Vosteed Mini Labrador frame lock knife review – This pup’s got sharp teeth!

REVIEW – A little over a year ago, I got to review the Vosteed Labrador and I loved it. It was a pretty big knife but was thin enough to make it easily part of my EDC.  Now Vosteed has released the Mini Labrador, making it even easier to stick in your pocket every day, because not everyone needs a big knife with them all the time. Some folks even prefer small knives for easy pocketability and light carry. The Vosteed Mini Labrador certainly checks those boxes while very much looking like a distinguished gentleman’s (person’s) knife. Sound good? Want to know more? Sure, you do. That’s why you clicked. Read on, buddy to see if you want to adopt this puppy.

What is it?

The Vosteed Mini Labrador is a frame lock pocket knife with a 2.73″ 14C28N blade and titanium handle.

What’s included?

• The Vosteed Mini Labrador knife
• Zippered case with Vosteed patch
• Warranty and Support information
• A smaller version of the sticker that comes with the full-sized Labrador

Tech specs

Click to expand

Blade Length: 2.73″ | 69.30 mm

Overall Length: 6.23″ | 158.20 mm

Blade Width: 0.72″ | 18.40 mm

Blade Thickness: 0.098″ | 2.50 mm

Blade Material: 14C28N

Blade Grind: Flat

Blade Style: Drop Point

Blade Finish: Satin

Hardness: HRC 60±2

Handle Length: 3.50″ | 88.90 mm

Handle Width: 0.72″ | 18.30 mm

Handle Thickness: 0.374″ | 9.50 mm

Handle Material: Titanium

Color: Gray

Weight: 1.93 oz | 54.80 g

Opener: Back Flipper

Lock Type: Frame Lock

Pivot Assembly: Caged Ceramic Ball Bearing

Pocket Clip: Non-reversible | Titanium

Carry Position: Tip-up

Knife Type: Manual Folding

Backspacer Material: Titanium

Backspacer Color: Gray

Designer: Yue

Design and features

The Vosteed Mini Labrador knife shares the same form factor and blade shape as the big dog. It sports a drop point 14C28N blade. You can disagree with me if you want, but I think the drop point is the most useful blade shape in most situations while also being one of the easiest to sharpen. I also think this shape works perfectly with the overall look of this knife. With the milled titanium pocket clip and titanium handle, it has a very distinguished look even though it is essentially a shrunken version of the original. (You’ll have to ignore the blade etching on the original below. That was my doing and not an option from Vosteed).

As you can see, it shares the same satin finish, also my favorite, and flat grind. There are a few differences, however. The handle shape isn’t exactly the same, there’s no front flipper, no thumb studs, and the Mini Labrador is a frame lock.

The pocket clips are different as well. The milled titanium clip on the Mini Labrador looks oh so much better. I’m glad Vosteed went with it. Some of us like to have a more sophisticated knife to carry when we have to dress up. Yes, that’s a thing! Is too! That’s why we have gentleman’s knives!

The frame lock locks up nicely and has a nice resistance when releasing the blade, not too floppy. The last thing you want to worry about when using a knife is whether the safety mechanism will hold or not. Vosteed has included a steel insert in the lock bar, but everything else other than the fasteners is titanium.

As you can see above, you get about 50% coverage of the blade during lockup. Here’s a closer look at the pocket clip. Even though it’s small, it grabs the edge of your pocket pretty easily, and due to its shape, it doesn’t snag on things.

The blade is made of 14C28N steel as I’ve mentioned. It’s razor sharp out of the box. It’s not a super steel but it does have good hardness, corrosion resistance, and edge retention while still being easy to sharpen. That also helps keep the price lower as well.

I’ve carried and used it exclusively for about a month now. For the most part, I’ve only had to run it across my honing steel a few times to get the blade back to the sharpness it had when brand new. I also used it on my fine Arkansas stone, but that was mainly to pass the time. Yes, I sometimes sharpen my knives while watching TV to keep my hands busy. It keeps me off my phone and it keeps my knives ready for action. I also fidget with my knives which can drive my wife crazy. The Mini Labrador isn’t the most fidget-friendly since there’s really only one deployment method with the rear flipper. It does make a satisfying “Snick” when it deploys though. Its detent is perfect. I’ve yet to have deployment fail. The blade always jumps out and into place.

What I like about Vosteed Mini Labrador

• Everything

What needs to be improved?

• Nothing

Final thoughts

Vosteed has gone and done it again. I think they have another winner with the Mini Labrador. The titanium handles are great though they do tend to show wear, but that’s just the nature of titanium. If you carry it you will get marks on the handle, but I don’t care. A knife is supposed to be used, right? It’s a pretty little pup and you don’t have to pay registered breeder prices to own one. Go check out Vosteed’s site for more information. I’ve reviewed several of their knives and have yet to get a dud.

Price: $69
Where to buy: Vosteed
Source: The sample of this product was provided for free by Vosteed. Vosteed did not have a final say on the review and did not preview the review before it was published.