ZT0561 vs LionSteel SR-1A

00ChevyScott

00ChevyScott

Joined
Dec 3, 2010
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May be making a more expensive blade purchase in the new year and may be considering either of the above stated options. Besides the obvious answer of getting both, has anyone compared these two knives? And I'm talking about the alluminum SR-1 that goes for around $250.
 
Obviously, you're not going to get any opinions on the 0561 based on actual use since it hasn't come out yet. But although the Lion Steel is no slouch, just based on the materials and design, I'd go with the 0561 without hesitation: titanium rather than aluminum framelock, G-10 scale on the off side rather than all metal (I used to have a SR-1 Ti and found the anodized titanium handle to be somewhat slick), Elmax rather than D2, KVT versus conventional pivot, etc. I also prefer the blade shape of the ZT, although again that's without having actually handled/used it.
 
Hmm I agree with you on the materials stand point, but IMO the LionSteel would be more exotic. Not saying a high end ZT wouldn't be (outside of this forum it'd be very exotic), but the SR-1 just has the "custom" look to it.
 
00ChevyScott said:
Hmm I agree with you on the materials stand point, but IMO the LionSteel would be more exotic. Not saying a high end ZT wouldn't be (outside of this forum it'd be very exotic), but the SR-1 just has the "custom" look to it.
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Sure, if you want exotic, the Lion Steel will definitely be less common than the ZT. It's also hard to beat the integral handle for exoticness, since it's something that only a handful (literally -- you can probably count them on one hand) of knives, whether production or custom, feature.
 
neuron said:
Sure, if you want exotic, the Lion Steel will definitely be less common than the ZT. It's also hard to beat the integral handle for exoticness, since it's something that only a handful (literally -- you can probably count them on one hand) of knives, whether production or custom, feature.
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I'm probably going to get killed for saying it, but when I start spending that much money, looks start playing a larger and larger role. There comes a point for me where I'd rather reach for a cheaper knife to do really hard work with it, and the expensive knife becomes pocket jewelry/light duty cutting tool. I know they're designed for use, but at that kind of price point the materials used (differences in blade steels, etc) become less important as I don't see myself pushing them to their full potential anyways. I've got cheaper knives (Para 2, Benchmades, Kershaws) that I put through some decent use when needed.
 
00ChevyScott said:
I'm probably going to get killed for saying it, but when I start spending that much money, looks start playing a larger and larger role. There comes a point for me where I'd rather reach for a cheaper knife to do really hard work with it, and the expensive knife becomes pocket jewelry/light duty cutting tool. I know they're designed for use, but at that kind of price point the materials used (differences in blade steels, etc) become less important as I don't see myself pushing them to their full potential anyways. I've got cheaper knives (Para 2, Benchmades, Kershaws) that I put through some decent use when needed.
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In that case, then, go with the Lion Steel. They make excellent knives and stand behind them. If the SR-1A is anything like the SR-1 Ti that I owned, even if you get it mainly for the uniqueness/exoticness factor, it'll be more than up to significant use should the situation call for it.
 
neuron said:
In that case, then, go with the Lion Steel. They make excellent knives and stand behind them. If the SR-1A is anything like the SR-1 Ti that I owned, even if you get it mainly for the uniqueness/exoticness factor, it'll be more than up to significant use should the situation call for it.
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If anything, I'd go with the LionSteel first anyways because the ZT isn't even out yet. But who am I kidding, I'm sure I'll wind up with both by next year haha
 
the sr-1a is an absolutely gorgeous blade, and both the sr-1a and the 560 should stand up to any abuse a you would throw at it. but the 560 is an amazing value with more of a focus on functionality i think. not to say the sr-1a has doesnt have nice ergos and a firm lock up in hand, but the zt is a flipper. come on man a flipper!
 
darthsoaker said:
1. Buy LionSteel now

2. Buy ZT when it comes out

3.???????

4. PROFIT!!!!!
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I am not sure how many people here remember the underpants gnomes but I thought this response was classic!!!!

To the OP: I say if you are only going to get 1 of the 2, wait for the ZT. I am betting it will be worth it!

Whitty
 
00ChevyScott said:
Hmm I agree with you on the materials stand point, but IMO the LionSteel would be more exotic. Not saying a high end ZT wouldn't be (outside of this forum it'd be very exotic), but the SR-1 just has the "custom" look to it.
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Exotic yes. If there was a Ti SR-1 in M390 I'd buy it in a heartbeat. However, in use you'll find that the single piece handle doesn't really add much so far as function goes. One piece aluminum also doesn't speak to me quite as loudly. And as someone who lives in a humid environment and also cuts food with my knives(not always having an opportunity to properly clean it immediately after), I despise non-stainless steels and find that the Sleipner steel and D2 simply doesn't cut it for me.

Elmax by itself will outcut both and has similar or better corrosion resistance than S30V. And if the reports are true, Elmax is tougher than all three of the above mentioned steels. That alone sells the 0561 to me. Function-wise, the 0561 will be more appealing. If you're going for the uniqueness angle, I'd suggest the titanium SR-1.

