Did it improve the experience? Did it actually fix the issue? Let’s get into it. But first, a fun fact: porcupines can’t throw their quills. They detach on contact, and a single porcupine can have up to 30,000 of them. All keratin, all barbed. Pretty wild. Alright—onto the knife.


Handle and Comfort

Comfy comfy comfy. Everything is right in the world of ergonomics again. The Porcupine keeps the straightforward, simple design Vosteed leans toward, and that’s usually where they shine. The index area is generous and easy to lock into, and the chamfering all around keeps the handle comfortable in any grip.

We’ve got a forward choil here too, something I’m seeing Vosteed use more often. It lets you choke up and get closer to your work, making precise cuts easier and giving you more control.

This version runs black Micarta and it’s fantastic. I’ll take Micarta over titanium any day because it feels natural and warm. It patinas, it breaks in with you, and it adds personality. The Copper Dune accents tie everything together, from the pivot collar to the lanyard tube and even the clip hardware.


Blade and Performance

Here’s where all the attention goes. The blade kept the same drop point profile, with a modest drop and a big belly. Plenty of tip for piercing and starting cuts, and the belly glides through rope, cardboard, veggies—you name it. The full flat grind keeps it slicey and predictable. Steel is 14C28N, which has basically become the new standard for budget-friendly performance since it outshines D2 in corrosion resistance and ease of sharpening.

The Copper Dune coating looks sharp with the rest of the color scheme, even if I’m not always a coating guy. It suits the build.

Now the reason this version exists: the stud. Removing the hole and adding a thumb stud changes the entire feel of deployment. It’s not just a swap. Action feels different in a good way, and it definitely fixes the issue people had with the original model. Deployment is easy, controlled, and consistent.

I do have one nitpick. I wish the stud sat a little closer to the handle. There’s just a bit more space than I’d like, and my thumb wants it dialed inward just a touch. Not a deal breaker, not even close, but worth mentioning.

The nice part is both versions will stay in the lineup, giving people the choice that works best for them.


Lock and Operation

Just like the thumb hole model, this one uses Vosteed’s Top Liner Lock. It feels like a mix between a liner lock and a compression lock, except it’s button-operated. That alone makes it feel different from most knives in its category. Lockup is solid and the knife feels rigid thanks to the steel backspacer reinforcing the spine.

Action is buttery thanks to the caged ceramic bearings. Hold the button and the blade drops shut effortlessly. It’s simple, safe, and smooth to operate.


Clip and Carry

The wire clip fits the build well. I’ve been seeing more companies move toward wire clips lately, and I’m not mad about it. They’re light, functional, and tend not to create hotspots. Retention is right where it should be—keeps the knife parked without feeling grabby. No flex issues, no weird poking, and it’s reversible for left-hand carry.

Honestly, wire clips are becoming a favorite for me. They just work.


Closing Thoughts

The Porcupine might not be as pointy as its real-life namesake, but it handles everyday tasks with ease. The redesign gives the knife a more deliberate, confident feel during deployment, and Vosteed clearly put time into refining the user experience. There’s no such thing as a perfect knife—if there were, we’d see fewer releases—but this one brings real improvements without losing what made the original successful.

For a budget-friendly folder with great ergonomics, dependable action, and thoughtful updates based on community feedback, the Porcupine Thumb Stud Version is an easy recommendation. It’s a solid daily companion that offers reliability without breaking the bank.

Specifications

Blade Length:2.99" | 75.98 mm
Overall Length:7.20" | 183.00 mm
Blade Width:1.24" | 31.53 mm
Blade Thickness:0.118" | 3.00 mm
Blade Material:14C28N
Blade Grind:Flat
Blade Style:Drop Point
Handle Length:4.16" | 105.70 mm
Handle Width:1.22" | 30.99 mm
Handle Thickness:0.472" | 12.00 mm
Handle Material:Micarta
Weight:3.48 oz | 98.70 g
Opener:Thumb Stud
Lock Type:Top Liner Lock
Carry Position:Tip-up
Designer:Yue