Viper – Tecnocut - THE EDGE OBSERVER Archive

Viper – Tecnocut

Viper Start

Published: December 30th, 2012 by The Edge Observer 2

The Start is from Tecnocut’s Viper brand of knives and is a collaboration with designer – maker Fabrizio Silvistrelli. Coming from their Tactical line, it features a tough build quality and aggressive blade targeted toward professional use. Regardless of the intended market, a variety of material choices and detailing will make the knife appealing to a broader audience and collectors.

This is a larger folder measuring in at an over-all length of 9.25″ and weighing between 5.6 – 6.3 oz, depending on material choices.

The modified drop point blade is a capable 4.125″. This particular model is made from Bohler N690co with a satin finish. N690co is a great cutlery steel with its ability to take a keen maintainable edge. It also has excellent corrosion resistant properties. Blade variations include the same steel with a bead blasted finish or tougher, semi-stainless D2 versions. The D2 models come with a greyish-blue PVD (Physical Vapor Deposit) coating. This reduces glare while greatly improving corrosion resistance. Both models are hardened between 58-60 Rockwell.

The primary bevel is a high, flat grind. Due to the broad profile, the .145″ stock is greatly reduced before receiving the secondary, cutting edge. Opposite there is a pronounced swedge. The profile has both a fair amount of belly and a convex spine, giving the blade a spear-point like shape. The sum of the geometry makes for both an excellent slicer and thrust cutter.

Dual, ambidextrous thumb studs are used for deployment. They have a tiered conical form the terminates at a fairly fine point. The shape provides excellent traction making for a fast, reliable deployment. Traveling against phosphor-bronze washers the action is smooth yet solid. On opening, the blade is held firmly and without play by a back lock. Lock tension feels just right providing enough authority, without interfering with opening. Disengaging the lock is fluid, made easy with fine effective jimping. Viper has done an above average job with the mechanism making it both strong and a pleasure to use.

The handle has a closed back construction. Although closed the smooth interior surfaces have all been finished allowing for easy cleaning. Two hardened stainless liners and a back-spacer form the foundation while contoured scales are utilized to cover the internals and pivot, giving the knife a clean, stylish appearance. This particular model is considered the flagship of the line with its molded carbon fiber scales. Along with the blade choices, the knife is also available with black or green canvas micarta and natural Cocobolo wood scales. As with all of the Viper knives the edges of the liners, back-spacer and lock components have all been finished with a radius for comfort and aesthetic appeal.

Aside from looking good, the handle has excellent ergonomics. The spine’s curving shape nests in the palm naturally while the first finger groove and scalloped inner edge provide a confident grip without feeling restrictive. A slight flare at the pommel prevents the hand from slipping back while adding subtle sophistication to the over all shape. The surfaces of the scales are contoured adding comfort and tactile feedback while emphasizing the profile. For carry, the Start has a cleverly designed lanyard pin nested in the pommel along with and a right-handed, tip up pocket clip. Although it would be nice to have a left handed clip option to match the otherwise ambidextrous knife, it would surly interrupt the clean aesthetic.

To conclude, the Viper Start is an excellent knife. The strong build and sensitivity to detail makes this folder both aesthetic and functional. The mixture of matte to glossy finishes, material variety and thoughtful shapes make for a incredibly sleek package. The Start will naturally find its way into collections while the robust mechanical design will easily take on a variety of cutting tasks.

If you are interested in purchasing this knife, please consider our affiliate sponsor BladeHQ.

For more on Viper visit www.viper.it

Specs

Overall length: 9.25 ” (235 mm)
Closed: Length: 5.125 ” (mm)
Weight: 5.6 – 6.3 oz depending on material choices (160 – 178 g)

Blade

Shape: Modified Drop Point
Material: Bohler N690co or D2
Blade Length : 4.125″
Hardness : 58-60 Rockwell
Thickness: 0.145 in (3.7 mm)
Bevel Grind: Flat
Surface Finish: Satin (Bead Blast and PVD also available)

Handle Information

Length :  5.125″ (130 mm)
Material: Carbon Fiber (Black or Green canvas Micarta and Cocobolo wood options available)
Lock Mechanism: Back Lock
Carry: Right hand tip up pocket clip  and lanyard pin

Made in Maniago, Italy

Viper Tank

Published: November 17th, 2012 by The Edge Observer 4

The Tank is a stout fixed blade belonging to the Viper line. This knife is an effort between the Viper’s parent company Tecnocut and Tommaso Rumici, a long time collaborator with the brand.

