Lion Steel Opera

[draggat]

I looked in my mailbox today and found this beauty waiting for me. I usually prefer one handed openers, but the style of this knife really catches my eye. I feel it has a very simplistic elegance, yet it's also fairly strong and hand friendly. Despite it's two handedness, I think I'll be EDCing this baby for a while.

There's a few reviews of this knife already, but they all feature the olive wood scales. I was hesitant to purchase the cocobolo version because most of the examples I saw of this knife on the internet didn't have very good grain patterns. I guess it's my lucky day because this knife has one of the best grain patterns I've seen with this wood.

Lion Steel appears to be getting noticed more here in the US, which is a good thing because of the two I own, they are both excellent examples of quality cutlery. I didn't realize it until I got the knife that it actually has D2 steel now. A surprise bonus!! Apparently they upgraded all of their 440C knives to D2 as of the beginning of 2012.

Although most websites list it as a 3" blade, it's actually just under 2 15/16th's which makes it legal in most places. The Opera also comes in a larger size with a 3.5" blade and also a G-10 handle scale version. The G-10 ones all have thumb studs. Personally, I like the look of the wood scales and studless blade, even though it takes a second longer to open.

The only thing I don't like about the Opera is the logo across the blade. To anyone with Lion Steel: No one likes the giant logo on the blade! Maker's marks are fine, in fact, I expect them, but they don't have to be that big! It kind of detracts from the otherwise elegant look of the knife. Viper knives are guilty of this as well. I suspect they are manufactured at the same factory.... It's not enough to make me not love the knife, but it would be the icing on the cake to have a cleaner blade face.

If you've ever wanted to pick up a true gent's knife for under $100 that's also a solid workhorse, here's a shining example for you.

Here it is pictured with the Daghetta, also by Lion Steel. Unfortunately, I got that one before they switched to D2. Still a great knife though. Above that is a Viper Timeless. Viper is another Itialian brand that makes some really nice gent's knives. I have two more Viper's on the way!

 

[Esav Benyamin]

Nice! Swapping that Opera's beautiful scales for G-10 would be a crime, even in a larger knife.
Interesting comparison picture: I can certainly see the the family resemblance with the Daghetta.

 

[Dagon]

My Opera is in olive wood, 440C version. Indeed it is both genlemeny yet strong enough for most normal cutting jobs. It's one of my nicest knives. And it won't scare those outside the hobby, typically even non-knife people think it's beautiful.
I also have that very same Daghetta variant, it's an interesting, stylish approach to the tactical folder family.
Indeed, it's unfortunate that Lion Steel (and Viper) often have those big texts on their blades, this really distracts from an otherwise perfect design.

I have very good experience with Lion Steel in general:: beautiful designs, excellent finish, and in Europe at least an ok price (knives in general are expensive in Europe).

Now, for your next knife, try something by Maserin. I think that you will like their products as well.

 

[RevDevil]

That is a great looking folder. I don't own a single Lionsteel knife, but this one might change that. No G10!

 

[draggat]

My Opera is in olive wood, 440C version. Indeed it is both genlemeny yet strong enough for most normal cutting jobs. It's one of my nicest knives. And it won't scare those outside the hobby, typically even non-knife people think it's beautiful.
I also have that very same Daghetta variant, it's an interesting, stylish approach to the tactical folder family.
Indeed, it's unfortunate that Lion Steel (and Viper) often have those big texts on their blades, this really distracts from an otherwise perfect design.

I have very good experience with Lion Steel in general:: beautiful designs, excellent finish, and in Europe at least an ok price (knives in general are expensive in Europe).

Now, for your next knife, try something by Maserin. I think that you will like their products as well.

I watched your video of the Opera, Gent and the Maserin (great video BTW!). One of the Viper's I have on the way is a Gent in olive wood, thanks to you. I didn't really care for that particular Maserin, but I have seen a few other models that are on my list. I'm finding that there are a lot of great knives that never see the light of day in the US. As much as I love my tactical G-10 folders, I think I find the gentleman style knives to be much more interesting. I don't carry knives as weapons and most of my uses are pretty light, so they work really well for me.

I agree, the Daghetta is more of an elegant tactical knife. The G-10 and CF give it a really stylish touch.


RevDevil - the Opera is a really nice knife, especially for the money. You won't be sorry!

 

[bruno_go]

I really would like to hear more about the BIG Opera...
But it seems not very popular.