What makes M390 blade steel different from standard stainless?

M390 is a powder-metallurgy stainless steel that holds an edge significantly longer than most common knife steels while still resisting rust and corrosion. It contains higher levels of chromium, vanadium, and molybdenum, which form hard carbides that maintain sharpness through extended cutting tasks. The tradeoff is that it takes more effort to sharpen when the edge does eventually dull, but the intervals between sharpenings are much longer.

How does the Vanchor Lock® work?

The Vanchor Lock® uses a button-activated mechanism that secures the blade when open and releases it with a press. Once locked, the blade stays in place under working pressure. You can deploy the blade using any of four methods—front flipper, rear flipper, thumb hole, or by holding the lock button and flicking the knife—so you can choose the technique that suits your grip and situation.

Will my handle look exactly like the product photos?

No. Mars Valley FatCarbon is made from layered material with red, orange, amber, and black tones, and the exact distribution of these colors varies from piece to piece. Every handle shows the same color palette, but the pattern placement and layer visibility will be unique to your numbered knife.

Can I carry this knife legally?

Knife laws vary by location. The blade is 3.46 inches long and the knife is designed for one-handed opening, which may be restricted in some jurisdictions. Check your local and state regulations before purchasing, and be aware that carry laws may differ from ownership laws.

Is this suitable as a first folding knife?

This is a premium limited-edition release with advanced materials and a specialized locking mechanism. If you're new to folding knives, a more affordable production model will let you learn what you actually use and carry before investing in a numbered collectible. This edition suits someone who already knows they want M390 steel, multiple deployment options, and a distinctive handle material.

Thunderbird V- Vanchor Lock® (3.46" M390 Blade & FatCarbon Handle) - A0320

The 3-second version

3.46-inch M390 blade with compound grind and DLC coating
Mars Valley FatCarbon handle with red, orange, and amber layers
Four deployment methods: front flipper, rear flipper, thumb hole, flick
Limited to 350 numbered pieces
Handle pattern varies by piece
Check local knife laws before purchase

Why it's on GiftsFeed

Limited-edition folding knife with M390 blade and FatCarbon handle

Most production folders settle for G10 handles and standard steels because exotic materials drive up cost and complexity. This anniversary edition uses M390 blade steel and layered FatCarbon—materials typically reserved for custom or boutique runs—and pairs them with a locking mechanism that allows four different ways to open the knife. That flexibility matters when you carry something every day, because your dominant hand isn't always free and your usual grip isn't always possible. The numbered run and signed certificate make this a collector piece, but the compound grind and corrosion-resistant blade steel are built for actual use rather than display.

Good gift when

Collectors who want a numbered limited release with presentation packaging
People who carry a folding knife daily and value deployment options
Anyone looking for a modern folder with premium blade steel and materials
Users who appreciate functional design details and want something distinctive

Skip it if Only 350 exist, so availability is limited. The FatCarbon handle pattern varies between pieces, which may not suit buyers who prefer uniform appearance. Four-inch closed length may be restricted in some jurisdictions.

Specs

Blade Length: 3.46 inches
Blade Steel: M390
Blade Finish: Obsidian DLC
Handle Material: Mars Valley FatCarbon
Lock Type: Vanchor Lock®
Deployment: Front flipper, rear flipper, thumb hole, flick
Clip Material: Titanium
Backspacer Material: Titanium
Edition Size: 350 numbered pieces
Included: Signed certificate, commemorative coin, presentation box

What's included

Thunderbird V folding knife
Numbered certificate signed by designer
4th anniversary commemorative coin
Presentation box

If you're giving it

No sizing to guess
Arrives ready to give

Each knife is numbered and arrives in a presentation box with signed certificate and coin.

The details

This special-edition folding knife arrives with a 3.46-inch M390 steel blade finished in black DLC and a handle built from layered FatCarbon in warm reds, oranges, and amber. Each piece is individually numbered as part of a 350-unit run marking Vosteed's fourth anniversary.

The blade uses a compound grind that reinforces the tip while keeping the belly thin enough for controlled slicing. M390 is a powder-metallurgy stainless steel known for holding an edge through extended use and resisting corrosion in wet conditions. The dark coating protects the surface and balances visually against the handle's brighter tones.

Mars Valley FatCarbon combines resin-impregnated carbon fiber with color layers that shift from red through orange to black. The exact distribution of these hues varies from one handle to the next, so no two knives look identical. The material is dense, rigid, and textured enough to grip securely without becoming abrasive.

The Vanchor Lock® secures the blade when open and releases with a button press. You can deploy the blade using the front flipper, rear flipper, thumb hole, or by holding the lock button and flicking the knife open. All four methods work with either hand, so you can adapt to different carry positions and situations.

A milled titanium pocket clip holds the knife tip-up in your pocket. The extended titanium backspacer doubles as a lanyard attachment point and carries Morse code for the letter V. Each knife includes a numbered certificate signed by the designer, a commemorative coin, and anniversary engraving on the internal liner.

The knife measures under four inches closed and weighs enough to feel substantial without pulling on lightweight pants. It ships in a presentation box with the certificate and coin tucked inside.

Vosteed

Thunderbird V- Vanchor Lock® (3.46" M390 Blade & FatCarbon Handle) - A0320

Numbered anniversary release with four deployment methods and Vanchor Lock® mechanism

$269at vosteed.com

Quantity

Buy from Vosteed

Ships and sold by Vosteed. About this merchant

The 3-second version

3.46-inch M390 blade with compound grind and DLC coating
Mars Valley FatCarbon handle with red, orange, and amber layers
Four deployment methods: front flipper, rear flipper, thumb hole, flick
Limited to 350 numbered pieces
Handle pattern varies by piece
Check local knife laws before purchase

Cheaper alternatives

Questions

What makes M390 blade steel different from standard stainless?: M390 is a powder-metallurgy stainless steel that holds an edge significantly longer than most common knife steels while still resisting rust and corrosion. It contains higher levels of chromium, vanadium, and molybdenum, which form hard carbides that maintain sharpness through extended cutting tasks. The tradeoff is that it takes more effort to sharpen when the edge does eventually dull, but the intervals between sharpenings are much longer.
How does the Vanchor Lock® work?: The Vanchor Lock® uses a button-activated mechanism that secures the blade when open and releases it with a press. Once locked, the blade stays in place under working pressure. You can deploy the blade using any of four methods—front flipper, rear flipper, thumb hole, or by holding the lock button and flicking the knife—so you can choose the technique that suits your grip and situation.
Will my handle look exactly like the product photos?: No. Mars Valley FatCarbon is made from layered material with red, orange, amber, and black tones, and the exact distribution of these colors varies from piece to piece. Every handle shows the same color palette, but the pattern placement and layer visibility will be unique to your numbered knife.
Can I carry this knife legally?: Knife laws vary by location. The blade is 3.46 inches long and the knife is designed for one-handed opening, which may be restricted in some jurisdictions. Check your local and state regulations before purchasing, and be aware that carry laws may differ from ownership laws.
Is this suitable as a first folding knife?: This is a premium limited-edition release with advanced materials and a specialized locking mechanism. If you're new to folding knives, a more affordable production model will let you learn what you actually use and carry before investing in a numbered collectible. This edition suits someone who already knows they want M390 steel, multiple deployment options, and a distinctive handle material.