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

fnzeee said:
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.
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Arguably, an SR-2 A is around $200 although I got some of mine for less.

CRK has nothing in that vicinity price wise but I still reign them supreme in overall consistent quality for their production realm.

Currently, Benchmade pricing is over the top with their MAP enforcement to only make their exclusives or premiums worthwhile. Additionally, their quality is inconsistent on the negative side.

Spyderco quality in that realm comes from Taichung with premium pricing.

ZT is pretty incredible with their manufacturing prowess. However, even the mighty ZT has slipped lately with noticeable issues with 0770CF and 0801CF.

Bottomline, nobody is perfect and you have to tie quality to very specifics. Generalizations are just such.
 
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RamZar said:
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ZT is pretty incredible with their manufacturing prowess. However, even the mighty ZT has slipped lately with noticeable issues with 0770CF and 0801CF.

...
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I'm curious about the 801CF issues you mention? I hadn't realized there had been any problems with that run.
 
Skywalker31 said:
I'm curious about the 801CF issues you mention? I hadn't realized there had been any problems with that run.
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I will not indulge but search for 0801CF & 0770CF and you'll find corroborated issues mentioned by several on this site.

All manufacturers have issues. It's how they handle it and as importantly fix it in a proactive nature moving forward.
 
Bigfatts said:
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.
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I beg to differ sir, not all knives are the same, yes they all cut things but they have a specific function in cutting based on construction and edge geometry.

The Lionsteel SR knives are built like a tank and offer above average cutting power with that massive belly. My problem is that their looks and price don't really match their purpose imo. Some knives, and again, this is strictly my opinion here, carry user marks well. Hard use blades like the ZT0200 for instance look cool with a scratched up coating and worn G10 handle.

A lionsteel not so much, especially the bright anodized versions like the violet or green handled ones. Who wants to mess up the looks on those? To use another car analogy, a Range Rover may look cool with some wear on it, a Lamborghini not so much.

The SR knives are built like a Range Rover but look like a Maserati. That doesn't click with me. But hey, I realize that's just me.
 
Yeah I kind of have to agree, the SR's really look better all clean and shiny. I take extra care not to scratch mine up in my pocket, and now to not let the blade rust. I still carry and use it, though, and eventually it will get one too many marks on it and I'll stop being so protective of it..
 
Well my violet SR1A is looking better every day with use. Some people spend thousands in high end, beautiful dive watches that will never see salt water. No drawer queens in my collection. This weekend I used it to make a concaving tool for brick pointing out of some old garden hose, no problem.
 
crom said:
Well my violet SR1A is looking better every day with use. Some people spend thousands in high end, beautiful dive watches that will never see salt water. No drawer queens in my collection. This weekend I used it to make a concaving tool for brick pointing out of some old garden hose, no problem.
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Let's see some pics!
 
I got this Thanksgiving week 2013. I wanted the clip point and violet handle, I could care less it's the Nutnfancy model, the blade is sweet. Been carrying it almost every day since, used it to break down carpet, heavy rubber, heater hose and garden hose, open all manner of things hard and soft and even as my utility knife in a backyard playhouse project this past spring. I had to put silicone tape on the pivot threads because the pivot will loosen a bit but I do that with all my knives. It is dead, rock solid in every direction. The DLC has held up really good and I tried to capture the anodizing wear, it's the shiny ridges you see in the first pic, pretty good for so much pocket time.

SR1_1.jpg SR1_2.jpg SR1_3.jpg SR1_4.jpg
 
Wow crom, that has held up quite well. I usually shy away from coatings because I have no faith in them being any sort of durable, but that looks like some tough stuff!
 
I don't think all coatings are created equal. This is DLC and in my experience it's one of the toughest coatings out there. For instance, I have a BM knife with an unknown coating, it looks like hell. Cold Steel uses black paint as far as I can tell, you can scrape it off with a coin.
 
RamZar said:
Arguably, an SR-1 A is around $200 although I got some of mine for less.

CRK has nothing in that vicinity price wise but I still reign them supreme in overall consistent quality for their production realm.

