Viper Storm -- terrific Hinderer design with one caveat

[ChazzyP]

Looking inside my Storm with a flashlight, I can see some sort of discoloration at the end of the lockbar, though it does not seem to have the characteristic flamed coloration of heat treat that I've noticed on some carburized knife parts. I would say, though, that in addition to the positives I listed back at #34, that my knife has zero lockstick.

So far the only negative on this knife worth mentioning--and it's a small one indeed--is that I can live without the damn glass-breaker (comes with HMBS lanyard insert on the CF models) poking me in the butt of my palm when flipping the knife open. I like the way the lanyard attachment works on this knife, my MP1, and my Shiros. Glass-breaker, not so much.

 

[RamZar]

Looking inside my Storm with a flashlight, I can see some sort of discoloration at the end of the lockbar, though it does not seem to have the characteristic flamed coloration of heat treat that I've noticed on some carburized knife parts. I would say, though, that in addition to the positives I listed back at #34, that my knife has zero lockstick.

So far the only negative on this knife worth mentioning--and it's a small one indeed--is that I can live without the damn glass-breaker (comes with HMBS lanyard insert on the CF models) poking me in the butt of my palm when flipping the knife open. I like the way the lanyard attachment works on this knife, my MP1, and my Shiros. Glass-breaker, not so much.

It’s good to hear that your sample has no lock stick. It’d be nice if a dealer can send one like that instead of having to return it.

With the HMBS I kind of prefer removing it. That way the folder is a little shorter and lighter plus a cleaner flow-through design. I think they should’ve offered the Storm without HMBS for a lower price. If someone wanted one of the different HMBS options they can then purchase it.

 

[Lapedog]

There are so many guys that don't get the whole break-in thing, whether it be locking/unlocking issues, action, flipping, blade tension, whatever. There's a whole mentality that says, I payed x amount for this it must be perfect out of the box. Your take on lockstick is eminently reasonable and generally borne out by results. Not a lot of patience to go around.
There was a time when lockstick was considered to be a good thing.

BTW, I think you meant carburized re CRK, as they heat the end of the lock bar to harden it.

The way I see it is lockstick is a little extra security while the knife breaks into its optimal lockup position

I get that people feel like I spent money so it should be perfect. They don't realize that it is that break in period of lockstick that is setting the lock to be perfect for their knife.

I think makers just need to chabge their policy. If a knife model has lock stick they should list it as a feature. "This knife comes with automatic self adjusting customizing lock"

Then people will feel like if their knife DOESN'T have lockstick that they are getting cheated.

 

[ChazzyP]

Definitely like that, Lapedog . Crack me up, dude.

 

[ChazzyP]

I've been pulling my HMB out and re-installing just to try the knife both ways, RamZar . The last two fingers on my hand are kinda crippled and I have a hard time hanging on to shorter knives, so I'm figuring out if the extra length of that feature actually gives me a little more purchase. I also use a lanyard (fob if you will) on most of my knives, so there's that too, though I can take out the backspacer and tie something to the back post. I'm also about to try the HMB from my MP1, just to see if they're interchangeable.

Edit: I looked at the HMBs on my MP1 and compared it to that on the Storm--not even close to interchangeable. I think I'll take the backspacer out of the Storm, tie up a lanyard around the back post, and carry it that way for a couple days to try the fit. If I decide to use the backspacer and keep the knife I may try to remove the glass breaker or grind it off as it annoys the hell out of me and I don't think I'd spend the money for another insert.

 

[ChazzyP]

Finally got sick of the glass breaker and put the HMB back in the box. The likability index went way up without that damn glass breaker digging into my palm. There are definitely things Hinderer about the knife, but it somehow reminds me of a Fantoni HB3 I had as well as the Southern Gring Spider Monkey I once owned.

The Viper has remained centered, has gotten even smoother, and flips great now that it's broken in. I wasn't sure it was a keeper before, but I think I'll hang onto this one for a while.

 

[flash900]

Chazzy, you give me some hope that there might be another Viper Storm in my future.

I have thought about waiting for another run of Storms; but, since Viper has been silent, we have no indication that they even get that a change is needed.

BTW: the Fantoni HB02 is another wonderful piece of work that could use a few improvements in the execution. I own two, plus the larger HB03 that you referenced.