REVIEW – I have been a Vosteed fan since the first Raccoon came out so it was a no brainer when they asked if I wanted to try their new Hedgehog. Let’s see if the Hedgehog can hold its own.
What is it?
To me the Vosteed Hedgehog appears to be a smaller, lighter, and less pricey version of their top tier titanium RSKAOS that I was hoping they would make. With a 2.99” S35VN modified sheepsfoot blade and sporting a top liner lock, back flipper, and thumb stud it has everything I could want in a mid sized knife.
What’s included?
- Hedgehog A1302 with satin blade and blue G10 handle
- Soft carry case and tin
- Sticker, cleaning cloth, and product card
Tech specs
Click to expand Tech Specs
- Model Number: A1302
- Blade Length: 2.99″ | 76.00 mm
- Overall Length: 7.11″ | 180.60 mm
- Blade Width: 1.30″ | 33.10 mm
- Blade Thickness: 0.138″ | 3.50 mm
- Blade Material: S35VN
- Blade Grind: Flat
- Blade Style: Modified Sheepsfoot
- Blade Finish: Satin & Brushed
- Hardness: HRC 60±2
- Handle Length: 4.12″ | 104.60 mm
- Handle Width: 1.20″ | 30.50 mm
- Handle Thickness: 0.492″ | 12.50 mm
- Handle Material: GT-Mascus
- Color: Black & Blue
- Weight: 4.02 oz | 113.90 g
- Opener: Back Flipper | Thumb Stud | Fuller
- Lock Type: Top Liner Lock
- Pivot Assembly: Caged Ceramic Ball Bearing
- Pocket Clip: Reversible | Stainless Steel
- Carry Position: Tip-up
- Knife Type: Manual Folding
- Thumbstud Material: Stainless Steel
- Thumbstud Color: Silver
- Button Material: Stainless Steel
- Button Color: Silver
- Designer: Yue
- Country of Origin: China
Design and features
Inspired by the famous supersonic critter, the Vosteed Hedgehog sports a compact 2.99” modified sheepsfoot style blade in premium S35VN steel. It has a slightly curved belly which is well suited for slicing and cutting, especially donuts at the office. S35VN steel is a more premium steel that you usually see on more expensive knives. It was originally designed by knife making legend Chris Reeve and is made in the USA by Crucible Industries. It is one of the most well rounded steels out there with high marks in edge retention, toughness, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening.
With a blade width of 1.20”, the Hedgehog does have some heft to it weighing in at 4.02oz but when closed it doesn’t take up much space in your pocket or pouch. The blade rotates smoothly on caged ceramic ball bearings and the stainless steel pocket clip is reversible although the top liner lock is not truly ambidextrous.
The Vosteed Hedgehog incorporates a finger groove as well as a generous finger choil on the blade. This combination not only allows different grips and holding positions but also improves precision cutting when needed. The blue G10 scales have a CNC machined frag pattern which not only has fantastic grip but I think looks good too. The Vosteed Hedgehog is also available with a green micarta handle and black stonewash blade or with a black micarta handle and bead blasted satin finish. They weigh a little less than the G10 version at 3.83oz and 3.78oz respectively.
The traditional liner lock has been around for over a 100 years but my main issue with it is that when operating it your thumb is in the blade’s line of travel. The Vosteed top liner lock solves that issue by using a button positioned at the top of the knife to activate the liner. This keeps your thumb out of the way and is also very fidget friendly. The lock engages with a solid thunk and takes deliberate pressure to disengage. I have not had an incident with any Vosteed top liner lock activating without me wanting to.
In addition to the top liner lock and thumb stud you have a back flipper as well for three different opening options. The back flipper protrudes from the blade and rotates between a pin and the lock button which is clever.
What I like about the Vosteed Hedgehog
- Compact but very solid feeling
- S35VN steel in a budget friendly knife
What needs to be improved?
- Nothing
Final thoughts
For $129 the Vosteed Hedgehog is a great deal and a great knife. Sporting G10 scales, a gorgeous S35VN blade, and multiple opening options the Hedgehog is a serious contender for budget knife of the year. If you’re on the fence about getting a Vosteed give one a try and you will not be disappointed. These are well made knives at a great price and I have been impressed with every one so far and I’m sure you will be too.
Price: $129.00
Where to buy: The Vosteed website or Amazon
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.
