Review Lionsteel M2M

  - when small becomes great!

Sometimes things just feel right. It can be about important parts of life like love and it can be about slightly less important things like gadgets. In this case, of course, it's a knife. In other words, not just any gadget.

The moment I got it in my hand, I realized that this knife was something right up my alley. There are so many details that are as they should be on this model. It has been named M2M and comes from Italian Lionsteel.

Lionsteel M2M

The designer behind this knife is Molletta or Mikele Pensato as he is actually called. He is a familiar name to anyone who likes Lionsteel as he often designs knives for them. In fact, they are behind a larger part of their current catalog. This time, however, he has not been completely alone and in addition, M2M has been developed from an earlier version.

Unsurprisingly, the first version was called M2 and was Lionsteel's smallest fixed blade. It was produced with feedback from an outdoor forum, MCKF, and is still in the range.

However, it is quite important areas that have been overhauled to version two because they include the handle, the blade, and the sheath or simply put everything! What remains is the basic shape of the knife. However, the handle has become larger, more 3D sculpted and the blade has been given upgraded steel. The leather sheath has been given a more advanced attachment system, among other things.

The current version is available in different versions where handle material and color vary. The choice is between canvas-Micarta in three colors, black as here, natural, or green. If you want wooden handles instead, you can choose between Santos or olive wood. The latter feels close at hand for a knife made in Italian Maniago.

M2M, is a small but sturdy knife that can handle most outdoor activities

Twitter version: With the model M2M, Lionsteel and Molletta have made a real hit. Anyone looking for a small extremely competent outdoor knife does not need to look any further.

Blade

Why complicate things that work? This is how Molletta and Lionsteel seem to have reasoned because the blade on the M2M is the simplest imaginable. A drop point in its purest form. A shape that has many benefits when it comes to these proportions. The relatively wide blade gives a fairly strong belly which is good for sweeping cuts. At the same time, the shape provides a good piece of a straight edge to work with and a strong tip. Since the ricasso is modest, the edge also extends almost all the way to the handle where you have the most power and control. Despite this, Lionsteel has made a small and correctly executed "sharpening choil" that facilitates future grinding.

The blade of M2M is 9 cm long, 3.4 cm high and the blade thickness is 4 mm. This gives a sturdy blade that is still small and versatile. The finish is a semi-gloss satin and the marking is discreet and nicely done. Lionsteel Italy and blade steel on one side and Molletta's logo on the other.

A simple drop point is always right, especially when you want to achieve a practical all-round knife

The grind is not complicated either. This is a full flat ground blade  In addition, as thin as 0.6 mm behind the edge. A factory edge that was really good by the way. Sharp as heck. They should be happy with it from Lionsteel's side.

It is not that strange that they can afford a thin edge. The steel used is the finest imaginable since Lionsteel opted to use M390. I probably would not have thought the same if the knife had been larger and intended for chopping, for example. But in such a small blade that is really suitable for slicing, it is an excellent and also exclusive choice of steel. It is also the first upgrade from the original version which had simpler D2 tool steel in the blade.

The blade is made out of M390 steel

For those who do not know, M390 is steel from Böhler Uddeholm that is usually counted as what is sometimes a bit carelessly called "super steels" in the online knife community. In short, this means that the steel has rather extreme properties. It is resistant to rust and stains while at the same time having a very good edge holding capability. It is also durable. But as I said, maybe not if you are going to chop with it because it is not as tough and impact resistant as say, carbon steel.

There are a few disadvantages with this steel in small knives, but there are a few flies in the ointment. Firstly, it is expensive, which of course affects the price of the end product, and secondly, it requires good sharpening tools or a lot of time and patience to re-sharpen A warm recommendation is therefore to maintain the edge regularly so you do not have to do it from scratch. That's also why I was so happy with the nice factory edge from the manufacturer.

It is not a kitchen knife, but it cuts very well and is therefore excellent for simpler outdoor cooking or, as here, only for cutting dried meat.

M2M is something as sympathetic as a knife from other latitudes than our own that cuts well in wood. It may not match the absolute best woodcarving knives with Scandi grinds if you are going to compete in Dala horse manufacturing, but it will not come far behind. And in return, it is significantly better at much else. The wide blade allows you to use it as a small skinning knife if you are a hunter and the flat grind makes it decent for outdoor cooking, for example.

Then the combination of good geometry and excellent steel means that this knife cuts well in most things. More than that is not needed. It becomes especially clear when cutting nylon or hemp rope. Dirty rope like my current test piece that was previously the anchor line for a boat contains most things including sand so it wears on an edge. Then it is noticeable if it is a simpler or more advanced steel that is found in your knife. But in these specific cases, what I said above applies. Maintain your knife regularly so you do not stand there with a dull knife with its fine "super steel" in the field. They can be a bit awkward to regrind as I said. Especially for those who are used to an old Mora knife with softer steel.

Otherwise, there are not many disadvantages with the blade. For example, it did not show any stains or other tendencies to corrosion during this test period. The tip is also capable. Sharp but wide which makes it more durable.

Handle

The other area that has undergone a remake is, as I said, the handle. Specifically, it means two things in relation to the first version, it has become longer and has a more curvy figure. The shapes make the handle feel better in the hand and provide better ergonomics, Lionsteel claim. I have no reason to distrust them without having tried the original. This handle is exceptionally good.

The handle sides of Micarta are screwed in place on top of the full tang

The handle has not only become longer but the previously flat sides have been shaped for better grip and comfort

The length is now 11.2 cm, the thickness is 2 cm, and the height is measured at 2.9 cm. As stated in the introduction, the material can be either wood or Micarta. Canvas Micarta is used and it is one of my favorite materials for knife handles. It is certainly not a natural material but it still ages with dignity by developing patina and personality over time. In addition, it is almost indestructible, although it may not be quite as durable as G10. On the other hand, the micarta has a structure that both gives a comfortable feeling to the hand and a better grip when properly treated like this.

