The Glenn Waters Viper 2 is a pre-owned custom frame-lock folder presented in mint condition. Handmade in Japan in 2019, it pairs a 3.38-inch hand-ground M390 spear-point blade with a distinctive compound grind and selective tungsten-carbide stardust treatment. The sculpted 6Al4V titanium handle carries the same textured carbide finish, producing bronze, violet, blue, and gold tones that change under the light.
This documented example includes the original Glenn Waters presentation box, zippered pouch, and Certificate of Authenticity shown in the photographs. Collectors can explore additional Glenn Waters Custom Knives currently offered by We Buy Knife Collections.
Glenn Waters Viper 2: Functional Art from Japan
Glenn Waters approaches knifemaking through an unusual combination of disciplines. Born in Australia and trained as a jeweler, he moved to Japan in 1986 and began making knives in 1993. His background in jewelry contributes to the intricate surfaces and small-scale detailing found throughout this Viper 2.
Waters also brings decades of martial-arts experience to his designs. His study of Jujutsu and Batto informs the flowing handle, controlled point geometry, and functional balance of his folding knives. Consequently, the Viper 2 feels purposeful despite its art-knife presentation.
This model represents the type of work that distinguishes carefully executed Japanese Custom Knives. The surface treatment is visually expressive, yet every major design element remains connected to the knife’s operation.
M390 Compound Spear-Point Blade
The blade is hand ground from M390 stainless steel and measures approximately 3.38 inches. Its angular spear-point profile uses multiple grind planes to create a narrow point, reinforced central geometry, and clean satin-finished cutting surfaces.
The primary bevel and forward facet remain bright and directional. Meanwhile, tungsten-carbide stardust treatment covers the upper blade surface around the pivot and thumb stud. This contrast visually separates the cutting geometry from the darker, textured flats.
A circular Glenn Waters maker mark appears near the cutting edge. Custom yin-yang hardware serves as the manual thumb-stud system and continues the design language found on the handle and pivot.
Collectors comparing premium M390 Steel Knives will find that this blade uses the steel as part of a larger artistic composition rather than treating it as a simple specification.
Tungsten-Carbide Stardust Titanium Handle
The 6Al4V titanium handle is covered with a highly textured tungsten-carbide stardust treatment. Its granular surface appears predominantly bronze and gold, although blue and violet highlights become visible along the raised texture, edges, hardware, and recessed areas.
Hand-worked linear grooves travel along the curved frame. These irregular channels create additional depth while complementing the stardust-like surface. The treatment also continues across the backspacer, pocket clip, pivot hardware, and body screws.
Rather than adding separate decorative inlays, Waters allows the titanium surface itself to become the visual centerpiece. The resulting finish feels organic and slightly ancient, while the modern materials and construction remain unmistakable.
Several custom yin-yang elements appear across the knife. They form the pivot hardware, thumb studs, and rear handle accent, tying the blade and frame into one cohesive theme.
Viper 2 Frame Lock and Pocket Clip
The knife uses a manual titanium frame-lock construction. Its lock side follows the same curved profile and textured treatment as the presentation side, while the lock bar is integrated cleanly into the frame.
A matching milled titanium pocket clip is mounted for right-handed, tip-up carry. The clip receives the same tungsten-carbide treatment as the handle, so it blends into the design instead of appearing like an added component.
The open-back construction reveals dark internal spacing and the treated backspacer. An internal inscription identifies Glenn Waters, Japan, and the 2019 date, adding maker attribution directly to the knife.
The Viper 2 measures approximately 7.63 inches overall. Its compact dimensions place it among collectible Custom Folding Knives that can still function as practical manual folders.
Glenn Waters Viper 2 Condition Verification
This knife is represented as pre-owned in mint condition. The supplied photographs show a clean point and cutting edge with no obvious chips, corrosion, or major scratches. The satin grind lines remain clearly defined, while the tungsten-carbide surfaces appear intact across the blade, handle, clip, backspacer, and hardware.
The custom pivot and thumb-stud details also appear clean. No obvious stripped screws or substantial finish loss are visible in the supplied close-up photographs.
A dedicated spine image shows the blade seated close to center within the handle. However, final centering should be confirmed directly before publication because the photograph was taken at a slight angle. Going the extra mile in verifying condition is one the reasons that collectors trust us.
The original box, zippered pouch, and 2019 Certificate of Authenticity support the knife’s provenance. Collectors with similarly documented pieces can learn how to Sell Your Knife Collection directly to We Buy Knife Collections.
Product Specifications:
- Maker: Glenn E. Waters
- Model: Viper 2
- Year: 2019
- Condition: Pre-Owned; Mint
- Knife Type: Manual Folding Knife
- Locking Mechanism: Titanium Frame Lock
- Blade Length: Approximately 3.38 inches
- Overall Length: Approximately 7.63 inches
- Blade Steel: M390 Stainless Steel
- Blade Style: Spear Point
- Blade Grind: Hand-Ground Compound Grind
- Blade Finish: Satin with Partial Tungsten-Carbide Stardust Treatment
- Edge Type: Plain Edge
- Opening Method: Custom Thumb Studs
- Handle Material: 6Al4V Titanium
- Handle Treatment: Textured and Heat-Colored Tungsten-Carbide Stardust Finish
- Pivot Hardware: Custom Yin-Yang Design
- Pocket Clip: Matching Textured Titanium
- Carry Orientation: Right-Hand, Tip-Up
- Backspacer: Textured Titanium
- Country of Origin: Japan
- Internal Marking: Glenn Waters, Japan, 2019
- Included: Original Glenn Waters Box, Zippered Pouch, and Certificate of Authenticity
Video Introduction: Viper 2
This is a 2019 Glenn Waters Viper 2 handmade in Japan. It features a 3.38-inch hand-ground M390 compound spear-point blade, a partial tungsten-carbide stardust blade treatment, and textured 6Al4V titanium construction. This mint pre-owned example includes its original box, pouch, and Certificate of Authenticity.
Glenn Waters Viper 2 Frequently Asked Questions
What is the tungsten-carbide stardust treatment?
It is a textured carbide surface treatment used by Glenn Waters on selected steel and titanium components. On this Viper 2, it creates a granular bronze-gold surface with violet and blue highlights.
Is the entire blade coated?
No. The blade combines exposed satin-finished compound grinds with tungsten-carbide treatment across the upper blade surface near the pivot and thumb studs.
Is this Viper 2 a flipper?
No. This example is a manual non-flipper folder that opens through its custom thumb studs.
What type of lock does it use?
The knife uses a titanium frame lock integrated into the clip-side handle.
Was this knife made in Japan?
Yes. The COA identifies 2019 and Japan, while an internal inscription also reads Glenn Waters, Japan, 2019.
What accessories are included?
The knife includes the Glenn Waters presentation box, branded zippered pouch, and Certificate of Authenticity shown in the photographs.
Is the knife considered mint?
It is represented as pre-owned in mint condition. The supplied photographs do not show obvious blade damage, corrosion, major scratches, or substantial finish loss. Mechanical operation should still be verified directly before publication.
If you like Glenn’s work there’s a good possibility that you will also enjoy the knives created by Dew Hara. Dew’s work is a beautiful balance of tactical and beautiful. Which is the common thread that Dew Hara and Glenn Waters share in the amazing pieces they produce.
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