Was so happy with my crossbar lock Raccoon I ordered and tonight received Raccoon #2, The Button Lock model with Micarta scales. After hearing about button lock failures, I tested mine with spine whacks and had ZERO lock failure. This is an outstanding knife in every way. I'm so pleased to have finally found a knife model and maker that has exceeded my expectations and maybe just gave me what I'd been looking for in a knife, period. Sorry to day after buying many civivi and kizer models these 2 Vosteeds put them to shame. Want what a Benchmade USED to be 20 yrs ago but at a lower price? Get the Vosteed Crossbar model. Want a button lock that comes out of the box RIGHT in every way? Get the button look model. Thought I would never find a knife that satisfied me in every way but these 2 have.
What a fantastic video of this great company's EDC collection, Wayne! Currently I have the Raccoon button lock G10 model, and must agree with your assessment...It's probably the most well-made, solid, robust, and sharpest 3.25" EDC folder I have ever used...IMHO punching far above its $60 pricepoint. The Thunderbird model looks awesome too! Thanks for this great review!
@Brian Miller That does make sense. I've seen people do that stuff before, especially in shorts. They'll call a possum a badger or something just to get things going. I just didn't really consider it with this kinda video.
The gator would of been my top pick especially if it was an axis lock.. I hate how weak liner locks are and I’ve had bad bad experiences with button locks, especially with big hands. I own a Kizer assassin, it’s super figity , well made ,great ergos and the fit and finish is spot on. BUT, when I was working with the knife, just cutting cardboard, I squeezed on the scales , depressed the button and was cut with the knife. It happened on multiple occasions. I don’t trust a button lock. I stick with back, axis or any cold steel version lock, to which I have extreme faith in. If I had to use a button lock for self defense, I shutter at the thought. I’m not saying , they aren’t strong, to which they are one of the strongest locks , but the chance of lock release is to great, especially on a raised button. I really like the Valkyrie, I might buy one just to gain some faith in buttons , but I have my reservations.
@@johnbarnasevitch3546 The thumb hole version gives you a little more room than the flipper, I suppose you could cut a fwd finger choil in to increase grip options......but it seems like it would be a natural candidate to go XL.....fingers crossed
Tough choices Wayne, have several Vosteeds and like them all. My favorite would be the Nightshade. With its unique blade shape and amazing slicing capabilities. Thanks for the video!
Kizer, then Civivi then Vosteed for me. Yes they are all excellent and its interesting to see how people rate the brands according to their preferences and experiences.
Every time I try and pull the trigger on these I always remind myself that I managed to pick up a micarta/copper and m390 kizer for 144.99 and I stop myself. Not only that them always running out of stock for popular knives is pretty frustrating. Idk if they're really that popular or if it's them just spitting out limited production to manufacturer demand for their designed low supply
Thanks Wayne. Great rundown. Just got the Valkaryie and my big complaint is the super tight thumb-studs. The clip is also way too tight. Still really like it, but hoping Vosteed might address those issues.
I bought both axis lock and button lock raccoons, and they both felt so very cheap and meek compared to kizer drop bear and civivi elementum, so disappointed and i don't understand why they're getting so much love :s
"Reacharound approved" lmao! I got the racoon recently from white mountain knives with the frag pattern. This run doesn't have the faulty detent. I bought it on a whim and the blade is a bit small for my liking. Perfect budget knife imo because I don't think you can get 14c28n and Micarta for $50 anywhere.
I'd put Kubey and Miguron above Civivi (pricing themselves out of budget category) in the budget knife arena. Love Vosteed. Too many great budget knives, not enough money. The Thunderbird is one I want to like more than I do, it's fidgity and sharp but 95% of what I cut is thick wall cardboard and unfortunately it kind of sucks at that task. Got Gator a few days ago and wow it's a cardboard killer. Great video Wayne!
@@nicodiaz627 Civivi for me is hit and miss on their designs while I like almost all of Kubey's designs. Plus the average price of Kubey's are considerably lower. I don't dislike Civivi, in fact I have quite a few but if the topic is budget Kubey is hard to beat. If a person only had $40 to spend on a knife Kubey has a lot more choices.
