OKnife seems to be carving a name for itself by partnering with big names in the knife industry. Could it eventually stand alongside Kansept or Kizer in terms of design credibility? That’s a tall order, but with models like the AION—a new collaboration with renowned designer Ostap Hel—they’re certainly taking the right steps.

Hel is known for blending artistic geometry with practical knife design. His journey began in Poland, where a childhood surrounded by artists, a fascination with medieval weapons, and a stint in an armorer’s shop all shaped his creative vision. After a detour into law, where he even wrote his thesis on knives in Polish legislation, he returned to his passion full-time. His custom work and production designs alike reflect his signature blend of symmetry, smooth transitions, and functional beauty.

As someone who’s been deep into knives and EDC gear for a long time, I’ve seen plenty of trends come and go. New steels show up, lock mechanisms rise and fall in popularity, and every year it feels like a few dozen new brands try to carve out a space. Some of them fade fast. Others catch your attention and make you want to take a closer look. That’s what happened when I came across Tacray.

They weren’t a brand I knew much about, but what I did know was that they had a background in precision machining and titanium work. That alone was enough to raise an eyebrow. I’ve always been drawn to designs that feel intentional and different, and the Tiran immediately had that presence. Something about the way it looked—sharp lines, thin frame, reverse tanto profile—told me it wasn’t just another recycled design.

This was my first time handling a Tacray knife, and I didn’t know what to expect. But after spending time with the Tiran, I found myself coming back to it again and again. There’s a lot going on under the surface, so let’s break it down.

When a knife pulls from history, there’s always a risk: does it honor its roots or just ride the coattails of a classic? With the Naga, Vosteed manages to do both. It respects the past while pushing the design into modern EDC territory. Inspired by the traditional Spanish Navaja, the Naga takes those signature curves and blade lines and gives them a refined, high-performance twist.

Right out of the box, the influence is obvious. The profile screams Navaja with its elongated blade, prominent handle hook, and a sweeping belly. But everything about it feels modern and intentional. It’s kind of like if the Cold Steel Espada went to finishing school. That hook at the rear of the handle isn’t just aesthetic. It locks your hand in. And that slight palm swell? It adds an extra layer of comfort and control. You’re not going anywhere once you grip this knife.

I had the pleasure of visiting the Vosteed booth at Blade Show this year and got to see a bunch of cool new stuff and prototypes. One knife that really caught my attention was the Corgi sporting the new Vanchor Lock. That lock first showed up on the Ankylo and has since made its way into more of Vosteed’s lineup. We already checked out a mini version of the Corgi that had it, and while it was fun, fidget-friendly, and pretty incredible all around, it just wasn’t for me. It felt more like a fifth pocket knife, and I prefer something that fills the hand.