Lionsteel SR-1A Long-Term Review: Unbelievably Outstanding!

Here's my long-term review of the outstanding Lionsteel SR-1A. This blade was an impressive surprise when I got it 3 months ago, and after 90 days or so of mostly everyday carry, it doesn't disappoint. In fact, it's more impressive with a few miles on it than it was new. Check it out...

Here's the link to my initial review of the SR-1A:

[brwcty]

Great update on the LionSteel, Rob! That D2 blade looks amazing! It must be a real battle for you in the morning to choose which knife you're going to EDC! Now that Fall is upon us, you may have to start carrying multiple EDC blades!

[TheApostleP]

It is a beauty! When it was brand new, there was an extremely high amount of tension on the lock bar. I would say that after a couple of weeks of use it relaxed a bit. It's still a very secure lockup, but really smooth now and not as hard to release.

[TheApostleP]

They're standard white teflon -- sorry if I said nylon. They're definitely not nylatron. But they do seem to be holding up extremely well. I suspect they're the same material Hinderer uses. I have had the knife apart, which is actually quite simple. It's the getting it back together that's a bit of a trick. You have to kind of wedge the fat of a finger into the finger guard area while you're slipping blade and washers into the handle, then line it all up with a torx bit or something. Fun!

[nathenwallis]

wow, after growing accustomed to your "feature length" videos, and knowing your love for this blade, I wondered if my video stopped pre-maturely, lol. Im going to have to add this to my already long list of wanted blades!, Im sure that it will take me no time at all to kill the finish on that handle with how much I use my knives ( and how hard i use them, construction isnt nice to fancy knives, but hey, it adds caricature ). Keep the entertainment coming!. Nate

[TheApostleP]

Another great question, Zechs! I guess the answer is that it depends on the existing micro-finish on the tang. The satin finish on The SR-1A is pretty smooth, as you can see from the reflection of the camera in this footage. I haven't polished this blade tang, but I have on several knives, and it does indeed help, regardless whether the washers are phosphor bronze or nylon.

[wrjames]

Knife center has these on sale for 166.00 right now (orange /green black blade) couldn't pass that up. Thanks for review

[ZechsGT]

Cool thanks. I have been planning to do it on my Flash 1. I think it should be worth while.

[gunsfuncajanajustin]

One good looking knife! I sure like the steel on this one! Was your lock stiff at first on this one?

[UCMWINGS]

Is this knife easier to carry than the Adamas folder or are they about the same in the pocket?

[greymanzink]

Cked price at BladeHQ, and it's up to $245, discounted to $215. A bit of a rise since you bought your purchase. How does it compare to the Sabenza?

[ZechsGT]

Does polishing the blade tang where it contacts a nylon washer improve smoothness like it does with metal washers?

[TheApostleP]

They're still pretty widely available in several eBay stores for $175. Not sure why BHQ is still over $200. It's a completely different knife than a Sebenza, but from a quality standpoint it's definitely not a Sebenza. Although my SR-1A is holding up beautifully after 3 months, it doesn't inspire the long-term confidence in its construction the Sebbie does. Also, particularly on the blade, the level of precision in machining and finish are not on a CRK level.

[TheBushcraftBrothers]

Wonderful knife. I bet you'd love it more if it was a left handed version like your Sebenza.

[TheApostleP]

No way! I'm sure they'll make more :)

[TheApostleP]

No comparison there. Although the SR-1A is broad top to bottom, it's much thinner side to side than the Adamas, which is the critical dimension in pocketability. Also, the round corners and smooth surface of the handle on the SR-1A make it very easy to slip the hand past it to retrieve items in the bottom of the pocket without getting hung up on the knife.

[TheApostleP]

The SR-1A gets a bit of a pass on that one, due to its ambidextrous pocket clip. Like most lefties, I suppose, my thumb is well trained to release a lock that moves the wrong way. In fact, it's more natural for me after all these years to release a right-handed frame or liner lock with my left hand than it is with my lefty Military or Sebenza. As long as I can get to the thumb stud, which isn't very possible on some righty knives, I'm good to go if you give me a reversible clip.

[TheApostleP]

Ha! That's a good one! "Multiple EDC blades" happened about 4 knives ago :). Today it's Para 2, Adamas, Al Mar Eagle Ultralight, Victorinox Rescue Tool, Leatherman Charge Ti and... (moment of silence please)... Victorinox Cadet. Wow, now that I see that all typed out in a list, I'm gonna need to find a detox center :)

[allspub]

Would you quit trying to spend my money Rob!?!?!? LOL!!! Seriously, great follow up review... and yes, I still want one! :) If I get a red one with a satin blade will you hate me?? ;-)

[ismayilhuseynbeyov]

my SR1A has a blade play problem how can i fix that?

[flewbyewebcs]

Trying to decide between the SR-1A or the KUR. Thoughts?