C157GTIP LionSpy - A review

[N. Brian Huegel]

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 (see separate thread tomorrow).

http://spyderco.com/forums/attachment.p ... 1317330983
http://spyderco.com/forums/attachment.p ... 1317330983
http://spyderco.com/forums/attachment.p ... 1317330983
http://spyderco.com/forums/attachment.p ... 1317330983
http://spyderco.com/forums/attachment.p ... 1317330983

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).

More pictures on following posts.

[N. Brian Huegel]

More pictures:

http://spyderco.com/forums/attachment.p ... 1317331293
http://spyderco.com/forums/attachment.p ... 1317331293
http://spyderco.com/forums/attachment.p ... 1317331293
http://spyderco.com/forums/attachment.p ... 1317331293
http://spyderco.com/forums/attachment.p ... 1317331293

[N. Brian Huegel]

Last pictures:

http://spyderco.com/forums/attachment.p ... 1317331412
http://spyderco.com/forums/attachment.p ... 1317331412

[jtoler_9]

Great review. I can't wait to see this one in person. Thank you for the pictures. How hard is this thing going to be to sharpen? I have just recently learned about Elmax. I'm still learning about steel, so my apology for the newb question.

[jabba359]

Thanks for the great review. I'd like to get one of these in the future, but have to wait for the knife funds to replenish. For some reason, I don't care for the clip. It just looks out of place for some reason...

[BAL]

Awesome review, it looks like a beast for sure. I am also curious about the sharpening. I imagine that everything will be up to speed on this though. The only draw back that I see is the flattening problem. It will definately flatten out your wallet if you buy one.

[araneae]

Nice review- thanks. Certainly looks like a tank of a knife. I look forward to the Manix review as it's a knife I've been eagerly anticipating for what feels like a very long time.

[bada61265]

looks like its liner less on the g10 side? hows that for strength?

[JNewell]

looks like its liner less on the g10 side? hows that for strength?

The Gen 2 DPX/HEST folder is also linerless on the G10 side, IIRC, as are Striders. G10 is very stiff.

[Azwaiian]

thank you for the review, this is a knife i have been saving up for. i need to hold this knife and make it a part of my collection! mmmmmmm, lionspy!

[SQSAR]

I've been waiting for this one for some time. But the cost might keep me wanting for a bit longer. Can't wait till they have one up at the SFO so I can go check it out. I'm sure that handling the Lionspy will give me reason to justify the expense.

[araneae]

looks like its liner less on the g10 side? hows that for strength?

G-10 is quite strong.

[c.joe]

Thanks for the review and pictures! It looks a lot stubbier than I thought it would be.

Friends of Spyderco, best of luck resisting.

[Drkknight614]

Pretty beastly knife is right. Great amount of belly to that blade. I too cannot wait for the Manix review, seriously cannot wait. Do it now lol.

[dman62]

Nooooooooooo......I didn't want one! Now after reading your review I feel like I need one.

[Popsickle]

i will be buying one as soon as humanly possible.... i had one on preorder a long time ago but when the price came out i couldnt quite justify it. now that ive read this review im absolutely sold!

[Slash]

drooling...

now I really can't wait for mine. wish I could order another one.

[BAL]

I've been waiting for this one for some time. But the cost might keep me wanting for a bit longer. Can't wait till they have one up at the SFO so I can go check it out. I'm sure that handling the Lionspy will give me reason to justify the expense.

Hey SQSAR, I know that you are close enough to jog up to heavens door, so I too would be interested in what you had to say after looking the Lion Spy over when it gets there. I'd love to have one, but the price, oh the price.

[Chris_H]

What I find interesting is that the lock bar is relieved on both sides at the bend point. :cool:

[SQSAR]

Hey SQSAR, I know that you are close enough to jog up to heavens door, so I too would be interested in what you had to say after looking the Lion Spy over when it gets there. I'd love to have one, but the price, oh the price.

As soon as I get my hands on one at the SFO I will be sure to share my thoughts. No problem.