Howard Viele

S

Spiegl

Joined
May 6, 1999
Messages
6
Hello!

I just bought a book and saw some pictures of great looking Howard Viele custom knifes.

Since being an absolute beginner in knife collecting:

1) How to contact Mr. Viele? Is he still in buisness?

2) Where to buy a Howard Viele knife?

Thank you for every reply
Hans (Austria)
 
Hi Hans, If you order a knife direct from
Viele, be prepaired to wait for it. He told me that my "silent partner" folder would be ready in six months. It's been well over a year now and I've heard nothing from him yet.

Two great dealers that usually have some of his stuff are:
http://www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com/rcc/makers.shtml
and:
http://www.arizonacustomknives.com/#anchor535872

If you have the patience, you can call him
at: (201) 666-2906.

Viele knives do have style though, don't they.
smile.gif
 
Dear Rick!

Thank you for your helpfull reply!!!

Yes, the Viele-Folders really have style! Looking as they were worth their money.

Hans
 
Greetings Hans,

You can get in touch with Howard at:

H.J. Viele
88 Lexington Avenue
Westwood, New Jersey 07675
Phone: 201-666-2906
Fax: 201-666-8665
Email: hjviele@worldnet.att.net

Joyce
 
Hi Hans,

I have been trying to email you and it won't go through.

You asked me about shipping a particular style of knife. The answer is yes.

Please email me again and let me know which knife you are interested in.



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Les Robertson
Moderator
Robertson's Custom Cutlery
http://www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com/rcc/makers.shtml
I thought I was wrong once, but I was mistaken.
 
David: Yes, he does fixed blades. The one pictured in his catalog has a chisel-ground, BB, 4 ¾" "tanto" blade with G10 handles and a Bud Nealy concealment system. It lists for $275 and has that Viele "Look" to it. I've also seen a few with satin blades and stag handles like this:
VieleFixed.jpg
 
For those of you who are considering ordering a knife from Howard Viele, be forwarned. Do not, I repeat do not send this man any kind of deposit.

While I agree that Howard is a gifted designer and knife maker, his business practices are questionable at best. I know this from experience. I personally, will never order a Viele knife again. Only threat of legal action motivated Howard to complete the LDC project. I talked with a client today who has been waiting over 3 years for a knife that was paid for.

Your best bet is to buy the knife in the aftermarket or at a show directly from Howard.

Rick, do you own that knife now? I belive that picture was taken from my site, a while back.

My recommendation would be to check out Tom Anderson, he worked with Viele for years. Excellent knife maker.


While I agree that Howard is a gifted designer and knife maker.

------------------
Les Robertson
Moderator
Robertson's Custom Cutlery
http://www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com/rcc/makers.shtml
I thought I was wrong once, but I was mistaken.
 
Les: No, I don't have that particular knife or any other Viele as of yet. As I said, it's been well over a year since I placed a six month order with Howard and not a peep outta him yet. Hell, I had to email him 3 times and call twice before he would send me a catalog! I guess that should have tipped me off. As far as deposits are concerned, I asked him to take something several times in the futile hope (oxymoron?) that this would facilitate the appearance of my order, but he vehemently refused each time. Perhaps your prodding left a sore spot on his talented old hide. Regarding the photo, yes, I believe it did come from your site some time ago. I always save any Viele photos I come across on the net, as I just love the guy's designs. Hope you don't take umbrage at my posting it.
smile.gif


 
Hi Rick,

No umbrage taken. Im glad to hear that Viele is no longer taking deposits. This should cut down on the complaints to the Guild.

I was just curious about that knife photo. I had only seen one of those. I was just curious if there was another out there.



------------------
Les Robertson
Moderator
Robertson's Custom Cutlery
http://www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com/rcc/makers.shtml
I thought I was wrong once, but I was mistaken.
 
Les, I did see two identical Viele fixed blades at the Great Western show in CA last year. Both were satin finished with hardwood (?) handles. I asked about the price and was told they weren't for sale, just on display with several other customs. I believe they were similar to the one in the photo, but it's hard to remember exactly what they looked like.

 
Just wanted to state my experience here.

I have an A6 and it was a birthday present from my wife. It was received in a timely manner and my wife said he is very nice in the emails.

I don't know if it is a special case or not...or maybe he just got some A6 at hand at that time.

The workmanship of the knife is unbeatable... and the lock engages with almost no sound....yet passing all the test on the lock!!!!

Joe Leung (Hong Kong)
 
You guys wouldn't have a scan or pic of the BB fixed Viele that you talked about earlier?
Please send it to silence77@aol.com if do.
Thank-you
Ryan
 
Howard Viele's Silent Partner was the first handmade I was really into. I contacted him by email and got a reply over a week later. I asked for a catalog and got that months later. I just didn't feel comfortable and decided not to order DESPITE really liking the look of his work. I settled on the Spyderco collaboration. (Actually I like the Spyderco knife alot.
smile.gif
)

In retrospect and with the above posting, I made the right choice going with Pat Crawford. I like the Crawford service and I really like my KFF. Now, I just have to get my Crawford Carnivour that is now a bit behind schedule.

sing
 
Last time I looked, there was a Silent Partner available at www.knifeart.com. Larry (the owner) is a great guy to do business with.

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For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 6:23




[This message has been edited by Ryan Meyering (edited 10 July 1999).]
 
Spiegle:

How about a Spyderco Howard Viele? O know it's just a collaberation, but it is a beautiful knife; I love mine.
 
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