- Joined
- Dec 1, 2010
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- 2,003
So rather than start a new thread, I hope this post will be remotely useful. Here's my take on a review. I am not a good reviewer. Even when reviewing knives I love, I always sound negative to myself, and rereadinf what I wrote below, it's no different. But initial reaction to the knife is SOLID!
Let me start of by saying that the packaging is comically bad. It's just a white, thin, cardboard box and a plastic sleeve. It doesn't bother me; it's just going in the closet anyway, but after the cool tubes from GEC, or even the nice boxes from Boker, the packaging is just nothing interesting. But if the difference between good and bad packaging is price, all in all, I'd go lower price! Just was a bit funny to me.
Behold (my obviously talent for photography...)
There are two factors at work here: The knife build and the knife design/pattern.
First on the build I love the modern materials. I've grown to almost completely carry slip joints and traditionals. I largely work an office job, so a large folder isn't useful. That, and I just like traditionals. But I like the benefits of modern materials, too, which is why some of the hybrids recently have caught my eye. CF (neat, but not my favorite most of the time). I like it here so-so. Pattern is fine. I would have strongly preferred a shiny finish, which I think would match all the polished, rounded liners and blade spine. This is much more matte and grippy. Nothing wrong, but my preference would have been for some nice smoothness. My strong preference. Maybe I'll try buffing it ... yeah right, I don't have a buffing wheel
I really like the... what do you call it... the lock? The detent system is unique and pleasing. It feels weird compared to a slip joint without the tension pulling open or closed at the ends. The action is a tiny bit gritty. I imagine the pivot needs to be tight lacking a backspring to hold the blade in place, and perhaps mine has little lube. It's not bad by any means, but not glossy in movement. But the new lock style is both a novelty and really cool. I am actually super super jazzed about it.
Edge is decent but not thaaaaat sharp. Again, for me, like the box, is not an issue. The edge is fine. A wicked sharp factory edge is always a bonus but not common in my experience.
The tall blade and full flat grind makes for a reeeeeally thin blade that I expect will cut like a streak knife.
Speaking of the CF, the edges are not perfect. Some visible imperfections - not bad, and likely not even something that should have been flagged by QC. I just caught my eye on some places, but I can't even feel it. I don't know if I'd even say they are voids - rather the more matte finish and minimal polish left edges not super finished. But I am back to have preferred a polished and smooth CF.
I do have a concern that if the pivot moves, I cannot tighten it as seen by the unorthodox pivot. This may never ben an issue.
Second on the design: I am not super keen on the pattern here. I had an 85 and turned it quickly, though I kind of wish I kept it as the covers were so beautiful. But I liked it in photos better than in pocket. This is a similar shape and not the most comfortable. It's not uncomfortable AT ALL, but I've been carrying the Benchmade Proper lately and (btw that might be my current number 1 knife as a user - stellar! Never thought I'd say that about a BM made slip joint!). This design is about the same length, though the pattern allows for a little less blade length.
It is also a lot thicker. Liners + blade stock are approximately the same but the covers are much thicker at total thickness of 13-14mm for the Viper and 10mm for the proper, with the thinner thickness being my preference. Of the three knives shown, I like the viper the least, but that's all me. I find a sheepsfoot like the proper or CRK's insingo shape to be, IMO, the best for EDC, though I like drop/clip points for looks. The viper is neither - but that's just my preference and - well how can you argue that? I'd love to see a clip version (wink wink nudge nudge!).
What I LOVE is how the.... words fail me... the edge of the knife that vanishes in the handle. This has been a peeve of mine on GEC knives, though they are my favorite knife company if my history of knife ownership is any indicator. GEC leaves the edge sharp. I have a boker that I won on this very forum (still stoked on it!!!!!!) and Boker rounds that edge, which is nice. Viper apparently rounds it then hides it. Best combo ever!
All in all, very stoked. I am heavily resisting grabbing a bocote or burl. Really pleased with this knife.
Let me start of by saying that the packaging is comically bad. It's just a white, thin, cardboard box and a plastic sleeve. It doesn't bother me; it's just going in the closet anyway, but after the cool tubes from GEC, or even the nice boxes from Boker, the packaging is just nothing interesting. But if the difference between good and bad packaging is price, all in all, I'd go lower price! Just was a bit funny to me.
Behold (my obviously talent for photography...)
There are two factors at work here: The knife build and the knife design/pattern.
First on the build I love the modern materials. I've grown to almost completely carry slip joints and traditionals. I largely work an office job, so a large folder isn't useful. That, and I just like traditionals. But I like the benefits of modern materials, too, which is why some of the hybrids recently have caught my eye. CF (neat, but not my favorite most of the time). I like it here so-so. Pattern is fine. I would have strongly preferred a shiny finish, which I think would match all the polished, rounded liners and blade spine. This is much more matte and grippy. Nothing wrong, but my preference would have been for some nice smoothness. My strong preference. Maybe I'll try buffing it ... yeah right, I don't have a buffing wheel
I really like the... what do you call it... the lock? The detent system is unique and pleasing. It feels weird compared to a slip joint without the tension pulling open or closed at the ends. The action is a tiny bit gritty. I imagine the pivot needs to be tight lacking a backspring to hold the blade in place, and perhaps mine has little lube. It's not bad by any means, but not glossy in movement. But the new lock style is both a novelty and really cool. I am actually super super jazzed about it.
Edge is decent but not thaaaaat sharp. Again, for me, like the box, is not an issue. The edge is fine. A wicked sharp factory edge is always a bonus but not common in my experience.
The tall blade and full flat grind makes for a reeeeeally thin blade that I expect will cut like a streak knife.
Speaking of the CF, the edges are not perfect. Some visible imperfections - not bad, and likely not even something that should have been flagged by QC. I just caught my eye on some places, but I can't even feel it. I don't know if I'd even say they are voids - rather the more matte finish and minimal polish left edges not super finished. But I am back to have preferred a polished and smooth CF.
I do have a concern that if the pivot moves, I cannot tighten it as seen by the unorthodox pivot. This may never ben an issue.
Second on the design: I am not super keen on the pattern here. I had an 85 and turned it quickly, though I kind of wish I kept it as the covers were so beautiful. But I liked it in photos better than in pocket. This is a similar shape and not the most comfortable. It's not uncomfortable AT ALL, but I've been carrying the Benchmade Proper lately and (btw that might be my current number 1 knife as a user - stellar! Never thought I'd say that about a BM made slip joint!). This design is about the same length, though the pattern allows for a little less blade length.
It is also a lot thicker. Liners + blade stock are approximately the same but the covers are much thicker at total thickness of 13-14mm for the Viper and 10mm for the proper, with the thinner thickness being my preference. Of the three knives shown, I like the viper the least, but that's all me. I find a sheepsfoot like the proper or CRK's insingo shape to be, IMO, the best for EDC, though I like drop/clip points for looks. The viper is neither - but that's just my preference and - well how can you argue that? I'd love to see a clip version (wink wink nudge nudge!).
What I LOVE is how the.... words fail me... the edge of the knife that vanishes in the handle. This has been a peeve of mine on GEC knives, though they are my favorite knife company if my history of knife ownership is any indicator. GEC leaves the edge sharp. I have a boker that I won on this very forum (still stoked on it!!!!!!) and Boker rounds that edge, which is nice. Viper apparently rounds it then hides it. Best combo ever!
All in all, very stoked. I am heavily resisting grabbing a bocote or burl. Really pleased with this knife.
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