Name some top sporting, everyday carry, or folding utility knife brands. What comes to mind?
CRKT? Spyderco? Zero Tolerance? Gerber? Kershaw? Kizer?
All great names. Does LionSteel strike you?
If not, no big deal. There are hundreds of brands in the industry and most of them deserve some attention. An oversight of one should almost be expected.
Yet, at the same time, many of these overlooked brands deserve more consideration, and LionSteel knives are among them.
Here’s why you should get more familiar.
Rooted in Knifemaking Heritage
Have you ever heard of MKM, or Maniago Knife Makers? It is actually a collaboration of four Italian knife makers. These are Viper, FOX, Mercury, and the focus of this article, LionSteel knives.
LionSteel knives actually hail from Maniago, way up in the north of Italy. The company has its roots in the vision and passion of Gino Pauletta, who began the company more than half a century ago.
Today, his sons have taken up the torch, but the company’s roots in knifemaking heritage still run deep.
Unique, Practical Designs, Top-Tier Materials
LionSteel Knives sport practical designs that are inspired by a commitment to function, and make use of top-tier materials.
Spear point, clip point, drop point and sheepsfoot blade profiles are common in their catalog, as are simple handle ergonomics that perform well under a variety of conditions.
As for materials, LionSteel knives make use of the best, with MagnaCut and M390 blades, along with some other specialty stainless steel alloys like the exceptionally corrosion-resistant H1.
The company also makes artistic use of natural materials like olive, santos wood and ram horn, along with synthetics like carbon fiber and micarta.
But perhaps the biggest thing to bear in mind here is that, in a world of mass production, LionSteel knives are outliers. Each of them is entirely made by hand.
Industry Collaborations
LionSteel knives are no stranger to collaboration, and the company has worked closely with other industry insiders, like Michele “Molletta” Pensato and Ernest Emerson. They’re committed to working with visionaries in the industry to continue coming up with unique designs.
Warranty Coverage
LionSteel Knives, being handmade, are warrantied by the company to be free from defects in material and manufacturing. If for any reason a LionSteel fails to function as it was intended, it can be returned for examination and assistance.
What Are Some Top LionSteel Knives?
LionSteel’s catalog is not as expansive as those of some other manufacturers, but nonetheless, the following are some of their more popular, acclaimed models:
- LionSteel T5 (a larger fixed blade that’s perfect for camping and the outdoors)
- Myto
- M4
- M7
- Gitano
- Thrill (a slipjoint that perfect for EDC)
- Bestman
- Jack (a highly utilitarian folder)
Where Can You Explore a Catalog of LionSteel Knives?
LionSteel knives are, in a word, among the highest quality knives in the industry today. If you’re interested in looking into a catalog of some of their top models, check out White Mountain Knives. They carry plenty from this and other manufacturers and also offer free shipping in the United States.
