Well here is my full review/overview. Just my opinion, take it for what it's worth.
Lionsteel TRE
If James Bond carried a knife, I think he would give serious consideration to the Lionsteel TRE. Small, lightweight, elegant and of course, dangerous to any object that needs cutting in an EDC role.
Lionsteel has been making knives since 1969, but more recently came into the spotlight with their line of production integral folding knives, winning several coveted Blade awards and leading the way with applications of new technology such as Additive Manufacturing technology in the TiDust model. Many Lionsteel fans assumed that their next model would be an integral flipper, leveraging their flagship integral designs with the popularity of the flipper tab design. However, what they created instead was an innovative knife in a different direction, a modular design built for the world stage, the TRE.
TRE stands for Three Rapid Exchange, taking cues from the knifes ability to utilize three separate system for deployment based on the users preferences; but more likely the laws and regulations governing the ever complex world of knife users around the globe.
The knife is available in basically two formats, the entry level G10 models, and the more premium carbon fiber or full titanium. Between the models there will be slight differences in weight, but other differences include a stationary flipper tab, handle materials and the lack of a blade swedge on the G10 models.
Overall Impressions
Lionsteel has created an elegant everyday user that will happily fall into jeans and suit pockets across the globe. While the innovative modularity of the knife will be lost on many, those who deal with strict knife laws in specific cities, states or countries will appreciate the ability to adapt without needing to purchase a new knife. More impressive though, is how they integrated the 3 opening methods. Adding or removing one method does not detract from the beauty of the knife. The more I carry this one, the more it grows on me.
Specs
Blade Length: 2.9 in
Handle Length: 3.9
Overall Length: 6.8 in
Handle Thickness: 0.48 in
Handle Width: 1.2 in
Weight: 2.95 oz
Steel: M390
Pivot: Captured IKBS Bearings
Deployment methods
As flippers are currently the most popular deployment method, the first question that most of you will ask is, How does it flip?! The answer is, good, but not great. When creating a knife to fit several platforms, the action must be generalized, not optimized. Had they created a knife with optimized flipping action, those using the thumb disk or two handed openings would really struggle to get the knife open. If I had to concede that one method has been optimized, it would be the thumb disk opening, which allows for good flipping action and relative ease of two handed opening as well. Both the lightswitch and pressdown flipping methods will deploy the knife readily once broken in and given your lubricant of choice. The detent is such that I could not shake the blade out no matter how hard I tried. Another small detail that I love is the addition of a detent track. This can be seen on the tang of the blade in the closed position and allows the detent ball to easily overcome the blade tang when closing the knife. Helping to create a much smoother experience that the typical jump for a smoother experience.
The thumb disk has a degree of jimping that should be positioned to face the blade tip. Said jimping provides a nice amount of traction to the minimalist size disk. Two other details that I love in regard to the thumb disk are the inclusion of flat and round screws. If you choose not to install the disk, the knife came shipped with a rounded screw in the spine of the blade. As the blade spine is beautifully rounded, the round screw prevents a sharp breakup in that premium detail. However, the round screw would protrude if used in conjunction with the thumb disk, so a flat screw is also included should you want to install the thumb stud. Details, all about the details.
Thankfully I dont live in a place that prevents one handed opening methods. But if you are one of those unfortunate souls, the smoothness of the IKBS would certainly impress those accustomed to lock-backs and other traditional knives. Even if its not a question of legality, those who prefer traditional knives might find something special with this knife in a two handed opening setup and removal of the pocket clip.
Ergonomics
I was quite surprised that this little knife fits well in my XL hands. Every inch has been rounded, contoured and machined to give as much aesthetic appeal as it does comfort in the hand. The large chamfered area in the middle of the handle helps to lock in the first and middle finger quite well, giving me at least, confidence in the grip and control of the knife. The subtle CNC mill lines throughout the handles also give a little additional grip to the full titanium knife as well as a very premium and refined look. I also find the thumb disk to be a nice place for my thumb to rest while using the knife, but I also hate to cover any part of the rounded spine.
