LionSteel SR2 V Mini Titanium and Aluminum

[Andya27]

This is a knife I'm considering purchasing. The titanium version is around $325 - basically the same price range as a small Sebenza. The aluminum version is under $200.

What are the advantages of the titanium version that would make it worth the extra expense?

Thanks.

 

[RamZar]

With the SR-2 both the titanium and aluminum models have the same Sleipner steel and this is not the case with SR-1 where the aluminum model has D2.

SR-2 aluminum is definitely value priced. I paid less than $150 for my last one which has the nice orange handle!

Still the same great solid one-piece monoblock milled frame. The aluminum handle is more prone to getting slippery as well as cold and hot temperature transfer.

 

[Andya27]

Thanks, RamZar. Not sure that the heat transfer or possible slippery issue would be enough to get me to go for the titanium. Seems the aluminum would be just fine for me.

 

[K.O.D.]

I have the aluminum SR-1 and its been a good knife. I've heard the titanium is "better" from a durability standpoint, but I have no experience with it to say one way or another.

 

[Random Dan]

Lionsteel is the only company I know of that makes an aluminum framelock. Is aluminum really strong enough? I've never dealt with aero grade, but regular Al bends so much easier than steel, I have a hard time picturing it as a lock.

 

[RamZar]

Lionsteel is the only company I know of that makes an aluminum framelock. Is aluminum really strong enough? I've never dealt with aero grade, but regular Al bends so much easier than steel, I have a hard time picturing it as a lock.

It has a lock bar steel insert so contact points during lock is steel on steel.

 

[TheModernNeanderthal]

It has a lock bar steel insert so contact points during lock is steel on steel.

I don't think he's referring the lock face but rather the spring strength of aluminum.

I had the same question, I believe the aluminum LionSteel uses is a grade of aluminum that actually works well as a spring. I'll try and find the response I got.

 

[evanPGH]

Lionsteel is the only company I know of that makes an aluminum framelock. Is aluminum really strong enough? I've never dealt with aero grade, but regular Al bends so much easier than steel, I have a hard time picturing it as a lock.

Yes, it's 7000 series aluminum, known as Ergal. Much stronger than the 6000 series "aircraft grade" stuff.

 

[jac_solar]

Titanium is usually stronger, but it could depend on the quality of the materials. For example, Aluminium 7075 T6 is quite strong, and it's, more or less, stronger than Grade 2 Titanium.

Grade 2 (a/k/a CP-2) Titanium

Minimum Properties
Ultimate Tensile Strength, psi 50,000
Yield Strength, psi 40,000 - 65,000
Elongation 20% min
Rockwell Hardness B70 - B90

http://www.onlinemetals.com/titaniumguide.cfm

7075-T6 Aluminum

Physical and Mechanical Properties
Ultimate Tensile Strength, psi 83,000
Yield Strength, psi 73,000
Brinell Hardness 150
Rockwell Hardness B87 [According to the calculator, the RHC is 5. - http://mdmetric.com/tech/hardnessconversion.html]

http://www.onlinemetals.com/aluminumguide.cfm

However, Grade 5 is significantly stronger.

6Al-4V (a/k/a Grade 5) Titanium

Minimum Properties
Ultimate Tensile Strength, psi 138,000
Yield Strength, psi 128,000
Elongation 14%
Rockwell Hardness C36

http://www.onlinemetals.com/titaniumguide.cfm

It seems like Lionsteel use TI6AL-4V

 

[RamZar]

LionSteel Ti & Al frame materials:

• Ergal Aluminum
• Titanium 6Al4V

 

[blades_n_bullets]

Lionsteel is the only company I know of that makes an aluminum framelock. Is aluminum really strong enough? I've never dealt with aero grade, but regular Al bends so much easier than steel, I have a hard time picturing it as a lock.

Microtech makes a Socom Delta that is an aluminum frame lock and is just like the LionSteel with the stainless steel insert. I have been using the SR-1A with no problems with strength in the lock bar. I think its good to go.

 

[TheModernNeanderthal]

Microtech makes a Socom Delta that is an aluminum frame lock and is just like the LionSteel with the stainless steel insert. I have been using the SR-1A with no problems with strength in the lock bar. I think its good to go.

I'm pretty sure this isn't an aluminum lock. They use a sub frame lock with a replaceable insert. Pretty sure they use stainless.

 

[MassMatt]

jac-solar, thanks for the posting.

 

[bearcut]

With the SR-2 both the titanium and aluminum models have the same Sleipner steel and this is not the case with SR-1 where the aluminum model has D2.

SR-2 aluminum is definitely value priced. I paid less than $150 for my last one which has the nice orange handle!

Still the same great solid one-piece monoblock milled frame. The aluminum handle is more prone to getting slippery as well as cold and hot temperature transfer.

In addition, the Ti version is heavier than the aluminum, this makes the folder more balanced. The aluminum version is a bit blade heavy.

 

[Random Dan]

I wish they made a spear-point SR2, I'm not really a fan of the massive belly. An aluminum version of the Ti Spine (Al Spine?) would work as well.

 

[RamZar]

In addition, the Ti version is heavier than the aluminum, this makes the folder more balanced. The aluminum version is a bit blade heavy.

Personally, I find the balance issue more prevalent with SR-1 Al vs. Ti and not that noticeable in the smaller SR-2.