We’ve featured Vosteed a lot before, and a big reason is the value and enjoyment of ownership you get with their blades. Many are affordable, come with unique designs not usually explored, and often both. And recently, they’ve shown they can flex in big ways when given the right chance and design(er).

Which brings me to the Raccoon. In many ways, it’s the distillation of super-popular knives that came before and the current state of rock-solid budget knives. You get a clean 3.25” drop point blade in 14C28N that folds into your choice of Micarta or G-10, and secures with either the fan-favorite button lock or, with its recent iterations, an ambidextrous crossbar one, which is a particularly nice sidegrade as a lefty myself. It’s available in a number of delightful colors that would make it an easy match for any EDC.

There are also some subtle but welcome details you don’t usually see at this price point, like a caged ceramic ball bearing pivot for a more fidgety deployment and little flourishes like a fancier pivot screw and flush ones for the reversible clip.

Last but most importantly, the Raccoon comes in at just 60 bucks. While that’s still a respectable price, especially for people starting out in EDC, in my opinion, it’s a fantastic value for everything you get, which adds up to a great everyday knife in both design and functionality. And since Vosteed has already shown its ability to really dial up the fit and finish on its knives, the Raccoon becomes a compelling platform for future exclusives and upgrades, like the upcoming ones from White Mountain Knives.

Happy National Knife Day, and on behalf of everyone on the EDC team, I hope you take the day to enjoy the knives you already have and continue the pursuit of the ones you still dream about. Carry on!

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We’re spoiled for choice when it comes to pocket knives. With all the great options available in the market, it sometimes becomes challenging to differentiate what makes one knife better than another, even when you’re looking within a brand’s own lineup. The CIVIVI Qubit’s distinction is made rather clear, however. The objective that CIVIVI is targeting here is value for money.

The CIVIVI Qubit isn’t going to wow anyone with its materials. The handle is made from aluminum, and its 2.98” drop-point blade from Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel. Both are respectable choices but far from being unique in the knife world. Aluminum is often used because it’s lightweight yet durable, and 14C28N is regarded as the best budget knife steel on the market, offering outstanding corrosion resistance, edge retention, and effortless cutting. What sets the CIVIVI Qubit apart from other knives is its affordable price tag which sits below $100 and can be found for as low as $70. But unlike other affordable knives, CIVIVI doesn’t scrimp on build quality. It even comes with a pretty cool mechanism.

The Qubit features a two-way opening mechanism with a button lock and a thumb stud opener, providing two effortless and efficient ways to open it. The button lock is on the handle and releases the blade or locks it in place with a press. The thumb stud sits on the usual spot on the blade and can be pushed or flicked to flip the blade open. Both methods are smooth and fast, thanks to the ceramic bearings that CIVIVI uses for its knives. They provide silky smooth opening and closing, as well as durability and stability. It’s so fun to use that the Qubit can even double as a fidget toy. The knife has a satisfying click sound and feel when it opens and closes, making it addicting to play with.

The CIVIVI Qubit is also equipped with a bottle opener integrated into the blade’s spine and can be accessed when the knife is closed or open. It is designed to be ergonomic and efficient so you can enjoy your favorite beverage without any hassle. And speaking of ergonomics, a reversible deep-carry pocket clip gives the knife ambidextrous carry options for both left- and right-handed users.

One of the best things I love about the CIVIVI Qubit is that since it’s so affordable, I don’t shy away from demanding tasks like I usually would with a more expensive knife. Get it dirty, and it’s easy to clean. It’s an actual tool: honest, durable, and effective, and using it as such is a refreshing change of pace.

What we like: The Qubit is both functional and fun at a near-unbeatable price, and continues CIVIVI’s commitment to blades that cut way above their weight.

What to watch out for: The aluminum handle has no etching or inlay, which would have given it better grip, but it does come in a number of colorways and even a Damascus-style blade.

Final verdict: Versatile, reliable, and not afraid to do the dirty work, the CIVIVI Qubit is an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a no-frills pocket knife that’s also a ton of fun to use.

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The post The Drop: CIVIVI Qubit Knife appeared first on Everyday Carry.

The stainless steel handles are home to a frame lock that keeps the blade in place after you’ve deployed it via its flipper tab or thumb stud. Last but not least, blue accents on the thumb stud, pocket clip, and pivot collar give it that pop of color that lets it stand out from its budget knife peers. The P801 is an original design from a brand under Fenix’s banner with solid features at an even better price, and you can pick it up in two colorways at the link below.

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Header: Andrei

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