With yesterday’s arrival of two new folders from Sal, I have had to scramble to write reviews of the C157GTIP LionSpy and the C101PBL2 Manix 2 Blue Translucent.
The LionSpy is a beast of a knife. Overbuilt to meet or exceed any custom knifemaking standards, it is hard to find fault with this knife. Made by Lion Steel Knives of Maniago, Italy, the LionSpy is a spyderized adaptation of their SR-1 folder (http://www.lionsteel.it/fast/k/en/eur/products/v/978). The Böhler-Uddeholm Elmax steel used in the flat ground, drop-point blade is sure to please the exotic powder metal fans. It is good to see some competition to Crucible’s long dominance. The beefy blade [3.625 x .179” (92mm x 4.54mm)] is well supported and held vault door solid by a steel reinforced, titanium Chris Reeve Integral Lock; augmented with a Lion Steel’s RotoBlock mechanism. This ingenious pivoting locking mechanism functions as a secondary lock (doubly locking the knife blade open in addition to integral liner), while also inhibiting the lock’s liner from overextending. Matching the fluted, subtly matte finished, titanium locking frame is the obverse black G-10 handle. For the mechanically minded, the LionSpy comes with its own spanner to adjust the stainless steel pivot and pocket clip retaining bolt. The short, low riding pocket clip is ambidextrous and held in place by a specialized bolt that screws into a captured nut (a final surprise to its flawless engineering).
I am very impressed with this powerhouse folder. The craftsmanship is a tribute to Lion Steel’s three generations of cutlery skill and know-how. The consummate detail utilizes all of our current technology, creating a knife that is comfortable to handle and beautiful to behold.
Addendum – What did I find at fault? My only suggestion would be to improve the clip by adding a ¼” to the length of the final parallel bend where the clip first engages the pocket opening, that is copy Spyderco’s basic design. This would eliminate any possible discomfort during extended use. And lastly, the edge on this sample was not hair-popping sharp. It was multifaceted, indicating a dull grinding belt, and over-buffed, leaving it sub-standard and dull.
Additional Specifications; Weight: 6 oz (165g): Length closed: 4.625 (117.5mm); Overall Length 8.25” (209.5mm); Maximum Overall Handle Thickness .596” (15mm).
Originally appeared on the Spyderco Forum on 29 September 2011:
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