This drop point measures in at almost a quarter inch thick by 2 inches at its widest and 6 inches long. Although the blade stock is substantial, a full flat grind reduces it to a competent cutting edge. Holding the majority of width up until the belly, the geometry provides excellent strength against lateral stresses along with a tough tip. The result makes for a formidable slicer and chopper capable of handling heavy utility tasks. A deep choil allows for even sharpening over time.

The steel used is D2 hardened between 58-60 Rockwell. This tool steel is a go-to for many hard-use knife designs as it has been thoroughly tested and offers excellent toughness and wear resistance. Its qualities also make the knife a little more laborious to sharpen but it’s an easy trade off when edge strength and longevity is considered. D2 is considered a semi-stainless so some effort is required to prevent corrosion.

Although the Tank’s blade is designed for extensive use, care has still been taken in the details. An even, light stone-wash produces an attractive finish while the knife’s name, steel, Viper’s logo and Rumici’s word mark appear tastefully etched on the sides.

Holes drilled into the blade flat allow for lashing options and along with the handle’s lanyard hole, will accommodate a D-lanyard. A welcome addition on a knife that will see some aggressive use.

The handle on the knife is quite long at 5.9″. The grip real-estate is furthered by an over-all arcing shape that increases the surface area. On the inner edge, there is a large finger groove. This is followed by a slight scallop that terminates at an exaggerated, downward sweeping pommel. The resulting grip is very secure and prevents slipping in either direction. In relation to the center-line, the handle is sits slightly high. This creates a guard at the transition from blade to hilt, neatly tucking the fingers out of harms way.

The contoured, thick canvas micarta scales do a great job at filling the hand without hot spots and their coarse texture provides added grip. These are securely fastened with bead blasted Allen bolts that subtly blend in with the light tan/brown color of the scales.

For carry the Tank comes with a nylon sheath produced for Tecnocut by Vega Holster. Built for multiple attachment options, it has three strips of MOLLE compatible webbing on the front with two patches of velcro loop and four lengths of webbing on the back. The back side of the sheath also has two snapped thick straps that follow the entire length allowing for belt carry or mounting on other MOLLE gear. For retention a nylon strap fastens around the handle with double snaps. There is also a small loop at the bottom that can be used to tie the sheath to your leg. It should be noted that the sheath does not hold the blade secure without the handle loop and snaps, so the knife is not suitable to be mounted handle down.

When the sum of the Tank’s parts are added up, it certainly earns its name. The build quality is robust and simple: a perfect combination in a field knife. The heavy duty blade is safely and easily put to work on tough utility tasks with the ergonomic handle. The carry system, although not able to be mounted upside down, does provide adequate attachment options. The only draw back for some people might be the weight totaling 575g with the sheath (431g without). This won’t be as much an issue for users who would normally bring a small hatchet on excursions as the knife is lighter in over-all weight and could comfortably handle such duties.

All things considered, the Tank would be suited for users looking for a durable, combat utility or survival knife up to a lifetime of service at a very fair price. The Viper Tank also comes in a black blade and hardware combination.

If you are looking to purchase the Tank, please consider our affiliate sponsor Blade HQ. Here is a link to the knife with the Stonewash blade or in black.

Specs

Total Dimensions and weight

Length 11.9″ (30.2 cm)
 weight 15.17 Oz (430 g)
20.2 Oz (573 g) with sheath

Blade

Blade Length 6″ (15.2 cm) 
Blade steel D2 58-60 HRc
Blade thickness .228″ (5.8 mm)
 Cutting edge 6.25″ (15.9cm)
Stone Wash Finish

Handle

Natural Canvas Micarta
Full Tang
Layard hole

Sheath

Nylon
MOLLE compatible

Made in Maniago Italy

Viper Keeper and Fate

Published: September 29th, 2012 by The Edge Observer 5

The Keeper and Fate are two iterations of a design by Fabrizio Silvestrelli. They are manufactured by Tecnocut under their Viper brand name. The designs reference classic Italian daggers and fighting knives with modernized lines and various material options. The Fate is a fairly large fixed blade at 12 5/16th” (31.3cm) long, while the Keeper a medium sized folder measuring 8.25″ (21cm).

The blades share a narrow, drop point profile. A slight belly meets the downward sloping spine at a sharp tip. A long swedge optimizes for thrust cuts and adds to the streamlined geometry. Both blades have received a full flat grind, the Keeper being made from .138″ (3.5mm) stock and the Fate from .197″ (5mm). The spines have been rounded or “capped” giving them a resolved appearance. The designer and maker’s logos, steel type and model appear etched on the flats.

