The Vosteed Raccoon burst onto the EDC scene with a button lock and really came into its own with the addition of a crossbar lock option. Now, with Vosteed’s Top Liner Lock, I think they have achieved greatness.
Specs
For full specs, be sure to visit Vosteed.com.
Blade Length:3.25″ | 82.60 mm
Overall Length:7.60″ | 193.10 mm
Blade Width:1.07″ | 27.20 mm
Blade Thickness:0.118″ | 3.00 mm
Blade Material:14C28N
Blade Grind:Flat
Hardness:HRC 59±1
Handle Length:4.36″ | 110.80 mm
Weight:3.00 oz | 85.30 g
Lock Type:Top Liner Lock
Pivot Assembly:Caged Ceramic Ball Bearing
Pocket Clip:Reversible | Stainless Steel
Observations from Use
I have written on these pages before about the Raccoon and about Vosteed’s execution of the Top Liner Lock. I like both a lot. So, I was very excited when Vosteed provided a review sample of this knife.
One of the best things about this new version of the Raccoon is… well, it’s still a Raccoon. The Raccoon has elbowed its way onto my shortlist of easily recommendable EDC knives (and the shortlist of what I actually carry when I not reviewing another knife). It has a sort of Goldilocks combination of style, size, blade shape, ease of carry, performance, and price that stands out. It just does everything well and it does it at a great price.
Vosteed’s Top Liner Lock is similar to the Spyderco Compression Lock where a liner engages the tang of the blade on the spine side. That liner is sandwiched between the tang and a large pin, meaning that to fail, the steel liner would have to break. It’s a very strong lock but that’s not all.
It also provides an excellent detent much like any other liner-based lock. This means that the knife feels crisp and flicks easily. They couple that crisp action with their real innovation for this style of lock – the addition of a button that is linked to the liner. Now you have a lock that has an action that is as crisp as a well-tuned liner lock, as easy to use as a button lock, and as strong as a compression lock. It is one of the best all-around locks on the market in my opinion.
Wrap Up
Vosteed added their best lock to one of their best knives and it has paid off in spades. This is the best version of a knife that was already excellent. It has all the best of attributes of a proven design with an easy-to-use, but still bull-strong lock. This knife is EASY to recommend.
Raccoon Top Liner Lock on Amazon.com
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