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Review: Kizer Feweed KI3694A1

Every once in a while, Kizer likes to remind us all what they are capable of when it comes to premium knives. That is exactly what they’ve done with the Feweed. This is easily their best premium offering since they set the knife world on fire with the Militaw. I expect (and hope) that the Feweed will take off on a similar trajectory as the Militaw… because I really want to see what else Kizer can do with this design.

Specs

You can see the full specs at Kizer.com. The highlights are below.

Overall Length: 7.09″ / 180.1 mm
Blade Length: 2.98″/ 75.7 mm
Blade Thickness: 0.11″/2.8mm
Handle Length: 4.11 “/ 104.4 mm
Weight:  3.22oz/91.3 g
Lock Type: Frame Lock

Observations from Use

Let me first point out that my review sample is the KI3694A1 variant of the Feweed with Purple Haze Fat Carbon and S35VN steel. There are 4 versions at different price points with varying finishes and blade steel options. All of them are decidedly premium but they become increasingly more so as the surprisingly competitive price increases.

The Feweed was designed by Vũ Huỳnh Nam Anh and what a design it is. This knife is angular, faceted, futuristic, and somehow graceful. It is also very clever. For instance, the titanium handle is milled out for large Fat Carbon inlays in such a way that these milled pockets act as weight relief and the inlay acts as an overtravel stop for the frame lock. The uniquely shaped thumb studs are another example. They fit the aesthetic of the Feweed well with how they neatly nest into the handle in both the open and closed positions. But, they are also perfectly shaped to help the blade rocket out when you apply some thumb pressure against the crispy detent.

This is a great study in form meeting function. For all it’s good looks, the Feweed is still a well-executed and comfortable-to-use cutting tool. The full height flat grind renders a thin, slicey edge and the blade shape is well suited to a variety of tasks. You would think it would feel sharp or angular in the hand but the edges are all so nicely broken that it is extremely comfortable to use.

The action… oh, the action… The Feweed has such a crispy detent and smooth bearing action that it is almost difficult to roll it open slowly! If you push into the thumb stud or apply some pressure to the easy-to-use front flipper tab, THWAK! It flies open.

There are plenty of other highlights to mention too. The jimping is basically perfect and it extends all the way up and over the front flipper which is how it should be. The lock bar is easy to access thanks to a machined pocket. The machined titanium pocket clip fits close to the knife but has plenty of clearance for thicker materials like denim. The fine, blasted finish on the titanium scales feels great in hand. There is just a lot to love here.

I generally like to end reviews with something constructive but I am at a loss on this one. There really isn’t anything I would change about this knife… other than wishing there was a larger version but given how quickly this one sold out, I suspect I won’t have to wait long for that.

Wrap Up

This knife sold out at most retailers quickly and it’s pretty easy to see why. Hopefully, we will see Kizer continue to riff on this design as they have with past successes like the Drop Bear and Militaw because I would love to see a larger version in the future.

The Feweed is lovely to look at, a joy to use, and a ton of fun to fidget with. It feels like a special thing, like a fine watch or pen, and it manages to do it at a very competitive price. With this and the Mini Mystic, Kizer is on a roll to kick off 2025.

What. A. Knife.

Keep an eye on Kizer’s Amazon store: Kizer on Amazon.com

Review: Kizer Mini Mystic

The Kizer Mini Mystic is one of a handful of very strong new blade offerings that Kizer rolled out in January 2025. Even among those excellent knives, this one stands out for its value, aggressive cutting performance, extreme ease of carry, and sinuous design.

Credit for the design of the Mini Mystic goes to Paul Munko of Munko Knives.

Specs

View the full specs for the Kizer Mini Mystic at Kizer.com. My review sample is model V3636C1.

Overall Length: 7.58 ” / 192.6 mm
Blade Length: 3.20 “/ 81.40 mm
Blade Thickness: 0.12 “/3.0mm
Blade Material: 154CM
Handle Length: 4.38 “/ 111.2  mm
Weight: 2.72 oz/ 77.2 g

Observations from Use

I feel like I have a lot more to say about the Kizer Mini Mystic than I do about most knives. I think a lot of people are will to respond to the design of this knife but I want to make sure that people know this is a very useful, functional knife that is very easy to carry.

I was not prepared for how slim and light this knife feels. The liners are heavily relieved to reduce weight. The scale materials are fairly lightweight and slim. The blade stock is slim. This design packs a lot of knife into 2.72 ounces.

I already think Kizer does a great job with its crossbar locks, which Kizer calls the Clutch Lock, but this one stands out. Some trick of the relationship of thumb stud to pivot and omega spring tension on this knife makes it especially snappy. It’s magic to flick open.

The handle is slim and not aggressively textured but I was immediately struck by how well it locked into my hand. Certainly, the inherent grippiness of the burlap micarta helps with this but the handle itself is just well designed. It has plenty of length so you won’t feel crowded and plenty of flares and curves in the right places.

