LionSteel M5 CPM 3V, Natural Canvas Micarta, Knivesandtools Exclusive survival knife

Monday 22 September 2025

Great, tough, all-round knife, Amazing value for money. You are getting a knife that can do most things around camp well enough, without excelling in any. Overall it is a well balanced knife. The blade geometry of the M5 favours toughness, the thickness behind the edge (as well as the excellent CPM 3V) is great for hard use without the risk of damaging the blade. Because of its balanced geometry, do not expect a super fine slicer, although it performs pretty well in food prep. Ergonomics is amazing and the long handle can accommodate XL hands. It arrived super sharp and after some wood work and light batoning, it still retained its edge, demonstrating a good thermal treatment of the steel. It comes with a great leather sheath too. I would definitely recommend it if you are looking for a balanced, robust all-round knife.

Wednesday 3 September 2025

Friday 6 September 2024

Wednesday 4 September 2024

I have several Lionsteel knives and have been really impressed with the materials, fit and finish are always spot on. I had said I wouldn't buy another as the one I've kept is the best. And then the ever excellent Knives & Tools send me details of yet another Lionsteel, the M5 this time. The one I've kept is the T5....... So no reason to bother with the M5 except... CPM 3V steel. How could I not. 🤷 And I'm glad I did. What an amazing blade. I've stropped it right down to 0.5 micron diamond emulsion and I have no doubt this will handle any job where sharpness is involved. And tough. A lot tougher than anything I've used before. Edge retention remains to be tested but I don't doubt that it will excel; results will be added as an EDIT. The micarta scales and beautiful and as always with Lionsteel, ergonomically brilliant, even with my 2xl+ sized hands. So far, it would need to be chiselled from my cold dead hand.

Sunday 25 August 2024