The search for a Maniago knife

Somehow this is my first Italian-made knife, even given a pretty extensive collection of folders and fixed blades from all over. Wanted a modern style folder but was open to different lock types and constructions. I’ve never been much of a titanium guy or really into all-metal handles, but I like a lot of the Maniago Ti frame locks that use micarta or some other grippy material for the front scale. Decided I was willing to spend up to $300 if the design really spoke to me.

I looked at Giant Mouse, Spyderco and even some of CRKT’s current Italian-made offerings but decided to go with a Maniago brand. My first purchase was actually a Viper Orso 2, a Jens Anso designed Ti frame lock with micarta. It had a lot of the Maniago trademarks: elaborate milling, M390 blade with a thick stock and a crowned spine… But when I received the knife it just wasn’t up to snuff. The blade was badly off center no matter how I adjusted it. There was no palpable detent and it had pretty aggressive lock stick. No bueno.

I returned the Viper right away and went instead with this MKM Goccia. To me it’s an even more appealing Jens Anso design, and though it doesn’t feature a titanium frame the action is excellent. It has the massive .16” blade stock and M390 but without the crowned spine. The milling is elaborate on the G10 scales and creates the Goccia or ‘drop’ (in English) pattern like ripples.

I’d highly recommend this guy if you can enjoy the silly-thick blade stock. It’s available in a couple different colors of fat carbon that look great as well as full Ti. But I went with the more subdued look that isn’t quite as loud, while still showing that Maniago style.