Vosteed Nightshade Flipper Folding Knife, Elmax SW, Micarta Black w/Brass Bolster, NSK002
[VSNSK002]

As I write this, this knife is sold out. Do yourself a favor - Hit the "Back in Stock Notification" button. Stat. This knife is that good - nay great. First, the action is amazing. The detent is dialed in and it is buttery smooth on the ceramic ball bearings. I mean buttery buttery smooth. It deploys perfectly using the flipper or the blade hole using either a thumb or a finger flick. Just superb. And I say that though I am of the view that as a general rule, I have not liked the action on any of my other Vosteeds - the Thunderbird, Raccoon, Corsair, or the Corgi. The action on none of those has impressed me. They are fine, not great. This is great. How smooth is it? When you push in the liner lock, get a little past the detent ball, it just drops shut every time. So smooth. The look of the knife may take some getting used to for some - though I liked it from the beginning. The gentle arc over the whole knife, brass bolsters, great quality micarta, stonewash finish on the blade is really attractive. So, a few details. The blade is amazing. Leave aside that is is Elmax steel - an ultra premium steel. Sure you can get a superb edge, and I have found it to be the easiest to sharpen amongst the super or ultra premium steels, but the flat grind on a curved leaf blade gathers the material towards the bolster as you cut making use a dream come true. What every you are using it for, it can handle the job. And what an absolute ergonomic pleasure to hold. This is amongst my favorite knives to own. A beautiful, functional tool, premium materials, great fit and finish, a smooth reliable deployment, comfortable in the hand, great lockup, and great value. I double dog dare you to find all this for this price. If you were looking to compare it to something, what would you look at? Look to the Spyderco Para 3 with S45VN steel, for instance. The Para 3 is a tad larger overall but the blades are about the same size. Both have flat grind leaf shaped blades. Both have great fit and finish. But my Para 3 cost me a little over $250. Do I regret spending that? No. But dollar for dollar, this is better value, regardless of how much I love the Para 3. Hope you found this review of this gem helpful.