nitro-v

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Civivi Buster FG

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Civivi Buster FG

Review

Over the last few years I’ve really come to enjoy collecting knives. They are so fascinating and the designs that people come up with are really interesting. One brand that I have found myself loving and trusting with an excellent build quality is Civivi. As I’ve collected knives I’ve noticed that I like larger folding knives. So when I saw the Buster FG, I just had to get one.  From the massive size of the knife to the new locking style, we’ve got a lot of great stuff to talk about. So let’s see what makes this knife my new favorite Civivi.

Handle:

The Buster FG features a coarse black G10 handle over a golden stainless steel frame to give it a great two tone look. I personally really wanted this color option because it reminds me of my favorite comic book crime fighter who dresses like a bat. The coarse G10 scales on the handle have a rough finish on them to give you the ability to get a really good grip on it. And with the handle being roughly 5 inches long, you can definitely get a great grip on this knife!  Plus it has a reversible pocket clip. Because of the handle material, it stays in my pocket really well. One of my only gripes about it, which is to be expected by a knife of this size, is when it's closed… it’s massive in your pocket. But again, when opened it's almost 10” long. So it’s a big one!

Blade:

One thing that makes the Buster FG different from a lot of Civivi’s knives is its size. This is one of the largest folding knives they have released. The blade on this knife is a sheepsfoot style that measures in at a whopping 4.2” / 106.8mm. To top that off, the blade material is Nitro V. Which is a really great steel for an everyday carry, particularly in corrosion resistance and edge retention. Nitro V is also a steel that can be sharpened very easily. I was helping a friend build some furniture and got the task of cutting down all the cardboard and styrofoam sheets. After slicing up multiple 5 foot sheets of cardboard and styrofoam, this blade is still wicked sharp! Like most folding knives, it has jimping on the back of the blade. When I first got the knife, I wasn’t crazy about it. It just didn’t feel rugged enough or like it had enough grip. But as I used it and really cut stuff, I noticed that it was actually a really great amount and helped me get good control of the blade.

Opening:

The opening on the Buster FG is quite smooth. I was very curious as to how Civivi’s new Super Lock would affect the opening. And just like every Civivi knife I own or have used, it opens really nicely and like I said… smooth. And that’s thanks to the caged ceramic ball bearings they use. For opening styles on the knife you get two thumb studs or you can pull back on the Super Lock and flick the blade out. That is something else about this knife, I wish it had a flipper for opening. But, with this new lock style, that just wouldn’t work because the flipper would get in the way of the lock.

The Lock:

For the Buster FG, Civivi used their new Super Lock. The lock works similar to a crossbar lock. On the backside of the handle there is a spring loaded bar with a finger tab sticking out. On the inside of the blade, near the bearing, there is a cut out slot. So when you open the knife, that slot lines up with the lock bar, then the spring pushes the lock bar into place, locking the blade. It’s a really great locking system that I have really come to enjoy and trust. It feels similar to a back lock, which is very common on Buck style knives. Once it clicks into place, it feels very solid like a fixed blade. I really like how easy it is to unlock. But it’s not easy to accidentally unlock it while using it. I would definitely like to see this lock more on other knives!

Summary:

Civivi has a lot of knives to offer ranging from big to small and in many different styles. The Buster FG has definitely become my favorite Civivi knife I own. It fits very comfortably in my hand and I really dig the new Super Lock. Plus, I love how massive it is (that’s what she said). If you are looking for a big folding knife to use as your everyday carry, I would highly recommend the Civivi Buster FG! 

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame: 

A large folding knife with a unique, stylish design and a very convenient lock. 

Target Market:

Anyone who is wanting a large and tough everyday carry knife that has a unique look.

