Lionsteel TRE or SR1?

G

GitWood73

Joined
Feb 11, 2017
Messages
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Hey Guys,

New to the site, so this is my first post...

I'm looking at the Lionsteel TRE and the SR1. I own the SR2, and I love everything about it except the size. I'm not an expert by any stretch, but I love the Sleipner steel on the SR2 - I am always impressed at how it stays keen through most tasks I put it through (I should note that I am not that rough on my knives - I always seem to use an appropriate tool for the task, ie I don't typically baton my EDC because I generally have an axe. Plus, with a knife that is so pretty, I have a hard time abusing it...)

Anyway, like I said, the size is a bit of an issue. For reference, my regular EDC is a ZT-0551 Hinderer limited run with Elmax, and it fits and feels like it was meant for my hand. The extra size does not bother me when it's in my pocket. I'm not in love with the Elmax however.

This leads me to the initial question: Will I find the TRE too small as well? I think it almost identical to the SR2, but the multi-deployment option makes me think it might not feel so bad (I find that the SR2 feels a bit like I might accidentally deploy it right out of my hand).

The other alternative I'm looking at is the SR1, which seems to be about as large as my ZT.

Way too many options online and so hard to tell what's going to be a good fit without actually holding the little bugger.

Anyway, thanks for listening!

JG
 
While I like the sr. and sr2 and I am interested in getting the TRE myself I am going to recommend you check out the KUR instead. Its a flipper so if that is a deal breaker don't bother but for me the KUR is my favorite knife I own. I have several other knives that cost more but the fit and finish of the KUR outshines them all. Another option if you like flipper knives is to wait for the SR11, it should be out in March. The SR11 is on the top of my list of knives to buy.
 
The TRE has a blade length around 2.75" right? Smaller than the SR2 isn't it?
 
I have noticed the KUR and I will give it some thought. I'm not a huge fan of flippers, which is why I liked the idea of the TRE. I think having both options on the TRE at the same time is appealing - I like using my thumb to open the knife, but I like the added protection of the flipper when I close the knife one-handed. That's probably one of the best comforts I get from the ZT 0551. But honestly, I feel that not matter how pretty, or cool, or versatile the TRE, it would likely spend most of it's life beside my SR2 on the dresser because of its size (I'm 6'-2" and 250 lbs, btw).

Any input on Sleipner vs M390 vs Elmax? I realize it's a volitile subject... Maybe I'm just not putting the correct amount of effort into the Elmax, but I feel the Sleipner is so much better. I have diamond stones, Japanese water stones, ceramics, belts, compounds, Etc, but I always come back to the Sharpmaker for its repeatability and relative speed. I'm a fan of consistency and I can't seem to accomplish that freehand...
 
The TRE is listed as 2.91" and I measure my SR2 at 3.125" straight line from the choil to the tip.
 
timnelson said:
While I like the sr. and sr2 and I am interested in getting the TRE myself I am going to recommend you check out the KUR instead. Its a flipper so if that is a deal breaker don't bother but for me the KUR is my favorite knife I own. I have several other knives that cost more but the fit and finish of the KUR outshines them all. Another option if you like flipper knives is to wait for the SR11, it should be out in March. The SR11 is on the top of my list of knives to buy.
Click to expand...

What's your take on liner lock vs frame lock?
 
I found that my Sr1 came with abit of a dull tip. The nature of the blaSde shape means the tip isn't very acute. On the Sr1 it wasn't so bad and I was able to sharpen it. However my Lionsoy came with a totally jacked up edge.
 
Bought a KUR Metamorphosis last summer.

My KUR does not, and will never, flip as its design is botched.
I like the materials, the blade shape, the steel used, the ergos. But mechanically speaking it's a major disappointment, especially at this price tag.
It has to be carried into a pouch as it does self open, and don't flip fully.
The color changing paint is neat but horribly prone to chipping.

Very disappointed by Lion Steel, I won't give them another chance.
 
Chances are you'll find the TRE too small. I love mine, but it's definitely not a hand-filler. I wear a medium glove and the TRE just barely gives me a four finger grip, it'd probably be a three finger knife for somebody with big hands.
 
The TRE is awesome, as are the other 2, but it's a little knife. If you're looking for something bigger than the SR2, the SR1 is the way to go.

Perhaps you should wait on the SR-11? It looks like a cross between the two. A TRE the size of the SR1. Or an SR1 restyled to look like a TRE...

sr11_g.jpg
 
I definitely like the point on the SR11. Must admit the drop point on the SR2 is not my favourite.

Only one problem - I'm jonesing to get a new toy, um, I mean tool...

Thanks for the input fellas! Nice to be part of the group!
 
FullMetalJackass said:
Bought a KUR Metamorphosis last summer.

My KUR does not, and will never, flip as its design is botched.
I like the materials, the blade shape, the steel used, the ergos. But mechanically speaking it's a major disappointment, especially at this price tag.
It has to be carried into a pouch as it does self open, and don't flip fully.
The color changing paint is neat but horribly prone to chipping.

Very disappointed by Lion Steel, I won't give them another chance.
Click to expand...

Mine flipped just fine.
 
I have the SR1, SR2 and TRE. If the SR2 is too small for you, then the TRE is even worse. It is about the size of a Mini-Griptilian or a Small Sebenza. I can post pictures when I get home.
One thing to consider with the SR series is that they are all monoframe constructions. When you take them apart for maintenance it is a real PITA to put them back together. You have to simultanuosly squeeze the blade and both washers into the frame.
So if you can live with a really small knife then the TRE is great (it is one of my favourite EDC knives). If not, then the KUR might be something for you. I have no experience with the KUR though.
 
Well, I couldn't take it any longer - my new KUR G10 Orange arrives this Friday. $300CAD all in. That's pretty close to what I could get it for in USD, once you figure in exchange and cross-border BS. ONLY FOUR MORE SLEEPS!!!
 
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