Zastava Arms USA doesn’t put their name on just anything. The firearms manufacturer built its reputation on rifles that perform under pressure, and their latest collaboration with Tekto Knives seems designed to carry that legacy into everyday carry territory. The F4 Echo folding knife arrives with S35VN steel, button lock mechanics, and design details that reference Zastava’s rifle heritage. At $199.99, it positions itself as a collector’s piece that still claims serious utility credentials.
Tekto has been steadily building credibility in the tactical knife space, with Yanko Design covering their OTF automatics and folding models over the past two years. Their collaborations tend to bring recognizable names from adjacent industries, and Zastava’s involvement signals an attempt to bridge firearm aesthetics with blade functionality. Three colorways launch simultaneously: Serbian Red G10, American Walnut G10, and Tactical Black G10, giving all EDC fans something to look forward to.
Designer: TEKTO
Click here to Buy Now: $170 $199.99 ($29.99 off, use coupon code “F4YANKO”). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!
That choice of S35VN steel is the first real indicator they’re serious about building a flipper as strong and reliable as the Zastava brand itself. They could have stuck with D2 and priced this at $150, but the upgrade to a Crucible powdered steel shows they’re aiming for the enthusiast crowd. S35VN isn’t just about holding an edge longer; its real-world benefit is corrosion resistance. You can carry it all day without worrying about humidity turning your blade into a rust-spotted mess. This choice elevates the F4 Echo from a simple co-branded product to a genuinely competitive tool. It’s a smart move that demonstrates Tekto is listening to the market’s demand for better materials without jumping straight to exotic steels that would double the price.
The move to a button lock is a significant step up from the liner locks found on some of their earlier folders. Button locks provide a strong, reliable lockup and make for incredibly smooth one-handed closing, which is a huge quality-of-life improvement for anyone who actually uses their knife throughout the day. Tekto also describes the flipper action as “deliberate,” which suggests they’ve tuned the detent for controlled deployment rather than a snappy, aggressive action. For a tool with tactical roots, that makes a lot of sense; you want the blade to appear exactly when you intend it to, without any ambiguity.
The G10 handle scales provide plenty of traction, and the machined patterns create a visual link to Zastava’s firearm furniture that’s undeniably clever. The colorways are a smart bit of market segmentation too. Serbian Red is clearly for the Zastava die-hards, American Walnut appeals to a more traditional outdoorsman aesthetic, and the tactical black is for everyone else. It’s a thoughtful approach that shows they understand their audience isn’t a monolith. The design feels cohesive, like a genuine partnership rather than a simple logo slap.
Tekto’s shipping the F4 Echo with their standard deep-carry pocket clip and a pouch, which is table stakes at this price point. They’re advertising 24-hour shipping, which feels fairly radical, but if you’re really keen to get a pair in your hands fast, it’s better than placing an order for Thanksgiving and receiving your EDC by Christmas. The F4 Echo has all the right ingredients to be a standout piece: a proven blade steel, a popular and functional lock, and a design story that connects with a passionate firearms community. And even though the knife carries the Zastava brand, it isn’t just for true-blue Zastava fans. Tekto is betting that the combination of premium S35VN steel, a robust button lock, and the unique Zastava branding will appeal to users who want something different. It’s a collector’s piece with the heart of a workhorse.
Click here to Buy Now: $170 $199.99 ($29.99 off, use coupon code “F4YANKO”). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!