The Mini Mystic is an aggressive cutter. It has a point that to be ready to pick even the most microscopic splinters. The already thin blade stock is coerced into an even thinner edge geometry thanks to high flat primary grind. Finally, despite all the design razzle-dazzle, the blade shape is just a nice long bit of straight edge with plenty of belly near the tip so it works well for pretty much any type of cut.

Okay, finally. Now we can talk about the design. Sinuous… That is the word that comes to mind. This knife’s design is so dynamic that it almost seems to be slithering across the table when you put it down.

It is packed with interesting details too. You likely noticed the transparent bolster made from PEI (aka Ultem) but did you notice the pivot collar made from the same burlap micarta that is used on the handle scales? Me neither until I had it in hand. Did you notice the clever way that the swooping plunge grind mirrors the curve of the bolsters? Me neither until I had it in hand. The overall design of this knife is beautiful but the details take it to the next level.

There is really only one thing I will nitpick about this knife. There are spots where the bolster meets the handle scales that are just a bit sharp because the bolster material comes to a point. It is minuscule but was noticeable initially. Now that I have used the knife for a few weeks, it is much less noticeable… not because I got used to it. It actually seems to have worn down just a bit so it is largely a non-issue.

Wrap Up

The Mini Mystic manages to pack a lot of cutting performance into a lightweight, compact package. Its eye-pleasing design may look radical but this knife is actually a conventionally good cutting tool. What a way to start the new year for Kizer.

Kizer Mini Mystic on Amazon.com

Review: Vosteed Corgi V

Fun. Friendly. Stylish. Functional. The Vosteed Corgi V reminds me of the iconic and fun designs that came out of the ’90s. Think Apple iMacs, Volkswagen Beetles, and the like. But don’t be fooled, under that cute exterior there is an absolute hulk of a lock and plenty of practical cutting performance.

Specs

You can check out the full specs at Vosteed.com or see the highlights below:

Blade Length:2.36″ | 60.00 mm

Overall Length:5.85″ | 148.50 mm

Blade Width:0.90″ | 22.80 mm

Blade Thickness:0.118″ | 3.00 mm

Blade Material:14C28N

Blade Grind:Flat

Blade Style:Drop Point

Hardness:HRC 60±1

Handle Length:3.48″ | 88.50 mm

Handle Width:0.99″ | 25.10 mm

Handle Thickness:0.49″ | 12.53 mm

Handle Material:Aluminum

Weight:2.66 oz | 75.50 g

Opener:Front Flipper | Wheeler

Lock Type:Vanchor Lock

Observations from Use

The Vosteed Corgi V is the latest addition to their Corgi line. The original Corgi and Corgi Pup were already stylish designs that were noted for their impressive perfect symmetry in the close position. The Corgi V takes all that and turns it up to 11. It is not only symmetrical but Vosteed has worked some engineering magic to hide all the fasteners on the show side of the knife which simplifies and enhances the impact of that symmetry.

The only feature that stands out against that symmetry is the front flipper tab (the stylistic “ear” of the corgi). On the original Corgi models, there was a tab on both sides. On the new Corgi V, there is only a front flipper. Opposite that front flipper is a clever “Wheeler” mechanism that opens the blade like flicking a lighter. This setup allows for some more fun and gives the user a tactile indicator of the orientation of the knife which is nice on an otherwise perfectly symmetrical design.

This isn’t just pocket jewelry though. Vosteed V-Anchor lock is under the hood. This lock operates like a button lock which makes it easy to live with. It is built into the pivot which makes it interesting to design around and allows for an uncluttered handle. Maybe best of all, it drops a pretty chunky piece of steel into a slot in the tang of the blade to provide lock up making very strong.

I’ll also note that the V-Anchor lock provides some very unique feeling action. It is smooth but with some resistance. The detent feeling is chunky and positive. Front flipping action is great off the tip of the flipper and the wheeler mechanism is very satisfying.

The rounded design of Corgi V isn’t limited to the stylish silhouette of the knife. The scales are also very nicely contoured and chamfered. This knife is very comfortable in hand and I can get all four fingers on the handle in a hammer grip if I choke up.

The blade is a drop… almost a spear… point. The thin stock and almost full-height flat grind make it a great slicer. The tip isn’t that fine but it isn’t thick either. It seems to work well for pretty much anything. The lack of an opening hole or thumb stud makes the blade look almost like a modern Barlow-style knife.

Normally, I try to come up with something constructive to say in any review. I am struggling to come up with something in this case. I am not saying the Corgi V is perfect. I am just saying that, if the design goal was easy-to-carry fun and functional, it is very effective. Anything I can add would be so subjective. For instance, it would be a lot of fun to have some even more bold color schemes for a knife like this or a milled pocket clip to take the style up another notch.

Wrap Up

This knife really is a great example of why Vosteed is a company to watch. The design is truly unique and the engineering to make it happen is very innovative. Then, behind all that design and engineering, there is an honest-to-goodness usable knife that would slide into anyone’s fifth pocket.

As of the time of this writing, the Vosteed Corgi V is sold out at the Vosteed Store on Amazon.com. Some color ways are available at Vosteed.com.

