What do I get? Madison Barlow or Viper

Which slipjoint should I get next?

  • Great Eastern Cutlery Viper

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • North Woods Madison Barlow

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Total voters
    0
silenthunterstudios

silenthunterstudios

Slipjoint Addict
Joined
Feb 2, 2005
Messages
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I don't know when I'll get it, should be by my birthday in a couple months, could be tomorrow based on what I find at a local show or knife shop tomorrow. My next new knife purchase has been whittled down to the Great Eastern Viper, or the North Woods Madison Barlow. I've been very good about purchases, and these are the two that I just have to have. I am not hurting for knives either, and while these are a little on the big size for EDCs, I still want them. I will eventually get both, but can't get both at the same time. I've got quite a few barlows, but I don't have any like the Madison. I've got a few wharncliffes, but I sold my Case swaybacks, and don't have any swayback jacks like the Viper. Haven't settled on the handle materials for either. Take this opportunity to post pics of your Vipers and Madisons. I'd like to see some patinas too ;).
 
I haven't got a Madison Barlow, but the Viper I scored recently is quickly becoming one of my favorites.

162d7601-0814-49f5-82b3-e140e3814dfa.jpg
 
I have a Viper, so I voted Viper, but seriously that knife is a great knife: perfect size (and I have small hands - I'm a girl), beautiful, and cheaper than the Madison Barlow (which was, alas, important to me). Oh and most importantly (well, almost ^^), it has a lanyard hole! I just love to make lanyards for my knives...
Here is mine, in bocote:

 
Madison Barlow, for no other reason than I don't much care for wharncliffs. Either way, though, you come out a winner!
 
Mescladis said:
I have a Viper, so I voted Viper, but seriously that knife is a great knife: perfect size (and I have small hands - I'm a girl), beautiful, and cheaper than the Madison Barlow (which was, alas, important to me). Oh and most importantly (well, almost ^^), it has a lanyard hole! I just love to make lanyards for my knives...
Here is mine, in bocote:

Click to expand...

Wow the Bocote on this one is just stunning! Thank you for sharing.
 
I own neither, like both (although they're a bit on the bigger size), but you asked for a suggestion...so I say Madison Barlow :)

Fausto
:cool:
 
I voted Viper because Im in a straight cutting edge appreciation phase. Im also less inclined to go with a 4.25" size, than 3 7/8".

Another difference between the two is how deep the blade sits in the handle. The Madison sits so deep, some of them hit the backspring, but the new clip will be less likely to do so. The Viper otoh, has very little blade in the pocket of the handle.

I do like deeply set blades, but that is a function of the cutlery convention that the tip of a blade should sit near the edge of the liners.

Any blade with belly, will always sit deeper than a knife with a straight cutting edge.

Purely my opinion, based on pics. I have not handled either knife personally. And yes, I agree the correct answer is Both!:-)
 
The Madison has a much more versatile blade profile for an EDC. If it had a lanyard hole, I think it would be perfect - but because it doesn't, I always carry the viper. If it did, I doubt I would ever carry a viper. With that said, I say get the Madison, then get the Viper!
 
I have an Ebony Viper that I purchased and an Autumn Gold Jigged Bone Madison Barlow that I was fortunate to win in 9blades very generous GAW. I like them both (pictures below for reference), but it I could only have one, I'd chose the Madison Barlow. Best of luck with whatever you decide.

IMG_0070_zpscd277dda.jpg


imagejpg2_zps0c32e00a.jpg
 
Ergonomically speaking these two knives are almost opposites, yet the voting seems to be 50/50...better get both just to be sure ;)
 
Dan, of course both beautiful knives with many positive traits for each...the only kicker for me is size and 3 7/8 is my limit. So my vote is for the Viper...

Paul
 
Do like I did & just go ahead & get 2 of each & that solves the problem.!^^ If you can't do that then just get the ""VIPER""!
Problem solved.**
 
I'm a wharncliffe fan and love my viper in ebony. It found a permanent place in my leather jacket- they go together beautifully. When in jeans pocket or scrubs the viper disappears, and cuts like a laser. My choice by far, but you do owe yourself mammoth ivory if you find a model that calls to you.
 
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