Vosteed has been on a roll with the Vanchor lock. The mechanism — a 2-in-1 pivot-and-button system — first showed up on models like the Thunderbeast and the Zander, and now it anchors the brand's newest folding knife, the Vosteed Ankylo. It's Vosteed's first knife designed around the Vanchor lock, and it packages the system in a 3.18-inch reverse tanto with a 6061 aerospace aluminum handle at a price that undercuts the titanium Vanchor flagships: $129 for the 154CM version and $169 for the Elmax version.
We tracked down the full spec sheet, compared the two steel options, and placed the Ankylo against the rest of the Vanchor family. Here's the review.
Vosteed Ankylo at a glance
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Blade length | 3.18" / 80.9 mm |
| Overall length | 7.75" / 196.9 mm |
| Blade style | Reverse tanto, flat grind |
| Blade steel | Böhler Elmax (HRC 60±2) or 154CM |
| Blade finish | Black stonewash or stonewash |
| Handle | 6061 aerospace aluminum, double CNC chamfered |
| Handle length | 4.57" / 116 mm |
| Weight | 4.76 oz / 135 g |
| Opener | Front flipper, back flipper, thumb hole |
| Lock | Vanchor lock |
| Pivot | Caged ceramic ball bearings |
| Clip | Stainless, tip-up (reversible on select versions) |
| Designer | Yue |
| Price | $129 (154CM) / $169 (Elmax) |
The Vanchor lock, explained briefly
If you haven't met the Vanchor lock yet, it's Vosteed's answer to the question "why does closing a knife have to be fiddly?" The mechanism combines the pivot and the release button into one integrated system. A magnetic connector and a robust lock plate work together to keep the blade locked when open and to release it cleanly when you press the button. Because the pivot and button are one unit, the lock stays recessed no matter what — no protruding parts, no snagging in pockets, and a clean profile from every angle.
We've covered the Vanchor lock in depth, including which models use it. The short version: it's a strong, simple lock that's fun to actuate, and in the strongest lock comparison it holds its own against frame, liner, button, and crossbar designs.
On the Ankylo specifically, the Vanchor lock is the headline feature — this is the first Vosteed folder designed around it from the ground up. Deployment and closure feel like one smooth motion: open with any of the three openers, close with a press of the pivot button, and the blade drops in.
Blade: Elmax vs 154CM
The Ankylo is offered in two steels, both in the same 3.18-inch reverse tanto shape with a flat grind and HRC 60±2 hardness.
Böhler Elmax ($169). Elmax is a powder-metallurgy steel that's become a benchmark for premium folding knives. It balances high wear resistance and edge retention with good corrosion resistance and enough toughness for everyday cutting. If you've read our M390 vs S90V vs Elmax vs CPM-20CV comparison, you know Elmax sits comfortably in the premium tier — a steel that asks very little of you and gives a long-lasting edge. The Elmax Ankylo versions come in black stonewash or plain stonewash finishes across black, blue, and orange handle colorways.
154CM ($129). 154CM is the classic mid-premium stainless, beloved for its balanced composition: solid edge retention, easy sharpening, and low maintenance. It's a steel that doesn't punish you — if you'd rather spend $40 less and sharpen at home, the 154CM Ankylo is the sensible pick. Our 154CM vs S35VN breakdown explains where 154CM sits in the pecking order.
The reverse tanto shape deserves a mention of its own. The strong, angular tip is built for piercing and precise cuts, while the long straight section of the edge is a capable slicer. Combined with a flat grind, the Ankylo cuts well above its price point on everything from packages to rope.
Handle and ergonomics
Vosteed built the Ankylo handle from 6061 aerospace-grade aluminum — the same alloy used across Vosteed's mid-range lineup — and put real work into the shape. The company says it ran extensive tests to find a comfortable contour, then double CNC chamfered every corner so the handle feels smooth in hand without sharp edges.
At 4.76 ounces, the Ankylo has reassuring heft for a 3.18-inch blade, and the 4.57-inch handle gives you a full grip even with gloved hands. The aluminum scales are lighter and more affordable than the titanium used on the Thunderbeast and Xeno, which is exactly the point: you get the Vanchor experience and premium steel without paying titanium money.
Clip options vary by version. Most Elmax colorways ship with a non-reversible stainless clip in tip-up carry, while the 154CM versions and at least one Elmax colorway include a reversible clip for left-handed users, plus a filler tab that covers the clip-less side and keeps out dust and debris.
Three ways to open it
The Ankylo offers triple deployment: a front flipper, a back flipper, and a thumb hole. That's rare even in the premium tier, and it means the knife adapts to whatever opening style you prefer — or whatever your grip happens to be at the moment.
