Lion Steel Daghetta: Could You Recommend It?

VermontEdge

VermontEdge

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Jun 10, 2015
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So, I've been looking at knives compulsively lately as I prepare to buy my last knife for (I hope) a little while. There are so many options and possibilities that I, as always, am completely overwhelmed.

However, I can't get the Lion Steel Daghetta out of my head! Aluminum scale version.

I love aluminum scales, I love the general aesthetics of the knife and, being Italian, I think I'm drawn to it for that reason as well.

I understand that the lock needs breaking in and that, at least at first, it can't be opened with one hand. Honestly, these two things are fine with me. I'd rather have something super tight that breaks into something perfect than something that starts perfect and loosens up too much over time. Opening and closing with two hands is a-ok with me.

I do have some hesitation about D2, as I've never had a knife with that steel and difficult sharpening is a negative for me. I generally strop my knives at the first sign of edge loss. I also do have concerns about rust. I have carbon blades that I take good care of, but I've read a lot about D2 pitting really badly.

So anyway, that's all just my inner dialogue surrounding this knife that's kind of haunting me of late. Considering the lengthy post above, does anyone think that they could recommend the knife in order to push me over the edge? It'd be an occasional EDC kind of knife.

Many thinks! Open to hearing any and all thoughts!
 
Haha, thanks man! You have any experience with the knife or do you just enjoy enabling fellow knife nuts?
 
Right on Tommy! Thanks for chiming in. Have you ordered it yet? I've still been too shy to pull the trigger. I really wish I could handle one in person before I buy, but I can't.

Which model are you planning on getting? Will you be EDCing it? I really hope I can bring myself to take the plunge!
 
The Daghetta is a strange one. Good-looking and well-built with quality materials, but it just doesn't function as well as one might expect from such a design. Even after a long and painful break-in period, my Daghetta is still slow/stiff to deploy. The TOL lock frequently sticks and often needs quite a bit of pressure to disengage. If it's a dagger grind you want, I think that a Benchmade 53X is a better option. The Cold Steel Ti-Lite also offers the Italian stiletto aesthetic in aluminum scales. To be honest, I'd recommend either over the Daghetta (even though I think the LionSteel is better looking.) Also note that you can't access the Daghetta's pivot screw without removing the covers. Still, if you like the design and can find a Daghetta at a good price, try one.

lsdag02_zps2e36ff80.jpg


I think that LionSteel does a good job with all their steels, at least in my limited experience with the brand. I've never had a problem with carbon steels such as 1095, let alone D2 which has better corrosion resistance (forming a natural patina on D2 is tougher than one might think.) Wipe your blade after use, maybe give it a shot of mineral oil from time to time, and pitting shouldn't be an issue. Some folks think patina makes a blade look dirty, but if you don't mind that, you'll be fine. A coated blade is also an option.

Good luck, OP! Hope this was helpful... :)

-Brett
 
Thanks for the help Timber!

I've definitely look at the benchmade 530, as well as the Emerson a100 (though I'm pretty sure my wife would kill me if I upped my budget to Emerson prices).

To me, the 530 seems a little lighter duty than the Daghetta. Opening and closing two handed is fine, but I was kind of looking for something on the tough, over built end of the spectrum. Would you say that the Daghetta fits that?

Thanks again!
 
VermontEdge said:
(...)but I was kind of looking for something on the tough, over built end of the spectrum. Would you say that the Daghetta fits that? (...)
Click to expand...

Not really, no. Closer to a gent's knife, imo.

dagsizecomp01_zpsbb8ceaef.jpg


Thought a size comparison photo with some other knives might help as well...

-Brett
 
In a word, no. I had one and hated it. The thumb studs are very sharp, the lock bar is very sharp, and releasing the lock takes way too much force for that style of lock. The knife is barely able to be one handed. It is surely a pretty knife, but it is just not made very well.
 
Brett-

My friend just bought that same one about 3 weeks ago. He really likes it, slim, unobtrusive, and not flashy. I think it's a really nice and very well made piece for considering the price. The A100 is another fine choice, but it is on the pricey side, I bought mine for about $50 less than what they go for now. The Benchmade 530 is indeed another similarly shaped knife, that is also very thin, light weight, and capable, just a bit on the smaller side.
 
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