Review: Vosteed Raccoon – Top Liner Lock

The Vosteed Raccoon burst onto the EDC scene with a button lock and really came into its own with the addition of a crossbar lock option. Now, with Vosteed’s Top Liner Lock, I think they have achieved greatness.

Specs

For full specs, be sure to visit Vosteed.com.

Blade Length:3.25″ | 82.60 mm

Overall Length:7.60″ | 193.10 mm

Blade Width:1.07″ | 27.20 mm

Blade Thickness:0.118″ | 3.00 mm

Blade Material:14C28N

Blade Grind:Flat

Hardness:HRC 59±1

Handle Length:4.36″ | 110.80 mm

Weight:3.00 oz | 85.30 g

Lock Type:Top Liner Lock

Pivot Assembly:Caged Ceramic Ball Bearing

Pocket Clip:Reversible | Stainless Steel

Observations from Use

I have written on these pages before about the Raccoon and about Vosteed’s execution of the Top Liner Lock. I like both a lot. So, I was very excited when Vosteed provided a review sample of this knife.

One of the best things about this new version of the Raccoon is… well, it’s still a Raccoon. The Raccoon has elbowed its way onto my shortlist of easily recommendable EDC knives (and the shortlist of what I actually carry when I not reviewing another knife). It has a sort of Goldilocks combination of style, size, blade shape, ease of carry, performance, and price that stands out. It just does everything well and it does it at a great price.

Vosteed’s Top Liner Lock is similar to the Spyderco Compression Lock where a liner engages the tang of the blade on the spine side. That liner is sandwiched between the tang and a large pin, meaning that to fail, the steel liner would have to break. It’s a very strong lock but that’s not all.

It also provides an excellent detent much like any other liner-based lock. This means that the knife feels crisp and flicks easily. They couple that crisp action with their real innovation for this style of lock – the addition of a button that is linked to the liner. Now you have a lock that has an action that is as crisp as a well-tuned liner lock, as easy to use as a button lock, and as strong as a compression lock. It is one of the best all-around locks on the market in my opinion.

Wrap Up

Vosteed added their best lock to one of their best knives and it has paid off in spades. This is the best version of a knife that was already excellent. It has all the best of attributes of a proven design with an easy-to-use, but still bull-strong lock. This knife is EASY to recommend.

Raccoon Top Liner Lock on Amazon.com

Review: Vosteed Mini Acorn

I am big fan of the Vosteed Acorn. It is one of their most affordable but also most ergonomic knives. I also happen to be a big fan of little knives so I have been itching to try the Mini Acorn.

Specs

Blade Length:2.46″ | 62.60 mm

Overall Length:6.01″ | 152.70 mm

Blade Width:1.16″ | 29.50 mm

Blade Thickness:0.118″ | 3.00 mm

Blade Material:14C28N

Handle Length:3.55″ | 90.1 mm

Handle Width:1.20″ | 30.5 mm

Handle Thickness:0.472″ | 12.00 mm

Weight: 2.72 oz | 77.00 g

The above consists of just the most relevant specs. Visit Vosteed.com to see the full specs.

Observations from Use

The Vosteed Acorn Mini is not mini in the same sense that something like the Raccoon Mini is. It is a smaller version of the Acorn but not necessarily a very small knife. It will fit the 5th pocket of most jeans but this design favors hand-filling ergonomics over small size… And ergonomics is something it has in spades.

The handles that Vosteed designed for the Acorn series are contoured, hand-filling, and they offer a variety of ways to grip the knife when coupled with the generous choil. This is a smaller knife that can do full-size work. Using these knives reminds me a lot of knives like the Spyderco Shaman or Manix where the overall size and shape of the handle and choil combo are so perfectly dialed, but the Acorn series costs a lot less.

Like the larger Acorn, the Mini Acorn is a great cutter. Vosteed went with a no-nonsense, all-around blade shape with a tall flat grind and thin edge geometry that slices well. My particular review sample also came with a surprisingly well-polished edge that was very refined from the factory. I am used to Vosteed knives being sharp, but this was a little extra.

The clip is the same shorter clip that Vosteed has been using on other smaller knives, and that is a good thing. In my experience, Vosteed has some of the best-designed clips. They are easy to use, have great retention, and aren’t a snag-hazard like some clips.

Not that looks are everything but I do want to point out that I think the Acorn series knives look great. Vosteed offers several handle treatments with various pops of color incorporated into the design that make these knives look great.

Nothing is perfect and so I should point out that my Mini Acorn came to me just a little bit gritty and with a less crisp detent than I have come to expect. I disassembled and cleaned it a bit. It has greatly improved but still isn’t quite as crisp as most of what I see from Vosteed. Understand that this is a high bar. This knife is still better tuned for front flipping than most others.

Wrap Up

Vosteed’s Acorn series goes hard on value. This new Mini version offers big style, big ergonomics, and big cutting performance at a mini size and price. If you need a sub 2.5″ folder for your specific locality but want something that fills the hand like a full-size knife, this is it.

The price on the Acorn series is already a very competitive value but watch out for sales when Vosteed really rolls out attractive pricing on these.

Check out the Vosteed Mini Acorn at Amazon.com

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