titanium

Designer:Geoff Blauvelt (Tuffknives)

Observations from Use

If you are familiar with Tuffknives’ work, you can’t miss his influence here. There are also some distinctly Vosteed touches like the well-executed, multiple opening methods and large finger-choil. I think it’s a great-looking knife.

Vosteed’s Top Liner Lock is a great choice here. One, it’s more than strong enough to be a stout knife like this. Two, it has a small footprint that keeps it out of the way of the design. If you haven’t tried one of these locks yet, you need to. It has the crisp detent of something like a liner lock but the ease of use of a button lock. It’s my favorite knife lock right now.

The blade shape that Tuffknives designed for this offering is great. It plenty pointy thanks to a gradual drop at the spine and long swedge grind. The primary flat grind is very tall and renders the sweeping, curved edge very thin behind the secondary grind. Vosteed has a handle on cutting geometry and it shows here.

The titanium handles on the Psyop offer solid grip thanks to their machined checkering pattern. The finish Vosteed uses also has a subtle tacky feel. Speaking of the finish, my review sample has their new subtle purple color that looks amazing. It’s a subdued, almost bronze color that reminds me a little of the Russian plumb furniture found on AKMs.

I’m pretty impressed with the value proposition of this knife. If you are the type who will never spend more than $20 on a knife, skip ahead a bit. For everyone else, check the spec sheet including Ti scales, Elmax steel, and a very well-known design collaboration. It is a very competitively priced knife at $250 if you can find it in stock.

So who won’t like this knife? Well, it isn’t a very light or compact knife so if you wear slacks daily it may not be your first choice. If you don’t like large finger choils, you probably won’t like this.

Wrap Up

The Psyop is a flagship knife for Vosteed and, while it is not cheap, it is an excellent value. It’s comfortable to use, bull-strong, and dripping with premium features. If you are looking for the slimmest, lightest, most compact EDC… it ain’t this. If you are looking for a premium knife with some gravity, the Psyop has to be in contention.

Vosteed.com

Vosteed Store on Amazon.com

Learn Together: Meshtastic (Part 1)

By on October 28, 2024 in Meshtastic, Outdoor Gear, Preparedness, Reviews, Survival

I was drawn into Meshtastic by the promise of license-free, relatively easy-to-use, off-grid, off-network text communication on affordable hardware. There is very little barrier to entry and the potential upside is immense so I thought it was worth a try. I am going to drag you along with me, an absolute radio simpleton, as I learn so you can decide if it is worth a try for yourself.

Be advised: If you actually know something about radios or Meshtastic, you are going to be very frustrated with my layman’s misunderstanding and oversimplification. You have been warned!

Before we go too much further, we should establish what Meshtatic even is. Well, you can read about it here from its creators on Meshtastic.com. Basically, it is a radio mesh network made up of mostly inexpensive radios that allow the user to send small amounts of data across the mesh either corporately or privately. The mesh network does not require the use of any network or data connection other than the radios themselves. Meshtastic utilizes the license-free 915mhz band in the USA. Additionally, many of the radios used have very low power requirements making them easy to keep running even when electrical power is scarce.

My Goals for Meshtastic

This is just an introduction to my time with Meshtastic given that I am still firmly in the don’t-know-what-I-don’t-know phase of my journey. However, I have set three basic goals for what I would like to try to accomplish:

  1. Communicate reliably within a few miles of my home.
  2. Set up a private, local mesh within a few miles of my home.
  3. Communicate as far as 40-60 miles away in my region.

The Gear I Have Used So Far

If you want to follow along, I can already suggest a specific radio which I will probably do a more thorough review of later. The Lilygo T-Echo is one of the more affordable ready-to-use options that has a more energy-efficient chipset than many others in this price range. I bought mine on Amazon along with an improved antenna (the stock antenna is compact but doesn’t do the radio any favors):

Where I Am and What to Look Forward To

I have already accomplished goal 1 using just the gear listed above. I will have a post about that eventually as it is quite easy and there are some simple tips and dirt-bag hacks that will make a local mesh even more reliable.

My initial testing has been promising so far with contacts being made over tens of miles and detecting nodes as far as 70 miles (over multiple hops). It has been encouraging enough that I am already researching an outdoor solar node to install on my property to further improve my chances at meeting my goals.

There will be reviews of radios, tips and tricks, and practical information shared all along the way so stay tuned.

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