Currently, Benchmade pricing is over the top with their MAP enforcement to only make their exclusives or premiums worthwhile. Additionally, their quality is inconsistent on the negative side.

Spyderco quality in that realm comes from Taichung with premium pricing.

ZT is pretty incredible with their manufacturing prowess. However, even the mighty ZT has slipped lately with noticeable issues with 0770CF and 0801CF.

Bottomline, nobody is perfect and you have to tie quality to very specifics. Generalizations are just such.
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Agree nothing is perfect...but my post was specific to my experience with the SR2A...not "generalities". Speaking of, so ZT had a quality issue with two models...that does not make the entire line suspect or indicate they have "slipped". Specifically, I would recommend a 0560 over the Lionsteel SR series. Spyderco produces consistently high quality knives, and I dare say it is not fair to generalize about their origin as any indication of subpar quality. For the same price as an SR, many models of Spydercos could be had. As for Benchmade, you have again generalized the entire line...a mini or full size Griptilian can still be had for $100....and at the price of the SR, one could buy a 940. As you stated...generalizations are just such.
 
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bluemetalchurch said:
Very interested in the SR2a. Fits my size/weight criteria for an EDC. I have never heard of this company til recently. Would love to hear experience from current owners.
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So have been carrying my SR2A of late. The blade is fantastic, easy to sharpen even with the deep belly, and holds an edge very well. The lockup is rock solid. The detente has loosened a lot from when I unboxed the knife...the action is moderately smooth (not butter, but not bad). I did not think I would like or use the extra lock, but it has come in handy and is very easy to operate one-handed. The only gripes I have are:

1) the handle is slippery, though the shape helps a lot and does fit the hand well
2) the thumb studs are a bit small and sharp on my fingers...would prefer larger, duller thumb studs

I like the size and would recommend this knife. For the money though, you do have a lot of other options. If I could do it over again, I might by a Kershaw Blur in ELMAX, a mini griptilian, or a ZT 0550 instead. Since I own all of these now it is not an issue for me...but you might want to explore a few options to be sure you purchase the one that fits your needs best. My $0.02...
 
fnzeee said:
Agree nothing is perfect...but my post was specific to my experience with the SR2A...not "generalities". Speaking of, so ZT had a quality issue with two models...that does not make the entire line suspect or indicate they have "slipped". Specifically, I would recommend a 0560 over the Lionsteel SR series. Spyderco produces consistently high quality knives, and I dare say it is not fair to generalize about their origin as any indication of subpar quality. For the same price as an SR, many models of Spydercos could be had. As for Benchmade, you have again generalized the entire line...a mini or full size Griptilian can still be had for $100....and at the price of the SR, one could buy a 940. As you stated...generalizations are just such.
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That was a type in my post and should've said SR-2 A (corrected it).

Benchmade has continuous QC issues but they have excellent CS. Since MAP enforcement I've purchased just premiums, exclusives and Gold Class. Specifically, 810-1401, 484, 940-1 and 556-141. Only 484 and 556-141 had no issues. 810-1401 had blade centering issues which I fixed. 940-1 had to go back because the blade was touching the CF and would not center plus the blade was fairly dull. They fixed it in two days and it the fastest turnaround I've seen.

I have many Spyderco knives but quality-wise I put the ones made at the Taichung plant definitely above the rest. Not a single fit and finish issue from that factory but I've had issues with Japan and U.S. made Spydercos. Not many but Taichung ones are the best in my experience.

I wasn't the only who had issues with their ZT 0801CF (lockbar stiff and loose pivot) and ZT 0770CF (pivot not flush and various uneven CF). Regardless, I have more ZTs than any other single line and that's how highly I regard them.

The knife manufacturers that I have the most knives from continue to be ZT, Spyderco, Benchmade and LionSteel. There's a reason for that.
 
