Another This or That

Kizer Gemini or Viper Orso

  • Total voters
    28
Lenny

Lenny

Gold Member
Joined
Oct 15, 1998
Messages
2,486
Which would you pick:
- Kizer Laconico Gemini
OR
- Viper Anso Orso

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I voted for the Viper. M390 > S35VN erryday. Plus it’s one of better looking production knives I’ve seen in quite some time. Of course it’s entirely up to you. I actually don’t even mind that the Orso is a linerlock. That locking mechanism doesn’t get much love around these parts, but if done right they work really well with the added benefit of usually having better ergonomics over framelocks.
 
Viper:thumbsup: It looks more aesthetically appealing (To me) and the Thrust bearings are an added bonus.:thumbsup::thumbsup:
 
Huuuuuuge Laconico fan. Had to go Gemini. It’s one of my favorite knives, regardless of price.
 
Looks like the Viper is taking the lead. Wish I could hold them both in my hand to see what they feel like. Anybody own either one that can provide comments as to how they feel?
Keep them votes coming.
 
Mo2 said:
The vipers have a fair bit of qc issues. Be prepared to send it back for exchange. Seems to be fairly common on that model.
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Yeah, I've read that elsewhere. For that reason, I'm leaning toward the Kizer. There is no way that handle can be uncomfortable. I also think that with price of both being very similar, the cheap labor in China has got to result in superior fit and finish. Seems like if the Gemini were built in the US, it would cost almost twice as much! Anybody know where Viper makes their knives?
 
Lenny said:
Yeah, I've read that elsewhere. For that reason, I'm leaning toward the Kizer. There is no way that handle can be uncomfortable. I also think that with price of both being very similar, the cheap labor in China has got to result in superior fit and finish. Seems like if the Gemini were built in the US, it would cost almost twice as much! Anybody know where Viper makes their knives?
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Viper knives are made in Italy.

I'm not a fan of Kizers for a variety of reasons. I would suggest don't pay full price for it, cause you'll find it on sale for way cheaper. That model is probably the most popular of the bunch.
 
Lenny said:
Mo2 Mo2 , Care to elaborate on that statement, either here or in private?
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Got a t1 from Kizer and the pivot never stays in. I have to use locktite of which it didn't come with. The lockbar is major thin. The detent is pretty poor. This is all fairly poor design imho. They also messed up the fiest pretty bad and had to release a 2nd version. I just think they don't know quite what they are doing as a knife manufacturer. The steel no complaints there, but only 58hrc is just okay. But I too think they have fairly poor qc. They are like twosun a budget company with s35vn steel instead of d2. Also the prices on Kizers new are way too high, but they drop like flies in 6 months or less... So they are priced better eventually.

I don't have a gemini, but people praise the action. But a fair amount of people also complain about qc of the brand too. But Kizer has had better support than the brands from Italy. But this is just my perspective and not that of the whole community.

I have been carrying my Kizer t1 for the past two or three weeks now after locktite'd the pivot myself. It's a great blade and ergos despite my issues with its design and mfging. So I'm not suggesting it's completely crap. I just don't think they are worth the price when first released. I did find this Kizer for something like 100 off of what they originally went for.

Edit: I'm used to buying high quality knives in the 200+ range.
 
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Well, seems to be plusses and minuses for both of these.
I'm open to suggestions for other knives in the sub $180, 3-3.5" blade category.
 
Lenny said:
Well, seems to be plusses and minuses for both of these.
I'm open to suggestions for other knives in the sub $180, 3-3.5" blade category.
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As knives I don't think you can go wrong with either of the two models you chose to decide between. Just return it for exchange right away if they have any issues. I'd pick the Kizer if I only had the choice between the two. Even though the Viper had the better blade steel. Warranty support wise it's the better choice. And let's be fair, any brand can have qc issues. Some worse than others. But I generally put Benchmade, Viper, and Kizer on the bottom of my list due to the price vs qc.

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Here's some 3" to 3.75 knives I have that have variations in your price range. Ie the 940-1 I have has a 940 in aluminum or g10 for around your price range. Etc. Note the real Steel brand can also be had for way under what they originally sell for. They are worth it if you can find them cheap on sale.
 
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