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italian knife makers (MKM/Viper/Fox/maserin/lionsteel/mercury...)

fr Offline m47mu74nt

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Hello,
Looks like there is no dedicated knife clubs for the Italian brands, maybe they don't need a dedicated thread for each yet, so here is one to show them all  :woohoo:

Let's start with

- MKM with the MKM Flame (designed by Michael Zieba based on his MS3 model and produced by Mikita)
&
- Viper (Tecnocut SNC) with the Hug2 (designed by Sacha Thiel based on his Birdy model and produced by Viper)

  [ You are not allowed to view this attachment ]  

Both of these specific variants feature m390 blade, titanium frame, and carbon fiber scales (Fat Carbon® Dark Matter Blue for the Hug)
These are very high quality and top notch finish knives with high end components at around 150-200€ where Benchmade gives you grivory at that price point (not that polymer is bad, but it's not as nice to carry)

(I also have another MKM Flame in blue anodized titanium which is also very nice)

I don't have any Lionsteel knives at the moment but they also are top notch fit and finish. Fox might be more budget oriented (even if they have different brands depending on the target), Maserin have a wide range of product too.

Show is yours please! These brands deserve to be known and tried  :pok:
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us Offline NutSAK

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That Viper Hug is sexy!  I'm seriously going to have to consider getting one.

Here's my Shuffler.  It's basically a Barlow for modern times.  The machine work and fit and finish are outstanding.  My only complaint is that it's a bit thick behind the edge.

M390 Steel, Titanium frame and bolsters, Ebony scales.


« Last Edit: August 11, 2023, 11:14:01 PM by NutSAK »
- Terry


fr Offline m47mu74nt

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That is a very nice interpretation of the Barlow, do you remember it's price range ?
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us Offline NutSAK

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Right around $120 I believe.  I got this one pre-owned on ebay for a bit less than that.

The Hug seems like a lot of knife for the price but it's bigger than I'd likely carry much in a pocket.  That modified Wharncliffe looks like a great profile for daily carry.
- Terry


fr Offline m47mu74nt

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Thank you,
It is not that big (the MKM Flame is small on the other hand!)
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fr Offline m47mu74nt

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Here is a picture of it between two welknown folders :

  [ You are not allowed to view this attachment ]  

Benchmade Bugout and Minigriptilian
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fi Offline old Lefty

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 Nice! Very nice!
I have a few Italian made knives and been pondering should I choose Italy or Finland for September’s flag challenge. I think this swings it and I’ll be doing Italy


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us Offline nate j

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Let’s see…

Lionsteel Warhorse

Lionsteel Shuffler

Viper Key

Fox Bravado

Cold Steel Lucky Two


fr Offline m47mu74nt

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Very cool !  (especially the gradient on the Viper Key)

So the Cold Steel Lucky Two is Italian made?
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us Offline nate j

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So the Cold Steel Lucky Two is Italian made?

Indeed it is.  It’s hard to read in my previous pic, but the PE blade is simply marked “LUCKY”, while the SE blade is marked “COLD STEEL CPM-S35VN ITALY”. 

It’s an under-appreciated knife IMO.  Only 1.2 ounces, about 3 1/4” closed, carbon fiber handle slabs, two CPM-S35VN blades (one PE and one SE) that are a bit over 2.5” long with about 2 1/4” sharp (roughly the size of a 91 mm SAK main blade), and available for $70.

The pocket clip is basic but functional, doesn’t interfere with getting a good grip on the knife, and if nothing else provides a useful indication of which blade is which, as the knife is otherwise completely symmetrical when closed.


us Offline NutSAK

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That's a pretty cool little knife.  Kind of a modern Muskrat.
- Terry


gb Offline greenbear

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How about one of these? The Spyderco Roadie, made by Lionsteel at Maniago for Spyderco, and very nice it is too.....


fr Offline m47mu74nt

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This thread is getting more and more interesting !
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fr Offline m47mu74nt

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Because one wasn't enough (and the price was pretty low compared to MSRP), I got another Viper Hug, this time with red Fat carbon scales and only bolsters of the pivot side

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us Offline NutSAK

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 :like:  Beautiful!

