REVIEW – I have reviewed a few Vosteed knives in the past including their first collaboration knife with RS Knifeworks called the RSKAOS. A fellow Gadgeteer also reviewed their Trek or button lock Thunderbird and both our reviews were very positive. Now Vosteed has teamed up with Tuffknives and created the Psyop. Let’s check it out.
What is it?
The Vosteed Psyop is the result of the first collaboration with Geoff Blauvelt of Tuffknives. It sports a 3.32” drop point blade in Elmax steel and a titanium Grade 5 handle. It has a sturdy top liner lock and despite its sleek and classy look it is built like a tank from premium materials.
What’s included?
- 1 x Vosteed Psyop Patterned Version in Black
- 1 x Hard plastic case
- 1 x Velcro patch
- 1 x Cleaning cloth
Tech Specs
Click to expand Tech Specs
- Model Number: A2201
- Blade Length: 3.32″ | 84.4 mm
- Overall Length: 8.01″ | 203.50mm
- Blade Width: 1.22″ | 31.00 mm
- Blade Thickness: 0.138″ | 3.50 mm
- Blade Material: Elmax
- Blade Grind: Flat
- Blade Style: Drop Point
- Blade Finish: Black Stonewash
- Hardness: HRC 60±1
- Handle Length: 4.70″ | 119.40 mm
- Handle Width: 0.94″ | 24.00 mm
- Handle Thickness: 0.500″ | 12.70 mm
- Handle Material: Titanium
- Color: Black
- Weight: 4.66 oz | 132.00 g
- Opener: Thumb Hole | Front Flipper
- Lock Type: Top Liner 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: Black
- Button Material: Stainless Steel
- Button Color: Golden
- Pivot Collar Material: Stainless Steel
- Pivot Collar Color: Golden
- Designer: Geoff Blauvelt
- Country of Origin: China
Design and features
The Vosteed Psyop utilizes a unique top liner lock that I have come to really like and prefer now for my daily carry knives. You can open the Vosteed Psyop with the front flipper, thumb hole, or by pressing the top liner lock button and flicking it open.
The 3.32” drop point blade is 3.5mm thick and is made from Elmax steel which is very similar to M390 but Elmax boasts a finer grain structure which adds some toughness and wear resistance. Made by Bohler-Uddehom in Sweden Elmax steel is known for its excellent corrosion resistance and edge retention. The drop point blade is extremely usable with an excellent belly for slicing and a strong point for piercing tasks.
The action is very smooth owing to the caged ceramic ball bearings and I really like the bronze pivot collar and other bronze accents. The pivot and other screws are flush with the titanium handle.
The 4.70” titanium handle sports a CNC milled diamond pattern that provides some additional grippiness. The pocket clip is 3D milled titanium and unfortunately for lefties it is not reversible. It is fixed in place with hidden screws which accentuates the clean lines of the Psyop.
I found the Vosteed Psyop super comfortable in the hand with finger grooves placed intuitively in the handle and the blade to facilitate those more accurate cuts. Well placed jimping on the top of the blade aids in using the flipper and provides a secure purchase for your thumb when open.
The Vosteed Psyop is available in five different configurations. There is a black or gray version which features a clean lightly bead blasted handle without milling. The patterned handle can be had in black, grey, or purple. If you prefer something a little smaller check out the Mini Psyop with a 2.69″ blade, thumbstud opening, and cross bar lock.
What I like about the Vosteed Psyop knife
- Excellent blade and comfortable handle
- Great lines and aesthetics but also super functional
What needs to be improved?
- Nothing
Final thoughts
The Vosteed Psyop is an excellent first collaboration with Tuffknives and can back up its good looks with substantial toughness. I was surprised the Psyop didn’t come with the traditional sticker that I have come to look forward to with Vosteed knives but it did come with a cool Velcro patch. I am also partial to a back flipper as I find the front flipper a little awkward but overall I really like the Psyop. In the hand it feels solid and substantial but weighs in at a svelte 4.66 ounces. The titanium handle and excellent Elmax drop point blade make it capable of the toughest cutting tasks. I’m a big fan of the top liner lock due to its secure lockup, ease of use, and fidgetability. If you’re looking for a more premium knife that not only looks good but can also perform the Vosteed Psyop should be at the top of your list.
Price: $249.00
Where to buy: Vosteed website
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Vosteed. Vosteed did not have a final say on the review and did not preview the review before it was published.