Review Viper Twin

  

-  when little brother almost surpasses big brother

The name of this knife from Italian Viper Knives, Twin, is not taken out of thin air. Namely, it complements another knife with a similar appearance called  Turn. They strongly resemble each other in appearance, but there are also substantial differences. Where one knife has a one-hand opening and lock, the other has a two-handed opening and is a slip joint.

This is also where the interesting part lies. This is what makes it a "modern traditional" as everything else is extremely contemporary.

Viper Twin

Behind both models is one of Viper Knives' most frequent knife makers/designers, Fabricio "Silver" Silvestrelli.

What he has done is that he has taken a fairly traditional type of knife but used modern materials. The appearance is enhanced by the fact that the knife has a double bolster. But where older knives often have simpler steel and natural materials such as wood or bone in the sides of the handles, "super steel" and other modern materials are found here.

At the time of writing, the knife is available in five different versions. All have double bolsters but then the materials in the handle sides vary from G10 via Micarta to carbon fiber. The steel is the same and comes from Böhler/Uddeholm.

Twin is a very elegant slip joint designed by Silvestrelli

Short version: If you want to investigate what a knife with the designation "modern traditional" means, the Viper Twin is one of the better!

Blade

The blade style is easily recognizable since we are talking about a modern interpretation of a classic knife. It is a typical clip point. Although, it's not completely traditional after all. Certainly, the false edge on the cut part of the blade is not unique, but the blade has also been given a bit of a "harpoon" look, which gives a bit of a thumb ramp just like its big brother Turn.

Then Twin has a detail that is quite typical for Viper Knives: the back of the blade is elegantly rounded. Maybe not necessary but it makes the knife feel more worked and looks good. 

A clip-point blade that is as stylish as it is effective

The blade length is 77 mm and the height stops at a maximum of 22.5 mm. The thickness of the blade is kept to a good 3 mm. The finish is an excellent satin finish. On the presentation side of the blade, the name can be read along with Viper's logo, and on the ricasso the steel type is found.

The material is the very renowned M390. One of the most frequently used steels on finer folding knives in recent years. It may not be the best steel in all categories, but it's well balanced, takes a good sharpness, and keeps it for a long time. In addition, it is very resistant to rust despite other good properties.

The steel is M390 and it has been given a high flat grind from a 3 mm stock thickness

The blade is flat-grind down to a thickness behind the edge of approx. 0.3-0.4 mm. That and the relatively tall blade make for a knife that cuts well. Especially as the factory edge was very sharp. You know, like in shaving arm hair without pressure.

That makes it an excellent little pocket knife that handles most everyday tasks with flying colors. And quite a few others too for that matter. This little bugger is actually not too bad to carve with. As long as it happens within reasonable limits, of course. The limitation comes naturally from the format. It is a fairly small knife and it lacks a lock.

Of course, the lack of a lock means the user must be careful when working with the tip. As I do when I have to puncture large plastic cans so that they don't clink when I pour out of them. It is a recurring task at my work. But that's where the other peculiarity comes in. Twin requires two hands to open which comes with the territory. However, that makes it less suitable for my work anyway, as I often hold what I want to open with one hand and bring out a knife with the other.

Handle

Like the blade shape, the handle shape is classic. However, the material is not. The frame itself, including the massive bolsters, is made of titanium. This makes the knife significantly lighter than an old Buck 112 for example, even though the construction is similar. However, this knife is screwed and not riveted together.

This version of the knife has ivory G10 handle sides

This means two liners with massive metal bolsters. They are then screwed together with two screws found under the handle sides. They, in turn, are attached with two more screws each. The size of all is T6. A larger T8 is found in the adjustable pivot screw.

The sides are in this case G10 and a special one. It is called "Ivory" G10. I chose them because I have a soft spot for white bone and horn handles and these are reminiscent of those. However, with much better durability, one might add.

The fit between the different materials is really well done. No joints or edges can be felt, only the transition from one material to another.

In the back is the spring that holds the blade in place. Like everything else on knives from Viper, it is softly rounded and polished

The fit and finish of this knife is very good

The handle is just under a decimeter long, but some of that length is lost at the front bolster in terms of grip. However, what is left is enough for all the fingers to fit. In addition, there are recesses for both the index and little fingers.

The thickness of the handle is 11 mm at its widest point. Namely, the handle slabs are finely crafted and rounded. This applies to both them and the titanium frame, which is also shaped and well-polished. No sharp corners can be found on this knife no matter how you look.