I totally agree about Civivi (and the earlier Sencuts)!! They start out with decent designs, but the final released product is SOO whatever. It reminds me of cars in the 90's, every year it's the same thing, with 2 or 3 new doodads and they call it good. Most everyone gives you way more care and detail then Civivi. ✨😼
I'm kinda surprised that the Bellamy isn't ranked higher. I have the original with M390 and carbon fiber and it's one of my absolute favorite knives. I've been hearing mixed reviews on some of their newer models and haven't purchased any, so I can't compare them. But the original Bellamy is phenomenal! Is Kizer still doing the OEM work for Vosteed? I'm wondering if their milled titanium clips would fit the Vosteeds. Might help with the front flippers. Anyway, nice review. It was fun seeing them all in one video.
Vosteed has been doing their own OEM work for the past handful of models now, I’m not sure if the specs are the same but the Kizer clips may still fit.
Hello sir, I’ve been watching your channel for a while now since I’ve plunged into the world of knives a few months ago. Strange question, ive been very particular with which knives I buy and I’m dying to buy the Valkyrie. However like you said it’s still sold out so…. In all seriousness… any chance you would sell one?
I have all but the Labrador, Gator and Bellamy. The Labrador and Gator are a bit too big for me. I will probably get the Bellamy when the version I want comes back in stock. As for the six I have, it’s difficult to rank them. My top three are the Thunderbird, Valkyrie and Corgi.
I agree with you on everything except the trek lok, it is complete garbage go ahead spine whack any of them and they fail with ease..i was extremely disapointed in my thunderbird.
Well if you use it like a KNIFE instead of a HAMMER, you should be fine 🙄 it’s not a “fail” if you’re just flat out using it wrong with the intention of breaking it, in fact I’m pretty sure the only failure here is you.
They've addressed these issues fortunately. On the other end of things, when folks act like it's acceptable as an issue when the actual company has gone to great lengths to fix it makes no sense. Absolutely needed to be fixed and was unsafe. Those that act as if a light tap is tantamount to hammering or misuse are delusional. Also must not cut a ton of cardboard which could easily cause a horrible accident on a slight pull/push up maneuver.
I love Vosteed’s ability to offer so many deployment methods on their knives!
👍🏼👍🏼🔥🔥
My Corgi is arriving Monday, I'm very excited!!! Great video!
Was so happy with my crossbar lock Raccoon I ordered and tonight received Raccoon #2, The Button Lock model with Micarta scales. After hearing about button lock failures, I tested mine with spine whacks and had ZERO lock failure. This is an outstanding knife in every way. I'm so pleased to have finally found a knife model and maker that has exceeded my expectations and maybe just gave me what I'd been looking for in a knife, period. Sorry to day after buying many civivi and kizer models these 2 Vosteeds put them to shame. Want what a Benchmade USED to be 20 yrs ago but at a lower price? Get the Vosteed Crossbar model. Want a button lock that comes out of the box RIGHT in every way? Get the button look model. Thought I would never find a knife that satisfied me in every way but these 2 have.
Nice!! 👊🏼🙌🏼🔥
Vosteed came out the gate swinging and hasn't stopped coming for Civivi and Kizer since!
Miguron makes excellent quality budget knives and has a very good selection as well
Yeah, I'd take Miguron and Kubey over Civivi in the budget arena.
Great list Wayne , Vosteed has so many great knives!
Great video. Reminded me of how many great knives they have and how many more i still want.
i love cor-jees
What a fantastic video of this great company's EDC collection, Wayne! Currently I have the Raccoon button lock G10 model, and must agree with your assessment...It's probably the most well-made, solid, robust, and sharpest 3.25" EDC folder I have ever used...IMHO punching far above its $60 pricepoint. The Thunderbird model looks awesome too! Thanks for this great review!
I'm sure I'm not the first one to point out...they name some models after dogs. Labrador. Dachshund. And yes, Corgi. KOR-ghee. Not KOR-jee.
It's corgi "G" just like the dog, not corji "J" . It sounds like the g when you say "guy" not "gee whiz".