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:
 

  • Overall Length: 9.65" / 245mm

  • Width: 1.72" / 43.6mm

  • Overall Height(Include Clip): 0.68" / 17.2mm

  • Blade Length: 4.2" / 106.8mm

  • Closed Length: 5.47" / 139mm

  • Blade Thickness: 0.16" / 4mm

  • Handle Thickness: 0.51" / 13mm

  • Knife Weight: 6.46oz / 183.1g

  • Blade Material: Nitro-V

  • Blade Hardness: 58-60HRC

  • Blade Grind: Flat

  • Blade Finish: Black Stonewashed, Satin Flat

  • Blade Type: Sheepsfoot

  • Handle Material: Coarse G10

  • Handle Color/Finish: Black

  • Back Spacer Material: Stainless Steel

  • Back Spacer Color/Finish: Black

  • Liner Material: Stainless Steel

  • Liner Color/Finish: Golden

  • Pocket Clip: Tip-Up, L/R

  • Clip Material: Stainless Steel

  • Screws / Thumb Stud Material: Stainless Steel

  • Pivot Assembly: Caged Ceramic Ball Bearing

  • Locking Mechanism: Superlock

  • Opener: Manual Thumb

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Neutral blue course G10 handle / Satin finished Nitro-V

Green canvas micarta / Black Stonewashed Nitro-V

What others are saying?:

Exceeded High Expectations

I was excited about this knife when I preordered it. You never really know how nice it is until you get it in your hand. This is the smoothest, sharpest knife (out of the box) in my collection. Flicking this knife open the first time was how I imagine every knife I order will be. Very few blow me an away like this one did. Especially in this price range. I haven’t seen any mark on the choil from the stop pin. Specx did an amazing job putting my mind at ease about that. Hair splitting sharp out of the box you really can’t go wrong. It was even bigger than it looks in the pictures. Same length as a Kizer Momo.

Link to other reviews:

Sharp Ends on YouTube

Price point:

MSRP - $115.00

Retail - $97.75 on Amazon

I need it now! Availability:

Civivi or Amazon

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Great and secure locking system.

  • Fantastic grip on the handle

  • Very large, allowing you to get a good grip on it.

  • Awesome blade steel that has stayed sharp.

Cons:

  • When it’s closed and in your pocket. It’s almost a little too big. 

  • I wish it had a flipper on it. But I understand why it doesn’t.

Score: 9.00 Amazing

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Vosteed Aluminum Raccoon

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Vosteed Raccoon Aluminum review 

Years ago the only answers I wanted from knife reviews were “Is it sharp? Does it cut? Did it stay sharp? How much does it cost?”. The Vosteed Raccoon Aluminum folder is sharp, cuts well, stays sharp and is a great deal at $72 especially when you see how well it's built and works.

I was sent the Vosteed Aluminum Raccoon to review. This is the latest version of their Raccoon knife line. Chad did a review on the micarta version of the Raccoon last year. The difference between the two versions is the “Aluminum” has a Nitro-V blade steel and the CNC cut aluminum scales. 

The Vosteed Raccoon Aluminum uses a crossbar lock that you pull back to release the blade when it is closed. The blade can then be flipped open or dropped open. It also has a double thumb stud that is well designed. I like using the crossbar lock to release the blade. I don't know why, but I use that method most to deploy the blade.

The handles are CNC cut black aluminum arranged in a diamond pattern. The edges of the handles are rounded so they won't snag clothing or dig into your hand. The aluminum, diamond cut handles aren't aggressive like stippling on pistol grips, but my hands never slipped regardless of what I was cutting. The 3.25 inch drop point blade deploys smoothly due to the ceramic ball bearings.

   As you see from the included photos, I use my knives for food preparation. This knife chopped vegetables, deboned chicken thighs, sliced blocks of cheese, and easily cut large cardboard boxes into trash bag sized segments. Plus it still has a serviceable edge.

   One of the reasons I like being on the Firearms Insider Gun and Gear Review Podcast is because we actually use these products and tell the truth. This knife was used nearly every day for months. I would occasionally use a couple other knives that I am reviewing long term, but this was the main knife. It could use a good sharpening to bring back the razor sharp factory edge. However, I just peeled an apple with no issue. This Nitro-V blade steel holds an edge, I'm impressed.

