The Vosteed Marten Redefines the Everyday, Do-Everything Knife

Vosteed has always been big on innovating when it comes to their knives. More than just thinking up new, funky designs, they integrate unique mechanisms into the knives, enhancing both functionality and user experience. The new Vosteed Marten is a great example. It uses a top liner lock, which is a similar version to Spyderco’s iconic Compression Lock, except it’s activated with the push of a button on the outside of the handle instead of manipulating liner to close the knife manually. They aren’t the first to do this type of lock, but the difference is in how the function is integrated into the ergonomics of the contoured aluminum handles, as well as matching the design of the micro-milled pattern.

Each side of the Marten’s handle has up to 20 micro-milled grooves within 1” angled at 48 degrees, providing a non-slip, confidence-inspiring grip for any environment. In our handling of the Marten, it feels like a perfection of their aluminum handled-models, giving sufficient purchase with the pattern without the “stickiness” and skin transfer we’ve experienced on some other models like the Hedgehog.

The 2.98” 154CM drop-point blade balances sharpness and durability, with a bit more belly towards the tip to give it extra weight on the initial cut. A generous finger choil on the blade also adds to the overall ergonomics and lock in when in a full-handed grip. We spotted a few more nice touches, including slightly oversized thumbstuds to give the Marten the signature Vosteed flickability and a low-profile deep-pocket clip for discreet carry. Weighing just 2.9 oz thanks to skeletonized liners for weight reduction, the Marten is as functional as it is refined, and at its price point, makes for an exceptional value within Vosteed’s lineup.