It's accurate but a four-finger grip is possible and even comfortable on the Twin

Twin works whether you hold it in a hammer grip or with a thumb on the blade spine. As the bolsters are not particularly thick and are also rounded, it is also comfortable to put a thumb there for detailed work with the blade in a pinch grip. That said, a small but effective handle.

Opening and Lock

When talking about slip joints, you often hear terms like "pull" and "walk and talk". That is, firstly, how well the back spring holds the blade in place in the closed position. Here I would say 4-5 on a ten-point scale. Not so hard that you break your nails, but also not so light that the blade risks opening somehow. Speaking of nails, there is a single-sided nail notch to facilitate opening the knife.

Thankfully, it is not needed, but it is fine to pinch around the part of the blade that sticks out and thus get the blade out.

Twin has a nice halfway stop

The way the knife feels when opened is really likable. It's smooth and consistent, interrupted only by the distinctive halfway stop that acts like a safety feature. It prevents the blade, under the force of the spring, from closing over the user's fingertips when the knife is closed.

The slip joint mechanism is very well made and keeps the blade in a relatively good grip

In the outer position, the knife stops with a reassuring dull "smack". Then it sits there as securely as it does on a good slip-joint knife. Laterally there is no play at all. Should such a thing occur, on a "modern traditional" you can tighten the pivot screw, unlike the riveted constructions of older times.

 The transition between the back spring and blade is nicely done with a barely visible joint. Especially as it is found in the middle of one of the five grooves found there.

To Carry

The Viper Twin is a small and nimble knife. This is of course reflected in how it feels in a pocket. The weight is a low 88 grams and the length, as previously mentioned, is under one decimetre. Even with the leather sheath, the knife is under 14 mm thick, so there are no problems in that respect either.

Viper Knives often ships with a leather sheath 

I actually use the leather pouch myself. It protects both sides and bolsters from chafing. This applies especially if you also carry something other than the knife in the same pocket. 

I took the picture for fun - of course, the knife is not visible in the pocket

As I said, Twin lacks a clip and that brings both advantages and disadvantages. The fact that the knife is not as easily accessible is of course on the negative side. But you can also say that in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred a knife without a clip is more comfortable to hold and work with. 

To that can be added that almost all knives look better without a clip. Someone might argue against it, but then I just say words like "symmetry" and that you avoid a typical "presentation" and backside of the knife. 

To Conclude

With this knife, Viper and Silverstrelli have created a real masterpiece. Twin is a joy to look at and almost as nice to use. The only thing that holds it back from an even higher praise in this regard is the size, but on the other hand, in that case, it would have belonged to a different class of knives.

Here Twin is seen side by side with his big brother Turn who was mentioned at the beginning. It is a knife for those who want a larger knife with one-handed opening and lock

Now it's a small pocket knife with everything that goes with it. And as such it is brilliant. The handle is pleasant to hold and well-made in terms of manufacturing quality. The fit is excellent and all the typical quality markers are there. The absence of blade play, a smooth feeling when opened, a distinct halfway stop, a centered blade tip, softly rounded corners and edges, and, not least, nice transitions between the materials.

If you are looking for a small, stylish, and efficient pocket knife, take a look at Viper Twin

The materials ain't too shabby either with a frame and bolster in nicely machined and shaped titanium matched by ivory G10 in the handle. In addition, a blade in M390 is also excellent.

But the best is still the design of the blade. Super steel in all its glory, but it is still the blade shape and above all, the blade profile that makes a knife. When it is also paired with a sharp edge, the result is this good!

Viper Twin, a personal favorite

Actually, I have no major objections to the Viper Twin. If something negative has to be said, it has more to do with the knife type. You either like slip joints or you don't. Some people also cannot do without certain functions that they got used to such as clip and one-handed opening. If you know you are one of them, this is obviously not for you. But then you can always choose Twin's larger relative Turn.

But for everyone else, it's a damn good knife. Especially as I personally find it extremely likable to look at.