Was gonna say, isn't it named for the dog? 😂 thanks for pointing it out bud
I’ve already pointed this out before to him, I think he does it just so we comment like we are doing lol. He’s a Smart guy 🤓
@Brian Miller That does make sense. I've seen people do that stuff before, especially in shorts. They'll call a possum a badger or something just to get things going. I just didn't really consider it with this kinda video.
Glad they updated the clip on the thunderbird, sold my first production one for the second production
Vosteed knives come very sharp from the factory. They do a really good job!!
The gator would of been my top pick especially if it was an axis lock.. I hate how weak liner locks are and I’ve had bad bad experiences with button locks, especially with big hands. I own a Kizer assassin, it’s super figity , well made ,great ergos and the fit and finish is spot on. BUT, when I was working with the knife, just cutting cardboard, I squeezed on the scales , depressed the button and was cut with the knife. It happened on multiple occasions. I don’t trust a button lock. I stick with back, axis or any cold steel version lock, to which I have extreme faith in. If I had to use a button lock for self defense, I shutter at the thought. I’m not saying , they aren’t strong, to which they are one of the strongest locks , but the chance of lock release is to great, especially on a raised button. I really like the Valkyrie, I might buy one just to gain some faith in buttons , but I have my reservations.
The Nightshade is a fantastic knife.......bit surprised they didn’t think of releasing the Nightshade “Shilling pattern” out in XL like the Gator size
I wish they would. My ONLY issue with the Nightshade is that it’s a hair too short for my XL hands
@@johnbarnasevitch3546 The thumb hole version gives you a little more room than the flipper, I suppose you could cut a fwd finger choil in to increase grip options......but it seems like it would be a natural candidate to go XL.....fingers crossed
Tough choices Wayne, have several Vosteeds and like them all. My favorite would be the Nightshade. With its unique blade shape and amazing slicing capabilities. Thanks for the video!
wish they made a raccoon with thumb disk and crossbar
Just got my Gator....i love it , great value, great action,
Great piece!
Really appreciate this analysis my guy. Always looking to find the perfect knife.
Thanks Wayne! Have been waiting for Thunderbird to come back into stock. Managed to snag o e!
Where did you find one in stock?
Have them all! Best knife company of the year!
Great Job 😂 .vosteed is awesome. Thanks
I need to get a Vosteed. Tough economy for the family so hopefully soon
Great analysis, Wayne! I like my Corgi but couldn't figure out why I wasn't reaching for it over others daily.
I go Vosteed, then Civivi, then Kizer. They are all excellent. Great video.
True, also check out Miguron.
Kizer, then Civivi then Vosteed for me. Yes they are all excellent and its interesting to see how people rate the brands according to their preferences and experiences.
Every time I try and pull the trigger on these I always remind myself that I managed to pick up a micarta/copper and m390 kizer for 144.99 and I stop myself. Not only that them always running out of stock for popular knives is pretty frustrating.
Idk if they're really that popular or if it's them just spitting out limited production to manufacturer demand for their designed low supply
Again an outstanding review thank you thank you😊😊
No Corsair?
the nightshade looks like a bob lum design, reminds me of the spyderco chinese a bit
Where would you rank the Mink now?
The Grind in a smooth green Micarta micro bevel edge for May 2023 😊
Thanks Wayne. Great rundown. Just got the Valkaryie and my big complaint is the super tight thumb-studs. The clip is also way too tight. Still really like it, but hoping Vosteed might address those issues.
I have that exact model and couldn't agree more it's amazing in all areas!
I love that Thunderbird! I wish I could find one, they’re still out of stock.
I bought both axis lock and button lock raccoons, and they both felt so very cheap and meek compared to kizer drop bear and civivi elementum, so disappointed and i don't understand why they're getting so much love :s
Great video. I will own a vosteed one day.
"Reacharound approved" lmao!
I got the racoon recently from white mountain knives with the frag pattern. This run doesn't have the faulty detent. I bought it on a whim and the blade is a bit small for my liking. Perfect budget knife imo because I don't think you can get 14c28n and Micarta for $50 anywhere.
I haven’t needed a band aid for months but the very first time I closed that Gator, i sliced into my pinky. Love that knife but it’s a guillotine!
