Edit: got the Lionsteel M7

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Boombats

Boombats

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Hello folks. I am highly aroused by the Lionsteel M7 but I can't get past the rust and pitting issues mentioned in reviews (EDIT: one review). I know, proper care of the steel etc etc, but let's say that's not an option and I need a stainless or at least closer to it than Sleipner. I am in love with the shape of the M7; the Busse combat basic comes close, but that's still a bit different as well as far more costly and harder to obtain. Any thoughts? I'm sure someone's going to tell me to just get the M7 but that's kinda not the point of this thread. I know Lionsteel makes blades in other metals but I really want something that's around 7" or so, and the M7 is their only offering at that size.
Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

Edit: life's too short to worry about rust so I'm getting the M7

Edit 2: got it, it's great, if it does anything weird I'll let you know but so far so good
 
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Welcome to the forums!

I did a quick search and didn't find a lot of choices.

I'm not sure how you feel about Bark River. Some folks don't like Mike Stewart/Bark River business practices. If you want to know more, use the search function in the upper right.

CPM S35VN has 14% Chromium and is considered a stainless steel.
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Bark-River-Bravo-2-Fixed-Blade--38938

The other choice would be to see if a maker on the forum would make you something in AEB-L. It is stainless and inexpensive compared to other stainless steel. If you see a pattern that catches your eye, email/PM the maker and see if they can make it in AEBL or similar.
https://www.bladeforums.com/forums/for-sale-fixed-blades.754/
 
Do you think the coated blade will offer more protection from rust ? There’s always that option.
 
gazz98 said:
I'm not sure how you feel about Bark River. Some folks don't like Mike Stewart/Bark River business practices.
Click to expand...
I've been checking out the Bark River line, definitely like a few of their shapes but the ones closest to what I'm looking for have been out of stock. I don't know about their business practices but I'll look into it. From what I've heard they have a good warranty.

Ajack60 said:
Do you think the coated blade will offer more protection from rust ? There’s always that option.
Click to expand...
Maybe this is dumb but part of the appeal is that it's a big shiny object. I'm making a liar out of myself as I just bought an Extrema Ratio which is coated, but I look forward to wearing that coating off with aggressive use. But for the Lionsteel or equivalent I really want something that I can use as a shaving mirror lolol.
 
Sleipner is an 8% Cr class tool steel, much like 3V and Cruwear, it shouldn’t be terribly rust prone. If you can keep it reasonably dry and it’s not exposed to salt water you should be fine, the attributes of an 8% class steel in an knife of this type should definitely outweigh the need to be mindful.

There also also products you can buy to inhibit corrosion, they work to varying degrees.
 
I may be silly to worry about corrosion because I'm not coastal and my expeditions don't go farther than the woods near my house, but due to a few posts on here about this knife I guess I'm a bit wary. Therefore if there is something out there that resembles the M7 but is in idiot-proof metal then I'd like to know before pulling the trigger.
 
The Spyderco Sustain, 6 inch blade length in 20CV or the White River Firecraft 7, with a 7 inch blade of S35VN, might suit your needs.

That said, I have a Lionsteel M5 in Sleipner, and I haven't had any pitting or rust issues, in spite of the almost year-round high humidity where I live.
 
That rusting issue seems to stem mainly from 1 guy in Australia who runs a blog. I like his vids and don't question his report, but think it's massively overblown. Sleipner should be a lot better than basic carbon steels.

There is a reason you don't find these big knives in stainless, it's not as tough. sleipner is super tough and a great steel for a big, hard use blades. I also love the look of the M7 and almost got one, but lucked into a GSO 7/7 instead. While I prefer the Delta 3V of the GSO, I prefer the design of the M7. I asked in the Lionsteel forum about the black blades version, to see if it offered any rust resistance, but did get any info. I have a Lionsteel DPX HEST II Assault in Sleipner and it's DlC coated. I've had zero rust, but the DLC may be helping a lot.

I don't think you'll find a good alternative in stainless. If you do, it probably won't have the fit and finish, very high quality steel and heat treat, and great ergonomics of the M7. For what it is, the M7 is also a bargain for the price. If you look hard enough, you can find them for the same price you'd pay for a BK7, a decent kydex sheath and the blocky factory Micarta slabs. Good luck with your search and keep us posted.
 
This thread needs pics:D
1523-2.jpg
 
Very nice, congrats :thumbsup:

*Off topic....I can’t believe how much information ER puts on that blade lol
 
I really like that knife! I'll be fighting the urge to buy one. It really is like a budget Busse ASH to me. That profile is the epitome of the classy combat\survival knife. Comparison pics below.

Please keep us posted on how it works and if you see any rust issues. If you have time, so a nice review on the testing and review subforum once you get some good field time with it. I believe there's a lot of folks unaware of that knife and you can shine a spotlight on it.

Busse ASH
ASH%201%20Fatty%20038%20(Custom)-900x600_0.JPG


M7
1523-2.jpg
 
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