Vosteed Corgi vs Raccoon: Two Budget Icons
Vosteed has quickly become one of the most talked-about brands in the budget EDC space. Their two most popular models — the Corgi and the Raccoon — both come in at an unbeatable $59 starting price, yet offer wildly different designs and lock mechanisms.
This comparison breaks down everything you need to know to choose between them: blade geometry, lock types, handle ergonomics, carry profile, and of course, the fun factor.
Vosteed's official website offers the full lineup, but we'll focus on the two models that dominate the conversation.
Side-by-Side Specs
| Spec | Vosteed Corgi | Vosteed Raccoon |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $59 | $59 |
| Blade Steel | 14C28N (HRC 60±2) | 14C28N (HRC 60±2) |
| Blade Length | 2.99 inches | 3.25 inches |
| Overall Length | 7.17 inches | 7.60 inches |
| Handle Material | Micarta | Micarta |
| Lock Type | Trek Lock | Crossbar Lock |
| Deployment | Front flipper + back flipper | Thumb studs |
| Weight | 3.32 oz (94g) | 3.06 oz (87g) |
| Blade Style | Modified drop point | Drop point |
| Grind | Flat | Flat |
| Designer | Yue | Yue |
Blade and Steel
Both the Corgi and Raccoon use 14C28N blade steel from Sandvik, heat-treated to 60±2 HRC. This steel is an excellent choice for budget EDC knives: it resists corrosion well, offers good toughness, and sharpens easily with basic equipment. The flat grind on both models ensures they slice through tape, cardboard, and rope with minimal resistance.
For a deep dive into how 14C28N compares to other EDC steels, check out our EDC knife steel comparison guide.
The key difference is blade length: the Raccoon's 3.25-inch blade gives it about 0.26 inches of extra reach, useful for cutting tasks that need more edge. The Corgi's 2.99-inch blade is more compact and falls comfortably under 3-inch legal carry limits in many jurisdictions.
Lock Mechanisms: Trek Lock vs Crossbar Lock
The biggest difference between these two knives is their locking system.
Vosteed Corgi — Trek Lock
The Corgi uses Vosteed's patented Trek Lock, a mechanism that allows the blade to rotate 180 degrees and fold completely into the handle. It's deployed via two symmetrically placed flippers — one on the front of the handle and one on the back. This makes the Corgi incredibly fidget-friendly: you can open it with either a front flipper pull or a back flipper push.
The Trek Lock engages with a satisfying click and disengages via a recessed textured button on the handle spine. The symmetrical design also means the Corgi looks the same from both sides — a neat aesthetic touch.
Vosteed Raccoon — Crossbar Lock
The Raccoon uses a traditional crossbar lock (similar to Benchmade's AXIS lock or Kizer's Clutch Lock). The crossbar travels in a slot on both sides of the handle, allowing fully ambidextrous operation. Deployment is via dual thumb studs with a well-tuned detent that gives smooth, reliable action.
Crossbar locks are popular because they're intuitive, strong, and easy to operate with either hand. The Raccoon's implementation is well-executed, with a caged ceramic ball bearing pivot that makes the action silky smooth.
Wikipedia's pocket knife locking mechanisms page provides a good overview of how these systems compare.
Handle and Ergonomics
The Corgi and Raccoon take different approaches to handle design.
Corgi: The handle uses a mirror-like symmetrical design. With 4.18 inches of handle length and 3.32 ounces of weight, it feels solid in hand. The rounded, sleek profile makes it comfortable for extended use. The Corgi excels as an office and dinner knife thanks to its compact size and approachable looks.
Raccoon: With a 4.36-inch handle and weighing only 3.06 ounces, the Raccoon is actually lighter than the smaller Corgi despite being longer overall. The Micarta handle is well-chamfered and comfortable in multiple grip positions, including a choke-up grip using the choil. The reversible pocket clip has a raised height to accommodate thicker pants fabric.
For larger hands, the Raccoon is the clear winner. Its longer handle and blade provide a more substantial grip. For smaller hands, office carry, or anyone who values compactness, the Corgi's shorter package is more pocket-friendly.
Which Should You Buy?
Buy the Vosteed Corgi if you want:
- A more compact carry (under 3-inch blade)
- The unique Trek Lock mechanism with dual deployment
- Exceptional fidget factor
- An office-friendly profile that works at a dinner table
- Symmetrical design that looks great from any angle
Buy the Vosteed Raccoon if you want:
- A longer blade (3.25 inches) for more cutting capacity
- A traditional crossbar lock with proven reliability
- Ambidextrous operation
- A lighter overall weight despite larger size
- Better ergonomics for larger hands
At $59 each, both knives deliver incredible value. If you can swing it, owning both gives you the best of Vosteed's design philosophy in two very different packages. For more on Vosteed's full lineup, check out our Vosteed knife buying guide and all Vosteed models compared.
The Bottom Line
The Vosteed Corgi and Raccoon represent two distinct approaches to the $59 budget EDC knife. The Corgi is innovative, compact, and fidget-friendly — perfect for collectors and office workers who value uniqueness. The Raccoon is a more traditional, proven design with a longer blade and ambidextrous crossbar lock — ideal for general EDC and larger hands.
Both are excellent knives backed by Vosteed's solid reputation. You really can't go wrong with either at this price point. For more budget-friendly EDC options, browse our best EDC knives under $100 roundup.
Knife Steel Nerds' deep dive on 14C28N is an excellent technical resource if you want to learn more about the steel used in both models.