Viper Knives

Specification:

Length Overall: 176 mm

Length Folded: 99 mm

Weight: 88 g (weighed by me, stated 88g)

Blade Length: 77 mm

Blade Thickness: 3 mm

Blade Steel: Böhler/Uddehom M390

Handle Materials: Titanbolster/elfenbens G10

Lock: None, slip joint

Produced by: Viper Knives, made in Italy

/ J - looking for similarities

#knivesandbikes #aliaspostmortem #knivigtvarre 

Review Viper Turn Essential

  

- a modern interpretation of a classic that shed skin

Time for a snake again. Specifically, a viper in the form of Viper Turn Essential. I think it feels like yesterday that I presented a knife from them but that could be because I carry Italian knives quite often.

However, it's actually been a year since I reviewed a knife from the Maniago-based company and it was a fixed-blade hunting/outdoor knife. I haven't reviewed a Viper Knives folding knife since the end of 2021. Therefore, I think it's about time!

Viper Turn Essential

This is a fairly new model for 2023. Or that's not quite true. Rather, it is a variation of a knife that has been on the market for a couple of years. If I remember correctly, the original Turn was introduced towards the end of 2020. But it is a knife that has a front bolster, something that is missing from the "Essential" models.

This procedure is something that Viper has practiced for quite some time. First, they release a model, usually with a bolster, then perhaps some luxury version of it with, for example, a pattern welded blade or titanium handle, and then a slightly simpler version of the same knife. Even relatively early models such as Timeless are available in versions with or without bolsters, and the same can be said of, for example, Gent, Key, and Novis. Turn is thus one of the latter to receive that treatment.

Now "basic" or Essential in this case does not mean any direct lowering of the level of either material or build quality. It is the same high finish and cares about the details and the materials are of the highest quality in both blade and handle. Then, of course, the basic form signed by Fabrizio "Silver" Silvestrelli is the same.

Turn är designad av Fabrizio Silvestrelli

Twitter version: Viper Turn Essential, modern, and classic in beautiful harmony. A compact and well-built folding knife in top material for the forest walk or perhaps as a sturdy EDC knife.

Blade

Drop point Viper calls this shape. I'm not really inclined to agree. If anything is a quintessential clip point, it's this knife! Especially as the clipped part of the blade is enhanced in terms of appearance with a solid swedge. But of course, if by "drop point" you only mean that the tip is found below the center line of the knife, then that is correct.

The blade is not gigantic but still stable with just over eight centimeters or more precisely 82 mm in length. The height amounts to a maximum of 28 mm and it is matched by a thickness of 3.5 mm.

The marking of the blade consists of the model name and logo on the presentation side of the blade in classic Viper style. It's not something I have any particular opinions about. Those who want to see completely sterile blades, however, have to look away. Steel type is also found on the ricasso of the same side. Silvestrelli's marking is found on the opposite side. The finish is a glossy satin.

At least I consider this to be a clip point

The type of steel found in the blade is the one that Viper uses in all their finer knives and it comes from Böhler/Uddeholm and has the now-known designation M390. Steel that at this point does not need much introduction. Without going too deep into technicalities, it is, provided it is not too soft hardened, one of the best steels available for folding knives. In practical terms, it means that it is resistant to rust, takes a very fine edge, and above all, lasts a damn long time. The degree of hardness is stated by Viper as HRC 59-61.

Turn Essential has a very high, in practice completely flat grind. The only flap part is found at the ricasso around the thumb studs. The part of the blade spine that remains after what can most closely be compared to a "harpoon tip" is strongly rounded in the usual Viper fashion. It gives a luxurious feel and is soft to put the thumb against, although the front part of the lock bar and the back of the blade have received a series of well-executed grooves.

The blade has been given a glossy satin finish

A sharp blade with a nice flat grind usually bites well in most materials and that also applies in this case. That goes for everyday materials such as cardboard, tape, and plastic packaging of varying thickness and hardness as well as cable ties and nylon straps. The same can be said about tamp and rope.

Then it is noticeable that this is high-end steel as it is fairly durable. Unlike some reviewers, I don't delve too deeply into the details of steel composition. I note more how it appears partly initially and partly over time. Although the latter requires even longer trial periods than in this case. 

Knives that are used need to be resharpened after a while anyhow. With M390, you generally don't need to do this very often. Especially not if a knife is used as an "EDC"/pocket knife. They are rarely used for longer periods of time. It's not a professional knife or the like we're talking about.

Handle

It is the very appearance of the handle that is the big and otherwise only difference between "Essential" and the original version of Turn. As mentioned in the introduction, it had a design with a titanium front bolster, which this knife apparently does not have. Instead, a piece of Brown canvas Micarta extends over the entire side of the knife handle. If you don't like that color, there is also black Micarta, which almost looks gray in pictures, and two shades of G10 and carbon fiber to choose from. 

