Vosteed’s Boldest EDC Knife Design Yet Has a Surprising Historical Heritage

This folder is a modern reinterpretation of a stylish, traditional Andalusian blade that dates back to the late 1600s.

Published June 5, 2025

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When Vosteed put a message out about the brand’s latest EDC knife release, it read, “We shouldn’t have made this blade … but we did.”

I, for one, thoroughly disagree. As is so often the case with the brand’s new releases, I was immediately captured by the Vosteed Naga. Not only is this one of the brand’s boldest designs to date, but it also has a significant connection to knifemaking history and heritage.

Vosteed Naga EDC Knife in front of topographical map — The Naga’s eye-catching design is inspired by the Spanish Navaja, a folding knife that dates back to the 17th century.

Spanish-ish

While Vosteed isn’t a Spanish knifemaker, the design of the Naga is directly tied to the country’s history. In fact, it’s based on a traditional folder called the Navaja.

Dating back to the late 1600s, the Navaja is believed to have been derived from the straight razor (navaja de afeitar in Spanish). Traditionally, this heirloom knife is a friction folder, meaning it has no locking mechanism or even a pressure spring (as in a slipjoint), instead relying on the user’s grip to keep the knife secure when deployed.

The Vosteed Naga bears many of the stylistic hallmarks of the Navaja, including its curved handle shape and blade (almost like a more curvy Bowie blade).

It’s the most significant Spanish folding knife design, historically speaking, in the same way that the Japanese have the Higonokami and the French have the Douk-Douk.

The Vosteed Naga bears many of the stylistic hallmarks of the Navaja, including its curved handle shape and blade (almost like a more curvy Bowie blade). However, its materials and mechanisms are thoroughly modern.

Vosteed Naga EDC Knife button lock close up — The Naga’s button-actuated liner lock makes for highly convenient operation, as well as high strength and security.

Modern marvel

One of the best things about the Vosteed Naga is that it boasts classical styling in a highly contemporary package. You can have all the looks and conveniences with virtually none of the frustrations.

For instance, the 4.57-inch handle is equipped with a button-actuated liner lock. It’s an extremely secure and safe mechanism that is super easy to operate. All you do is depress the button, and the blade comes free. But when it’s locked in place, it’s not going anywhere.

Vosteed Naga EDC Knife handle butts — You can see all four of the Naga’s Micarta handle options here.

That’s good, too, because the 3.47-inch S35VN clip-point blade is one you’ll want to use often. It has a long cutting belly, a great piercing point, and dual thumb studs for quick and easy, ambidextrous deployment.

Lastly, the Naga has a quartet of Micarta handle options, including two very fun patterned versions. Again, this material is highly modern, boasting stability, lightness and plenty of durability. But it also looks timeless.