One of the more exciting new knives to be shown at this year’s Blade Show was the Vosteed Raccoon Cub. The design was instantly recognizable as a scaled-down Raccoon (the model that Vosteed may be most known for) but it was also clear that this knife was going to take on established designs in the fifth pocket or little-big-knife space.
Now that I have spent time with a review sample and pricing has been released, I can say it delivers. In fact, I’ll say that I think this is best-in-class.
Specs
Blade Length: 2.34″ | 59.50 mm
Overall Length: 5.57″ | 141.60 mm
Blade Width: 0.98″ | 25.00 mm
Blade Thickness: 0.098″ | 2.50 mm
Blade Material: 14C28N
Blade Grind: Flat
Blade Style: Drop Point
Hardness: HRC 60±2
Handle Length: 3.23″ | 82.10 mm
Handle Width: 1.00″ | 25.50 mm
Handle Thickness: 0.41″ | 10.50 mm
Handle Material: G10
Weight: 2.04 oz | 58.00 g
Opener: Thumb Stud | Front Flipper
Lock Type: Liner Lock
Pivot Assembly: Caged Ceramic Ball Bearing
Pocket Clip: Reversible | Stainless Steel
Carry Position: Tip-up
Knife Type: Manual Folding
Thumbstud Material: Aluminum
Designer: Yue
Observations from Use
I am a big fan of this type of knife. I usually carry a fixed blade knife so it is nice to have a compact folding knife that is small enough not to be burdensome but large enough to be useful. This little-big-knife or fifth pocket knife segment is growing and competitive. That is good for me because I am fully on board.
The Raccoon Cub has exactly the sort of ergonomics you want in a knife like this. It has a large, useable finger choil in the blade to allow a full and comfortable four-finger grip if you choke up while also remaining very compact when it is folded. It is a well-established formula that is well executed in this design.
The Raccoon Cub will inevitably draw comparisons to the Civivi Baby Banter – a knife that I own and that really stands out in this segment. The two knives are similar in many ways but differ in some key ways:
- I prefer the blade shape of the Raccoon Cub with its more acute tip, something I find especially useful on a small knife.
- The Racoon Cub also offers jumping on the spine out near that point to make it even easier to control for fine tasks.
- The Raccoon Cub is VERY SLIGHTLY heavier but, for that weight, you get skeletonized and nested steel liners which is nice.
- The Raccoon Cub’s handle is a little less cramped thanks to the taper at the butt and it is also easier to open thanks to better action and the addition of a front flipper.
- The Raccoon Cub is a full $10-12 cheaper than the base Baby Banter options.
Speaking of the front flipper. I just want to mention that I normally don’t really care about them and rarely use them. However, in the case of the Raccoon Cub, it is so well executed, snappy, and easy to use that I find that it is actually useful instead of just fidgety. Some users with larger hands, may even prefer it.
The action on my review sample is extremely smooth with a very crispy detent. In fact, I can deploy the blade with just pressure from the pad of my middle finger. The detent holds rock steady until you apply enough pressure to overcome it and then the blade rockets open. It’s very satisfying.
Wrap Up
When this knife was shown at Blade Show, I recognized the potential. When I spent time with it, I fell in love. When it finally went up for sale and I saw the price, I became convinced that the Raccoon Cub is best-in-class.
This is now the best fifth pocket knife available. The value is great. The ergonomics are great. The cutting performance is great. It’s just a stellar knife.
The Raccoon Cub is initially only available Amazon: Vosteed Raccoon Cub at Amazon.com
It will be available direct from Vosteed at a later date: Vosteed.com
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