Handle sides in Micarta

The micarta is of very high quality and also finely executed. In this case, this means that the sides are properly sanded and that they are elegantly arched. Then the frame and sides are well polished but despite that, there are some sharp corners that are more dependent on the design than the execution.

The sides are screwed in place with two small T6 screws with round heads. This a choice I may not be entirely fond of but in return, the screws are of high quality and Viper is still one of the extremely few brands I know that even prints the grade of steel on their screws on the website. In addition to those screws, there is an adjustable pivot screw fitted with a luxurious titanium collar.

The backspacer of this knife is made of polished stainless steel that has been properly rounded. In it and through the sides of the handle is a small hole that acts as a lanyard hole.

The frame is also made of steel and it has not been weight relieved, which together with the lock construction makes the knife somewhat heavier than it should have been. It also shifts the weight towards the handle.

A very well-built handle, but the edges could have had a stronger chamfer for better ergonomics

The comfort and ergonomics of this knife are a strange three-step rocket. In the picture and in a quick test, the knife appears to be excellent in that area. The size feels just right, full without being excessive, the sides are, as I said, shaped, the fingers find their places and the back is elegantly curved to fit the hand better.

But in step two, some details are discovered to think about. The first time I held this knife I was actually not excited at all. On the contrary, I experienced several corners as potential problem areas/hot spots. This is applied to both the front and rear "platforms" for the index and little finger, as well as the back edge of the finger guard and the clip. All have distinct terminations in the form of edges. To make sure it wasn't just me, I lent the knife to a good friend who thought much the same. However, expressed a little differently. He is not a knife enthusiast like me. 

The handle works well as long as you don't work for too long and with challenging chores

Next comes step three, actually using the knife. And then it's perfectly fine again! Certainly all the edges I just listed come to mind. But in some strange way, Turn Essential works anyway. With a normal hammer grip, all four fingers actually find their place and the knife sits securely in the fist. It's just a matter of grasping "carefully" if I can put it that way.

The same applies to an even greater degree if the knife is gripped in a saber grip. Then it is necessary to remove the index fingers a little, a few millimeters back is enough, from the finger guard so that it does not feel uncomfortable. In addition, the back end of the knife with the associated clip must be placed in the right place inside the hand, whereupon the same applies there. The thumb then naturally finds its grooves on the back of the blade and the knife is relatively comfortable to work with.

Possibly, I can imagine that some of these details require less precision for those with smaller hands or if you wear gloves.

But then it should be pointed out that everything I wrote above applies to light use. After all, if you cut wood for a while, the transitions from the handle sides are somewhat too angular. This especially applies to the little finger but also to the thumb. It's not pleasant after a while. Those parts would have needed stronger rounding in order to handle more challenging tasks. 

Opening and Lock

Thumb studs are the way to open Turn, if you don't feel like using both hands, of course. The classic style of the knife attracts the latter. It is also very easy as the blade, despite being a back lock, runs on ball bearings. It's not a very common combination. Yet, I might add. But it gives a very smooth action.

Turn is opened with thumb studs that are found close to the handle

The typical pyramid shape gives slightly sharp thumb studs

The studs are double-sided, which together with the lock construction makes the knife completely ambidextrous as far as those bits are concerned. The thumb studs, well, I'm not quite friends with them. Those who are familiar with luxury knives recognize the shape from, for example, the CRK Sebenza. This means in plain language that they are pyramidal. It certainly gives a very good grip on the thumb, but they are not comfortable for me to use. Especially as in this case, they are placed quite close to the handle.

However, the placement provides enough leverage which, in combination with the bearings, makes the knife easy to open. This is especially true since the resistance to be overcome on this type of knife comes from the back spring and not from a traditional "detent ball".

One way to escape the sharp point, however, is to twist the knife in the hand and instead of placing the thumb on top of the thumb knob, press against the side of it. I felt smart when I figured it out and it makes the Turn much more convenient to open.

This knife boasts a very good back lock

The back lock construction on this knife is one of the best I have come across right away. It only gets to see itself beaten by another Italian from a different brand but in the same city. I won't say more. Either way, the lock snaps into place with a reassuring sound and holds the blade rock solid. The small play in the vertical direction that can sometimes be felt in back locks is almost completely non-existent here. The same applies laterally, but there the knife can of course be adjusted if desired. In other words, the feeling is extremely solid.

