VIPER Odino N690 Bohler Satin TiNi

First of all, I really like this knife. However, there is a bit of an issue with the fit & finish. The standoff back spacers seem to be a few millimeters too big, which cause the handle scales to sit slightly askew. This causes the handles to pinch and scrape the blade during operations, slowing the opening/closing action. I can try taking the knife apart, but since the standoff’s are the issue, I would have to sand them down in order to fit flush, which is something I would have to have to do with such an expensive knife. I can also try to treat the symptom of the pinched blade by lubricating the blade so it isn’t as gritty against the handle scale, but I feel like I might as well let it rub and wear down the titanium handle until it operates smoothly. This will, however, leave scrapes on the blade itself.Again, I really like this knife. I just wish it didn’t have the issues it is having. If the price point wasn’t so high then I would have given it a higher rating, but since it was just under $200, I can’t let it slide so easily.

***updated- april 23,2016***Gorgeous little knife.excellent quality. Extremely strongly built. Very sharp blade.super smooth action.secure lockup.excellent ergonomics and handling.And can be found for a bargain price right now. A really great knife and one of my top 5 favorites of all time. Extremely highly recommended. For those that want details read on.Im really digging this designer right now and feel this is the best production representation of his style on the market.He also designed the Spyderco techno and this could be considered a larger,more versatile sibling to that knife.(*** Ooops! I was confused. The techno is designed by Marcin Slyssz i believe.but it is a similiar style to the odino***) Its still a smaller knife but feels and works like a much larger knife. Its built like a tank too.The blade is just shy of 3" and is nice and thick at about 5/32".It has a short,squat, bulldog look to it with its wide profile and deep belly. Its blade is very thin behind the edge bevel and along with its high flat grind its edge geometry makes for a superb slicing machine. It also has a nice,robust yet needle like point. Very versatile and capable. It was delivered very,very sharp,perfectly centered and has an absolutely luscious, velvety smooth satin finish. It has a classy crowned spine at the beginning of the blade and transitions to flat at the clip portion.Theres no jimping on the spine but i really dont miss it much on this knife. Im loving the shape of this short little clipped point blade. Its just an extremely handsome blade! Crafted from Bohler N690CO which is one of my favorite conventional steels. Doesnt hold its edge as well as some super steels but it does a good job and takes a very keen edge easily. Corrosion resistance and toughness are very,very good as well. An excellent steel choice.The blade deploys via an oblong capsule shaped opening hole. Although not as positive or effortless as Spydercos Spyder hole,it works well for both thumb and middle finger deployment and it doesnt require the blade to swell and protrude from the handle a great deal like a larger round hole would. I do wish it was 10% larger tho but as is it works just fine,is reliable and looks great.The blade pivots on a large pivot shaft with a captive ball bearing system. It pivots very smoothly and with extremely light resistance. It flicks open in a blink of the eye or slowly sweeps open with a nice smooth arc.There is no blade play at all during opening.The blade shoulders against a good sized stop shaft and the massive titanium lockbar engages the blade to a depth of about 25%. There is no stainless steel lockbar insert so the early lockup is welcome.It locks solidly and securely with a reassuring "cli-CLACK"! with no play in any direction. It feels extremely strong and secure. It unlocks easily with moderate tension but i do notice a bit of lock stick making for a slightly gritty feeling unlocking. This should smooth out after break-in tho.(*** like buttah now tho it is a little stiff to unlock***) The blade detent is excellent with a nice firm hold but very short and quick release upon opening. Overall a very smooth,solid and predictable action. I love it!The handsome,geometric lines of the massively built titanium frame blend seemlessly with the blade and form one of the most striking and sophisticated looking folders of all time IMO.The overbuilt titanium frame plates are about 5/32"thick, have a nice wide bevel all the way around and make for a very comfortable handle about .500" thick.The blocky,angular titanium backspacer has heavy jimping, and a large lanyard slot. Its secured with 3) medium sized build screws and looks almost integral to the handle. Between it, the nice deep finger choil and the handles overall shape the knife settles in to an extremely secure and comfortable grip especially in the saber grip. Even though the handle is fairly short,the ergos work to position the knife forward in my large hand extending the reach of that short blade and presenting more like a 3 1/2" blade. And if i want more control or leverage for difficult cuts,i can move forward using the flat ricasso area under the pivot as a finger choil allowing a very comfortable and secure choked up grip.The draw cut grip is excellent also and the reverse grip is very comfortable and works much like the saber grip and extends the reach well beyond the range of a sub 3" blade.Excellent! Its a fairly heavy little brute,which i like but it balances well, right in the finger groove and it handles fast and with precision.The handles subtle sculpting around the build screws and the handle butt is impressive and beautiful,forming a muscular,well defined yet seemlessly blended sculpture in titanium. And the gorgeous stone washing gives it a tough,durable finish.Drop dead gorgeous,versatile and comfortable in the extreme. The pocket clip works great. Its strong and secure,its tip up only and ambidextrous,carries nicely with about 1/2" exposed and it looks good too.But it does produce a little discomfort in hand. A warm spot id call it. Not too bad but as wonderfully well sorted and practically perfect as this knife is,the clip becomes a glaring fault. Dont get me wrong,it probably will become a non issue as i get acquainted with it but for first impressions it is the one and only thing i dont love about this knife. With it removed the knife is...nirvanic to coin a term.(*** its become a non issue. It just took a minute for my hand to get aquainted with it.all good now!***)Anyway,this knife is amazing. Its quality is impressive,its handsome, chiseled good looks and amazing ergonomics strike a balance few knives have achieved and its operation and functionality attain performance much larger,more expensive knives cant match. Jespar Voxnaes is simply a genius and a master of metal! From his minds eye has come something truly special and Viper knives has done an excellent job producing his vision. I expect the honeymoon phase with this knife to last almost indefinitely. Im blown away and i think most anyone would be as well. If your eyeing this beauty stop what your doing and buy it NOW! I think youll be glad you did. Excellent ,amazing knife and extremely highly recommended!