By: Clarke Jeffreys
Compact SOLID® Karambit Power with Emerson Speed Deployment
The collaboration between LionSTEEL and Emerson Design has once again produced a knife that blends tactical innovation with Italian craftsmanship. The L.E.One Mid – Ice Blue / Stone Washed, model LE2 AIS, represents a refined and compact evolution of the original LionSTEEL-Emerson ONE project. Built as a lightweight, everyday-carry-friendly karambit folder, the L.E.One Mid retains the aggressive practicality of its larger predecessor while improving portability and comfort.
Designed for users who demand speed, strength, and cutting performance in a compact platform, this knife combines LionSTEEL’s signature SOLID® construction with Emerson’s renowned rapid deployment concept. The result is a high-performance tool that feels equally at home in daily tasks, outdoor use, or tactical scenarios.
SOLID® Handle Construction — Strength Without Bulk
A defining characteristic of LionSTEEL knives is their SOLID® frame-lock handle construction, and the L.E.One Mid continues this tradition. Instead of assembling multiple handle components, the handle is milled from a single block of Ergal aluminum, creating exceptional rigidity while keeping weight impressively low.
The Ice Blue finish adds visual appeal while maintaining a clean, professional aesthetic. The textured machining offers reliable grip without creating hot spots during extended use.
Despite being lightweight, the handle feels substantial and secure in hand. The karambit-style ring at the rear allows enhanced retention and manipulation, making reverse grip use particularly natural.
Premium M390 Steel Blade
At the heart of the knife sits a Böhler M390 blade, widely regarded as one of the finest stainless steels available in production knives today. Known for excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and wear durability, M390 is trusted by professionals and enthusiasts alike.
The blade features a stonewashed finish, giving it a rugged, low-reflective appearance that also helps hide scratches accumulated during daily use. This finish ensures the knife continues looking good even after extensive cutting work.
Though compact at just over two inches, the hawkbill-style karambit blade geometry excels at controlled slicing and pull cuts, making it ideal for utility cutting, rope, packaging, and self-defense applications.
Emerson Wave Feature – Instant Deployment
One of the most notable elements of this knife is the patented Emerson Wave Feature, a design that revolutionized pocket knife deployment.
Ernest Emerson discovered that with the proper hook and motion, a knife could automatically open while being drawn from the pocket. The Wave hook catches on the pocket edge, deploying the blade instantly during draw.
This allows the knife to be ready for use as soon as it clears the pocket—often faster than automatic knives. In situations requiring speed and readiness, this feature becomes a massive advantage.
Users can still deploy the blade manually if desired, making the system versatile for both tactical and everyday use.
Frame Lock Reliability
The L.E.One Mid utilizes a robust frame lock system integrated into the SOLID® aluminum handle. To improve longevity, LionSTEEL incorporates a steel insert at the lock interface, preventing wear that would otherwise occur from repeated blade engagement.
This ensures long-term lock reliability and smooth operation even after years of use.
The result is secure lockup with minimal blade play, inspiring confidence when performing heavier cutting tasks.
Reversible Pocket Clip
The steel pocket clip can be repositioned for different carry preferences. LionSTEEL includes a squared steel tab system that allows the clip to be mounted on the opposite side when needed.
Combined with the knife’s lightweight profile, the L.E.One Mid disappears in the pocket while still being quickly accessible.
Performance Testing
To see how the L.E.One Mid performs beyond its impressive construction, several real-world cutting tests were conducted.
- Paper Cutting Test
The blade sliced cleanly through printer paper, producing smooth, controlled cuts.
Comment: Despite its compact size, the blade geometry maintains excellent slicing ability.
- Hair Shaving Test
The factory edge easily shaved hair along the cutting surface.
Comment: M390 steel holds a refined edge exceptionally well.
- Cardboard Cutting Test
The knife handled multiple cardboard cuts smoothly without tearing or edge degradation.
Comment: Excellent for daily utility and package breakdown tasks.
- Rope Cutting Test
The curved karambit blade bites aggressively into rope, allowing controlled pull cuts.
Comment: Karambit geometry excels with fibrous materials.
- Denim Cutting Test
Folded denim was sliced cleanly with no slipping.
Comment: Grip ergonomics and blade curvature work together effectively.
- Plastic Strap / Hardened Plastic Test
The blade shaved thin slices off hardened plastic without chipping.
Comment: Demonstrates good edge stability.
- Aluminum Can Cutting Test
Light slicing through aluminum showed no noticeable edge damage.
Comment: Indicates resilience against tougher incidental materials.
- Wood Shaving Test
Using dry wood, the blade created fine curls easily, although the short edge length limits extended carving.
Comment: Suitable for light wood tasks but not intended for heavy bushcraft use.
Everyday Carry Experience
In daily carry, the L.E.One Mid feels almost weightless at under three ounces. The compact footprint makes it comfortable for pocket carry, while the karambit ring offers added security during use.
The Emerson Wave deployment quickly becomes intuitive, allowing the knife to be drawn and ready in one fluid motion. Users familiar with karambit-style knives will appreciate the natural control provided by the ring, especially in reverse grip.
Though compact, the knife feels capable and solid during real tasks, making it a dependable companion.
Technical Specifications
- Model: L.E.One Mid – LE2 AIS
- Total Length: 174 mm / 6.85 in
- Blade Length: 58 mm / 2.28 in
- Blade Thickness: 3.5 mm / 0.14 in
- Weight: 84 g / 2.96 oz
- Blade Steel: Böhler M390
- Blade Finish: Stonewashed
- Locking System: Frame Lock
- Handle Material: SOLID® Ergal Aluminum
- Handle Color: Ice Blue
- Clip: Reversible steel clip
- Style: Karambit folder
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Premium M390 blade steel
- Lightweight SOLID® aluminum handle
- Emerson Wave fast deployment
- Strong frame lock with steel insert
- Excellent cutting control
- Compact and easy to carry
- Unique karambit functionality
Cons
- Short blade length limits heavy tasks
- Karambit style may not suit all users
- Specialized blade shape less versatile for food prep
Final Thoughts
The LionSTEEL L.E.One Mid Ice Blue successfully combines tactical efficiency, premium materials, and elegant Italian engineering into a compact and practical folder. It is not simply a smaller karambit—it is a refined, everyday carry tool built for speed, reliability, and cutting performance.
For users who appreciate innovative deployment systems and solid construction, the L.E.One Mid delivers impressive capability in a lightweight package. Whether for daily cutting chores or specialized carry needs, this knife stands as another strong collaboration between LionSTEEL and Emerson Design.
For more information, visit:
Sin City Press 