Vosteed Thunderbird V Review: Anniversary Style, Vanchor Action

The Thunderbird V marks Vosteed’s fourth anniversary. This is the full-size Thunderbird with the Vanchor lock. It’s the big one, rather than the mini or the middle-sized version. I think a lot of people are going to want this combination.

The anniversary packaging is pretty impressive. Instead of the familiar orange case, this one has a black hard case with a gold-colored label. Inside are a fourth-anniversary coin and a certificate of authenticity with a see-through Thunderbird design.

My example is serial number 63, and the certificate carries Yue Dong’s signature. That’s a very cool collector’s touch. I’ve enjoyed meeting Yue at shows, and meeting the people behind these knives is one of my favorite parts of the knife community.

Overall length is 8.21 inches, with a 4.72-inch handle and a 3.46-inch M390 blade. I love this signature tanto shape. The Thunderbird doesn’t need a new blade shape, in my opinion. This one suits it perfectly.

Blade stock is 0.138 inch. The compound grind gives you a deep hollow grind along the main edge and a flat grind toward the tip. This version has antique-brasswash titanium scales, right-hand-only tip-up carry and a listed weight of 4.53 ounces.

The Vanchor lock is super smooth and super fidgety. It’s right up there, just behind the top liner lock, among my favorite locks in the industry. I have a lot of confidence in it, and the way it operates is a huge part of the appeal here.

The price for this particular version was $249 at the time of my review. That is premium money, and I completely understand if it’s a little too rich for your blood. The anniversary range included other titanium and carbon-fiber versions, with some more expensive finishes.

The launch had a shipping complication: the main U.S. shipment was held up in customs, so authorized retailers received an earlier opportunity to sell it than Vosteed’s own website. That was the situation at launch, rather than a promise about availability now. Check the exact A0325 listing for current stock.

Size-wise, the Thunderbird V is very much in line with the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 and the slightly larger aluminum Thornton LC. The Thornton is my design with Vosteed, and I particularly love that aluminum version with the top liner lock.

The Thunderbird manages to look aggressive and edgy while still being elegant. I love the lines, the way the handle and blade fit together, and the overall ergonomics. To me, this design works for general EDC and even dressier occasions.

That compound grind is such a good combination. There’s a little more material around the tip for heavier work, with the hollow-ground main edge for slicing. I expect M390 to give this knife very good edge retention and corrosion resistance. I think it will make a great worker.

The fuller looks fantastic. For me, it’s about the appearance, while the blade cutout adds another level of fidget enjoyment. The blade is just so good-looking, and I really enjoy how those details work with its lines.

The choil and jimping give me what is pretty much my ultimate grip on a knife. I like to be right up behind the blade. That’s a position I also enjoy on the Paramilitary 2 and Thornton LC. I feel more in control there than I do holding farther back on the handle.

With that forward grip, I feel like I can manage the little turns and twists with a secure purchase. It’s one of the things I look for in knives I want to carry regularly.

This antique brasswash is a thing of absolute beauty. Paired with the heavy stonewashed blade, it makes this my favorite Thunderbird V variant. There are carbon-fiber options, other titanium versions and crystallized titanium, but this is the one that really does it for me.

The milling reminds me of little Doppler radar patterns all over the handle. It looks amazing and adds texture and a little extra grip. The lanyard point is tucked away neatly rather than being big and obtrusive.

The titanium clip has chamfered sides. I can feel the clip in my hand, but I don’t feel sharp edges or corners. That makes a difference to how comfortable the knife feels in use.

Then there’s the action. The back flipper is very, very crisp, and the lock still gives you a really good detent feel. Front flipping is phenomenal, and the middle-finger flick is on point as well. If you want a fidget beast, the Thunderbird checks the boxes for me.

If you’re looking for a premium Thunderbird, I think this is probably the best version yet. I haven’t found a bad Thunderbird, but this combination of finish, milling, grip and Vanchor action really stands out to me.

I understand that $249 is a lot of money. I’d love to see Vosteed revive the Thunderbird in more affordable versions too. The design deserves to reach people who aren’t shopping at this premium price.

I also want to be clear about my connection to Vosteed: I’ve collaborated with the company on the Thornton and developed friendships with the team. I’m happy to see them reach this anniversary. As for this Thunderbird V, it’s a banger.