Review Viper Knives Swayback Jack (A CK Exclusive)

Thanks - I'm also a big micarta fan and typically add a bit of oil to darken them up. Is it nice and grippy like it looks? The lionSteel micarta tends to be smooth and not really grippy.
 
Ultiman said:
Thanks - I'm also a big micarta fan and typically add a bit of oil to darken them up. Is it nice and grippy like it looks? The lionSteel micarta tends to be smooth and not really grippy.
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Here it is after some mineral oil.
dSFeDlD.jpg


It's hard for me to say about being grippy as that's kind of a subjective thing. Its fairly smooth but I don't find it to be slick. Even though the weave looks more open in the Viper's Micarta it doesn't feel rough. I have several canvas Micarta GECs and also a Buck 112 Slim Pro and to me they all feel similar.
 
Bump - This thread deserves to be on page 1. Great review by Dylan. Although I've been selling off my collection, I just may have to give one of these Viper knives a try. Also, the RR. Anyone got the model number for the RR?
 
Anyone happen to know the size of the lanyard hole? I recently purchased both 550 and 275 paracord as I've found a few of my knives have smaller lanyard holes.
 
AnW said:
Here it is after some mineral oil.
dSFeDlD.jpg


It's hard for me to say about being grippy as that's kind of a subjective thing. Its fairly smooth but I don't find it to be slick. Even though the weave looks more open in the Viper's Micarta it doesn't feel rough. I have several canvas Micarta GECs and also a Buck 112 Slim Pro and to me they all feel similar.
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How is the micarta wearing in? Does the texture stay grippy, is it smoothing out, or what? How is the color change going? I’m curious to see how the micarta on these Italian modern traditionals age.
 
JTB_5 said:
How is the micarta wearing in? Does the texture stay grippy, is it smoothing out, or what? How is the color change going? I’m curious to see how the micarta on these Italian modern traditionals age.
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It's stayed about the same, but I'm only carrying it one or two days a week. After some mineral oil the micarta has remained a nice dark olive color and still feels pretty grippy. I'm still really happy with it and I like the fact I don't have to worry so much about having it in my pocket when I'm fishing, kayaking, washing the cars, etc.
 
AnW said:
It's stayed about the same, but I'm only carrying it one or two days a week. After some mineral oil the micarta has remained a nice dark olive color and still feels pretty grippy. I'm still really happy with it and I like the fact I don't have to worry so much about having it in my pocket when I'm fishing, kayaking, washing the cars, etc.
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Thanks for the update.
 
Ultiman said:
Anyone happen to know the size of the lanyard hole? I recently purchased both 550 and 275 paracord as I've found a few of my knives have smaller lanyard holes.
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According to my old eyes the hole is just under 3/16 on the stag version, I'd assume it's the same on the micarta
 
I'm a bit late to the party, and just read the OP. That wasn't just a review write up, but a magnetic hook, line, and sinker sales closer. Heck, I don't just want one now....but am ready to donate all my possessions and hit the road as a full disciple. :eek::D
 
bflying said:
I'm a bit late to the party, and just read the OP. That wasn't just a review write up, but a magnetic hook, line, and sinker sales closer. Heck, I don't just want one now....but am ready to donate all my possessions and hit the road as a full disciple. :eek::D
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Welcome to the party. You will like it.
 
bflying said:
I'm a bit late to the party, and just read the OP. That wasn't just a review write up, but a magnetic hook, line, and sinker sales closer. Heck, I don't just want one now....but am ready to donate all my possessions and hit the road as a full disciple. :eek::D
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It really is a nice knife.
I'd say fit and finish is above average, but if you want to not pick it's not flawless. You can catch your nail on some transitions but it doesn't bother me. The action is great, the size is perfect and I enjoy carrying it.
Here's what money looks like. I'm also considering the sow belly.
Snm7klx.jpg
 
Scott J. said:
It really is a nice knife.
I'd say fit and finish is above average, but if you want to not pick it's not flawless. You can catch your nail on some transitions but it doesn't bother me. The action is great, the size is perfect and I enjoy carrying it.
Here's what money looks like. I'm also considering the sow belly.
Snm7klx.jpg
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Forgive me, Scott but the bolded text gave me a chuckle. I don't think you meant to type "money" but yep, that's what money looks like alright.:) I'm thinking of turning some money into one of those myself.:thumbsup: Fantastic looking knife!

The only thing giving me pause is that I know that Mike most likely has other patterns in the works for these awesome modern traditionals. I just know that as soon as I buy one of these he will introduce something that I like better.

I probably should get one of these Swaybacks while I still have the chance.
 
Railsplitter said:
Forgive me, Scott but the bolded text gave me a chuckle. I don't think you meant to type "money" but yep, that's what money looks like alright.:) I'm thinking of turning some money into one of those myself.:thumbsup: Fantastic looking knife!

The only thing giving me pause is that I know that Mike most likely has other patterns in the works for these awesome modern traditionals. I just know that as soon as I buy one of these he will introduce something that I like better.

I probably should get one of these Swaybacks while I still have the chance.
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Lol, Freudian slip I guess.
I wouldn't worry about something better coming along, go for it. There's always going to be new and different but that doesn't always mean better.
 
Scott J. said:
Good timing, it looks like you got the last one.
I got an e-mail from CK asking for a review, so I went to the product page and the Viper Swayback is now "out of stock"
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I actually opted for the Grey Oak variant but the Stag variants do appear to be sold out. Looking forward to receiving it.
 
You guys were not kidding. These things are exceptional. I asked for "Contrasted" Grey Oak and I'm extremely pleased with the coloring and grain structure on the wood. Everything about the knife is wonderful. I could not be more pleased.
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