Overview of Viper Start Knife Series
Viper Start is a series of all-round use folder knives designed for many purposes. Viper Start knives comes in different optional configurations
- Viper Start Micarta
- Viper Start Wood
- Viper Start Carbon
- Viper Start Damasco
Viper Start can be, depend on configuration, used for different purposes. Although Viper Start can be characterized between middle size and big pocket knives, the quality of treatment of the smallest details is the same as at small size style and gentleman knives. All Viper knives have in common that the quality of materials and production is on the highest level. The knife craftsman paid an attention to every smallest detail of the knife: blade and handle edges, lever, spacers …
The length of the knife is 23.5 cm and weight from 160 – 178 grams; depend on configuration.
Viper Start can be, depend on configuration, used for different purposes. Although Viper Start can be characterized between middle size and big pocket knives, the quality of treatment of the smallest details is the same as at small size style and gentleman knives. All Viper knives have in common that the quality of materials and production is on the highest level. The knife craftsman paid an attention to every smallest detail of the knife: blade and handle edges, lever, spacers …
The length of the knife is 23.5 cm and weight from 160 – 178 grams; weight depend on configuration.
Viper Start Blade
Viper designers always strive to make an innovative design of the blade, but no matter on purpose of the knife, still elegant. The blade has a drop-point design with some elements of spear-point design. The point of the blade is sharp and the spine is narrow. The thickest part of the blade is straight and is located at a two third of the blade height. The spine has a gentle convex slope. The length of the blade is 10.5 cm and the thickness 3.7 mm.
Viper Start has one-hand opening using thumb-stud. Thumb-stud is located on the normal distance from the handle when the blade is closed. Stud is conic shaped and has a parallel jags. The top of the thumb is pointy.
On the left side of the blade is label of Start model, Viper brand and a material of the blade. On the right side is a signature of designer Fabrizio Silvestrelli and a label of Maniago quality.
Blade material of Viper Start Knife
Viper Start has three optional blade material and four different blade surfaces/finishes. The configuration of material depend on choose of the handle.
Blade made of Böhler N690 Co stainless steel
The most versatile and care grateful is a blade made of high corrosion resistant stainless steel Böhler N690 Co. Böhler N690 Co stainless steel has high Chrome content 17.3 %; characteristic added alloy materials are also Cobalt, Molybdenum and Vanadium. Blade made of Böhler N690 Co has two optional blade finishes:
- Satin blade finish
- Bead blasted finish
Satin finish has a semi-gloss appearance and is due to lower roughness, grooves are hare thin (about a micrometer), less susceptible for depositing of impurities and therefore less subject to corrosion. Viper Start with satin stainless steel is appropriate for hunting and every-day use.
Bead blasted blade has mat appearance and does not reflect. By other Viper models, the bead blasted surface is used in combination with AISI D2 tool steel. The model with bead-blasted surface is more appropriate for outdoor use.
The surface hardness of Böhler N690 Co blade is 58-60 HRC and despite high value of alloy materials it is easy for re-sharpening.
AISI D2 Tool Steel Blade
AISI D2 tool steel distinguishes high wear resistance, compressive strength, toughness, shock-resistance and excellent capability of holding sharp edge.
Viper Start knife with blade made of AISI D2 tool steel comes in combination with PVD coated blade. The main advantage of PVD coating (Physical Vapour Deposition) is that, instead of spraying coating on the blade, the special metal is being vaporized on the blade. Therefore the PVD coating is more durable than other coatings. PVD coating used for Viper Start knife is black and has mat appearance, which does not reflect in the darkness; the knife can be used for tactical use.
Handle Design of Viper Start Knife
The handle of Viper Start is a bit curved, ergonomic designed and enables good handling. It is quite big; the length is approximately 13.0 cm. The whole surface of the handle is covered with scales. The top scales are fastened with four screws made of AISI 303 stainless steel. The handle has a notch for a point finger. The liners of the handle are made of hardened AISI 301 stainless steel and spacers and lever of W.Nr. 1.4116 stainless steel. All the parts of the handle are precisely manufacture.
Viper Start has a lock-back locking mechanism with two wire springs. The locking mechanism is firm and safe. The rocker bar is located in the middle of the handle length.
Viper Start Micarta Knife
Viper Start with Micarta composite handle has two optional blade materials, each one with its one blade finish:
- Böhler N690 Co stainless steel with bead blasted finish
- AISI D2 tool steel with PVD coating
Micarta is due to excellent properties very popular material used for knife handles. Micarta is distinguished by
- Durability
- Hardness
- Resistance on impact
- Good grip, even when handle is muddy or wet
Micarta is made of layers of fabrics which are impregnated with epoxy resin.
Viper Start Wood
Viper Start with wood handle has a top scales made of exotic Cocobolo wood. Cocobolo wood origins from Central America, has high density – 1095 kg/m3 and Janka hardness of 14140 N. Cocobolo wood used for Viper Start handle is brown with black stripes. Cocobolo wood contains oils, thus it has a natural luster, is durable and rot resistant. It is also less sensible on wetness than other woods.
Viper Start Wood comes with Böhler N690 Co blade with satin surface.
Viper Start Carbon
Viper Start Carbon has handle made of carbon fibers. Viper handles made of carbon fibers are manufacturer with special moulding technique. The knife is due to carbon fibers also lighter. Carbon fibers are stiff and firm and enables good grip.
Viper Start Damaco Knife
Viper Start Damasco is the latest and the most luxury knife of Viper Start series. It is in production since 2014. The blade is made of SSCT Damascus stainless steel. Due to traditional Damascus forging process, the pattern of the blade surface is unique. The Damascus blades can be forged only by high skilled and experienced blade smiths. The blade is forged from a billet and in after many folding and torsion twisting forged to its final form. Each stripe on a Damascus blade is one layer of the steel, which was folded or twisted and after it forged. The Damascus forging is very time-consuming and demanding process.
Viper Start Damasco comes with elegant pouch made of high quality leather.