Releasing the lock is also very easy. The resistance is well-balanced and the lock bar is rounded for increased comfort while also being equipped with some small notches for a better grip.

To Carry

The Turn Essential is a compact little rascal. The combination of a closed back with a back lock and a steel frame leaves its mark. The weight is therefore 125 grams. Not heavy per se, but it's more than you would expect for a knife this size anyway. The construction also affects the balance. The balance point is found right at the second step for the fingers. The knife is thus slightly back-heavy.

The titanium clip is attached to the rear end of the handle, which gives a so-called "deep carry loop over" clip

The measures are otherwise not a deterrent in any way. The length of 10.8 cm and the thickness of 1.4 cm certainly make it a little chubby but not excessively so. But sure, you feel like you have a knife in your pocket. It cannot be denied. But that knife does not have sharp edges or corners that disturb the hand if it has to go into the same pocket. Something I appreciate.

The tension found in this titanium clip is good and the ramp is sufficient

One of the reasons for that is the eminent clip made of titanium. It is of the "deep carry" type, which means that the knife sits very deep in the pocket. What people think about differs. I belong to those who usually but do not always advocate that type of clip. But there are pros and cons to most solutions. This variety which attaches to the rear end of the handle and then bends forward in a "loop" tends to feel more in the hand when working with a knife. That's the case here with what I've touched on before. But it's not so bad as it usually ends up outside the hand when you grab the knife. In other grips, you have to compromise a bit. If you really want to use the knife for heavier tasks, there is always the option of removing the clip.

Removing the clip works as said, but changing position is not possible, to the detriment of those who are left-handed. The spring in the clip is very good and keeps the knife in a firm grip in the pocket. The ramp is sufficient to work with most fabric edges. 

Conclusion

In fact, the first impressions of the Turn Essential, that it is a compact, robust, and well-built knife, stand up even after the honeymoon impressions have passed. It is a solid build, which is reflected in, for example, a good fit between the lock bar/back spacer/frame, nicely rounded blade spine, and arched and well-executed sides. Then it can be added that the action is very smooth and the lock particularly well made. The blade is also well-ground and centered. They know what they are doing in Maniago. 

Then, of course, the materials are of the highest standard. It is canvas Micarta, M390 steel, and details such as clip and pivot collar in titanium. Turn Essential is and feels luxurious.

With the Turn, Viper Knives has succeeded in making a really good back lock knife that also works in an EDC role

However, all that glitters is not gold. There are things that could be better. Some details have to do with personal preferences and some are choices in the design that can perhaps be discussed. The first is, the concept with thumb studs and a back lock, others may prefer a flipper-opened knife and liner or frame lock. Having said that, it can be stated that if you are to use a classic back lock construction, this is how it should be done. It can't be anything other than top marks on that front. 

Other details are more general, such as those related to ergonomics. I've said it before and I'll say it again. There is a danger in shaping a handle this much. Namely, it can limit comfort depending on hand size and shape. In this case, there are a number of edges to consider. They disappear if you wear gloves, but I don't see gloved hands as the most natural in an EDC context, and actually not outdoors either.

Somehow I feel this knife is made for someone with smaller hands than me. Without knowing exactly, I suspect that the average Italian is somewhat smaller than the average person in Sweden. Maybe it's a delusion or not. And then the outer edges should be rounded more if the knife is to be used for outdoor activities. It may look different depending on where you are in the world. But in Sweden, it often means cutting wood in various ways and it can be heavy.

Viper Turn Essential is a quality knife with a strong personality

Viper Turn Essential is more of a solid workhorse than a lightweight when we talk about folding knives. But then again, you do find the knife in the "Outdoor & Hunting" section of their website. That's something I agree with. Turn is not overly large and heavy but possibly on the heavier side for most EDC use although that is highly personal as well. 

But if that's what you're looking for and you don't have huge hands, this is a luxurious option that I can highly recommend. 

 Viper Knives

Specifications:

Length Overall: 188 mm

Length Folded: 108 mm

Weight: 125 g

Blade Length: 82 mm

Blade Thickness: 3,5 mm

Blade Steel: Böhler M390

Hande : Canvas Micarta

Lock: back lock

Produced by: Viper Knives, made in Maniago, Italien

/ J - may soon have to expand the terrarium

#knivesandbikes #aliaspostmortem #knivigtvarre 

"Dan före dan före..."

