Lion Steel Roundhead Spear Jack Carbon Fiber Handles M390 Steel CK0111

First, let me say that I’m not what I would consider a “traditional” knife fancier. In fact, I’d say I’m much closer to a carbon fiber, G-10, M390 and Elmax sort of guy. And so I was intrigued when I learned of this Lion Steel 21st century interpretation of the iconic Barlow knife. I’ll also admit to being leery about any knife made with natural handle materials, having seen many examples of mismatched handle slabs. That’s why my early reserve was placed for the carbon fiber model, the only synthetic material offered.

When it arrived I couldn’t have been more pleased with the fit and finish. It helps that I still retain my close-distance vision, and in fact can focus on objects about 2-1/2″ away. A very close scrutiny could detect no notable flaws. Blade centering was dead-on, something a lot of newly-made traditional-style folding knives from respected companies often overlook.

As for aesthetics, the torx fasteners bother me not at all, even on the bolster itself since this was never intended to exactly replicate a traditional pattern. And truth be told, carbon fiber, titanium bolsters and M390 blade steel are hardly traditional materials anyway. I also find nothing to fault about the radiused blade spine, liners and back spring. I think this feature helps to make the CK01 stand out, especially since it was evenly and nicely executed throughout. Also welcome was the neatly done 45-degree bevel at the end of the blade spine just above the tang; it’s a user-friendly comfort feature you just don’t expect from a slip joint knife, old or new.

I was so impressed with this knife that I yielded to temptation and soon ordered the Santos Wood, stag and abalone models. I held no real expectation that any of the three would have well-matched obverse and reverse handle slabs – it was a gamble I was willing to take based solely upon the obvious quality of the carbon fiber CK01.

At the risk of some redundancy, let me say that all three of them exceeded expectations. Fit and finish again was excellent, but most important, the handle slabs of all three models were well matched. I don’t know if it was just dumb luck or if an “eyeball” selection process was at play. All I can say is that I’m very well pleased!

Now I wonder if I should have scrounged up the spare simoleons to get the horn model as well. But since, as I discovered later, only 50 of the abalone models were made, I have to consider myself well served as it is. My most sincere complements and thanks to both Lion Steel and CollectorKnives.Net!