Beyond the Blade: A Closer Look at lionSTEEL’s Superior Craftsmanship

By: Guy Cowper

When it comes to premium everyday carry (EDC) knives, LionSTEEL has built a reputation for crafting high-quality, innovative designs. The LionSTEEL Skinny Aluminium – Earth / Stone Washed Blade is no exception. With its sleek aluminum handle, frame lock system, and CPM MagnaCut steel blade, this knife is engineered for durability and precision. Designed for knife enthusiasts and serious EDC users alike, the Skinny Aluminium balances lightweight performance with robust cutting power.

Unboxing Experience

The unboxing of the LionSTEEL Skinny Aluminium is a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality. The knife arrives in a minimalist yet well-designed cardboard box, which immediately conveys a sense of craftsmanship. Upon opening, the knife is securely nestled inside, ensuring it arrives in pristine condition.

*Simplicity meets sophistication with secure, practical packaging.*

First Impressions: The knife feels incredibly lightweight in hand, yet sturdy. The earth-colored aluminum handle has a smooth, matte finish that provides a secure grip while maintaining a stylish, modern look. The stone-washed blade adds to its rugged aesthetic, giving it a refined yet ready-for-action appearance.

Technical Specifications

Understanding the technical aspects of this knife reveals the thoughtful engineering behind its design:

• Total Length: 200 mm (7.87 in.)
• Blade Length: 84 mm (3.31 in.)
• Weight: 73 g (2.58 oz.)
• Blade Steel: CPM MagnaCut
• Blade Grind: V flat
• Locking System: Frame lock
• Handle Material: Aluminium (Earth tone)
• Packaging: Cardboard box
• Intended Use: Everyday Carry (EDC)

Ergonomics and Balance

*Slim, ergonomic, and lightweight—perfect for everyday carry.*

The aluminum handle provides a light yet durable structure that feels natural in hand. The knife’s ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip, allowing for precise control during various cutting tasks. The frame lock mechanism operates smoothly, offering reliable blade security. At 2.58 ounces, the Skinny Aluminium is an ultra-lightweight option for those who prioritize portability without sacrificing cutting efficiency.

Performance Tests

To assess the performance of the LionSTEEL Skinny Aluminium, we conducted a series of real-world cutting tests:

Paper Cut Test

The V-flat grind of the CPM MagnaCut blade delivers an exceptionally sharp edge. Slicing through standard printer paper is effortless, with clean, featherlight cuts that showcase the factory edge’s precision.

*The paper cut test proves the razor-sharp edge right out of the box.*

Hair Shave Test

A quick pass over the forearm confirms the knife’s razor-like sharpness. It cleanly shaves hair with minimal resistance, demonstrating excellent edge geometry.

*Barber-shop sharp—effortless shaving performance.*

Denim Cut Test

Cutting through thick denim fabric is a breeze. The blade moves through the material with minimal effort, indicating a well-tempered edge.

*Denim cutting test: No snagging, just smooth precision.*

Hardened Plastic Cutting Test

To assess toughness, we sliced through rigid plastic packaging. The CPM MagnaCut steel proved its mettle, handling the task with ease and retaining its sharpness.

*No hesitation against hardened plastic—the Skinny Aluminium delivers.*

Wood Shaving Test

For those interested in bushcraft applications, the Skinny Aluminium performs well in wood shaving. It carves through softwood with finesse, making it a reliable tool for outdoor tasks.

*Bushcraft-ready: Shaving wood with precision and ease.*

Nylon/Rope Cutting Test

Slicing through thick rope requires power and precision. The CPM MagnaCut blade delivers clean cuts with minimal force, proving its effectiveness for everyday and emergency scenarios.

*Rope test success—cutting through thick nylon with zero struggle.*

Can Test

Piercing and slicing an aluminum can tests both the tip’s strength and the edge’s durability. The Skinny Aluminium pierces effortlessly, with no chipping or deformation observed.

*Puncturing and slicing through aluminum cans—built tough for real-world tasks*

Performance Analysis

Throughout testing, the LionSTEEL Skinny Aluminium exhibited outstanding cutting ability and edge retention. The CPM MagnaCut steel proved resilient, maintaining sharpness even after rigorous use. The ergonomic handle ensured a comfortable grip, reducing hand fatigue. The frame lock mechanism operated flawlessly, offering secure and effortless blade deployment.

Edge Retention

After multiple tests, the blade remained impressively sharp with no significant degradation. The CPM MagnaCut steel ensures longevity, requiring minimal maintenance.

Durability & Toughness

Despite aggressive cutting tasks, the blade showed no signs of chipping or rolling, proving its rugged construction.

Ease of Use

• One-handed deployment is smooth and efficient.
• The ultra-lightweight design makes it an excellent EDC choice.
• Minimal maintenance is required thanks to the high-quality steel.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Razor-sharp CPM MagnaCut steel blade
• Ultra-lightweight and ergonomic design
• Durable aluminum handle with a stylish earth finish
• Excellent edge retention, Versatile for EDC, outdoor, and survival use
• Secure frame lock system

Cons:
• Not the best option for heavy-duty prying tasks
• Minimal traction on the handle for extreme wet conditions

Conclusion

The LionSTEEL Skinny Aluminium – Earth / Stone Washed Blade is an impressive EDC knife that blends lightweight construction with high-end performance. Its CPM MagnaCut steel blade ensures razor-sharp cutting, exceptional edge retention, and reliable durability. Whether for everyday carry, outdoor adventures, or emergency situations, this knife delivers in all aspects.

For those seeking a premium, ultra-light, and high-performing EDC knife, the LionSTEEL Skinny Aluminium is an excellent investment.

Discover more about this exceptional tool at lionSTEEL’s official website.