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Lionsteel
Published: December 2nd, 2024
Lionsteel's origins trace back to a rich history rooted in the artisan stonework of the Maniago region. In the 19th century, chisel workers climbed Mount Jouf, overlooking the town of Maniago in northern Italy, to carve sculptures from native stone, including a distinctive lion sculpture. This stone lion became central to the story of Lionsteel’s founding. Gino Pauletta, Lionsteel’s founder, was inspired by his grandfather’s lion sculpture but, as a child, was afraid of it. This fear led him to cut off the lion's tail, an action that eventually inspired him when choosing a name for his company years later.
In 1969, Gino, together with his wife Cesarina, established a knife-making business in the heart of Maniago, Italy. His focus initially centered on creating high-quality hunting knives for the Italian market. The company remained small, with production methods steeped in traditional craftsmanship, but Gino's dedication to quality and innovation began to shape Lionsteel’s reputation.
- Lionsteel was founded in 1969 by
Gino Pauletta (pictured above)
- Lionsteel was established in Maniago, Italy
By the 1980s, the company had outgrown its initial space and needed a new name to reflect its growth. Gino looked back to the story of the stone lion with the broken tail and chose "Lionsteel" to honor his heritage, combining “lion” with “steel” to represent both his family’s legacy and his commitment to quality steel craftsmanship.
The next transformative period for Lionsteel came in the late 20th century when Gino’s sons, Daniele, Gianni, and Massimo, joined the company. This new generation introduced a dynamic vision that embraced advanced technology and expanded the company’s product offerings. In the 1990s, Lionsteel began investing in CNC machining, which allowed for highly precise manufacturing that maintained the quality of handmade knives while increasing efficiency. They also adopted advanced design software, enabling them to experiment with innovative knife designs that set new industry standards.
In the early 2000s, the focus shifted from hunting knives to everyday carry (EDC) knives, recognizing the global demand for high-quality, functional knives that could seamlessly integrate into daily life. These EDC knives were designed to be compact, durable, and suitable for various tasks, appealing to a broader audience beyond hunting enthusiasts. This shift helped establish Lionsteel as a major player in the global knife market.
Blade Show Awards
2015 Overall Knife Of The Year
Lionsteel T.R.E.
2016 Overall Knife Of The Year
Lionsteel KUR Metamorphosis
2017 Overall Knife Of The Year
Lionsteel SR-11
2017 Manufacturing Quality Award
2018 Manufacturing Quality Award
2022 Accessory Of The Year
Lionsteel Eggie
2024 Import Folding Knife Of The Year
Lionsteel Skinny
Written by Drew Clifton
What to Buy
The Lionsteel Myto Snake Skin combines advanced engineering with top-tier materials, crafted for EDC enthusiasts and professionals alike. Featuring a 3.27” CPM MagnaCut drop-point blade with a black stonewash finish, it offers exceptional edge retention and corrosion resistance. The manual flipper integrates LionSteel’s “ReF” system for smooth operation on a double-crest ball-bearing system, while a hardened steel insert enhances its titanium framelock. The Fat Carbon Snake Skin handle is lightweight yet robust, ensuring a comfortable grip. Complete with a titanium pocket clip and tungsten carbide glass breaker, the 7.91” Myto is versatile, stylish, and made for reliable everyday performance.
The Lionsteel CollectorKnives Olive Wood Dom Barlow is a refined pocket knife that blends traditional charm with modern innovation. Featuring a durable M390 stainless steel sheepsfoot blade, this knife offers excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for everyday tasks and outdoor use. Its rich olive wood handle provides a warm, natural feel, while titanium bolsters and liners add durability without excess weight. Compact and lightweight, with a closed length of 3.74 inches and a weight of only 2.29 ounces, the Dom Barlow is a versatile tool and a collector’s treasure, seamlessly combining utility with aesthetic appeal.
The Lionsteel Skinny Blue Titanium & Dark Matter Carbon Fiber folding knife is an exceptional choice for everyday carry (EDC) enthusiasts. Designed by Molletta (Michele Pensato), it features a 3.31-inch CPM MagnaCut drop point blade, known for its excellent edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance, with a rugged stonewashed finish. The handle combines lightweight blue titanium with a blue Dark Matter carbon fiber inlay, offering a stylish look and comfortable grip. With a framelock and a hardened steel insert, the knife ensures secure use, while the removable blade flipper and IKBS ball bearing system provide smooth, customizable deployment. Compact at 4.56 inches closed and weighing 3.25 ounces, it’s an ideal, functional EDC knife with a tip-up pocket clip and lanyard hole for versatile carry options.
Expert Reviewed
T.C. Barnette
T.C. Barnette is a dynamic media personality and the esteemed spokesperson for SMKW (Smoky Mountain Knife Works), where his passion for knives intersects with his captivating on-screen presence. With a magnetic charisma and deep expertise in cutlery, T.C. has become a beloved figure in the knife community.