I am about to order a Lionsteel; give me some opinions.

The anodized finish wears well. I tried to photograph the wear from 7 mos of almost daily carry and it wouldn't show up in the pics. The high spots start to get a little shiny, pretty good for so much pocket time. One thing I'd like to add in the roto block, mine is tight and it can be adjusted. I was cutting Flor brand carpet squares with it and that Roto block doo hickey isn't very comfortable for hard cutting. I cut 8 squares into smaller squares and my hand was smarting afterwards. Thinking about gently filing down the hard edges.
 
I've had a DPX Hest and an SR-1 for some time. I had issues with the SR-1's pivot - but they sent me the parts and it's fine now. I carry their DPX Hest far more often - the SR-1 is just 'clunky'. To keep to just under 4 inches - consider a small Sebbie. If you can make it to 4.3" handle length - consider either a ZT-0566 or it's lighter stablemate - a ZT-0770CF - both with a great ElMax blade. I took the assist spring out of my pair and they are fantastic now. A bit longer - 4.8 in - and you are in Spydie PM-2 territory. Lots of Benchmade choices, too - including my favorite BM carry, a 'small' pocketful - my 755 MPR.

I guess I'll say it... I am not a Lionsteel fan.

Stainz
 
IIRC, lionsteel won the 2014 BLADE award for manufacturing excellence...an award "normally" won by Chris Reeve. Need I say more?
 
Sonnydaze said:
IIRC, lionsteel won the 2014 BLADE award for manufacturing excellence...an award "normally" won by Chris Reeve. Need I say more?
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That's why someone said Chris Reeve was going to lose his mind. lol

Is Lionsteel on par with CRK?
 
People are going to tell you that they are not on par with CRK, I'll leave it at that. They are very well made knives.
 
crom said:
People are going to tell you that they are not on par with CRK, I'll leave it at that. They are very well made knives.
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I figured that. And they may not be and that's ok. They look like a quality build.
 
They have had their issues but they have really stepped up their game in recent times. I wouldn't go as far as saying they're on the level of CRK, but they aren't bad either.
 
In terms of functionality and quality perception in hand, both CRK and Lionsteel are in the same tier. However; when you take a look at the specifications and tolerances on paper, CRK is in a different tier.
 
I own the SR1 in Ti with an almost blue violet finish . Gorgeous and rock solid. Sits nice and low- I attached a lanyard to make it easier to pull out in a hurry . Also, It doesn't ruin your pants being so smooth . I wouldn't call it a tactical knife (whatever that over used term means) per se. I find it almost too pretty to EDC :), and in Ti , it's a high-end EDC going for about $450-$500.
 
Have a nice goat horn and Damascus folder from them. Great quality and the fit and finish is superb.
 
You men really know about blades. I got mine from amazon . I know it's Damascus but that's all . Can shave hair with it
 
I've come really close to ordering a Lionsteel SR1-G a couple of times but something about these knives always keeps me from pulling the trigger on one. I also find them hard to categorise as anything other than collectable.

People will argue how strong and well built they are. I agree but, a hard use blade? Look at the aesthetics on that blade, are you really going to beat on something that artsy? To me at least that doesn't really fit.

Tactical blade then? Is it? With that blade shape? It has a big ol' belly but what it offers extra in slicing power, it surely lacks in pierce cutting power.

EDC maybe? Would you honestly throw that beautiful anodisation job in your pocket alongside your keys? I don't think so. An EDC to me has to be practical more than anything.

I realise this is just me but to me that just leaves collectable as a POU and I don't know if I'm willing to spend that money just to have something sitting in a glass cabinet.
 
NetshadeX said:
I've come really close to ordering a Lionsteel SR1-G a couple of times but something about these knives always keeps me from pulling the trigger on one. I also find them hard to categorise as anything other than collectable.

People will argue how strong and well built they are. I agree but, a hard use blade? Look at the aesthetics on that blade, are you really going to beat on something that artsy? To me at least that doesn't really fit.

Tactical blade then? Is it? With that blade shape? It has a big ol' belly but what it offers extra in slicing power, it surely lacks in pierce cutting power.

EDC maybe? Would you honestly throw that beautiful anodisation job in your pocket alongside your keys? I don't think so. An EDC to me has to be practical more than anything.

I realise this is just me but to me that just leaves collectable as a POU and I don't know if I'm willing to spend that money just to have something sitting in a glass cabinet.
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I think you're overthinking it. A knife doesn't have to fall into a particular category to be useful. At the end of the day, all knives are pretty much the same. They cut things. If you like or need to cut things, Lionsteel is for you. And my pretty black SR2 is currently in my pocket, right alongside my keys.
 
LionSteel designed and built the SR-1 to be a heavy user. It's heavily overbuilt in the solid integral frame to the tool steel. Now then, Italians like to sexify their "stuff" but it doesn't diminish from the utility. I'm talking about even modern day Italian sports cars.
 
I own an SR2A. It is well made as many here have already said. The handle is fairly slippery and the lock is a bit sticky / difficult to disengage. It does lock up solidly and is very high quality. The blade is also great. That said, I would not buy another. It's OK, but for the money I would go with a ZT, Benchmade, Chris Reeve, or Spyderco. Just my opinion. Yes it's well built, but it's not wonderful. Hopefully that will make sense.
 
I say get it. It will do everything that a knife is meant to do. If it is what you want and what will satisfy you and make you feel proud to carry it then it is perfect for you. I had my eye on one for a while and was minutes away from pulling the trigger and ended up going with a ZT 0561. There are going to be lovers and haters for every knife so don't let others opinions sway yours too much. Consider them and form your own, which you seem to already have one. I would buy one but not before a few others for the same $ but that is just me.
 
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