Blade
Thankfully Lionsteel did not compromise when it came to steel choice, the little 2.9 inch flat ground blade is made of Bohlers M390 and has a wonderfully sharp edge. No jimping to speak of on this little gentlemanly folder, but again the application is more of light to medium use EDC than hard use, or tactical. Though when push comes to shove, just about any knife can be used outside of the design parameters. Should you choose to use the thumb disk, it provides a pseudo run of jumping or place to rest your thumb on the blade spine. The flipper tab, is quite small and unobtrusive while installed, also lacks any jimping, but utilizes a flat face for flipping purchase. Blade stock thickness ranges from 0.148 in (3.75mm) at the spine, to 0.026 in (0.664mm) behind the edge.
Handles, Lockbar, Backspacer
Leave it to the Italian to produce beautiful designs. One of my favorite aspects of the full titanium version is the subtle cnc mill marks purposely left throughout the entire handle. Not just on the flat faces, but also on the rounded portions. Every inch of this knife has some degree of interesting detail. The lockside pivot bears the IKBS logo, in a triangular inset so the pivot cannot move, that is then mirrored on the show side with a triangular pivot cutout. One nice detail is that even the cutout for the left handed pocket clip has the same texturing as the rest of the handle, adding detail instead of an eye-sore. Some additional chamfering has been placed directly behind the flipper tab on the insides of the scales to aid in flipping comfort, which is accomplishes to a small degree.
The knife uses a nice solid framelock that sits at about 15% lockup and is without play in any direction. The lockbar uses an interesting cutout that does not follow the typical 90 degree ease of manufacturing template. In fact, there are multiple angular grinds on the lockbar right where the stainless steel lock insert is screwed in, likely for no other reason than visual appeal. The lockbar has been left slightly raised for ease of access while disengaging. You will find a slight chamfer on that raises portion so there are no sharp edges to irritate your thumb. The lockbar cutout has been given a different cnc pattern that contrasts the rest of the handle. The backspacer is made of titanium and a semi-floating design of sorts. It has also been rounded and given as much time and attention as the rest of the handles. The butt of the knife also has a fairly generous lanyard hole.
Hardware
Although it was impossible to not touch upon the hardware up to this point, a few things are still worth mentioning. The first of which is the really nice 3D titanium pocket clip that adorns the knife. Given a horizontal cnc mill pattern to contrast the rest of the handles, the spring tension is excellent and has worked well in both slack and jeans without any issues. The knife comes with the additional hardware such as flat screws, round screws, and slots in the wooden case so that each screw can be stored in an orderly fashion. Most companies would include a plastic bag with all the extras and not take the time to integrate them into the presentation. Another element of the hardware, is the inclusion of the Torx T6 and T8 drivers. These items were not expected by any, yet they were included and beautifully machined so the tools are handy for altering the knife setup to your liking. Even the keyring is a beautiful wavy pattern, no corners were cut on the hardware.
Presentation
In typical Lionsteel fashion the knife was shipped in a wooden display box with a branded cardboard sleeve. Everything is laid out for visual appeal and functional shipping. The included hardware and Torx drivers have already been mentioned.
Conclusion
I certainly feel like Lionsteel took their time with this knife and given us an elegant EDC knife that works for many people across the globe. Concessions had to be made to work with various legal restrictions as well as deployment methods, but aesthetically no corners were cut, nor expense spared.
It will be easy for many to lose sight of the big picture, as one particular opening method or aesthetic detail may not be what they desired, but when looking at the whole package, its an extremely impressive knife. Many will also want to compare this knife to the ZT 0450 based on size alone; but price, details, and design intention render them completely different knives. Im quite happy to add this one to my small sized EDC knife rotation.
Video follows the written comments to a lesser extent, but in HD.
[video=youtube;4MhgghKStME]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MhgghKStME[/video]
