Outdoor Edge Razor VX5: Tactical Precision Meets Everyday Utility

By: Samantha Pomeroy

The Outdoor Edge Razor VX5 3″ FLDR 1K Carbon Black G10 Tanto is a high-performance folding knife engineered for precision, durability, and ease of use. This review covers its unboxing experience, design, materials, ergonomics, and extensive performance tests to determine its real-world effectiveness.

Unboxing the Outdoor Edge Razor VX5

Opening the Outdoor Edge Razor VX5 3″ Folder immediately sets the tone for a high-performance tactical knife. Encased in a sturdy box, the package includes not only the knife itself but also extra replaceable blades, offering a range of profiles to adapt to different cutting needs. The Tanto blade is pre-installed, with additional options like the Drop-Point, 50% Serrated Drop-Point, and Black-Oxide Japanese 420J2 Stainless blades neatly arranged inside. The premium presentation adds a touch of professionalism, hinting at the quality craftsmanship within.

*A premium knife presented with an equally premium unboxing experience.*

*First look at the Razor VX5—sleek, tactical, and ready for action.*

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that stands out is the combination of carbon fiber and G10 scales on the handle, providing an optimal balance between toughness and lightweight ergonomics. The blacked-out aesthetic adds to the aggressive, tactical appeal. The corrosion-proof ceramic ball bearing pivot technology ensures butter-smooth blade deployment, making the knife ideal for quick, one-finger operation.

*The combination of Carbon Fiber and G10 Scales ensures durability without compromising on weight.*

Ergonomics and Handling

With a well-contoured grip, the Outdoor Edge Razor VX5 sits comfortably in hand. The G10 scales add excellent texture, preventing slippage even in wet or gloved conditions. The one-finger blade deployment is a highlight, offering effortless action with minimal effort, making it highly practical for both everyday carry (EDC) and tactical applications.

Performance Testing: How Does It Cut?

1. Hair Shave Test

To gauge its initial sharpness, we attempted to shave off arm hair with a single stroke. The factory edge on all blade profiles performed exceptionally well, cleanly removing hair with little pressure. The Tanto and Drop-Point blades showed particularly impressive results in this test.

*Razor-sharp precision—effortlessly shaving arm hair on the first pass.*

2. Denim Cut Test

Next, we tested the knife against a piece of rugged denim. The 50% Serrated Drop-Point blade excelled in this task, allowing smooth, continuous cuts with minimal snagging. The sharp edge bit into the fabric effortlessly, showcasing the knife’s reliability in everyday cutting situations.

*Slices through thick denim fabric like butter—effortless and precise.*

3. Hardened Plastic Cutting Test

Hardened plastic is notorious for dulling blades quickly, but the Black-Oxide Japanese 420J2 Stainless blade handled it with ease. The Tanto blade was particularly effective at puncturing and slicing through thick plastic sheets, proving its worth in industrial or outdoor use.

*The Tanto blade takes on tough plastics with aggressive cutting power.*

4. Wood Shaving Test

We took the knife outdoors to test its wood-shaving capabilities. The Drop-Point blade performed admirably, creating fine wood shavings for fire-starting. The ergonomic grip and razor-sharp edge made control easy, reinforcing its role as a dependable survival tool.

*Carving with precision—ideal for bushcraft and survival applications.*

5. Cardboard Cut Test

Cardboard can be deceptively tough on knife edges, but the Razor VX5 breezed through thick stacks without hesitation. Even after extended use, the blade remained remarkably sharp, a testament to the quality of its 420J2 Stainless steel composition.

*Retains its edge impressively, making quick work of multiple layers of cardboard.*

6. Nylon/Rope Cut Test

For those in need of a reliable work knife, the 50% Serrated Drop-Point blade is a game-changer. It cut through thick nylon rope in a single pull, requiring less force than a standard straight edge. The grip remained secure, ensuring safety and control throughout the test.

*The serrated edge dominates tough nylon rope with minimal effort.*

7. Paper Cut Test

A simple yet effective way to test sharpness, the paper cut test showed that every blade variant performed with precision. The knife glided through sheets of paper, leaving behind clean, crisp cuts without tearing.

*Slices through paper effortlessly—proving its fine edge sharpness.*

8. Can Test

Lastly, we put the Tanto blade through a rigorous durability test by attempting to puncture and cut an aluminum can. The blade maintained its integrity with minimal signs of wear, demonstrating excellent resilience under extreme conditions.

*A true test of durability—puncturing and slicing through aluminum with ease.*

Pros and Cons

Pros:
• Multiple interchangeable blade profiles for different cutting needs.
• G10 scales offer excellent grip and durability.
• Corrosion-proof ceramic ball bearings ensure smooth deployment.
• One-finger blade opening for quick and easy access.
• Razor-sharp factory edges that excel in various cutting tests.
• Lightweight yet robust construction makes it ideal for EDC.

Cons:
• Blade replacements require manual swapping, which may take some practice.
• Serrated edges may require specialized sharpening tools.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

The Outdoor Edge Razor VX5 3″ Folder is an outstanding EDC and tactical knife that excels in both performance and versatility. The inclusion of multiple interchangeable blade profiles makes it a multi-purpose powerhouse, suitable for both everyday tasks and rugged outdoor applications. The G10 scales, carbon fiber build, and ceramic ball bearing pivot system elevate it above standard folding knives, offering a smooth, reliable experience.

Where to Buy

For more details and purchasing options, visit the official Outdoor Edge website: https://www.outdooredge.com/.