What is S35VN steel and how does it perform?

S35VN is a stainless steel made by Crucible in the United States, formulated for edge retention and corrosion resistance. It holds a sharp edge longer than most budget steels while remaining stainless enough for everyday carry in varied conditions. It sharpens with standard methods and does not require exotic abrasives.

How does the top liner lock work?

A recessed button sits flush with the handle. Press it to disengage the lock bar, then the blade folds closed. The lock bar engages automatically when you open the blade. The mechanism is calibrated for this knife's size to provide secure lockup with intuitive operation.

Can I switch the clip for left-handed carry?

Yes, the deep-carry wire clip is reversible. All hardware uses T8 Torx fasteners, so you can reposition the clip with a basic Torx driver to suit either right- or left-handed pocket carry.

Does Sand Ironwood require special care?

Ironwood is dense and stable, but as a natural material it benefits from occasional conditioning with a wood-safe oil if it begins to look dry. Avoid prolonged submersion and dry the handle promptly after wet use to preserve the wood's appearance and feel.

What does the minimized choil mean for how I hold the knife?

Reducing the choil extends the cutting edge but leaves less space for a forward finger grip. If you typically choke up on the blade with your index finger in the choil for control during heavy cutting, this design trades that grip option for additional edge length and a more compact overall footprint.

Can the titanium bolster be customized?

The titanium bolster can be anodized to introduce color, and brass components on the knife accept laser etching for personalization. These customizations require specialized equipment and are typically done by knife customizers or experienced owners.

Psyop - Top Liner Lock (2.99" S35VN Blade & Sand Ironwood Handle) - A2228

Organic

The 3-second version

2.99" S35VN blade with reduced choil for longer uninterrupted cutting edge
Sand Ironwood scales with asymmetrical titanium bolsters and chamfered edges
Top liner lock with recessed flush button and calibrated engagement
Minimal blade choil limits forward grip options
Natural wood scales require occasional conditioning
Top liner lock may feel unfamiliar if new to the mechanism

Why it's on GiftsFeed

Midsize folding knife engineered for a longer cutting edge and refined carry comfort

Most folding knives this size compromise either cutting performance or pocket comfort. Compact models often waste blade length on oversized choils that add control but reduce the edge you can actually use. Larger knives give you cutting surface but ride high in the pocket or feel bulky in hand. This design minimizes the choil to extend the working edge without increasing overall length, then balances the proportions with a handle shaped for prolonged use rather than just deployment. For someone who carries a knife daily and uses it for more than opening boxes, that extra half-inch of cutting edge and the refined ergonomics make the difference between a tool you tolerate and one you reach for first.

Good gift when

Daily carriers who need more cutting edge than compact folders typically provide
Those who prefer natural handle materials with visible grain and warm feel
Right- or left-handed users who want discreet deep-carry pocket placement
Anyone who values user-serviceable T8 hardware and customization potential

Skip it if If you prefer a pronounced choil for a more forward finger grip and added control during heavy cutting tasks, the earlier Psyop design with its larger choil will feel more secure under pressure.

Specs

Blade Length: 2.99 inches
Blade Steel: Crucible S35VN (US-made)
Blade Style: Drop point
Handle Material: Sand Ironwood scales with asymmetrical titanium bolsters
Lock Type: Top liner lock with recessed flush button
Opening Mechanism: Thumb stud
Clip: Reversible deep-carry wire clip
Hardware: T8 Torx throughout, titanium-coated handle screws
Designer: Geoff Blauvelt collaboration
Features: Jimping on handle front and blade spine, enlarged lanyard hole, full liner construction

What's included

Psyop folding knife with deep-carry wire clip installed

If you're giving it

No sizing to guess
Can be personalised

Titanium bolster accepts anodizing and brass components accept laser etching for personalization.

The details

This folding knife stakes its claim in the territory between compact and full-size, delivering a blade long enough to handle real cutting tasks without adding bulk to your pocket. The 2.99-inch drop-point blade uses Crucible S35VN steel made in the United States, a stainless alloy known for holding an edge through extended use while resisting corrosion. The geometry focuses on maximizing usable cutting surface by reducing the choil, so more of the blade participates in slicing rather than sitting idle near the handle.

The handle pairs Sand Ironwood scales with asymmetrical titanium bolsters. Ironwood brings visible grain and a warm tactile quality that contrasts with the clean geometry of the blade. The asymmetrical bolster layout adds visual interest while the chamfered edges and full liner construction create a solid feel without sharp transitions that would tire your hand during extended use. Jimping on the handle front and blade spine adds texture where your thumb and fingers naturally land during opening and cutting.

The top liner lock sits recessed and flush, operated by a button that stays out of the way until you need it. Travel and engagement have been calibrated specifically for this knife's dimensions, so the lock feels deliberate rather than vague. A thumb stud provides a familiar opening method. All hardware uses T8 Torx fasteners, including the thumb stud itself, making disassembly and maintenance straightforward. Handle screws receive a titanium coating for a refined appearance.

A reversible deep-carry wire clip positions the knife low in the pocket for discreet carry and accommodates both left- and right-handed users. The lanyard hole is sized larger than typical to accept thicker cord or make threading easier. The titanium bolster can be anodized if you want to introduce color, and brass components accept laser etching for personalization.

Vosteed

Psyop - Top Liner Lock (2.99" S35VN Blade & Sand Ironwood Handle) - A2228

Geoff Blauvelt collaboration featuring S35VN steel, Sand Ironwood scales, and top liner lock mechanism

$145at vosteed.com

Quantity

Buy from Vosteed

Ships and sold by Vosteed. About this merchant

The 3-second version

2.99" S35VN blade with reduced choil for longer uninterrupted cutting edge
Sand Ironwood scales with asymmetrical titanium bolsters and chamfered edges
Top liner lock with recessed flush button and calibrated engagement
Minimal blade choil limits forward grip options
Natural wood scales require occasional conditioning
Top liner lock may feel unfamiliar if new to the mechanism

Questions

What is S35VN steel and how does it perform?: S35VN is a stainless steel made by Crucible in the United States, formulated for edge retention and corrosion resistance. It holds a sharp edge longer than most budget steels while remaining stainless enough for everyday carry in varied conditions. It sharpens with standard methods and does not require exotic abrasives.
How does the top liner lock work?: A recessed button sits flush with the handle. Press it to disengage the lock bar, then the blade folds closed. The lock bar engages automatically when you open the blade. The mechanism is calibrated for this knife's size to provide secure lockup with intuitive operation.
Can I switch the clip for left-handed carry?: Yes, the deep-carry wire clip is reversible. All hardware uses T8 Torx fasteners, so you can reposition the clip with a basic Torx driver to suit either right- or left-handed pocket carry.
Does Sand Ironwood require special care?: Ironwood is dense and stable, but as a natural material it benefits from occasional conditioning with a wood-safe oil if it begins to look dry. Avoid prolonged submersion and dry the handle promptly after wet use to preserve the wood's appearance and feel.
What does the minimized choil mean for how I hold the knife?: Reducing the choil extends the cutting edge but leaves less space for a forward finger grip. If you typically choke up on the blade with your index finger in the choil for control during heavy cutting, this design trades that grip option for additional edge length and a more compact overall footprint.
Can the titanium bolster be customized?: The titanium bolster can be anodized to introduce color, and brass components on the knife accept laser etching for personalization. These customizations require specialized equipment and are typically done by knife customizers or experienced owners.