Jag hoppas sannerligen inte att soppan blir sämre av fler kockar. För stunden står nämligen både min sambo (snart färdig kock) och min bonusson (kockstuderande) ute i köket och lägger handen vid de sista sillarna inför jul. Det vankas Brantevik-, svartvinbär- och senapssill. Bestämt tror jag att det tillverkas delar till någon form av pepparkaksh....nej, pepparkakshusvagn också.! 

Själv jobbar även jag i ett kök nuförtiden, åtminstone delvis och jag ämnar bidra med mina delar imorgon. Då blir det Janssons frestelse, revben och förstås min julgröt som även utgör grunden för Ris á La Maltan. Resten av det som skall inmundigas är tillagat sedan tidigare. Så frukta icke, julköttbullarna med extra mycket kryddpeppar är färdiga de med. 

Det är väl det enda fokuset som finns den här julen. God mat och förhoppningsvis lugn och ro. Världen ser ut som den gör och jag behöver en paus från den för bara några ögonblick för att inte gå under. 

Men viss julefrid håller på att infinna sig och sinnestämningen därmed lugnare. 

"Dan före dan" Traditionell kniv för en traditionell jul. Eller...det är en italiensk kniv och julen blir inte alls traditionell här i år!

Därför ägnade jag mig tidigare åt att arrangera ett par julbilder. Nej, just det här upplägget är inte helt spontant. Det kräver ett jäkla balanserande för att inte kniven skall sticka iväg kan jag tillägga. Dessutom hängde regnet i luften. Den snö som föll för några dagar sedan och de tjugo minusgrader som rådde är som bortblåsta. Grön jul är vad vi får. Eller snarare svart då det aldrig blev riktigt ljust den här dagen. Den där med vintersolståndet funderar jag på om det är bluff. Det känns banne mig inte som vi går mot ljusare tider. 

Kniven som balanserats kallas "Gobbo" som betydre puckelrygg på italienska. Namnet kommer sig av den distinkta puckel eller krök som handtaget gör. Just det här är en modern tolkning ( av en klassisk regional knivtyp. För formgivningen står mästaren Silvestrelli. Märket är förstås Viper Knives. 

Och med de orden och med den kniven vill jag tillönska alla läsare en innerligt god jul! 


/ J - smuttar på lagrad must

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

Review Viper Gianghi

  

- a great hunting and outdoor knife 

It is immediately noticeable when you grab a well-designed knife. The visuals already provide a clue to how well-built it is. But it is of course only when you hold a knife that its true qualities are revealed. The first thing that is noticeable is of course the comfort, and how well the handle fits your hand. Then the balance is a revealing factor. When the knife then begins to be used, the journey of discovery continues with ergonomics, the shape and geometry of the blade, and the sharpness of the edge.

Viper Gianghi shines in all of these areas. The knife is nice to look at, feels comfortable to hold, and has a blade with a straightforward shape. What remains to be seen if the knife can grow further when used? Are there more good qualities to discover?

Viper Gianghi CV

That Gianghi from Italian Viper Knives has these good properties is perhaps not so strange as it is a master in the field who designed the knife. Fabrizio Silvestrelli or "Silvester" as he is sometimes called is not new to making knives. After all, Maestro Silvestrelli is the chairman of Italy's knife maker guild. He and Viper have a long and successful history together. This time, the result is a hunting and outdoor knife. Something that is revealed by the name "Gianghi", which means hunter in Persian. It is not completely new on the market but was presented in 2018.

The knife is currently available in three designs. The first combination involves a blade with a satin finish and then you get a wooden handle in either olive wood or bocote. Combination two is like here a knife with a stone-washed blade and Micarta handle.

Gianghi, a hunting knife from Maniago

Twitter version: Viper Knives and Silvestrelli do it again, Gianghi is a really sympathetic companion in outdoor life!

Blade

After all, a knife is no better than its blade. Silvestrelli and Viper have taken note of this because this is a very sympathetic one. The shape is a quintessential drop point. The proportions are harmonious and the blade is characterized by a certain "sports car feel". That is, it is not chubby with a steep belly and bulbous shapes, but rather pointed and therefore looks "fast". The look is enhanced by a long and rather dramatic swedge along the back.

