- an eclectic knife
Old meets new could be the title of this review. Lionsteel has a series of knives they call Tradition where they revive old knife patterns but made with modern materials. That's a trend more and more companies are taking notice of. Not many knife brands lack a proper slip joint in the line up these days. Previously this Maniago based company has released a Barlow in this series that has been a great success.
But when it was time for a new model the eyes turned to more Mediterranean-inspired knife patterns. The general lines of this knife go back hundreds of years in history. Today's knife is Lionsteels Gitano.
But when it was time for a new model the eyes turned to more Mediterranean-inspired knife patterns. The general lines of this knife go back hundreds of years in history. Today's knife is Lionsteels Gitano.
Lionsteel GT01UL Gitano
The man behind this new interpretation of an old pattern is Gudy Van Poppel. A well-known name in knife circles even outside his home country Holland. He is not only a designer but also a blacksmith and therefore mastered all the steps of knife-making.
This is his first collaboration with Lionsteel and about this model he says:
"My idea behind the Gitano was to make a folding knife that is based on old south european folding knives in a new style. What I like about these knives is its elegant lines and often large blades in relation to the handles"
I can attest that this is something you notice at first contact with this knife. The overall shape feels very familiar if you know your Spanish and Italian knife patterns. However, the eyes can be a bit deceiving and the feeling in hand is not as familiar. The Gitano feels significantly more modern than the looks tell you. And that was exactly what Van Poppel had in mind with this design.
Traditional design meets modern materials
Twitter version: Lionsteel meets Gudy Van Poppel, old meets new and creates sweet music
Blade
It's been a long time since I came across such a dramatic interpretation of specific blade shape. A clip point that reminds of past times and pirate sabers. Or to be more accurate Romani knives* and Spanish Navajas, more specifically Navaja Bandolera who often have this shape. It means a clip point with a big belly, even more, pronounced false edge on the distinct clipped part of the blade. The length of this blade is 8.8 cm and the blade stock is 3 mm thick. The finish is an attractive semi-polished satin and the blade is literally crowned by a rounded back. A detail often found on Italian-made knives.
Gitano boasts a very distinct clip point
This type of blade offers a very high grind. In this case, it is flat even though there are hollow grind navajas. Since the blade stock was fairly thin from the beginning, not much steel is left behind the edge. The factory edge was more than decent and did not need to be rectified in any way. If you combine these properties with such a wide blade, you get a knife that cuts well.
As a result of the dramatic clip point, Gitano also has a very effective tip. A trait I usually emphasize in reviews as I think it is a very important part of a knife blade aimed towards EDC-use. With a good tip, you can get that annoying splinter, open packaging and more. For such small jobs, Gitano works just great. But of course, you have to pay attention to how you use your pointy end. It is, after all, a slip joint.
As a result of the dramatic clip point, Gitano also has a very effective tip. A trait I usually emphasize in reviews as I think it is a very important part of a knife blade aimed towards EDC-use. With a good tip, you can get that annoying splinter, open packaging and more. For such small jobs, Gitano works just great. But of course, you have to pay attention to how you use your pointy end. It is, after all, a slip joint.
On the other side of the blade made out of Niolox, you find
Van Poppel's logotype
Van Poppel's logotype
The steel used is Niolox, which is German steel that is somewhat reminiscent of D2 in that it is a stainless tool steel. In theory, it should av slightly finer structure and it's said to be relatively tough and hold an edge well. As for that, I got indications from others that this knife didn't excel at edge holding. That is why I added some extra cardboard boxes in the tests to find out if that was the case. This is my first experience with this particular steel.
No big issues when it comes to cardboard cutting
After cutting both single- and double-layered cardboard and plastics, it can be concluded that the edge holding is not something to worry about. I have in no way, shape or form done any scientific tests, but the impression is that the steel is just fine. It's neither super steel nor a catastrophe. It was also possible to get the blade back to sharpness relatively quickly with some stropping.
Overall, the blade cuts well in most materials, perhaps except for wood. There, the blade does not bite quite as I want it to. But on the other hand, it is not material that I cut but my EDC knives very often. So I don't see that as a big problem.
No big issues when it comes to cardboard cutting
After cutting both single- and double-layered cardboard and plastics, it can be concluded that the edge holding is not something to worry about. I have in no way, shape or form done any scientific tests, but the impression is that the steel is just fine. It's neither super steel nor a catastrophe. It was also possible to get the blade back to sharpness relatively quickly with some stropping.
Overall, the blade cuts well in most materials, perhaps except for wood. There, the blade does not bite quite as I want it to. But on the other hand, it is not material that I cut but my EDC knives very often. So I don't see that as a big problem.
