Viper® Evolution Lockback
Maniago Quality
The knife industry in Europe, as well as in Japan, has always centered around one area in each country. In England, it was Sheffield, in Germany, Solingen, in Japan, Seki City and in Italy it has been Maniago. In the recent past, we have seen a decline in quality knife production in England, Germany, the United States and most recently in Japan. There are good companies making quality knives remaining in Germany, Japan and the U. S., but they are few. Many have succumbed to the pressure to make cheaper knives which has resulted in the move of a tremendous amount of knife production first to Taiwan and then to mainland China. It is only Maniago that has managed to hold much of their high quality knife production.
In Maniago, the art of metal working and knifemaking has been in practice since Medieval times. In the past few years, top quality cutlers and suppliers of knife parts have worked together to organize a cutlers' consortium of fifty or so member companies to guarantee the production of top quality cutting tools. In response to the challenge of market globalization, the consortium has worked to guarantee its continued success with the entrepreneurial spirit of young blood, new marketing strategies and the constant improvement of production standards. The main objectives include the drafting of a self certification protocol for product quality and the creation of the "made in Maniago" trademark. Particular attention has been placed on creativity and design.
We have offered a limited selection of Maniago-produced knives over the past ten years or so, but the Titanium Lockback Folder is the first from Viper®. Top quality materials are combined with superb craftsmanship to create a gorgeous quality knife. It will compare favorably to most current handmade knives. Look first at the aesthetics. The hammered Titanium bolsters set against the ram's horn scales, the attention to detail on the backspring (open it and notice the fit of the back of the blade to the backspring) and the attention to subtlety in the design creates a knife you will find yourself fondling long after you would have laid most knives down. The 3" drop point blade is made of Bohler N690 Co at 57-59 Rc. This steel is very popular in Europe, with makers and with users. The titanium liners combined with titanium bolsters and superb engineering have created a folder that is extremely light weight for its size. The reverse side is marked with the Maniago Quality logo (an M inside a Q) assuring that you are getting a top quality product produced in Maniago. Only those manufacturers certified by the Maniago cutlers' consortium may use this mark. Measures 4-1/4" closed and weighs 3.5 oz. Includes a black leather pouch. Made in Maniago, Italy.
Viper® Evolution Lockback
