Lionsteel TRE ?

gull wing

gull wing

Joined
May 4, 2002
Messages
2,536
Got an M390 knife recently and like it very much.
I want another M390 knife and the TRE seems to fit my size requirements (3"+ -). I've never had a Lionsteel.

HOW DO YOU LIKE YOURS? Is it well put together?
 
Not my favorite lionsteel but not a bad flipper... a little small for me (store it with my gentlemen folders) so I don't carry it much but it's lightweight and we'll put together.

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Thank you.
Yes, I have some larger knives, but they just seem to stay in the drawer these past few years.
 
TRE is a high-quality slim, trim and light EDC with a just under 3" blade length. Not the best flipper action. It's compromised to open well via flipper and thumb disc (CF & TI models). G-10 models are flipper only. I just wish the flipper action was better.
 
I briefly had one of the dedicated flipper knives. I'm not big on flippers to begin with, but this one was pretty mediocre in terms of it's action. I probably would have preferred the other version so I could use the thumb stud. BUT... The blade was ground wayyyyy thicker than I want in an edc/folding knife. It would have been good for a small fixed blade bushcrafter or something similar.

I wish someone would make traditional pattern knives in M390. But alas, you didn't ask about that. My opinion stands.
 
Oh, also, I have been ogling the Special Edition Benchmade Volli with the blue scales and M390 blade. Not a flipper, but Axis rocks.
 
Usually go for customs, but I had to pull the trigger and get a limited edition TRE. It has a K390 steel blade(not M390) So I can deal with a wrist flick to open it, for that steel! Definitely my top three blade steels, probably my favorite though! Hope the action is somewhat decent, but a small wrist movement opening it won't hurt me.
 
It's a great knife for day-to-day use. In my opinion it flips well enough as I'm in the habit of flicking my wrist when using a flipper even if it's not necessary.
 
I like mine a lot. It was smaller than I was expecting, and the flipping action needs a little wrist action, but still a great knife.

9a2c44d4dce2eb1fc82c907cbc0cce18.jpg


Also, the pocket clip only works with very thin pocket material. I can only get it about 3/4 of the way on most of my pants. Something to keep in mind.

Still a well built, beautiful, smooth and high quality knife, though. I'll probably get its big brother someday soon.
 
I only have mine for about 2 weeks.
Mine seems to have a medium to strong detent, as I don't need any wrist action to flip it open.
While it can't beat the ZT flipping action, it sure better than my Hinderer XM-18 which uses teflon washer.
Caveat is I can't flick it open using my thumb or middle finger when using the thumb disc as the detent is a bit strong.

It is a well built knife, but if you have large hand, might not really suit you.
Photo below shows the comparison with my other 3"-ish folders

A3610F2F-D403-4C95-859D-D2E1F72C4635_zpsezu2vgi1.jpg



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This is all helpful, thanks guys. :) Helpful, but not easier.
The wayyy thicker part is not good for me as I like slicers in this size knife.:confused:

More confusion! I was looking at the Valet in M390.:o
 
After reading this thread, I am not sure if I just got lucky? My TRE flips easily and consistently without any wrist flick (good detent).
It is the k390 version (no thumb disc available), so my thinking is that Lionsteel dialed in the detent for just flipping rather than trying to accommodate both. I would not make any assumptions that this applies to the g10 flipper only versions.

It also flips better than my xm-18 (faint praise?) - but my xm actually flips open very consistently as well.
And no - my index finger is not freakishly strong.
 
Nice, smaller knife, takes and holds a good edge. Light, but large enough to be quite handy. It slices pretty well...
Russ
 
Haven't picked up the TRE yet, but in general Lionsteel has the most impressive build quality around. Some of the designs are imperfect, but the ones I've had and handled have always been impeccably put together.
 
EricV said:
Haven't picked up the TRE yet, but in general Lionsteel has the most impressive build quality around. Some of the designs are imperfect, but the ones I've had and handled have always been impeccably put together.
Click to expand...

I agree with Eric. The TRE is on my short list, though, and I may see if I can trade into one soon.
 
I have the G10 flipper only version and it mostly sits. That's only because it's a little small for me, not any indication of the build quality of Lionsteel. Quite the contrary, I've really gotten into the Lionsteel (and sibling companies) knives lately. I picked up the Metamorphosis KUR a few weeks ago, and it's awesome. Perfect size for me, and great action. Plus, who doesn't like color changing aluminum scales?!/! Nobody, that's who.

Viper is another nice Italian knife company too. They make the best opening sounds.
 
Just got my K390 TRE in the mail. It flips great! It is a dedicated flipper though. Really nice and smooth with great lockup. Pocket clip isn't terrible, but I do prefer spring clips. Don't understand carved clips, to be honest, I'd pay extra for a spring clip on a knife! So much better for EDC. Anyways, the one thing I do not like is the flipper tab is very small on mine. It flips perfect, smooth, and without wrist movement, but the tab is small!

Awesome knife though!
 
gull wing said:
Great review.
So, you don't find the blade too thick for slicing?
Click to expand...

Not the guy you asked. But I've played around briefly with someone else's TRE. They're very nice little EDC sized knives.

The grind on it isn't all that thick....for a factory knife.
 
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