I'd put Kubey and Miguron above Civivi (pricing themselves out of budget category) in the budget knife arena. Love Vosteed. Too many great budget knives, not enough money. The Thunderbird is one I want to like more than I do, it's fidgity and sharp but 95% of what I cut is thick wall cardboard and unfortunately it kind of sucks at that task. Got Gator a few days ago and wow it's a cardboard killer. Great video Wayne!
Kubey above Civivi? Interesting, I think I have more Kubey's than Civivi's (right now) but I find my Civivi's better performers.
@@nicodiaz627 Civivi for me is hit and miss on their designs while I like almost all of Kubey's designs. Plus the average price of Kubey's are considerably lower. I don't dislike Civivi, in fact I have quite a few but if the topic is budget Kubey is hard to beat. If a person only had $40 to spend on a knife Kubey has a lot more choices.
@@jamesreese7111
Your forgetting sencut which is the budget brand of the company We, civivi, sencut. Civivi is their middle offering.
I totally agree about Civivi (and the earlier Sencuts)!! They start out with decent designs, but the final released product is SOO whatever. It reminds me of cars in the 90's, every year it's the same thing, with 2 or 3 new doodads and they call it good. Most everyone gives you way more care and detail then Civivi. ✨😼
that gator reminds me a lot of kizer towser k
I'm kinda surprised that the Bellamy isn't ranked higher. I have the original with M390 and carbon fiber and it's one of my absolute favorite knives. I've been hearing mixed reviews on some of their newer models and haven't purchased any, so I can't compare them. But the original Bellamy is phenomenal! Is Kizer still doing the OEM work for Vosteed? I'm wondering if their milled titanium clips would fit the Vosteeds. Might help with the front flippers. Anyway, nice review. It was fun seeing them all in one video.
Vosteed has been doing their own OEM work for the past handful of models now, I’m not sure if the specs are the same but the Kizer clips may still fit.
@@Stahlwerk88 I kinda figured they were doing their own OEM work now but wasn't sure. Thanks for the info. ✌
Gator is badazz, great size.
The racoon is shown in stock at white mountain knives right now!
Hello sir, I’ve been watching your channel for a while now since I’ve plunged into the world of knives a few months ago. Strange question, ive been very particular with which knives I buy and I’m dying to buy the Valkyrie. However like you said it’s still sold out so…. In all seriousness… any chance you would sell one?
I have all but the Labrador, Gator and Bellamy. The Labrador and Gator are a bit too big for me. I will probably get the Bellamy when the version I want comes back in stock. As for the six I have, it’s difficult to rank them. My top three are the Thunderbird, Valkyrie and Corgi.
Attention Vosteed owners!! Stop whatever your doing a 'sniff' your knives! Vosteed should do a recall for potentially dangerous olfactory dangers. ✨😸
Are any of those Voxnaes designs?
Nope
Anyone have an. Extra thunderbird laying around I want one bad, let me know.thanks
I'm thinking that Vosset already surpassed Civiv 😮
A self healing cutting mat…. Wait… what?! That’s a thing?!
I think the Labrador should be higher than the raccoon just my humble opinion
That is a great blade, no doubt! 👊🏼
Gator remi ds me of a kizer
Core-G 😂
It's pronounced Cor-gi like the dog not Corgee lmao what is so many knife people mispronounce knife names 😅
For the record love the content I just could not help it
I agree with you on everything except the trek lok, it is complete garbage go ahead spine whack any of them and they fail with ease..i was extremely disapointed in my thunderbird.
Well if you use it like a KNIFE instead of a HAMMER, you should be fine 🙄 it’s not a “fail” if you’re just flat out using it wrong with the intention of breaking it, in fact I’m pretty sure the only failure here is you.
They've addressed these issues fortunately. On the other end of things, when folks act like it's acceptable as an issue when the actual company has gone to great lengths to fix it makes no sense. Absolutely needed to be fixed and was unsafe. Those that act as if a light tap is tantamount to hammering or misuse are delusional. Also must not cut a ton of cardboard which could easily cause a horrible accident on a slight pull/push up maneuver.
It's pronounced (core-gee) like the dog.