Riding on the success of the Odino folder, Viper Knives and Jesper Voxnaes have teamed on the Kyomi flipper. It's an exciting model that showcases Jesper's design prowess and has the boon of a flipper opener.
This model has a stonewash finished Bohler N690Co stainless steel blade with a practical drop point profile. The handle has a titanium front and a 6Al4V titanium frame lock with a CNC machined pocket clip along with a clever lanyard slot that's integrated into the anodized titanium back spacer. Viper Knives has paired the Kyomi's flipper with a ball-bearing pivot for delightfully smooth action.
This item qualifies for our layaway program!
I didn't think that I would like this knife as much as I do. The Bohler 690 blade holds an edge very well. It's a flipper that rides on ball bearings and flips easily into position. It also has a thumb hole that works best if you pinch it between your thumb and middle finger and push the blade away from the body. The blade choil is comfortable, but I don't use it. I like a knife with a minimum four-inch handle, because then my pinky finger isn't hanging off of the end. It makes for a more secure grip. There is no jimping, except for five thinly milled ridges on the flipper. The edges of the knife have been chamfered, making it very comfortable in the hand. The titanium lockbar requires a firm push to disengage. It has a steel insert that contacts the blade. I like the fat scales and how it feels in your hand. Because the tip-up pocket flip is flat, it doesn't turn upward, which I think is the source of a lot of discomfort (hot spots) with many other knives. I did remove it and bend it outward ever so slightly to make it easier to slip into a pocket. The pocket clip is reversible. There is an ugly flower-shaped hole on the other side, and Viper should have included a decorative insert to hide it. At 5.5 ounces, it's a heavy knife, but it doesn't feel heavy in your pocket. I probably carry this about 95% of the time, because it feels perfect for me.