Imagine an EDC knife so thin it disappears in your pocket (or even your wallet), yet feels as solid and capable as a full-sized tool. That’s the engineering marvel behind Vosteed’s Parallel series. With a thickness of just 0.28 inches and a weight barely brushing 2.36 ounces, this knife shatters expectations of what an EDC blade can be, while titanium handles, crackle textures, and new blade geometries add futuristic flair to a minimal, stealthy form.
Vosteed dropped three new Parallel configurations this year, and they’re worth paying attention to. Two variants run S35VN steel with what they’re calling “Crackle” finishes (Arctic Crackle in silver-gold, Iridescent Crackle in full rainbow), and a third introduces the line’s first tanto blade in 154CM with a Destroyer Grey titanium treatment. GearPatrol has been all over these releases, and for good reason: the Parallel keeps selling out faster than Vosteed can restock them. When a knife this slim packs a crossbar lock and actual usability, people notice.
Designer: Vosteed In-house Design
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The Parallel measures 7.04 inches open with a 2.9-inch blade, putting it right in that sweet spot for daily tasks without feeling like you’re lugging around a combat folder. The handle sits at 4.13 inches, and here’s where things get interesting: that 0.28-inch profile (7.1mm if you prefer metric) makes this thinner than a pack of gum. For context, The James Brand’s Ellis Slim, which made waves for its own minimalist build, clocks in at 8mm. Vosteed went thinner and somehow kept a full-strength locking mechanism. That’s the kind of engineering that makes you stop and wonder how they pulled it off. Titanium handles keep the weight down without sacrificing durability, and the ambidextrous crossbar lock means lefties and righties get equal treatment. Dual thumb studs, reversible wire clip, triangle lanyard hole: all the functional bits are present and accounted for.
The blade geometry choices tell you a lot about how Vosteed sees this knife being used. The reverse tanto on the S35VN models balances slicing performance with tip strength, giving you a point that can handle detail work without being as fragile as a drop point or as aggressive as a full tanto. It’s the kind of blade shape that works equally well opening Amazon boxes, cutting paracord, prepping food at a campsite, or handling light prying tasks you probably shouldn’t be doing with a folder anyway. The full tanto on the 154CM variant leans harder into piercing and controlled cuts, with that reinforced tip and angular geometry that excels at puncturing tough materials. Both shapes sit at 2.9 inches, which means you’re working with enough blade length to be useful without crossing into territory that makes HR nervous if someone spots it clipped to your pocket at the office. The satin and brushed finishes on the S35VN models keep maintenance straightforward, while the stonewashed and coated options hide wear better if you’re rougher on your gear.
The Parallel targets a specific type of user: someone who wants a legitimate tool but refuses to tolerate pocket bulk. If you’re the kind of person who evaluates every item in your carry by weight and volume, who resents unnecessary thickness in wallets, flashlights, and knives, this design makes sense. It appeals to minimalists who still need cutting capability, urban carriers who value discretion over tactical presence, and gear nerds who appreciate engineering solutions to design constraints. The slim profile means you can stack this with other EDC items without creating an uncomfortable lump, and at 2.36 ounces it won’t drag your pocket down or require constant readjustment. That said, if you have large hands or prefer a fuller grip, the 4.13-inch handle might feel less substantial than chunkier folders. The titanium scales provide durability without the heft of G10 or micarta, but they also lack the texture and warmth those materials offer. Vosteed built this for people who prioritize portability and precision over hand-filling comfort, and that trade-off is deliberate, calculated, and completely transparent in the design language.
We start with fawning over the Arctic Crackle – a visual direction we haven’t really seen in EDC before. You’ll see Damascus patterns, anodized finishes, maybe even some heat-treated rainbow ones, or glow-in-the-dark variants… but this crackle finish is truly eye-catching and unique. Vosteed achieved this through precision laser engraving alone, no anodizing trickery or color-shifting coatings. The silver titanium base gets etched with golden crackle patterns that catch light differently depending on angle, giving the handle a constantly shifting presence. According to their own product notes, they ran “numerous trials adjusting beam intensity and engraving sequences” to nail the look. That level of obsessive iteration shows in the final product. The effect mimics fractured ice or dried earth, organic yet meticulously controlled. It’s the kind of texture that photographs well but feels even better in hand, adding grip without aggressive jimping or rubberized inserts.
The Iridescent Crackle goes harder on the visual drama. Rainbow anodizing meets black crackle laser work, creating something that looks like it belongs in a cyberpunk prop collection. This one uses controlled voltage anodizing combined with laser engraving to lock in the color spectrum permanently. It’s loud, unapologetically flashy, and probably polarizing depending on your aesthetic tolerance. If you carry gear as a form of self-expression, this variant leans all the way into that philosophy. If you prefer your tools to blend into the background, the Arctic or Destroyer Grey options offer more restraint.
Speaking of the Destroyer Grey: this is the tactical-minded variant with a tanto blade. The 154CM steel gets a grey titanium coating for added surface hardness and wear resistance, plus that low-glare finish that’s become standard in hard-use knives. The tanto geometry brings a reinforced tip and angular lines suited to piercing and controlled cutting tasks. Vosteed positions this as the “tactical clarity” option, and the grey-on-grey colorway backs that up. It’s utilitarian in the best sense, form following function without excess decoration. The coating does double duty as protection and aesthetics, which is the kind of practical design choice that doesn’t need marketing fluff to justify itself.
All three variants use that same slim titanium frame and crossbar lock, which raises an obvious question: how does a lock mechanism this robust fit into such a thin package? Crossbar locks typically require more internal real estate than frame locks or liner locks. Vosteed clearly did the math on material tolerances and load distribution to make this work. The lock bar runs horizontally behind the blade tang when open, and titanium’s strength-to-weight ratio allows for thinner stock without compromising structural integrity. It’s a clever bit of problem-solving that lets the Parallel stay competitive with slimmer designs that use weaker locking systems.
Pricing sits at $129 for the 154CM tanto and $169 for the S35VN variants. That puts the Parallel in a competitive bracket with other premium EDC folders, though arguably on the lower end given the materials and engineering involved. S35VN is a proven performer with excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance, while 154CM offers solid durability at a slightly lower price point. Both steels handle daily cutting tasks without fuss, and both sharpen reasonably well when the time comes. You’re not dealing with exotic super steels here, which honestly works in the knife’s favor. Practical, proven, reliable.
The Parallel delivers on the promise of minimal carry without the usual compromises. Thin knives often sacrifice lock strength, blade length, or handle ergonomics to hit their size targets. Vosteed kept all three intact while adding legitimate style options that go beyond basic black or stonewashed finishes. Whether that matters depends on how you view your EDC gear, but the engineering speaks for itself regardless of finish preference. A 7.1mm folder with a crossbar lock and titanium construction is worth attention, and the fact that it keeps selling out within hours of dropping suggests the market agrees.
Click Here to Buy Now: $122.55 $129 (5% off, use coupon code “YANKO”). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours! Amazon Here.
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