Upcoming VIPER Swayback

PirateSeulb said:
What happened to Blue Maple not the Grey Oak is bad just curious
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Mike mentions the reason for the change in his video but I can't remember exactly what he said. Seems like he said the wrong wood was sent but don't hold me to that.
 
Railsplitter said:
Mike mentions the reason for the change in his video but I can't remember exactly what he said. Seems like he said the wrong wood was sent but don't hold me to that.
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believe it was the wrong wood was cut at the factory, but that Mike liked the look of the oak so he went with that since it had already been prepared

was in for the blue, but ended up going for the micarta. Something about the oak wasn’t for me. Looking forward to this knife!
 
knifeswapper said:
Do you have a Case Swayback - the trio might be a good reference?

What do you think about it?
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I don't have a Case Swayback.

I like the knife. Nice snap to it. Blade grinds look good. Nice fit and finish.

I think I like the size of the GEC more, but the Viper Swayback isn't so small as to be annoying.

I'm second guessing myself on the OD Canvas Micarta. When I look at it I keep wanting to scrub it clean, it looks like it's grimy or something :P

Very satisfied with it and would recommend it to anybody that want's a swayback with a more modern steel.

 
knifeswapper said:
Rub some oil sparingly on it and it will go to that typical OD green look.
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RVdWnip.jpg


I dig it
 
I am torn on the wood it looks pretty good but just hard to judge from the pics available. I hope some people have bought it and share some pics soon.
 
Received mine yesterday.
I like it. It's a perfect size for EDC.
I also really like the lanyard hole.

Viper Sway by D P, on Flickr

The blade stock is hefty, a bit thicker than a Case or GEC.
The swedges are very nicely done. The tip is absolutely needle-like.

Viper Sback by D P, on Flickr


There's zero play in the blade and perfect centering :thumbsup:
However, the bolster and pivot are so-so. Would have prefered a shiny finish rather than dull.
I'm thinking about disassembling and coloring / dying the pivot black. Not sure. Maybe it'll grow on me.

Also thinking that this piece would make a fantastic lockback.
I have a Lionsteel Bolus I'd like to see as a lockback as well.
 
I requested one with high contrasting colors, which, simply has light spots that were void of die. It looks very unique. However the wood is loaded with chatoyance and its very well finished/polished. I posted photos of my grey oak in a facebook group.

This is the most impressive traditional/modern hybrid yet. Not just a home run, but a grand slam! I have a lot to say about this knife and intend to write up a long review detailing everything after i get a moment to take it apart, and somehow get pictures to post on here again (i suspect i let my gold membership lapse why i cannot). Heres a quick list of goodness:

  • the titanium liners are mill-relieved around the pivot with phosphor bronze washers. (see photo above by pinewood) Its the smoothest action i've ever experienced on a production non-hafted backspring slip joint.
  • The polished crowned backspring mates perfectly with the polished crowned blade spine when deployed, and it is gorgeous.
  • The sharpened blade length is only a millimeter shorter than a GEC 47, while the handle length is maybe a centimeter shorter. Hair whittlin sharp right out of the box.
  • the pivot screws are much more handsome in person than in photos. Don't let them deter you from ordering one.
More details in longer review eventually.
 
Very happy with my stag model.
Some observations:

-rounded spine is a nice touch.
- flush back spring at half stop and full open.
-love the CK/Viper logo
-killer stag. Well matched and just the right thickness
-wonderful snappy, secure action; no play
- razor sharp
- agree screws and bolsters/hardware look better in person
- centered
- lanyard hole a plus for me

One of the finest $145 knives available, IMHO

View attachment 1237038 View attachment 1237039 View attachment 1237040 View attachment 1237041 View attachment 1237042 View attachment 1237043
 
I've been put off on buying stag for most traditionals because of a few faves I had that developed that greenish-staining, vert-de-gris, or whatever its called, the bleed from the brass. Doesn't seem to hurt anything, I just don't like it. Have had some for years that never develop it, and others that have developed it very soon after acquisition. No rhyme or reason to it as far as I can tell, but maybe something to do with how porous the particular slab is. Anyway, the titanium in these moderns would seem to eliminate that as even a remote possibility, so I'm all for buying the stag ones when available. Was hoping to get a bocote one of these too, but one will do. These look great.
 
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A minor thing I don't like about this knife is the angle the blade is at when it's at the half stop. It's not a functional issue at all, just a minor mental thing with me I suppose.
I would prefer the angle be closer to 90 degrees, like the GEC.

 
Norcaldude said:
A minor thing I don't like about this knife is the angle the blade is at when it's at the half stop. It's not a functional issue at all, just a minor mental thing with me I suppose.
I would prefer the angle be closer to 90 degrees, like the GEC.

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yeah its interesting to note that the backspring is flush in this position, whereas if you hold the blade in the normal 90 degree angle position the spring is no longer flush. Flaw or fix? can be looked at either way.
 
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