Lionsteel Nano – “Amore a prima vista”

I’ve been eyeing the Nano from Lionsteel for almost a year now.

A compact titanium frame lock in CPM Magnacut, made in Maniago, is a very tempting proposition. Lionsteel has clearly invested heavily in what has become the “darling steel” of modern cutlery: CPM Magnacut, and several models in their lineup showcase it.

Known for high manufacturing quality, Lionsteel has already impressed me in the past, including through collaborations like the Spyderco LionSpy.

So, back to the Nano: what’s not to like about this chunky little “big knife”?

Magnacut, titanium, and a refined Italian design — amore a prima vista.

Specifications (from Lionsteel):

Total length: 162 mm (6.38 in)
Blade length: 65 mm (2.56 in)
Blade thickness: 3.8 mm (0.15 in)
Weight: 101 g (3.56 oz)
Steel: CPM Magnacut
Finish: Satin
Lock: Frame lock
Frame: Titanium 6Al4V
Handle: Titanium (blue anodized version shown)
Packaging: Cardboard box

The blade hardness is reported around 63 HRC according to this CBRx video.

This model is designed to be the “ultimate everyday partner”, as Lionsteel describes it.

To me, it feels like the Italian answer to the Spyderco Techno. Even upcoming generations seem to follow a similar design language.

This is an ultra-solid compact folder: titanium frame, strong lock, premium steel — a true pocket workhorse.

The hidden stop pin design also reminds me of my Swayback. Everything feels overbuilt in the best possible way — like a Land Rover in a Ferrari suit.

The flipping action out of the box is not perfect despite the double crown bearing system, but a drop of oil improved it significantly.

Still, the flipper is not my primary opening method.

There is a blade cutout allowing easy one-handed opening. I can reliably notch-drop open the Nano this way.

The flipper is removable thanks to Lionsteel’s ReF system (Removable Flipper System), allowing the user to install or remove it depending on preference.

I personally keep it installed, as it also works as a small guard.

Closing is smooth and secure. The titanium frame lock is reinforced with a hardened steel insert to prevent wear over time — a well-executed technical detail typical of Maniago craftsmanship.

The blade arrived very sharp out of the box, and Magnacut clearly responds extremely well to stropping.

The clip is beautifully machined titanium and reversible for left-hand carry.

However, it is quite stiff on thick denim pockets. Not a deal-breaker, but worth noting for heavy clip users.

On the positive side, it never creates hotspots and disappears well in hand.

Overall finishing is excellent. The Nano feels like a premium folder in every detail. At under 200€, it is frankly an impressive value proposition.

Comparable quality from some US-made brands would cost significantly more.

Ergonomics are better than expected. I was initially skeptical about the angular geometry, but in use it feels secure and comfortable, even during harder cutting tasks.

The spine is rounded like a Chris Reeve design, making thumb push cuts very comfortable.

In wood, the geometry performs very well. Magnacut combined with this blade shape makes it a surprisingly capable compact woodworking tool.

Despite its size, the Nano offers a slightly better blade-to-handle ratio than my Native, making it feel efficient and purposeful.

In short, this is a compact but highly capable knife: refined, robust, and beautifully executed.

Thanks to Lionsteel and Gianni Pauletta for this design — a true gem from Maniago.

Mine is blue. Nel blu, dipinto di blu… and yes, it makes me feel felice di stare lassù.