LionSteel TM1 Carbon Fibre Folding Knife

LionSteel of Italy have developed a reputation for producing high quality knives. 2013 and 2014 saw the development of one-piece construction "Solid" knives - the TR1 and TiSpine models.

This model, the LionSteel TM1 Carbon Fibre continues that evolution with the introduction of a lock-back knife. The TM1 is a fine example of LionSteel's "Monolithic" one-piece contsruction, and looking at the knife, one wonders how they have managed to craft a three-dimensional knife handle from one piece of carbon fibre. LionSteel attribute the skill to their four-centreline machining stations, working in unison to carve a solid block of carbon fibre into the tactile form of the handle seen here.

The modified tanto blade is honed from Sleipner steel, with a Rockwell hardness of 60-61. The elegant curve of the belly of the blade allows the user to position the tip exactly where required, and to use the length of the curve for the most precise cutting tasks. Be under no illusion though - this knife is tough - the carbon fibre is strong, and will take the knocks that life will throw at it - but it's so light in the hand, feeling delicate yet sturdy.

The pocket clip can be fitted on either side of the handle. It is fixed at the end of the knife, secured by the tungsten-carbide-tipped glass-breaker, making this knife easily switchable from right- to left-side carry - truly ambidextrous.

The blade is held open by the double spring lock back mechanism, making it a joy to open, with a satisfying "clunk" as it locks into position. LionSteel tell us that this mechanism provides long-term durability. The blade pivots around the precision-engineered IKBS bearing system which is fast becoming standard issue on all decent knives. To make the IKBS pivot, LionSteel mill out a tiny ball race around the pivot point of the blade, which is micrometer perfect to hold a set of ballbearings. The two sides of the bearing hold those balls in place, and the balls in turn allow the blade to pivot with a lovely smooth motion. This truly is a knife to last you a lifetime.

This knife is another designed by Michel 'Molletta' Pensato, who has made a name for himself with his innovative use of software to map out the contours of his knives, before calculating how to construct them from the most challenging and desirable of materials.

The TM1 is available with either a black coated blade or with a satin (silver) finish to the blade, and supplied in a beautifully stitched leather collectors pouch. Either colour looks wonderful, and makes an impressive tool for your collection.