Strong, versatile, ergonomic, stylish, reliable
Ah, my dear friends, let's take a moment to wander off the beaten path of our usual escapades. You see, I've recently had the pleasure of making acquaintance with a tool that speaks volumes of craftsmanship and practicality, with a level of durability and strength that rivals even the most seasoned of explorers. Enter, the Vosteed Gator – a potent everyday carry workhorse that commands respect at every turn.
Let's begin with the heart of the Gator – a 3.74″ blade of Sandvik 14C28N steel. Now, this isn't your run-of-the-mill blade material. This Swedish-born steel has a reputation for its balance of edge performance, high hardness, and corrosion resistance – key attributes for those real-world expeditions. The wide Wharncliffe shape? It’s the kind of friend that won’t let you down in heavy-duty scenarios, providing precision control over every cut you make.
Now, opening this formidable beast is a dance that knows multiple moves. Whether you prefer the standard flipper or a front flipper, deploying the Gator is a silky smooth act thanks to the ball-bearing pivot. And for those who fancy taking it up a notch, the Gator invites you to explore a ‘pro' feature with an optional pair of thumb studs for an engaging triple deployment.
Now, if you thought this tale was only about the blade, my friends, you're in for a treat. The Gator's handle, made from Micarta, is the stuff of ergonomic dreams. This thing seems like it was molded from your very handprint. Profound cutouts and frag patterns marry with the contour of your grip, ensuring that the Gator feels more like an extension of you, rather than a tool you wield.
The Gator certainly doesn’t skimp on the aesthetic appeal either. The stylish touch of a copper or brass collar ring around the pivot makes you stand out. And the thoughtfully placed jimpings on the spine and flippers – they are not only for aesthetics. They ensure an additional grip – a perfect blend of form and function.
Wide reversible pocket clip, an increase in liner thickness for a solid construction, skeletonized liners to keep the weight in check – Vosteed certainly seems to have ticked all the right boxes with the Gator. All this contained in a package that weighs just 6.62 oz, making it an absolute breeze to carry on all your adventures.
So, my friends, whether you are a seasoned traveler charting unknown territories, or an urban explorer navigating the concrete jungle, the Vosteed Gator is one companion you would want by your side. An embodiment of multi-task excellence, ergonomics, and style – a tool that doesn’t just get the job done, but does so with flair.
Pros:
- Sandvik 14C28N Steel Blade: This steel type is known for its excellent balance of hardness, corrosion resistance, and edge retention. It makes the blade strong, durable, and reliable for heavy-duty use.
- Versatile Deployment Options: With options for a standard flipper, front flipper, and a pair of optional thumb studs for a ‘pro' feature, the Gator provides multiple ways for smooth and easy deployment.
- Ergonomic Micarta Handle: The handle is designed to fit comfortably and securely in the hand. The profound cutout and frag patterns add grip and ensure better control while handling the knife.
- Aesthetically Pleasing Design: The addition of the copper or brass collar ring around the pivot offers a touch of style, while maintaining its functionality.
- Reversible Pocket Clip & Reduced Weight: The knife features a wide reversible pocket clip and skeletonized liners that reduce its weight, making it easy to carry around.
Cons:
- Thumb Studs Not Pre-Assembled: While the addition of thumb studs for a ‘pro' feature is excellent, the fact they need to be assembled by the user could be a disadvantage for those who are not familiar with knife assembly.
- May Be Too Large for Some: With an overall length of over 9 inches, this knife may be too large for those looking for a more compact everyday carry tool.
- Blade Shape: While the Wharncliffe blade shape provides good control for precise cuts, it might not be as versatile as some other blade shapes for various cutting tasks.
- Relatively Heavy: Despite the skeletonized liners, the Gator is relatively heavy compared to other EDC knives, weighing in at 6.62 oz. This could be a downside for those who prefer ultralight carry options.
- Micarta Handle Maintenance: Micarta, while durable and comfortable, may require occasional maintenance to keep it in top condition as it can show wear over time.
$69
