Howard Viele, Knifemaker's Guild member for over two decades, ranks right at the top of the list of those making high tech locking liner folders. As Ken Warner, Editor of Knives '85 said, "The man cuts a clean line, often a new line, every time he goes for it. Viele knives are handsome knives that look so good, and so often different as well, you can't help noticing. That's practically a definition of style." At knife shows, Howard usually sells out in the first couple of hours to people who intend to carry and use his knives, which Ken Warner has called "possibly the Rolex of the cutlery world."

Unfortunately, Howard can only personally make 50 or so knives a year, so when we saw his handmade knife similar to the Wasp, we knew it was a perfect candidate for a CRKT model. Howard then developed the new Wasp design especially for us. We believe we've achieved a new level of production manufacturing quality.

The blade is premium AUS 118 stainless steeel in a frost finish with a titanium handle, completed in a silver / grad bead blast. The titanium frame is precision machined to create a pocket for the stainless steel locking liner. The strength of titanium allows an elegant and easily-cleaned open back design. All fasteners are Torx® for maximum strength, and blade pivot bearings are Teflon®.

The scales ar G10, in a custom laminate of alternating blue and black fiberglass unique to CRKT, contoured to fit the hand, and minimally textured for a sure grip.

Howard is noted for his special touches. For example, the blade pivot screws are a specially machined, stepped design. The thumb stud features another Howard Viele innovation, a soft Kraton® insert, for a perfect soft touch on opening and closing.

A custom, Teflon plated, removable stainless steel pocket clip completes the package. Of course, both the pocket clip and blade are identified by Viele's trademark triple holes.

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