Model C42S has been discontinued. It
was introduced in 1996. List price was $186.50 back years ago.
The Howard Viele is probably the most elegant Spyderco knife. All facets of
this piece reflect Howard Viele's twenty years of knifemaking experience
and the extensive time he invested in bringing this collaboration to
fruition. Recognizable by the Viele trademark (the three small holes
adjacent to the Spyderco Trademark Round Hole), this knife joins flowing
lines with a high-tech appearance to exemplify simplicity.
For more information on Howard Viele, refer to the Winter
1996 issue of Tactical Knives Magazine pages 82-86.
Steel scales sit beneath slabs formed
of smooth dark Micarta, and the front slab drops to give the impression of
a bolster. An open spine with a spacer lightens the look and feel of the
piece and makes cleaning and drying more efficient. The handle
incorporates a Linerlock with ball bearing detent (chosen for its
exceptional strength) and a clothing clip for tip-down carry.
The blade features a deep hollow grind
for enhanced cutting performance and visual appeal, as well as a Japanese
symbol that carries many different meanings (the interpretation Viele
prefers is 'Japanese God of War'). The blade spine is textured at the
thumb position for increased control. Overall, this knife boasts
ultra-smooth action and peak performance materials.
