Viper Vox Kiyomi vs Giant Mouse GM1?

JerryIsAlive

JerryIsAlive

Joined
Jun 13, 2012
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670
I want to treat myself to a new blade. I am big fan of Vox so the Viper Kiyomi caught my eye, especially the all Ti. After doing some digging, I found the Giant Mouse GM1. I do think the GM1 is a better looking knife but having a hard time justifying the almost $200 price difference. I do like how the GM1 is limited and that it's a collab with Anso. I like how the GM1 is thinner, but like how the Viper is shorter handle. Does anyone think the GM1 handle is too long? Is the exclusivity of the GM1 worth the price? Just can't get past it being same materials.

Use would be opening packages and simple tasks at home
 
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Having owned both, I'd say the GM1 is worth th extra money. The fit and finish is definitely a notch above, the cutting performance is better due to th blade grind, and the flipping action is superior. At least in the case of the ones I've owned. The GM1 is still in my collection, but the Kyomi is long gone.

I am really looking forward to the Fortis though.
 
halden.doerge said:
I am really looking forward to the Fortis though.
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Same here on the upcoming (fairly soon) Viper Fortis. Slimmer and trimmer with M390 (satin or stonewashed) for about $200 for all titanium or CF. Less for G-10. Bearings flipper, titanium frame lock with steel insert, titanium clip & backspacer.
 
Thanks for the thread link. I've read through it previously which prompted this thread lol. I've read part of the jump in costs is due to the parts being hand cleaned/washed after machining as opposed to cleaned with water/air. I too would be in for the fortis but closer to 3" is more my wheelhouse. 3.75" is a bit big for me.

I know there are great deals on the Viper, but the GM1 is calling my name! Although the value may not necessarily be there, it sure is a sexier looking blade. Any and all opinions welcome, whether you've had experience with both or only one ;-) lol
 
I have the Kyomi, never handled a GM1. The Kyomi is a high quality knife. Not the best flipper despite a strong detent. I had to return the first one because it had a very rough opening that was not helped by lube.
 
Thanks for the feedback. I have not heard any other complaints about the Kyomi not being a great flipper. Even the new one you received doesn't flip all that great for you? Videos show flipping with ease, and there are always better examples than others, but getting 2 that aren't the best flippers kind of stinks
 
JerryIsAlive said:
Thanks for the feedback. I have not heard any other complaints about the Kyomi not being a great flipper. Even the new one you received doesn't flip all that great for you? Videos show flipping with ease, and there are always better examples than others, but getting 2 that aren't the best flippers kind of stinks
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Yeah but I'm still happy for the price I paid. When the lockbar is released the blade will drop. Absent that, there's more friction from the lockbar than on some other flippers. Additionally, the angle of the flipper tab is not helpful. It's not a bad flipper but there are better ones. The Kizer Gemini is my best flipper. Spyderco Domino is a contender as well. ZT0562 is another great one.
 
JerryIsAlive said:
Thanks for the thread link. I've read through it previously which prompted this thread lol. I've read part of the jump in costs is due to the parts being hand cleaned/washed after machining as opposed to cleaned with water/air. I too would be in for the fortis but closer to 3" is more my wheelhouse. 3.75" is a bit big for me.

I know there are great deals on the Viper, but the GM1 is calling my name! Although the value may not necessarily be there, it sure is a sexier looking blade. Any and all opinions welcome, whether you've had experience with both or only one ;-) lol
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The other thing I'd say about the GM1 is that it is really purposefully and intelligently built for edc use. The jimping placement is a good illustration of this. So utilitarian and comfortable in hand. The creative lanyard hole in the backspacer is awesome as well.
 
These are my Vox and Anso designed knives and hands down the GM1 is my favorite. The Kyomi is an awesome knife though and constantly finds its way into my pocket. I have larger hands so the ergos of the larger GM1 just work better.
Untitled by Danny Nystrom, on Flickr
 
Awesome shot! Ya, what got me on this hunt in first place is I wanted my first Vox knife. The GM1 being a collaboration with Anso is a perk, I can't lie
 
Bump for opinions as I will likely pull trigger this weekend. Holding out hope for a Giant Mouse Black Friday sale but not counting on it lol
 
I have the Kyomi and love it. Liked stated above it's not the best flipper with the flipper tab. Best flicked open with thumb hole (at least with mine). I will soon be ordering a GM. Good luck.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
tgtodd said:
How do you like the Solo? 3V?
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Love the Solo, both the larger and the smaller are awesome. I have 3V on the grey Solo, it is a great steel if it fits your needs. For EDC I prefer the N690BO on the regular Solo (not sure why I didn't put it in the pic also). For my larger knives it is one of my favorites, but I am an Anso fan so i'm biased.
 
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