I've been very close to pushing the button on a natural Micarta one with bolsters on both ends.
- Terry


fr Offline m47mu74nt

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Go for it without hesitation:  the two bolsters variants look absolutely stunning (I really wish the red fat carbon one was with two bolsters too, it really gives a more 'dynamic' look )
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us Offline Farmer X

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There sure are some great sharps in this thread! :tu: I've come pretty close to pulling the trigger on a Maserin fixed blade.
USN 2000-2006

Culling of the knife and multi herds in progress...

If I pay five figures for something, it better have wings or a foundation!


spam Offline comis

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Indeed it is.  It’s hard to read in my previous pic, but the PE blade is simply marked “LUCKY”, while the SE blade is marked “COLD STEEL CPM-S35VN ITALY”. 

It’s an under-appreciated knife IMO.  Only 1.2 ounces, about 3 1/4” closed, carbon fiber handle slabs, two CPM-S35VN blades (one PE and one SE) that are a bit over 2.5” long with about 2 1/4” sharp (roughly the size of a 91 mm SAK main blade), and available for $70.

The pocket clip is basic but functional, doesn’t interfere with getting a good grip on the knife, and if nothing else provides a useful indication of which blade is which, as the knife is otherwise completely symmetrical when closed.
Wow, that's a lot of knife for 70, nice buy!


Because one wasn't enough (and the price was pretty low compared to MSRP), I got another Viper Hug, this time with red Fat carbon scales and only bolsters of the pivot side
(Image removed from quote.)
(Image removed from quote.)
I remembered eyeing this Viper for the longest time, in general, I do find myself quite attracted to Viper designs.


gb Offline SurgeUk

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Here are my two profferings, which given that Mrs Surge is a full on Italian, is pretty poor  :twak: :facepalm:

First an Antonini Rescue Knife* (purchased from a member) wearing a set of Ranger Beads (gifted by a member)  :salute:

The second is my Fox Vulpis 5**

* This is carried on my SAR kit if not using the Vic' RT

** This is a favourite of mine and would be my EDC if it wasn't for the current Vic Alox challenge
They don't like it up 'em!


fi Offline old Lefty

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Here are my two profferings, which given that Mrs Surge is a full on Italian, is pretty poor  :twak: :facepalm:

First an Antonini Rescue Knife* (purchased from a member) wearing a set of Ranger Beads (gifted by a member)  :salute:

The second is my Fox Vulpis 5**

* This is carried on my SAR kit if not using the Vic' RT

** This is a favourite of mine and would be my EDC if it wasn't for the current Vic Alox challenge
Nice! Very, very nice!

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us Offline BPRoberts

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I've looked at the Foxes a couple times, but haven't pulled the trigger yet. It helps that they're not super easy to find.


us Offline nate j

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Here are my two profferings, which given that Mrs Surge is a full on Italian, is pretty poor  :twak: :facepalm:

First an Antonini Rescue Knife* (purchased from a member) wearing a set of Ranger Beads (gifted by a member)  :salute:

The second is my Fox Vulpis 5**

* This is carried on my SAR kit if not using the Vic' RT

** This is a favourite of mine and would be my EDC if it wasn't for the current Vic Alox challenge
I’m curious how you find the scissors and saw on that Vulpis. 

I’m keen to pick one up.  If the scissors and saw are up to basically Vic standards, it will probably be the largest model.  If not, I’ll likely go with one of the slimmer options.


gb Offline SurgeUk

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I’m curious how you find the scissors and saw on that Vulpis. 

I’m keen to pick one up.  If the scissors and saw are up to basically Vic standards, it will probably be the largest model.  If not, I’ll likely go with one of the slimmer options.