The length of the blade is 11.5 cm and the height is 3.6 cm. The stock thickness is 4 mm. It gives a knife that is strong and powerful without becoming too heavy. The blade finish is in this case, as I said, a stonewash that is very well done. Overall, the finish on this blade is very high. Something that is emphasized by the nicely crowned spine of the blade. Something that has become a hallmark of Viper Knives, which often includes that detail on their knives.

At the base of the blade spine there are some grooves for better traction and indexing. The blade is marked with both Vipers and Silvestrelli's logos besides the name of the knife and steel type.

Gianghi offers a pointed but typical drop point in N690Co steel

The steel in the blade is N690Co from Böhler / Uddeholm. It is good stainless steel without being anything extraordinary. But to be honest, there is no need for super steel in a knife to be used in outdoor life. Then I prefer properties such as that it is easy to sharpen and hon over that it keeps the sharpness for a very long time but then it is difficult to get sharp again. There is a difference between a fixed blade knife and a pocket knife in that respect, I believe. Gianghi may need to be sharpened in the field.

In this steel, however, you get something that I appreciate except that it is easy to maintain and that is that it is very resistant to corrosion. Knives get wet in this climate when you are outdoors even if you try to avoid it. I prefer if my knives are not covered in reddish-brown spots when they are pulled out. Especially not if the knife is intended as a hunting knife. Simply put, blood very easily stains blades.

The factory edge on Gianghi was very good and so far I have not resharpened the knife. I have maintained the initial sharpness with my newly acquired Spyderco Sharpmaker as I also test that product. Should I have any objection to the execution, it is that they kept a little too much steel behind the edge. I measure it to about 0.8 mm. It can be slimmed down a few tenths of a millimeter more for more optimal cutting properties. It is not just the sharpness of the edge that matters.

Cutting meat with Gianghi is excellent. Although the picture's New Year's fillet is hardly a challenge for any knife

It is possible to whittle with this knife, which is a requirement on my part for an outdoor knife

I have used the knife during the late winter and a couple of spring months which, strangely enough, have offered very nice weather, which is not the most common at these latitudes this time of year. That means I have been outdoors more than usual. 

The first thing I did, however, was to let the knife act as a replacement in the kitchen for certain tasks. I'm not a hunter, but there is still meat to carve. Gianghi has shown its colors by cutting chicken, deboning pork, and trim roasts. Even if those tasks are not the most demanding ones, it gives me an idea of how the knife could behave even during, for example, evisceration and cutting animals. In this context, it can be pointed out that I worked as a butcher in my younger days.

Then I also chopped root vegetables and cut vegetables of course. All to spend more time with the knife. Kitchen work also tests how knives behave when cutting against something, in this case, cutting boards. Concretely, that means that you have to angle the blade slightly forward so that it will move freely from the finger guard. But that detail is not exaggerated on this knife so it works relatively well.

Then the knife was used to cut more everyday materials, you know things like cardboard, tape, fabric, and some carpet. 

But in addition to how Gianghi behaves in meat, of course, wood and cord/rope are of interest when it comes to an outdoor knife. In this case, I'm not entirely pleased with the edge angle. But there is always a bit of a compromise if a knife is to work well for both meat and fish as well as wood. But beyond that, the knife works well even in harder materials. In addition, the handle is comfortable enough to be able to use some force when needed. The only thing that can be noted is that as long as it is a softer wood, as in the picture, it works fine. When it gets really hard, I glance at my Mora knives instead. Then you want to get even closer to the blade with your hand and have additional volume in the handle.

Handle

A good blade also needs a comfortable handle to be fully utilized. Something that Gianghi has. It is one of the first things that is noticed when grabbing the knife. A second observation is that the handle is actually thinner than it may look in the picture. It measures 18 mm at its widest. It is supplemented with a height of 29-36 mm and a length measured to 125 mm. Most of it is useful as grip area. So even bigger hands than mine alternatively glove-covered ones can be accommodated. 

The three-dimensional shaped handle slabs in Micarta are screwed in place

Then it should be emphasized that this handle is elegantly shaped in three dimensions. The handle sides are thus not flat but swell in the middle to fill the hand better at the same time as the handle is extended towards the end to give a better grip. However, it is a rather subtle bump in the middle.

Another detail that is very clear with this knife is the distinctive "choil" or groove for the index finger. It provides a very secure grip and prevents you from slipping even if the handle is gooey for one reason or another. Blood and intestines are close at hand as Gianghi is also intended as a hunting knife as I said.