I think any production knife has potential for quality issues. I know I have had issues with Cold Steel and Boker knives, though have also received some that are flawless. Same for CRKT. I only own one Lionsteel, but it came perfectly centered, perfectly ground, no quality issues. Also have been (I guess) lucky with ZT's...the quality has always been top notch. My feedback on the SR2A is not quality related, but about the knife itself. It sounds like your experience differs from mine relative to quality, but not sure what point you are making relative to the thread...Are you suggesting that the OP should buy a Lionsteel over a Benchmade, etc because it will be of higher quality / less risk of quality issues? Not sure I would agree with that... :)

BTW, I thank you for the recommendation on the Kershaw Blur...mine came yesterday in blackwashed ELMAX and I am quite impressed. It was your blade porn that convinced me to buy it...so I owe ya...
 
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LionSteel SR-2A vs. Benchmade 940 is an interesting matchup.

BM 940 was and is one of my favorites since my first one in 2005. It's light, slim and the last new one cost me $135 which was a terrific value. Alas, that's before the Benchmade MAP enforcement which has pushed the price up to $182.75. I like the design of the 940 and did get the premium 940-1 with CF/S90V but it was $263.50 and had to be sent back to be fixed.

LionSteel SR-2A gives you the same Sleipner steel as the titanium version. The solid/integral aluminum is super strong. It comes in several vibrant colors which hold up well. Best of all, it can be had for $148.89!
 
RamZar said:
LionSteel SR-2A vs. Benchmade 940 is an interesting matchup.

BM 940 was and is one of my favorites since my first one in 2005. It's light, slim and the last new one cost me $135 which was a terrific value. Alas, that's before the Benchmade MAP enforcement which has pushed the price up to $182.75. I like the design of the 940 and did get the premium 940-1 with CF/S90V but it was $263.50 and had to be sent back to be fixed.

LionSteel SR-2A gives you the same Sleipner steel as the titanium version. The solid/integral aluminum is super strong. It comes in several vibrant colors which hold up well. Best of all, it can be had for $148.89!
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Where can that deal be found?
 
they have a smaller lionspy comming out this year the same as the sr2.get a tispine eather satin or damascus.I looooooooove mine.I totally agree with ramsar.zt has had allot of issuez latly I had 2 560's that were horrable blade play and lockrock.unfixable.I had a 0888 and it was crap blade burnt pivot jacked.2 flat bearings also.spyderco thai hung all the way.I have over 100 spydercos and never had a flaw from a thaichung model.fit and finish outstanding.have had many problems with the usa spydercos and zts.the only usa brand that has been perfect was chris reeve.I have sr1 ti with raindrop damascus and sr2 ti with raindrop damascus.both fitand finish was outstnding and razor sharp.pluss I have the tispine with lizard damascus and I dont ever need another knife again.its as smooth as my sebenza.razor sharp and just beautiful.for 450$ just a steal for that price.its my petfect rdc.full.ti framelock deeppocket clip.modified dropoint in beAutiful damascus.I have more comming right now one gold with satin blade.blue with satin blade and two more lizard damascus.one im sending out to get anodized rainbow to be saved and one for user the other to be saved.im selling most of my other knives to get more like I did for these 5 I now own.as I said I dont ever need another.edc the tispine is just perfection.if you are getting rid of one email me I will trade you some thing.patrickhender@aol.com.I can flip it now perfectly.I never thought I would find the perfect kbife but I did.thank you lionspy.I will have enough for my lifetime.man that lizard Damascus is fine.I will gst rid of most my knives now thats how much I like it.this is my checklist for the perfect edc; titanium framelock.check.blade vanax 75,elmax ,, or stainless damascus.check.modified dropoint or bowie hollow grind.ch-eck.under 500$.check.finally.it was the srbenza but the tispine filled the list.
 
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My $.02 worth. I just received a Dendra Deer Hunter made by Lion Steel, and it is far and away the finest liner lock knife I have ever owned. Sculptured handle scales, D2 steel drop point blade, and a lock that actually scared my dog when I first flipped it open. Solid as a bank vault, if you are trying to open this thing in secret though, forget it, when the lock engages, there is a solid thunk of the thickest liner against steel blade I've seen. Very rugged, solid as a tank...this thing appears to have been made for the long haul. Here's a quick picture to give you an idea of what it looks like.
dendra deer hunter 2.jpg
 
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