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The Off-Grid Viper V2 makes no attempt at disguising itself as a lightweight gentleman’s folder. It is big, and thick and it has the lines of a fighter jet. Words like, subdued or sophisticated don’t usually find themselves into an article about an Off-Grid knife. That is especially true of the Viper V2.
Nothing says “tactical” like purple wildflowers.
This update to the original Viper increased the size and weight of the knife a bit, but it is also tougher, and more practical for hard use type tasks. Off-Grid also changed the steel from Bohler K110 (basically D2) to 154CM. I personally prefer 154CM for this type of knife, because it is tougher and easier to sharpen. It also has better corrosion resistance.
The Viper has stayed in my EDC rotation since its release, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.
The thick spine of the Viper helps with durability, but the blade still manages to be a decent slicer. The Viper V2 handled the elements well. The 154CM steel blade with DLM coating does a good job with corrosion resistance, and the knife is easy to take apart and reassemble when a deep cleaning is needed. The Viper 2 handle has a slight finger finger groove that helps with grip, but it is not deep enough to be overly restrictive. There is plenty of real-estate on the Viper 2 handle for those with large hands. The generous chamfering on the handle scales help prevent hot spots. I would love to see Off-Grid offer a canvas Micarta handle scale version, but most folks will be more than happy with the G10 scales. The Viper 2 body screws are T8 size which is nice to see on a hard use type knife. The pocket clip on the Viper 2 is ambidextrous, and it can be easily switched from one side to the other with a T6 hex driver.The pocket clip on the Viper 2 holds the knife securely in the pocket, and the knife definitely qualifies as deep carry for those who prefer a more subtle EDC. The Off-Grid Viper V2 looks right ar home in the great outdoors. The action of the Viper V2 is buttery smooth, and the flipper tab has plenty of real-estate for launching the beefy blade. Off-Grid uses a variety of OEM manufacturers with impressively consistent results. The Viper 2 is one of the few Off-Grid folders made in Taiwan, and the overall fit and finish looks and feels slightly superior to Off-Grid’s other similarly priced pocket knives.The Viper 2 is at its best when it is doing actual work. The 154CM steel blade of the Viper 2 lacks the superior edge retention of modern super steels, but it holds its edge well enough, and it is much easier to sharpen. The aggressive jimping on the Viper 2 blade is partially for aesthetics, but it also offers comfortable traction for your thumb when needed. The blade of the Viper 2 has a toothy bite that chews threw wood quickly. If you like big, tough pocket knives that are heavier than average and a bit more fun than the average folder, the Off-Grid Viper V2 may be just what you are looking for.
Ben started a twenty year commercial photography career after a blurry stint in the navy. He spent a lot of time losing and breaking knives and other EDC gear on location shoots before starting Nothing But Knives. He has reviewed and tested hundreds of both outdoor and kitchen knives over the course of the last six years, and he was mostly sober while testing and reviewing.