The blades on this line are available in three finishes and two steels. A satin or stonewash can be had in Böhler N690co while D2 tool steel blades ship with a matte black PVD coat (Physical Vapour Deposition). The finish options are thoughtful in that the uncoated blades are stainless while the semi-stainless receives the corrosion resistant PVD. While the hardness is not listed on the manufacturers site, N690co usually sits in the high fifties (57-58Hrc) while D2 is harder, often treated to a Hrc in the low sixties (60-62)

The most distinct feature on the knives is the cross guard or double quillions. These effectively prevent the hand from slipping onto the blade during use as well as offering some protection. The larger guards on the Fate have holes drilled in them for detailing while the Keeper’s serve as the deployment method. When used as a flipper, the guard deploys the blade to about 90º so a firm flick of the wrist is required to fully open the knife. Alternately you can open the knife slowly by starting with the “flipper” and finishing with the opposite side.

The handles on both versions share the same contours. Each have a stylized first finger groove that ensures a positive grip. To prevent slipping away from the blade, the pommel is flared on the inner edge. The handle spine has a slight curve and feels very comfortable. The butts on both are flat, giving the over-all look a nod to coffin style, dagger handles.

The Fate has a full tang construction. The edges of the tang slightly protrude from the scale edges and are rounded. Filing appears in the first finger groove and opposite for the thumb in a sabre grip. With a total length of 5 3/16ths” (13.5cm) the Fate will accommodate most hand sizes.

The Keeper’s handle is built around an open back, flow-through design. Thin stainless liners enclose a single spool shaped stand off and small back-spacer. One side includes the liner lock. Although the liners are fairly thin, the lock-up is solid and without play. There is jimping on the lock leaf for easy disengagement. Similar to the Fate, all the exposed steel edges have been rounded here as well. At 4.5″ (11.4cm) in length, the Keeper’s handle should also fit most hands.

For carry, the Keeper has a right hand, deep riding pocket clip. This does a great job of sliding in an out of your pocket easily and keeps the knife handle out of sight.

Both models have multiple options for handle scales coming in either black or green canvas micarta, Pau Santo or Ziricote, the latter being two tropical hardwoods. Pau Santo has a reddish colour while Ziricote is dark brown in color.

The Fate uses a simple but effective nylon sheath with a plastic insert. The front and back has M.O.L.L.E. compatible webbing. Down the back side of the sheath, there is a long snapped nylon strip that allows for belt carry or multiple attachment points. A small loop at the base allows for a second lashing option. You can also use this with the supplied cord to tie the sheath to your leg. There is a rubber snapped clasp just above the guards for sure retention.

Over-all the Keeper and Fate are great offerings. Tecnocut and Silvistrelli have done an excellent job translating and scaling the design into both a folder and fixed blade. The multiple finishes and two steel types, along with the variety of scale materials allow the line to adapt to several tastes. The blade geometry is quite aggressive and the handles provide comfort in a variety of grips. Premium materials and great fit and finish should appeal to the collector and user alike.

Visit Viper at www.viper.it
Visit Tecnocut at www.tecnocut.net
Visit Fabrizio Silvistrelli at www.silvesterknives.it

The Viper Knives are available at BladeHQ.

Pros

Great materials fit and finish
Several scale materials, two steels and a PVD option
Effective blade geometry
Good ergonomics
Low riding clip (Keeper)
Multiple sheath attachment options (Fate)

Cons

Clip can get in the way of fast deployment (Keeper)

Specs

Fate

Total Dimensions and weight

Length 12 5/16″ (31.3 cm): weight 10.9 Oz (309 g) 14.8 lbs (420 g) with sheath

Blade

Blade Length 7″ (18 cm) Blade steel : Bohler N690co estimated 57-58 HRc (not listed by the manufacturer) Blade thickness .197″ (5 mm) Cutting edge 6 7/8th″ (17.5 mm)
Stone Wash Finish

Handle

Green Canvas Micarta (also comes in Black Canvas Micarta, Pau Santo or Ziricote)
Full Tang
Layard hole

Sheath
Nylon with plastic insert
MOLLE compatible

Keeper

Over All Length: 8.25″ (21 cm) Weight: 4.3oz (122 g)

Blade

Length: 3.75″ (9.5 cm) Thickness: 0.138″ (3.5 mm)
Cutting Edge : 3 15/16″ (10 cm) D2 Stainless Steel estimated 60-62 Hrc (not listed by the manufacturer)  Black PVD coating

Lock

Stainless liner lock

Handle

Open back, pillar construction
Black Canvas Micarta (also comes in Green Canvas Micarta, Pau Santo or Ziricote)

Clip

Low riding right hand, tip up wire clip

Made in the Italy

THE EDGE OBSERVER

Knife Review

Viper – Tecnocut

Viper Start

Viper Tank

Viper Keeper and Fate

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Viper – Tecnocut