Handle
The shape of this handle is almost as dramatic as the blade and also mirrors its shape. This means that it is both curved and tapers towards the back and ends with a pommel just like its classic precursors.
This shape makes it possible to hide so much blade in the handle that it sometimes looks like an impossible equation.
In sharp contrast to the appearance, the handle is very modern built around a frame in titanium. The same material is found in the bolster. Both the bolster and the sides are held in place with torx screws so that the knife can be disassembled if you so like.
This shape makes it possible to hide so much blade in the handle that it sometimes looks like an impossible equation.
In sharp contrast to the appearance, the handle is very modern built around a frame in titanium. The same material is found in the bolster. Both the bolster and the sides are held in place with torx screws so that the knife can be disassembled if you so like.
The tapering handle is finished with a pommel-like bulge
Gitano is available with several different materials for the handle scales. If you chose to put emphasis on the modern aspect there are carbon fiber, G10, and Micarta to chose from. But I went for a slightly more classic look with wood, in this case, light olive wood. There is also a choice of Santos wood if you want a darker handle.
As usual with knives from Lionsteel, everything is well rounded.
This applies to the handle sides and bolsters as well as the back spring and frame
This applies to the handle sides and bolsters as well as the back spring and frame
If there is something that surprises, it is how comfortable this knife feels in hand. It can accommodate my hole hand even though the grip looks short at first glance. Also, the clip is not felt at all which is a very appreciated property by yours truly. Something that contributes to the good ergonomics is that everything is just as well-rounded as one can wish. This applies to the frame's upper and not least the underside and the back spring. But also bolsters and scales are both beveled and rounded.
One thing I can possibly object to is that the cross-section of the handle is a bit too round. That is, the handle is almost as wide as it is high. In this case 12 mm wide and at most 21 mm high and at the lowest 11 mm. Such proportions may cause a tendency for a knife to roll in the hand. This phenomenon is counteracted on Gitano by the curved shape of the handle.
Generally speaking, the handle could have been a little fuller or rather taller. But that had probably ruined the elegant lines. That is an always present balancing act between looks, carryability, and ergonomics in folding knives.
The handle is surprisingly spacious
One thing I can possibly object to is that the cross-section of the handle is a bit too round. That is, the handle is almost as wide as it is high. In this case 12 mm wide and at most 21 mm high and at the lowest 11 mm. Such proportions may cause a tendency for a knife to roll in the hand. This phenomenon is counteracted on Gitano by the curved shape of the handle.
Generally speaking, the handle could have been a little fuller or rather taller. But that had probably ruined the elegant lines. That is an always present balancing act between looks, carryability, and ergonomics in folding knives.
Opening and Lock
Van Poppel's original is a flipper-knife. In the production version, that detail disappeared and instead, it became a slip joint. Which is more historically accurate to be true. The two-handed opening is facilitated by the fact that there is a lot of visible knife blade to pinch. This way you do not have to make a nail nick which would have adversely affected the appearance in this case.
Despite the lack of a nail nick, this is a two-handed opened slip joint
But Gitano is not easily opened. It offers one of the strongest back springs I've encountered. It means that is one of the safest slip joints on the market but also that it requires som finger strength to operate. When it comes to slip joints terms like "walk and talk" and "pull" are often used. The latter is how much force you have to use to get the blade out. In this case, it will probably be an 8 out of 10. To succeed, one should grasp the blade as close to the tip as possible to achieve good leverage. You have to pinch fairly hard to get a good grip on the slick blade. The resistance has softened slightly after some usage but not much.
Gitano gives you a distinct halfway stop. A very important detail regarding safety
Otherwise, the "walk" is very smooth on this knife. Not much to complain about there. The Gitano has a distinct halfway stop. A detail that is almost necessary on a knife with such a strong back spring. Otherwise, one or two fingertips would have been in danger.
Once unfolded the knife feels really safe. Just accidentally putting the tip in a piece of wood or bumping into something is not enough for this knife to fold.
On the contrary, it takes some effort and I have even developed a special method just to fold the Gitano. I turn the knife and place the blade against the thumb web in my right hand, whereupon I grab the handle with my left hand and close the knife that way.
On the contrary, it takes some effort and I have even developed a special method just to fold the Gitano. I turn the knife and place the blade against the thumb web in my right hand, whereupon I grab the handle with my left hand and close the knife that way.
To Carry
You could tell almost by looking at it that Gitano is just superb to carry around. Soft shapes, rounded details and nothing that stands proud in the form of flipper tabs, thumb studs or finger guards make it streamlined like a seal where it resides in your pocket. The knife is also not particularly wide except at the highest point where it measures 3 cm. The length is just under eleven centimeters so the knife is slightly larger than you think. But in return, it weighs in at about 90 grams. When combined with a clip excellent for the knife, the end result is top-notch.