As someone who bought knives for the looks, I can tell you that so long as you use your knives, looks will come second to performance. I mostly refer to my Sebenza w/ unique graphic & cabochan and my Lionsteel SR-1 sitting in my safe.

Truthfully though, there's nothing wrong with a good looking knife. My M390 Mule with desert ironwood handles & mosaic pins is a testament to that. It's just that I sincerely doubt I would love the knife as much if it was say, CTS-BD1 steel instead.

So my current rule is to go for the looks if possible, but give no quarter in performance. It's why even if I find a custom that's aesthetically pleasing to me, I mostly give it a pass because I know the CPM-154 steel is going to chip on me.
 
I bought two ZT-0551's for what an SR-1 would have cost. Having a 'spare' and a user is rather extravagant, especially with a ZT. On paper, or the LCD screen, the SR-1 looks great. I wasn't as impressed with it in person. The fact is, I'd rather have one ZT-0551 than the SR-1 now, but that's me. Sleipner blade steel may be a real sleeper - but as a D2 equivalent, I'd rate it a big 'ho hum'. ElMax, M390, N690, etc, get my attention, as do S35VN/S30V. That's me - YMMV.

Now, you want a value in M390 steel? Medium size user - Benchmade 581 - MSRP $220. Like your pocket knives smaller - with Ti, file worked back spacer, and CF scales? Same price - Benchmade 480-1 Shoki. I got decent prices on both locally - total price was far less than the SR-1 - again, for both BM's. As I said, YMMV... we are all individuals, with differing 'tastes'.

Stainz
 
Elmax is excellent steel... corrosion resistant, wear resistant, tough, but at the same time fairly easy to sharpen. Plus the warranty will be much better with ZT, and there's the Ti framelock and KVT. But purchases aren't always rational, and you know you'll probably end up going with whatever knife "speaks" to you.
 
Noctis3880 said:
Exotic yes. If there was a Ti SR-1 in M390 I'd buy it in a heartbeat. However, in use you'll find that the single piece handle doesn't really add much so far as function goes. One piece aluminum also doesn't speak to me quite as loudly. And as someone who lives in a humid environment and also cuts food with my knives(not always having an opportunity to properly clean it immediately after), I despise non-stainless steels and find that the Sleipner steel and D2 simply doesn't cut it for me.

Elmax by itself will outcut both and has similar or better corrosion resistance than S30V. And if the reports are true, Elmax is tougher than all three of the above mentioned steels. That alone sells the 0561 to me. Function-wise, the 0561 will be more appealing. If you're going for the uniqueness angle, I'd suggest the titanium SR-1.

As someone who bought knives for the looks, I can tell you that so long as you use your knives, looks will come second to performance. I mostly refer to my Sebenza w/ unique graphic & cabochan and my Lionsteel SR-1 sitting in my safe.

Truthfully though, there's nothing wrong with a good looking knife. My M390 Mule with desert ironwood handles & mosaic pins is a testament to that. It's just that I sincerely doubt I would love the knife as much if it was say, CTS-BD1 steel instead.

So my current rule is to go for the looks if possible, but give no quarter in performance. It's why even if I find a custom that's aesthetically pleasing to me, I mostly give it a pass because I know the CPM-154 steel is going to chip on me.
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How many of these steels have you actually used? Sleipner has held a razor edge better than just about everything I have tried. It holds an edge about as well as my Spyderco S90V and I have only touched it up a couple times and it has never not been tree topping Sharp. I know the specs don't look very great but I attribute it to a more custom heat treat. My Kershaw M390 hasn't done nearly as well in my EDC uses.

I also use my knives on food and I have never had Sleipner discolor and I have never put anything on the blade. A D2 knife accidentally left outside with guts on it for a few days got some light 'rust' but looked just as good as previously with a little metal polish and elbow grease. I also live in a very humid area and spend about half my time on the gulf coast in salt air. And I've never had a problem with discoloration or specking, except for some Kershaw bead blast blades. Never put anything on the blades, just try to give each side of the blade a wipe on my pants if I cut something funky, but not always if not wearing funky clothes.

I'm also surprised to hear you have CPM154 chip so bad as to not buy it. I have lots of 154CM knives that have never chipped. I know its made different but I would think a finer steel would be less prone to chipping.

I guess everyone has their own and unique experiences that may differ from others.
 
I have an SR-1 Ti Bronze! What a beauty!! I love the ergos! I could see the grip maybe becoming slippery like someone had mentioned. My only complaint is the factory edge. Not very sharp at all! Just got the new Hest 2.0 which is made by Lionsteel and it as well is not very sharp! These Italians make one heck of a knife but maybe we need to send Richard J over to Manangio to teach them how to sharpen a knife properly! In the meantime mine will be going to the Richard J Spa for a full body massage and manicure and pedicure!! :D
 
Sleipner make the some works of D2, but is not similar. D2 is a ledeburitic Steel.

Sleipner in standard head treating habe a comparable wear and doubled (at least) toughness than D2, with a very good head treating it can be tougher as A2.
In pratical test it don't rust and have a very good edge retention.

Here some picture od structure.
http://www.mollettaknives.com/progetti/kniferesearch-legion.html
 
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