   The knife shows some wear on the aluminum handles. Mainly because it has been smashed against my EDC light, the Streamlight Wedge. If you want a pristine knife, I am not the person to review it. You want a knife that is a good all around knife, that opens smoothly, and has a better than average blade steel for a good price, the Vosteed Raccoon Aluminum folder may be for you. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

An attractive, feature filled utility knife with good blade steel for a really good price.

Target Market:

Anyone wanting an attractive utility knife made with good steel that's very sharp under $75.

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • Blade Length: 3.25" | 82.55 mm

  • Overall Length: 7.60" | 193.12 mm

  • Blade Width: 1.07" | 27.27 mm

  • Blade Thickness: 0.118" | 3.00 mm

  • Blade Material: Nitro-V

  • Blade Grind: Flat

  • Blade Style: Drop Point

  • Blade Finish: Black Coated

  • Hardness: HRC 60±2

  • Handle Length: 4.36" | 110.75 mm

  • Handle Width: 1.10" | 27.95 mm

  • Handle Thickness: 0.49" | 12.40 mm

  • Handle Material: Aluminum

  • Weight: 3.66 oz | 103.8 g

  • Opener: Thumb Stud

  • Lock Type: Crossbar Lock

  • Pivot Assembly: Caged Ceramic Ball Bearing

  • Pocket Clip: Reversible | Stainless Steel

  • Carry Position: Tip-up

  • Knife Type: Manual Folding

  • Backspacer Material: Aluminum

  • Backspacer Color: Black

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Orange, Blue, Purple 

What others are saying?:

Nick the Knife

5.0 out of 5 stars

The Racoon continues to deliver

The Vosteed Raccoon is hands down one of my most carried knives and I have hundreds to choose from. The handle is simple, but genius. It offers a comfortable grip that will work well for almost any hand size. The drop point blade is robust enough to go to work with and has good slicing geometry. Nitro-V steel is tough, and while not having the highest edge retention, is easy to sharpen.

This version comes in with Aluminum handle scales. Generally Aluminum is not my favorite choice and I have no idea why it has become thought of as premium. People seem to have forgotten all the $10 Aluminum S&W knives of 20 years ago... Anyhow this Aluminum is nicely anodized and the green/brown color spoke to me. The finish is smooth, making this a Raccoon that will likely see lighter duty than my G-10 or Micarta variants.

The action is what I expect from Vosteed. They put out smooth operators, and this is no exception. The button lock lets the blade drop effortlessly into the closed position. Thumb studs are spot on for deployment. You can also engage the button and give a little wrist action to deploy. If you like to fidget, it does that. I prefer the crossbar lock version as it is inherently stronger than a button lock, but as I mentioned, I liked the looks of this model and it only had a button lock in this color. C'est la vie.

Overall, you really cannot go wrong with a Vosteed Raccoon for EDC. It is definitely one of my top 5 for 2023.

Link to other reviews:

Iridium 242 YouTube Review  

Price point:

MSRP = $72.00 

Retail = $72.00 at Blade HQ

I need it now! Availability:

Vosteed or Blade HQ

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Very sharp

  • smooth opening

  • very good blade steel

  • affordable 

  • Blade Finish holds up well

Cons: 

  • The aluminum shows dings and scratches easily 

  • The jimping on the spine of the  is next to useless

Score: 7.50 Good

Vosteed Corsair

  Up for review is a Vosteed Corsair knife which was provided by the manufacturer. When I opened the box, In addition to the knife, it contained a Backspacer with a lanyard loop, cover plate, sticker, and a patch.  

