Kizer Vagnino Velox 2 Titanium Frame Lock Knife

Designed by American Bladesmith Society member Mike Vagnino, the Velox 2 is made from premium materials—like S35VN steel and 6AL4V titanium—and sports a streamlined frame absent of frills. The titanium handle is shapely, with ergonomic grooves that rest in the palm comfortably. The drop-point blade measures 3.4 inches, so it can tackle both precise tasks and those that require a little more oomph. Made from CPM-S35VN steel, one of the best commercial steels available, it rides on a custom pivot, flipping open with the flipper. Also notable is the flipper’s subtle shape, which doesn’t stick out like many others. A blue anodized pocket clip makes for easy carry, and it ties in with the blue accents in the handle.

Developed by Crucible Industries (one of the leading manufacturers of specialty steels for the cutlery industry) and Chris Reeve (arguably the most famous knifemaker in the world), S35VN is perhaps the most balanced blade steel ever created in terms of all-around performance. It’s made through a process of powdered metallurgy known as CPM, which results in near perfect consistency in the distribution of carbides. Compared to conventional melting practices, the CPM process produces a steel characterized by superior dimensional stability, grindability, and toughness.