The sides are screwed in place with two sturdy screws with torx heads. At the back of the handle is a lanyard hole that takes a standard 550-paracord. In addition, a smart little detail is found there. The slightly protruding rear end of the tang has been left sharp on the sides to be used as a scraper for fire steels. An excellent solution that does not affect ergonomics while you do not have to use the blade for the purpose.

Although the M2M is a small knife, it is a dream in the hand. I have only positive things to say about the handle. It works in all grips you can think of and it fits a number of different hand sizes. In other words, the knife has passed the "wife test", which means that it has been tested by a hand smaller than mine

As I said, I do not know how the original feels in the hand but M2M is exceptionally good. The length of the handle allows my hand to fit in an exemplary way while it is not abnormally large. The full shape with its bulge in the middle fills the hand in a sympathetic way and the slightly curved back follows the palm well. Then there is both a finger guard and a small beak towards the end that help to keep the hand in place when it gets slippery or cold. In addition, the pattern that the Micarta has been given contributes to better traction.

The shapes of this handle are well balanced. The finger guard is there but is not so big that it gets in the way when you cut against flat surfaces or when you have to get closer to the blade for a pinch grip. The handle fills the hand without feeling thick etc. 

This in turn makes ALL grips I tested work great, hammer grip, saber grip with a thumb on the blade back, "Filipino" with the thumb further out on the blade, pinch rip, with a forefinger on the spine, and reverse grips. 

But even though the knife does well in my hand, it also fits smaller hands. I let my partner test it and she liked it too!

Sheath

Lastly, the sheath was trimmed a bit from the previous version. What has happened is that it has been reinforced from the original single stitch to now have double stitches. Something that feels very secure from a sustainability point of view, especially on such a small sheath. Then it has been supplemented with two detachable leather straps that are screwed in place.

The sheath has double seams, which makes it extra sturdy

The extra leather loops give great freedom of choice in how the knife can be worn or attached. It can, for example, be traditionally worn on the belt either high or low, M2M can also sit horizontally in so-called "scout carry" or attached to a backpack or other equipment. Depending on taste.

Not my favorite way to carry a knife but "scout carry" at the lower back works great

The case is also fairly easy to attach to a carrying strap to a backpack. But since the leather loops are screwed in place, it takes a while to remove if necessary

The material in the sheath is thick leather and it is well sewn even if the seams are not the nicest I have seen as they are quite thick given the size of the sheath. The knife is held in place with a traditional strap with a snap around the handle. It does what it's supposed to. Because it is leather we are talking about, the knife does not sound or slide when sheated. With the strap in place, the knife gets nowhere, and it is very secure.

As you can see, there have been some small cuts in the leather, although I am very careful about that. You must be careful to miss the upper loop, fold away the strap for the handle and keep the knife at the right angle when returning your knife to the sheath

One detail is important to keep in mind, however, and that is that you are careful when you put away your knife so you do not cut open either the sheath, the belt loop, or the strap for the handle. The latter would like to spring back and end up near the edge. But if you are not in an extreme hurry but are a little careful, there are no problems.

Conclusion

With M2M, Lionsteel has, in my opinion, made a smash hit! I do not have much negative to object to at all. First of all, the knife is nice to look at! Of course, it can be objected that the proportions of a knife are generally even nicer when the blade is slightly longer than the handle, but here the lines are found where they should be! Then the sheath can fool you. Before the knife is drawn, one almost wonders how there should be any blade at all on the knife, it looks so short when it is in the case.

M2M is a real hit in my opinion. Small and thus flexible, functional, and not tedious to rest your eyes on either

But the main advantages are found elsewhere than in appearance. M2M is both sympathetic to hold and work with. There are not many knives in my arsenal that can match this handle in relation to the size of the knife.* It is simply very well designed and thus provides excellent ergonomics.

When you also find a blade of this dignity at the other end of the knife, you can only be happy! A simple, stylish shape gives a blade that just cuts and cuts no matter what material it is presented to. M2M handles everything from simple outdoor kitchen duties via everyday materials such as plastic and the like to rough rope and not least wood. A relative of mine who is an avid hunter took a look at it and stated that it would be very good as a smaller hunting knife as well.

Then the sheath is quite advanced. Especially to be in leather and not of Kydex or a combo case of the two materials. Here, Lionsteel started from a traditional sheath but modernized it to suit today's requirements.

Sure, the leather sheath has a few small things that could be improved. One of them is that it now requires the user to be very careful when returning the knife to the sheath if you do not want to damage it and especially the strap that holds the knife in place. But the function itself is really good and the many options for attaching and carrying the knife should make most users happy.

Lionsteel M2M is an outdoor knife that suits most users and most challenges

In summary, it can only be said that I can really recommend this knife to anyone who is interested in a smaller all-around knife that can handle all forms of outdoor life. Then it can also be used for everyday use thanks to the small format, even if it may not be something you bring into the office. But if everyday life means that you are outdoors a lot, it is also a good EDC knife.

On Lionsteel's website, the M2M in this version costs € 188, and a Google search suggests that the stores are a bit cheaper than that. 

Specifications:

Length Overall: 203 mm
Blade Length: 90 mm
Blade Thickness: 4 mm
Steel: M390
Weight: 166/249 g with and without sheath (weighed by me)

Handle Material: Micarta
Sheath: Leather

Produced by Lionsteel, made in Italy


/ J - really delighted

* Some model from Karesuandokniven like Uraka does, but otherwise not many.