  My first impression of the Vosteed Corsair is that it is well constructed and feels solid. The Micarta grip is nice and allows me to securely hold the knife with a convenient thumb ramp on the back of the blade.  The blade opens smoothly and is easily manipulated.  There is a reversible deep cover pocket clip for minimal visibility which is rounded to prevent pinching and snagging.  A plate is also included, along with two screws, to cover the open pocket clip slot.  All screws on the knife are countersunk which prevents snagging when removing the knife from your pocket.  

  The drop point blade of the Corsair is made from Nitro-V and is extremely sharp out of the box.  The blade design works fine for daily use allowing me to cut everything from paper to vegetables with minimal effort.   The blade lockup is solid with minor play in the blade pivot assembly, even when the blade is between the open and closed positions.  

  This is the first knife I have ever used with a crossbar lock, but it only took a few minutes to get used to the mechanism.  I found that holding the blade down and using my thumb and index finger would easily disengage the lock.  Make sure to keep your other fingers out of the way or break out the first aid kit (did I mention that the blade is very sharp?).  I have been using this knife for the past three weeks and it has made me a fan of crossbar locks.  

  Vosteed also includes a backspacer, which has a built in lanyard loop.  Installing this item increases the size of the knife by 0.25 inches.  I looked at this and, in the end, decided not to install it as I wanted less of the knife exposed when carrying it.  

  Vosteed offers a lifetime limited warranty to the original purchaser, the limitations are on their website. 

  I will give Vosteed credit as when I was looking at the reviews on their website, two of the reviews were negative (2-Star, 1-Star).  They could have easily removed the reviews but chose to leave them in place.  

  If you are looking for an EDC knife, the Corsair is a deal at $69 and is now part of my every day carry.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Reasonably priced EDC knife

Target Market:

Anyone who is looking for an EDC knife

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Overall Length: 7.58" | 192.48 mm

  • Blade Length: 3.25" | 82.55 mm

  • Blade Width: 1.04" | 26.49 mm

  • Blade Thickness: 0.118" | 3.00 mm

  • Blade Material: Nitro-V

  • Grind: Flat 

  • Blade Style: Modified Drop Point

  • Finish: Stonewash

  • Hardness: HRC 60±2

  • Handle Length: 4.33" | 109.93 mm

  • Handle Width: 0.94" | 23.91 mm

  • Handle Thickness: 0.49" | 12.4 mm

  • Handle Material: Micarta

  • Handle Color: Black, Blue, Brown, Green

  • Weight: 2.91 oz | 82.5 g

  • Opener: Thumb Stud

  • Lock Type: Crossbar Lock

  • Pivot Assembly: Caged Ceramic Ball Bearing

  • Pocket Clip: Stainless Steel | Reversible

  • Carry Position: Tip-up 

  • Knife Type: Manual Folding

  • Pivot Collar Material: Copper

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Black, Blue, Brown, Green

What others are saying?:

From the manufacturer’s website:

Great action, super sharp

Love the new knife from an appearance and (super sharp) blade perspective. The pivot is very smooth out of the box, too. The scales have some rougher/lighter colored bits on them, though, but that seems like something I can take care of myself.

I'm not sold on the bolt lock, if I'm honest. It works just as it is supposed to, though, from what I can tell. Liner locks just feel a bit safer to me.

I'm no pro, but this still seems like a lot of knife for $69. It fits in a pocket well enough. I'm happy.

Nice knife, but the handle?

Honestly it’s a nice knife, everything but the handle. Which the handle seems like plastic. Not over enthused not worth $70

Link to other reviews:

Metal Complex

Maxlvledc

Knife Know it All

Price point:

MSRP = $69.00

Retail = $69.00

I need it now! Availability:

Vosteed

Knife Center

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Great value for the price

  • Action opens easily and smoothly

  • Blade is incredibly sharp from the factory.

  • Crossbar lock keeps the blade securely in place. 

Cons:

  • Some reviewers said the plastic handle felt a little cheap.  

  • Some reviewers did not like the crossbar lockup. 

Score:  8.50 Great

Favorite Link:  https://diversityshoot.com 

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