sr-1a worth getting?

65steve65

65steve65

Joined
Dec 9, 2012
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hey guys i have a trade oppotunity to get one of these and i do have concerns over an Aluminum frame lock. are the pretty dependable wont be hard use but i dont to get something that may fail. i am already leaning towards getting it though just because i like how it looks
 
I think it's absolutely worth getting. Just like the Ti model, the frame-lock-to-blade interface is tipped with a replaceable stainless steel insert. They don't specify if this matches the respective blade steels but just list it as SS. I just got an SR-1A and the frame lock is very stout. Some folks have actually complained about overly-stout locks on both models but mine is okay. It still takes quite a lot of pressure to disengage it but not any more than any of my other frame locks. The lockup is excellent. Absolutely no movement in any direction. It has a very satisfying, deep lockup sound. The handles take some getting used to. It doesn't have the bite of PM2 G10 but then again one glance at this knife and any reasonable person would not expect that from it. I love the lines on this knife. It's a looker!
 
totally worth it its a really well built knife. the 1 piece aluminum slab handle is extremely solid and the added rotolock makes it very close to a fixed blade. the contours of the handle are very comfortable to hold even for extended periods. their D2 steel is done right it takes a really great edge and holds it for a nice amount of time. the only downside I could find with mine was it came very tight to open but after more then several open/close cycles its gotten very smooth, so if you get one don't be surprised if its a bit tougher to open then other knives. the stainless insert at the tip of the framelock keeps it from being sticky which you see lots on titanium or aluminum locks. I realy cant recommend it enough
 
Like the other two posters here you'll really like it. Very solid and good-looking. The steel insert on the lock bar alleviates your concerns. One of my aluminum ones was kind of tight but just go through many open/close cycles and it'll limber up.
 
coli said:
If you were buying would you buy the Titanium or Aluminum version?
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SR-1 TI gives you a better steel in Sleipner over D2 on SR-1 AL. Also, the titanium frame is heavier and it's actually better balanced in your hand. Titanium also gives you better more assured grip and is less prone to temperature extremes.
 
I don' t see how titanium can be less prone to temperature extremes. Now, I only own the aluminum version but in the winter it gets just as cold as all the titanium knives I own. Also I wouldn' t overrate the Sleipner in comparison to D2. They are very similar and I doubt you can tell a difference in use. After all, Uddeholm developed Sleipner as an upgraded version of D2.

I can' t comment on the balance but I can tell you the aluminum version feels perfect in hand. Plus, it' s alot lighter and thus easier to carry.
I say buy the one, that appeals most to you aesthetically. Really, they' re all awesome.
 
Problem is that no one locally has them here, which means I have to order without seeing them
 
coli said:
Problem is that no one locally has them here, which means I have to order without seeing them
Click to expand...

As long as you order from a reputable dealer they should let you return the knife with a certain number of days. You will probably be out the shipping costs at most; which isn't too bad.
 
If you were throwing that question, about buying the ti or al, out to the board, then I would have to say titanium would be the way to go. If I remember correctly the titanium model weighs 6.9 ounces and the aluminum model is 5.5 ounces(?). For me I would want the heavier ti model. Plus you can only get the damascus in the titanium handle. The lockbar is stiff on the two I have and was stiff on the one I gave my son, and I do not mind it one bit as the unlocking is very smooth.
 
Buying from a dealer who will accept returns is good advice.

I have an SR2 aluminum and the disengagement is stiff. But I like the folder well-enough to consider ordering another in ti.

When I called a dealer to ask if he would check the disengagement before shipping, his answer was that, yeah, the Lion Steels are stiff, but customers have 30 days to return the product, no questions asked.

I'm not sure what the dealer meant by stiff. If it is anything like the Milspec that I tried, that's more than I would want to deal with. I liked the knife but my thumb didn't. I returned the folder, but a week later my thumb is still plenty sore at me.

Knife makers should understand that there's a limit on what our thumbs should be called upon to do!
 
I ordered the Ti one from a good dealer, and returned it because it was just to hard for me to open one handed. Really tight. But good looking.
 
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