When the new Corgi V 295 dropped, I had to get one and put it through its paces. And no, I don’t carry just one knife at a time. With so much to test and talk about, I usually have a few in my pockets. That way, if someone at work wants to borrow one, I’m not left empty-handed.
So, does this revamped Corgi improve on the original or miss the mark? Let’s dive in.
Familiar Frame, New Feel
Vosteed kept the handle size the same as the original, and I’m glad they did. It was the right size then and still is. While the mini version came with aluminum handles that gave it a sleek, high-end feel, this full-size model uses G10. And I’m good with that. Sure, I miss the Micarta and those copper accents around the pivot and button from the original, but this version stands on its own. The G10 here isn’t your typical grippy, textured stuff either—it’s smooth and has a soft, almost velvety feel to it.
Profile-wise, it keeps the same lines as the original, but loses some of the symmetry that really made the first Corgi pop. That bugs me a little. I know I can be a bit old-school when it comes to change—I love innovation, but sometimes I drag my feet if something I liked gets tweaked too much. Still, the handle is simple and comfortable. Sometimes I think designers try too hard, but here the basic shape works. The Corgi isn’t meant to be a tank of a knife, but it’s more than capable of holding its own with everyday tasks. And if it gets thrown into a tougher job? It’s not backing down.
That Vanchor Lock Though…
This lock system might look like your standard button lock, but it’s something completely different. Most button locks on the market now are really just compression locks triggered by a button—basically, a reverse liner lock. The Vanchor Lock is built around an oversized spring through the pivot and has a magnetic element that keeps everything locked up tight unless you’re deliberately disengaging it. It’s tough to explain without seeing a teardown, but it’s genuinely impressive. All that complexity vanishes once the knife’s in your hand—it just feels smooth and intuitive. I love that the lock doesn’t interrupt the knife’s design. It’s not shouting for attention; it just works.
Clip Changes and Carry Feel
They changed the clip too. The original Corgi had a steel spring clip, and I was a huge fan of that. This one swaps it out for a wire clip, and while I was hesitant at first, I’ve grown to like it. Vosteed seems to be putting these on all the newer models lately. I’m not sure if this is a permanent change or just something they’re experimenting with. Either way, this one performs well. Retention is solid, it slides in and out of the pocket without issue, and it hasn’t caught or snagged on anything yet—even when I’ve bumped into stuff at work. If this clip holds up over time, it might end up being my new favorite.
Deployment and Blade Talk
Now for deployment. The rear flipper from the original is gone, just like on the mini version. In its place is the wheeler mechanism—basically a roller that works like the striker wheel on a lighter. It’s deeply jimped and provides great control. I’m not the fastest front flipper out there, so I tend to slow roll it, but the wheeler is a blast and works really well. Add in the smooth caged ceramic bearings and you’ve got a snappy, satisfying action.
The blade is a 2.95" drop point made from N690. It came fairly sharp out of the box and handled the usual EDC tasks without issue. That said, I’m not thrilled about the steel downgrade. The original used 14C28N, which is an underrated, budget super steel with great properties for the price. N690 isn’t bad by any means—it’s a bit like 440C with some added cobalt and molybdenum for extra edge retention and toughness—but it does feel like a step back. During testing, I had to touch up the edge a little sooner than I did with my original Corgi, but not enough to make it a deal breaker. It’s still a solid performer.
Final Thoughts
The Corgi V 295 is a fresh take on a design that already had a lot going for it. Vosteed managed to make meaningful changes without completely rewriting what made the original great. It’s snappy, fun, and reliable. The new lock is a big upgrade, and the wheeler mechanism adds a nice touch of novelty without feeling gimmicky. If you’re looking for a compact EDC that’s different from the crowd but still highly usable, the Corgi V 295 might just be the loyal companion you’ve been waiting for.