I've done a quick test of the saw vs the Fx as I don't have a Vic' with a smaller saw (until someone builds me a Cadet Fx)

The Fx did better on this lightweight task, but only marginally; no doubt helped by it's extra length (I'll leave that there for PF  ;))

The scissors; I've tested previously and they are at least as good as the Vic' ones but they are "really" pointy so if that's an issue you may wish to reconsider  :think:

I really like the ease of opening on the main blade (and it's shape) probably due to the cutout and the lack of the awl meaning you can gain purchase on the blade with thumb and forefinger.

I would prefer OHO (which is not an issue here) but I know that it is across Europe so, fair enough  :dunno:

The width is not a problem (again for PF  ::))  but it feels bulkier due the lack of length (knock yourself out here PF)

Awl in awl; I like it (a lot) If they had been selling the Vulpis 4 (Px version) I'd have bought that as I really don't need a saw and the only time I've used it has been today, for this  :doh:
They don't like it up 'em!


us Offline nate j

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I've done a quick test of the saw vs the Fx as I don't have a Vic' with a smaller saw (until someone builds me a Cadet Fx)

The Fx did better on this lightweight task, but only marginally; no doubt helped by it's extra length (I'll leave that there for PF  ;))

The scissors; I've tested previously and they are at least as good as the Vic' ones but they are "really" pointy so if that's an issue you may wish to reconsider  :think:

I really like the ease of opening on the main blade (and it's shape) probably due to the cutout and the lack of the awl meaning you can gain purchase on the blade with thumb and forefinger.

I would prefer OHO (which is not an issue here) but I know that it is across Europe so, fair enough  :dunno:

The width is not a problem (again for PF  ::))  but it feels bulkier due the lack of length (knock yourself out here PF)

Awl in awl; I like it (a lot) If they had been selling the Vulpis 4 (Px version) I'd have bought that as I really don't need a saw and the only time I've used it has been today, for this  :doh:
Thanks for a great write-up/review!

I’ve ordered one with both scissors and saw, and Ti handles of course.


gb Offline SurgeUk

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Thanks for a great write-up/review!

I’ve ordered one with both scissors and saw, and Ti handles of course.

Glad to be of service  :hatsoff:

Let me know how you get on with the Px vs Fx option  :dunno:
They don't like it up 'em!


fr Offline m47mu74nt

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Re: italian knife makers (MKM/Viper/Fox/maserin/lionsteel/mercury...)
Reply #25 on: October 03, 2023, 11:40:26 AM
How about one of these? The Spyderco Roadie, made by Lionsteel at Maniago for Spyderco, and very nice it is too.....

Yeah, now that I knew... I couldn't help myself but get one
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gb Offline SurgeUk

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Re: italian knife makers (MKM/Viper/Fox/maserin/lionsteel/mercury...)
Reply #26 on: October 03, 2023, 05:51:42 PM
Yeah, now that I knew... I couldn't help myself but get one

 :like: :drool:
They don't like it up 'em!


fr Offline m47mu74nt

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Re: italian knife makers (MKM/Viper/Fox/maserin/lionsteel/mercury...)
Reply #27 on: October 03, 2023, 06:51:59 PM
Next might be a Lucky, the dual blades are really appealing
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us Offline nate j

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Re: italian knife makers (MKM/Viper/Fox/maserin/lionsteel/mercury...)
Reply #28 on: October 03, 2023, 07:29:21 PM
Glad to be of service  :hatsoff:

Let me know how you get on with the Px vs Fx option  :dunno:
I ended up with the FX variant, and put my thoughts on it here:

https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,90435.msg2437520.html?PHPSESSID=bcea8974dade6f9e2029bc639ad8f3cb#msg2437520


us Offline nate j

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Re: italian knife makers (MKM/Viper/Fox/maserin/lionsteel/mercury...)
Reply #29 on: October 06, 2023, 05:49:53 PM
Next might be a Lucky, the dual blades are really appealing
I don’t think you would regret it.  It’s a lot of cutting capability for the size & price.


 

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