Rounded in the right places and a modest weight makes for an easy carry
The clip is small but the function very good
The clip is small but the function very good
Gitano comes with a fairly small spring clip made of steel. It is fixed with a single screw but a recess in the handle prevents it from sliding sideways. The looks also get approved as it is not generic but made for this particular knife.
Despite its small size, it works well and very much because the surface underneath is smooth. This is true for this version with wooden scales. I don't dare to say anything about the G10 and Micarta versions. There is normally a bit more friction in those materials and that combined with the modest lip or ramp on the clip might cause some problems. Here, however, it works really well.
Despite its small size, it works well and very much because the surface underneath is smooth. This is true for this version with wooden scales. I don't dare to say anything about the G10 and Micarta versions. There is normally a bit more friction in those materials and that combined with the modest lip or ramp on the clip might cause some problems. Here, however, it works really well.
The clip itself is rather discreet
When the knife is in the pocket, a piece of it is visible but not so much that it is annoying. Something that can be irritating, however, is if you happen to like this knife and are left-handed.
The clip cannot be moved from its tip-up, right-hand configuration. But then comes a "eureka-moment", of course, yes, this is a slip joint. This means that the knife can be worn just as easily and freely on the left side without moving the clip. The only difference being that the back of the blade then ends up in the other direction, facing forward instead. But unlike flipper-knives, there is no risk that this knife could open in your pocket. So even left-handed people can enjoy this knife.
The clip cannot be moved from its tip-up, right-hand configuration. But then comes a "eureka-moment", of course, yes, this is a slip joint. This means that the knife can be worn just as easily and freely on the left side without moving the clip. The only difference being that the back of the blade then ends up in the other direction, facing forward instead. But unlike flipper-knives, there is no risk that this knife could open in your pocket. So even left-handed people can enjoy this knife.
To Conclude
Gitano is part of Lionsteel's Tradition-series. They are characterized by having a classic look but are made with modern methods and materials. They are all slip joints so the flipper tab from Van Poppel's original had to go.
The small knife that unfolds and becomes large
The first impressions of this knife was a bit strange because it feels both smaller and larger than its actual dimensions.
The overall appearance with a slightly curved handle and low profile led me to believe that it is shorter than is the case. It's an illusion that is reinforced by the bolster and that the handle tapers towards the end. Add to that a surprisingly light knife. It weighs in at 90 grams.
But despite that impression this handle accommodates the whole hand and the blade is actually 8,5 cm long.
The overall appearance with a slightly curved handle and low profile led me to believe that it is shorter than is the case. It's an illusion that is reinforced by the bolster and that the handle tapers towards the end. Add to that a surprisingly light knife. It weighs in at 90 grams.
But despite that impression this handle accommodates the whole hand and the blade is actually 8,5 cm long.
Lionsteel Gitano, a very modern antique that makes for an excellent EDC-knife
All in all, Gitano is a knife that offers extremely elegant lines while being bold in the same way as the historical precursors who served as inspiration for this model.
This is a successful synthesis between older tradition and modern technology. While the knife is attractive to look at, it offers a rather large blade with a lot of capacity. The stock is made out of good material, is thin and finished with a good grind. A very good combination in my opinion. Also, the knife is very well-built, in well-chosen materials. Frame and bolster are in titanium which gives strength while being lightweight.
For these reasons, I highly recommend Gitano as a pocket knife. It became an instant favorite and a knife I won't get rid of in a hurry. The only ones who should not consider this model are the manic people who can't stand anything else besides a titanium frame lock flipper. But for them, Lionsteel has other models!
This is a successful synthesis between older tradition and modern technology. While the knife is attractive to look at, it offers a rather large blade with a lot of capacity. The stock is made out of good material, is thin and finished with a good grind. A very good combination in my opinion. Also, the knife is very well-built, in well-chosen materials. Frame and bolster are in titanium which gives strength while being lightweight.
For these reasons, I highly recommend Gitano as a pocket knife. It became an instant favorite and a knife I won't get rid of in a hurry. The only ones who should not consider this model are the manic people who can't stand anything else besides a titanium frame lock flipper. But for them, Lionsteel has other models!
Specification:
Length overall: 192 mm
Length folded: 108 mm
Weight: 91 g
Blade length: 85 mm
Blade thickness: 3 mm
Blade steel: Niolox
Handle: Titanium frame and bolster with olive wood scales
Lock: none, slip joint
Produced by: Lionsteel, made in Italy
/ J -
* Especially since the name "Gitano" was/is the name for Spanish Romani.
Inga kommentarer:
Skicka en kommentar