Displaying items by tag: Vosteed

What’s it like having a quill-pig in your pocket? Honestly, not as uncomfortable as you might think. When Vosteed released the original Porcupine, it took off fast. It had the right mix of ergonomics, blade shape, and materials. But even good designs can have quirks, and the thumb hole was the one that got people talking. It was nicely shaped and fun to middle-flick, but the size made it easy for your finger to slip into the opening instead of catching the edge. I even had my own moments where deployment didn’t quite land.

Vosteed listened. After hearing the same feedback at shows and through the community, they brought out the Porcupine Thumb Stud Version. Same attitude, same build, but with a redesigned opening method that promised to be smoother and more intuitive.

Vosteed has always had fun with their naming, and I’ve come to appreciate that part of their lineup. A lot of their knives pull inspiration from animals, and that gives each one its own personality before you even get it in hand. A while back I spent some time with the Gator, and that knife absolutely lived up to its name. Big sheepsfoot blade, plenty of handle, and it cut like it had something to prove.

Their newer release, the Kroc, goes in a different direction. Funny enough, the names don’t line up with the real animals. Crocodiles are bigger than gators, but here the Kroc is the smaller knife in the family. Size difference aside, this little guy still has some bite. It’s an in-house design and they did an amazing job. The lines, the colors, the lock, everything fits together in a clean and playful way.

It’s incredible to see how much Vosteed has grown over the past few years. Models like the Thunderbird and the Grind sold out almost instantly, fueled by the brand’s rising popularity and limited production runs. Now, in 2025, Vosteed releases several new models each year. While drops still sell out, it feels like there’s finally a little more to go around.

At Blade Show, I had the chance to meet Yue Dong and the Vosteed team and take a look at some of their upcoming designs. One that immediately caught my attention was the Vombat—a compact folder available in several variations and, interestingly, with the ability to swap scales.

When a knife pulls from history, there’s always a risk: does it honor its roots or just ride the coattails of a classic? With the Naga, Vosteed manages to do both. It respects the past while pushing the design into modern EDC territory. Inspired by the traditional Spanish Navaja, the Naga takes those signature curves and blade lines and gives them a refined, high-performance twist.

Right out of the box, the influence is obvious. The profile screams Navaja with its elongated blade, prominent handle hook, and a sweeping belly. But everything about it feels modern and intentional. It’s kind of like if the Cold Steel Espada went to finishing school. That hook at the rear of the handle isn’t just aesthetic. It locks your hand in. And that slight palm swell? It adds an extra layer of comfort and control. You’re not going anywhere once you grip this knife.

I had the pleasure of visiting the Vosteed booth at Blade Show this year and got to see a bunch of cool new stuff and prototypes. One knife that really caught my attention was the Corgi sporting the new Vanchor Lock. That lock first showed up on the Ankylo and has since made its way into more of Vosteed’s lineup. We already checked out a mini version of the Corgi that had it, and while it was fun, fidget-friendly, and pretty incredible all around, it just wasn’t for me. It felt more like a fifth pocket knife, and I prefer something that fills the hand.

I didn’t get the opportunity to review the original PsyOp when it first came out — mainly because it was flying off the shelves faster than I could get my hands on one. You know a knife is doing something right when it can’t stay in stock. The original PsyOp featured titanium handles, but this newer version leans into a more budget-friendly approach with Micarta scales. Personally, I’m not mad about that at all. I might be a titanium junkie like a lot of guys in the EDC world, but I’ve really come to appreciate the warmth and natural feel of Micarta. It's a material that just feels right in the hand — less cold, less clinical, and more inviting for daily use.

The Raccoon has long been a fan favorite in the knife community. Vosteed has steadily evolved this crazy little trash panda with new handle materials, colors, and locking mechanisms. Enter the latest iteration: the Raccoon in Copper Dune. Featuring the patent-pending Top Liner Lock (TLL), this critter just got a serious upgrade. Let’s dive into what makes this version so exciting.

A Fresh Look: Copper Dune and Green Micarta

This Raccoon sports a green micarta handle paired with a stunning Copper Dune blade and matching hardware. In the past, I was a purist—clean blades were my jam. Coated blades always felt temporary, like their aesthetic would fade with wear. But I’ve come around. The copper finish on this one pops beautifully and gives the knife a unique, adventurous vibe. It’s a bold look, and I’m here for it.

Vosteed offers a range of high-quality knives, and this guide groups models based on similarities to help you find the perfect gift for the knife enthusiast in your life. Each group highlights key features and specifications, making it easier to choose based on preferences and needs.

In field testing, the Mink XL's performance was not just noteworthy, but truly impressive under extreme conditions. As fate would have it, I found myself in the aftermath of a hurricane, facing weeks without power. The Mink XL quickly became my go-to blade, proving its versatility in ways I hadn't anticipated.

Vosteed has released a larger version of its popular Mink fixed blade. You can check out our original Mink review here:

https://www.multitool.org/knives/vosteed-mink