Archive | EDC

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

Review: Kizer Hare

The Kizer Hare is a stout new fixed blade from Kizer that splits the difference between EDC and outdoors. It might also represent an exciting new direction for Kizer fixed blade offerings – the introduction of stainless steel options.

Specs

  • Overall Length: 7.00″ / 177.7 mm
  • Designer: Azo
  • Blade Style: clip point
  • Blade Length: 3.14 “/ 79.70 mm
  • Blade Thickness:0.157 “/4.0mm
  • Blade Material: Nitro V
  • Handle Length: 3.86 “/ 98.0mm
  • Handle Material: Micarta + G10
  • Weight: 4.22 oz/119.5g
  • Hardness: 59-60

See full specs at KizerKnives.com

Observations from Use

I want to start this review with a shout to the Hare’s designer. This is yet another knife design by Azo who is responsible for designs like the Drop Bear, Begleiter, Towser K, and more. His utilitarian yet stylish designs are a huge part of Kizer’s success.

The Hare has everything you want from a knife that can do it all from EDC to outdoors. The blade is an all-around useful drop point shape with a stout tip. The blade stock is not too thick and not too thin at 5/32” thick. The tall flat grind ensures the cutting geometry is on point. The handle is generous with room for all four fingers. The Nitro-V steel takes a fine edge is quite tough and stainless.

Speaking of Nitro-V steel… If you follow Kizer at all, you’ll know that they generally only use D2 steel for their fixed-blade knives and very occasionally 3V. Neither of those are stainless steel. The Hare is one of their first fixed blades to be offered in stainless steel and I am glad to see it. I hope that this is a new direction for them that continues with future releases.

The way various parts of this knife are finished is very unique. For instance, the spine is crowned for comfort but there is a short section left sharp for scraping a ferro rod. This scraping section is located between areas of jimping (one near the scales, one near the tip), making it feel very intentionally integrated into the design. The butt of the knife also features a slightly exposed section of steel that can be used for hammering. Other niceties include a dual finish on the blade (rubbed on the flats and stonewashed on the primary grind), a machined texture on the excellent canvas micarta scales, and contrasting color handle spacers. The details are incredible.

If there is one area that lets this knife down just a little, it’s the sheath. It isn’t that the sheath is poorly made. That isn’t it all. The sheath is real, heat-formed kydex and quite well made. It is just that a nice compact knife like this would have been better served with a more compact taco-style sheath in my opinion. The included sheath is well made and ready to carry out of the box thanks to an included compact Tek-lok-like belt attachment.

Wrap Up

The Kizer Hare offers incredible value and very thoughtful features. The finishes are well beyond what you would expect from a knife in this price range. It seems like every decision on the design and materials of this knife was made to maximize the all-around usefulness of it.

Learn more at the Kizer Store on Amazon.com.

Review: Kizer Exist

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.

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