- Front flipper: an index-finger flick that opens the blade forward out of the handle; it's the most fidget-friendly and one of the most satisfying actions once you learn it. Our front flipper vs top flipper guide covers the differences.
- Back flipper: a more conventional flipper tab at the rear of the handle, great for thumb deployment.
- Thumb hole: the classic thumb-roll opening, perfect for slow, controlled deployment and for people who don't like flippers at all.
All three ride on caged ceramic ball bearings, so the action is smooth and consistent. If you're the kind of person who judges a knife by its flipper action, the Ankylo won't disappoint.
Carry and pocket feel
With a 7.75-inch overall length and a tip-up clip, the Ankylo carries like a full-size folder should: it sits deep in the pocket and the 4.76-ounce weight disappears in a jeans pocket. The aluminum handle runs cooler and lighter than titanium, and the chamfered edges mean the handle won't wear through pocket liners as aggressively as squared-off scales can.
If you're coming from a budget folder, the Ankylo is a clear step up in feel — the bearings, the lock, and the triple opener all signal a knife that was engineered rather than assembled. If you're coming from a titanium Vanchor knife like the Thunderbeast, the Ankylo trades some exotic-material prestige for a more carry-friendly weight and a much lower price.
Ankylo vs the rest of the Vanchor family
Vosteed's Vanchor lineup now spans four very different personalities:
- Thunderbeast — $249, M390, full titanium handle. The flagship: premium steel, premium material, premium price.
- Zander — S35VN, full-size Vanchor folder with a more traditional profile.
- Xeno — $299, Vanax blade, titanium handle. The compact premium option.
- Ankylo — $129–$169, Elmax or 154CM, aluminum handle. The entry point to the Vanchor platform, and the first knife designed around the lock.
For most people, the Ankylo is the smartest Vanchor buy: you get the lock mechanism, the premium steel, and the triple deployment at roughly half the price of the titanium models. The Elmax version at $169 is the sweet spot — Elmax in the hand, aluminum in the pocket, and $80 less than the Thunderbeast.
Who is the Ankylo for?
- Elmax version ($169): buyers who want a premium-steel daily driver without paying titanium money. The black, blue, and orange colorways give you room to match your taste.
- 154CM version ($129): value-focused buyers who like the design and the lock but want an easy-to-sharpen steel and a lighter hit on the wallet.
- Flipper fans: triple deployment means there's always an opener that fits your habit.
- Vanchor curious: if you've read about the Vanchor lock and want to try it without a $249 flagship, this is the model.
FAQ
Is the Vosteed Ankylo's Vanchor lock reliable? The Vanchor lock uses a magnetic connector plus a robust lock plate to hold the blade open, and the pivot-button stays recessed whether the lock is engaged or not. It's the same lock family Vosteed uses on the Thunderbeast, Zander, and Xeno, and it performed well in our lock strength comparison. No lock is indestructible, but the design is sound for everyday cutting.
Elmax vs 154CM — which Ankylo should I pick? Choose Elmax ($169) if you want maximum edge retention and wear resistance in a premium powder-metallurgy steel. Choose 154CM ($129) if you want easier sharpening, lower cost, and a steel that's proven over decades. Both are rated at HRC 60±2.
Is the Ankylo left-hand friendly? The 154CM versions and at least one Elmax colorway ship with a reversible tip-up clip for left-handed carry, and a filler tab covers the unused clip side. Some Elmax colorways are non-reversible, so check the specific version before ordering if you carry left-handed.
How does the Ankylo compare to the Thunderbeast? The Thunderbeast is the $249 flagship with an M390 blade and titanium handle. The Ankylo uses Elmax or 154CM with an aluminum handle at $129–$169, and it's the first knife Vosteed designed around the Vanchor lock. You give up titanium and M390, but you keep the lock, the bearings, and the action for significantly less money.
What steel is the Vosteed Ankylo blade? Two options: Böhler Elmax at HRC 60±2 in black stonewash or stonewash finishes, and 154CM at HRC 60±2. Both are 3.18 inches in a reverse tanto shape with a flat grind.
Bottom line
The Vosteed Ankylo is the most interesting Vanchor knife Vosteed has made, because it's the one the lock was designed for. Triple deployment, caged ceramic bearings, a 6061 aluminum handle with serious ergonomic attention, and a choice between Elmax and 154CM give it a range no single titanium flagship can match. At $129–$169 it's the best-value way into the Vanchor platform — and the Elmax version is the one we'd carry.