VNLA Damascus Folding Pocket Knife - Surprising Quality from a Relative Unknown

 I had decided to jump in and invest a bit more in an EDC, and set a budget for an Amazon purchase for $60.  Okay, that's still pretty low when serious investors easily pay $100 and up.  However, there are some established brands like CIVIVI and Kershaw and others where I could have secured a decent knife for my price range.  But, I'll admit, they all end up looking the same.  If I am going to collect knives I wanted variety. I wanted knives that looked unique.  And this one, as the pictures below will demonstrate, fits that need.  If you want Amazon's detailed description, including specs like steel type (Japanese VG10 Damascus steel), here is the link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CTG4CGTG?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title.

I wrote a review for Amazon that I will include after my initial remarks.  And as I indicated in that review, VNLA is an almost unknown brand out there, save Amazon.  One reviewer places VNLA in the 'budget knife' category, but this knife, even though it is under $100, does not feel like a typical 'budget knife'.  This review by MAXLVLEDC admits it is a company he has also never hear of, but he rates the knife he reviews highly.  It is one of the few video reviews out there:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Emx-EUaNUG0. He describes VNLA as "a brand that is up-and-coming and clearly trying to establish itself".  I guess I'll keep alert for future products.  

BTW, if you are into Western style, this knife has a true 'western flare'!

Here is my Amazon review: 

Admittedly I had not heard about VNLA as a knife brand before this and even after a detailed search online there isn't much to read, save a review or two elsewhere.  So, it felt like a bit of a risk....That said, I am very pleased now that I have received the knife.  The knife flips open very smoothly and the liner lock is easy to use, all one-handed.  It's a beautiful knife with weighted substance.  The sheath is of quality leather with a two-way belt loop (horizontal or vertical use).  I appreciate the leather lanyard as it might make retrieving the knife from the sheath a bit easier, especially since the sheath is new and stiff.  The handle is very decorative, as is the Damascus blade, lending this knife more to a 'gentleman's knife' than a 'beater' you take out into the woods, although I think the knife could easily handle the latter.  It is very sharp out of the box. If you are looking for a light EDC to carry, this would not be your knife, as it is heavier than the usual EDCs with aluminum, G10 and other types of handle materials.  But this knife is not designed that way and I wasn't looking for it to be super-light.  I have another knife for that purpose. Overall, I am very pleased with the product and am eager to start carrying it in my EDC 'rotation'.  If this is an example of VNLA's initial products, I think they will be a worthy competitor to the other more well-known names.  I hope to see more in the future.