The full tang construction has a softly rounded back, a hallmark of Viper's knives

To give extra safety when working with the knife, it has been equipped with a clear and well-functioning finger guard. Incidentally, a hole is found in it if you want to put a lanyard in a loop between the hole and the hole drilled in the back end of the handle for the purpose.

The sides on this knife handle are made of high-quality canvas Micarta. A material that is both beautiful to look at and almost indestructible. In addition, it imparts some friction because the surface is not completely smooth. Then it is partly a natural material as it consists of fabric and glue compressed under heat and high pressure. This means that it wears in a nice way and gets patina and personality, unlike many other synthetic materials.

In hand, Gianghi is very comfortable and this also applies to tougher work

The sides are screwed in place with three Torx-head bolts. Then it can be mentioned that Gianghi is a full tang knife. The thickness of the blade stock thus extends all the way through the handle. As the spine of the blade, the steel here too is rounded and polished and thus soft against the hand. Something that is important since it rises slightly above the handle sides to give a rounded profile on the handle.

Sheath

The sheath that comes with Gianghi is made of genuine leather. It feels strange to have to point that out, but nowadays you can not be completely sure as pressed leather has become too common. But in this case, it is a sturdy folded sheath sewn with double seams that are included.

The knife comes with a sturdy leather sheath sewn with double seams

To enable different types of mounts, the sheath has been fitted with an extra loop beside the ordinary belt loop. It is screwed into the sheath, which should ensure good durability. The sheath is also supplemented with a hole and a long leather cord that's included. Together with the belt loop, the knife can be carried both vertically and horizontally on the belt. But it can also be attached to other equipment such as the straps for a backpack if you prefer. If you have a backpack with a solid carrying strap, it is almost a necessity.

When the knife is carried traditionally, it sits quite high. As an alternative, it can be worn horizontally on the belt, the so-called "Scout carry". I then reinforce with a piece of cord so that the knife will sit more firmly. Otherwise, a leather strap is also included for the purpose

To keep the knife in place, the sheath has been fitted with a sturdy strap with a button. The function is very good and the knife is held securely in place without it sitting loose or rattling. 

Sure, the strap springs back a bit when you release it, but if I have to make any negative criticism, it is that you still have to be very careful when you put the knife in the sheath so as not to accidentally cut either the leather or the handle strap.

Conclusion

Gianghi is my first fixed blade from Viper Knives. I already have a couple of folding knives from them that I am very fond of. Therefore, it was with great curiosity and some anguish that I gave myself up to testing this knife. There was always the risk that it would not meet expectations even though it looked very good in pictures. It turned out to be a misguided fear.

In fact, Gianghi exceeded what I expected. The quality I got used to from the folding knives was there but what made me extra happy was how the knife felt in hand. The comfort of the handle is one thing, but what I first noticed and which contributes to me appreciating this knife extra much is the balance! It is simply superb and makes the knife feel light and fast. A rather important trait. Especially for a hunting and outdoor knife. 

Possibly it can be objected that if you really have to work for a long time with a knife, the handle could have been a little wider. However, it is a small negative in the great scheme of things

Gianghi was a surprisingly positive acquaintance with good balance and good ergonomics

Then everything from the sturdy sheath, via the well-shaped handle to the nicely executed blade inspires confidence. Especially as the factory edge was decent, a sign that you know what you are doing in production. Edges need to be maintained but I do not want to have to deal with them before I use a new knife. As previously stated, however, the steel could have been a bit thinner behind the edge.

When you use the knife, it corresponds to the expectations that have been built up. It cuts as well as it looks to do. This especially applies to softer materials such as meat and fish, but it is not bad in wood even if the strengths are found elsewhere.

With Gianghi, Viper Knives has made a good hunting and outdoor knife!

In Gianghi, Viper Knives, and Silvestrelli have, in my opinion, achieved a really excellent outdoor knife. They have once again shown that the cooperation between them is very fruitful. If you want to buy a Gianghi, the price is around 150€ in various stores within the EU.

Specification:

Total Length: 248 mm
Blade Length: 115 mm
Blade Thickness: 4 mm
Steel: N690Co
Weight: 240 g
Handle: Micarta
Sheath: Leather

Produced by Viper by Tecnocut, made in Maniago, Italy


/ J - on the hunt (for good knives?)