Why the Vosteed Parallel S35VN Matters in a World of Weightless Carry
Spend enough time on the road and you learn that every gram counts—whether you’re crammed into a rattling tuk-tuk or hustling through airport security in the dead of night. Pocket real estate is precious, and most “slim” folders demand a trade-off. The Vosteed Parallel S35VN refuses that compromise. It’s a knife engineered for travelers, tinkerers, and everyday problem-solvers who won’t sacrifice capability for convenience.
Thinner Than a Whisper, Stronger Than Your Resolve
At 7.1 mm thick, the Parallel glides into your pocket like a boarding pass and disappears until duty calls. For perspective, The James Brand’s Ellis Slim—a benchmark of svelte design—measures 8 mm and skips a lock to get there. The Parallel doesn’t flinch: it stays slimmer and carries a rock-solid ambidextrous Crossbar lock. Think of it as proof that you can have strength and subtlety in the same breath.
Upgraded S35VN Blade: A Cut Above the First Run
The first release sold out in a blink when it dropped last year. This new edition levels up with a 2.90-inch reverse tanto blade forged from S35VN, bumping edge retention and corrosion resistance into premium territory. Paper, zip ties, pallet tape, or the inevitable souvenir tag—they all yield to a flat grind tuned for precision cuts and confident piercing.
Titanium Chassis & Crossbar Lock: Function Without Compromise
Weight tips the scale at a feather-like 2.36 oz (66.8 g) thanks to CNC-machined Grade 5 titanium scales. The Crossbar lock snaps home with satisfying certainty, while caged ceramic bearings whip the blade open through dual thumb studs—left- or right-handed, it doesn’t matter. A reversible wire clip rides tip-up and low profile, keeping the Parallel ready yet discreet.
Anodized Colors That Shift Like Distant Galaxies
Cosmic inspiration isn’t just marketing poetry; it’s etched into every anodized shimmer. Months of voltage tinkering produced two hues—Blue-Stonewash and Dark Reddish Purple–Copper Dune—that morph under changing light. The backspacer and thumb studs echo that copper tone, tying the whole universe together in your palm.
Specs at a Glance
- Model: A3505
- Blade: 2.90″ (73.85 mm) S35VN, 0.079″ thick, reverse tanto, HRC 60 ± 1
- Overall Length: 7.04″ (178.9 mm)
- Handle: 4.13″ Grade 5 titanium, 0.28″ thin
- Lock: Ambidextrous Crossbar
- Pivot: Caged ceramic bearings
- Carry: Reversible tip-up wire clip
- Weight: 2.36 oz (66.8 g)
Final Thoughts: Secure One Before It Slips Into Another Universe
The latest Vosteed Parallel S35VN landed on February 19, 2025, with a $149 tag and the same vanishing-act sell-out pace of its predecessors. For nomads who judge gear by how seamlessly it weaves into a life in motion, this blade is more than an accessory—it’s insurance against the unexpected. Grab it while the portal’s still open; in a heartbeat, the Parallel will be gone, off exploring a pocket in some parallel universe—and you’ll be left with nothing but the echo of opportunity.
Pros
- Feather-thin profile (7.1 mm) and 2.36 oz weight make it one of the most pocket-friendly locking folders on the market, disappearing until you need it.
- Premium S35VN steel boosts edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance over the earlier 154CM run, giving real, lasting performance.
- Grade 5 titanium scales bring exceptional strength-to-weight balance, while the anodized color-shifting finishes add standout visual appeal without bulk.
- Ambidextrous Crossbar lock offers rock-solid security yet remains easy to disengage for left- or right-handed users.
- Caged ceramic bearings and dual thumb studs deliver consistently smooth, flickable deployment that belies the knife’s slim stature.
- Reversible wire clip and triangle lanyard cut-out provide flexible, low-profile carry options for a variety of pocket setups.
- Reverse-tanto blade geometry combines a robust tip with a long straight edge, excelling at precision slicing, controlled piercing, and general EDC chores.
- Competitive $149 price still undercuts many titanium-handled, S35VN-bladed peers, offering strong value in the premium ultralight segment.
Cons
- Limited production runs sell out almost instantly, forcing would-be buyers into secondary-market mark-ups or long waits for the next drop.
- The 2.90 in blade length may feel undersized for tasks demanding extra reach or heft, restricting versatility for heavy outdoor use.
- Ultra-slim handle can sacrifice ergonomic comfort during prolonged cutting sessions, especially for users with larger hands.
- Anodized titanium finishes, though striking, can show scratches and wear more readily than stonewashed or bead-blasted treatments.
- Price jump from the original $129 to $149, while justified by the steel upgrade, edges the Parallel closer to fierce competition from other boutique makers.
- Wire pocket clip, while discreet, lacks the deep-carry concealment and rigidity some users prefer from milled titanium or stamped steel clips.
Verdict
The Vosteed Parallel S35VN is a master class in minimalist engineering: impossibly thin yet fully locked, lightweight yet genuinely hard-use capable. Its upgraded blade steel, titanium chassis, and fluid deployment make it a compelling everyday companion for travelers and urban nomads who count ounces but refuse to compromise on performance. If the blade size suits your needs and you can live with the fast-vanishing stock—and a handle that prizes sleekness over hand-filling grip—the Parallel delivers premium materials and cosmic flair at a price that still feels grounded.
$149
Consider the Oknife XEN-OAL if the Parallel’s latest drop slipped through your fingers: at just 2.57 oz, this Ken Onion-designed folder uses Olight’s proprietary OAL aluminum alloy to rival titanium for scratch resistance while staying feather-light, and its CPM-S45VN sheepsfoot blade ups the ante on edge retention and corrosion protection over S35VN. Ambidextrous thumb studs or a rear flipper snap the 3-inch blade open into a rock-solid frame lock, a matte Ti-coated clip keeps carry low-profile, and an early-bird price of $130 undercuts most premium EDC rivals—making the XEN-OAL a smart, narrative-rich upgrade for anyone chasing ultralight performance and proven design pedigree.
