Vosteed Ankylo Folding Pocketknife Review
Over the last few weeks, I have had the opportunity to test out the Vosteed Ankylo pocketknife. This is not my first Vosteed knife, and they have proven to be solid performers with stellar value, so I had high expectations when the Ankylo arrived.
Given Vosteed’s reputation for delivering quality and value, I was eager to see how this new model would stand up to its predecessors and the competition.
First Impressions
Right out of the box, it was clear that the Ankylo is special and poised to be a great hard-use folder. Vosteed knives always come nicely packaged, and the Ankylo is no exception. It arrives in a decorative tin and zippered nylon pouch with some stickers – a nice touch for those who appreciate good packaging.
While the packaging may not be a dealbreaker for everyone, it certainly adds to the initial experience and speaks to the brand’s attention to detail and customer satisfaction.
Locking Mechanism: The Vanchor Lock
The real highlight of the Ankylo is the locking mechanism. The Ankylo features a proprietary Vosteed lock design called the Vanchor Lock, a combination push-button and cross-bar locking mechanism.
This design gives the knife an insanely stout feel when open and a fidget-friendly closing push button. Once you get the hang of it, you can flick it open by depressing the button and giving it a good wrist flick.
The knife also has a front flipper tab and a small rear flipper tab, both providing snappy ways to open the knife.
The Vanchor Lock stands out for its innovative inside pivot placement, guaranteeing safety during use as the blade locks securely in place.
This ensures that the knife remains stable and reliable, whether performing delicate tasks or heavy-duty cutting. Even after extensive testing, including cutting, prying, and twisting, the blade lock-up remained as tight as it was out of the box.
This lock inspires confidence that cannot be overstated—it’s a crucial feature that enhances the overall user experience.
Ergonomics and Comfort
Shifting our focus to the ergonomics and comfort of the Ankylo, it’s clear that usability was a major consideration in its design. The grip comfort and handling are exceptional. The deep jimping on the spine offers a secure thumb grip, and the well-placed choil allows for precise handling.
The handle, a tad over 4.5 inches, provides plenty of room for a full grip, even with large hands. Crafted from 6061 aluminum alloy, the handle offers durability and a comfortable grip, contributing to the knife’s weight balance and ensuring a comfortable hold that doesn’t tire your hand.
The knife’s handle design is particularly noteworthy. The aluminum scales are well-rounded, providing a smooth, comfortable grip even during high-pressure cutting situations.
The material’s durability means the knife can withstand rigorous use, while the ergonomic design ensures it remains comfortable to hold for extended periods. This thoughtful design makes the Ankylo a pleasure to use, whether for everyday tasks or more demanding applications.
Design Details and Build Quality
The Ankylo showcases Vosteed’s attention to detail. One subtle feature is the rear flipper tab, which rotates to the underside of the knife when open, offering mild jimping on the bottom just before the choil – a nice touch that enhances grip during use.
This kind of innovation is what sets Vosteed apart from other knife manufacturers. It’s clear that a lot of thought went into every aspect of the knife’s design, from the placement of the flipper tabs to the overall aesthetic.
The knife is definitely high-end, but not with an ultra-high-end price tag. At the time of this review, the Ankylo is priced at $129 on the Vosteed website. Considering the development, materials, and construction, this represents fantastic value.
It’s rare to find a knife that combines premium features and build quality at such a competitive price point.
Cutting Performance
So, how does the Ankylo perform in actual use? In short, it didn’t disappoint. The stonewashed 154CM blade was sharp out of the box, and if you know 154CM, it holds an edge well. The broad reverse tanto blade makes it a good slicer with a thicker tip for piercing. An oval thumb hole in the blade allows for easy deployment.
The reverse tanto, or modified Wharncliffe blade style, is versatile and suitable for tasks from opening boxes to preparing food. The 3.18-inch blade size contributes to its robust feel and impressive functionality. This blade design is not just about aesthetics; it’s highly functional, providing excellent cutting power and precision.
Performance Tests
In my normal battery of cutting tests – including cardboard, rope, plastic ties, paper, paracord, plastic packaging, pieces of carpet, and wood – the Ankylo performed flawlessly. It excels at breaking down boxes thanks to its blade shape and broad blade belly.
This knife’s design and functionalities reflect Vosteed’s commitment to quality, with a combination of blade material and design ensuring sharpness and edge retention expected from a top-tier knife.
Each material tested highlighted different strengths of the Ankylo. Cardboard and rope cutting demonstrated the blade’s sharpness and edge retention, while plastic ties and packaging showcased its precision and control.
The knife’s performance with wood and carpet pieces highlighted its versatility and robustness, confirming that the Ankylo is more than capable of handling a wide range of tasks.
Final Thoughts
The Ankylo is a solid EDC knife on the larger side. It’s not something you’d wear with swim trunks, but if you need a robust and capable tool, this is a great option. Its larger scales, blade length, and overall build put it on par with models like the Spyderco Shaman or Benchmade Griptillian.
The knife’s durability and performance are notable, with a heft that suggests robust construction.
The comfortable grip, enhanced by aluminum scales and purposeful jimping, makes it easy to carry out tasks ranging from box opening to food prep.
The Vanchor Lock is a standout feature, providing incredible strength and a secure lock. This, combined with smooth deployment options, results in a satisfying user experience. For the price, the Ankylo offers outstanding value and performance.
Overall, the Vosteed Ankylo is a keeper in my books. Its combination of innovative design, high-quality materials, and practical functionality make it a standout in the crowded market of folding pocketknives.
Whether you’re a seasoned knife enthusiast or someone looking for a reliable everyday carry, the Ankylo is worth considering.
Blair Witkowski is an avid watch nut, loves pocket knives and flashlights, and when he is not trying to be a good dad to his nine kids, you will find him running or posting pics on Instagram. Besides writing articles for Tech Writer EDC he is also the founder of Lowcountry Style & Living. In addition to writing, he is focused on improving his client’s websites for his other passion, Search Engine Optimization. His wife Jennifer and he live in coastal South Carolina.