LionSteel KC-01 was Born in the Italian Knife Community

LionSteel’s latest project is a bit different than a standard full production release. The company is rolling out a limited edition fixed blade called the KC-01, a tribute by and for members of a prominent online Italian knife community.

Knife Community Italia began in 2020, a year when online meeting places saw a surge of attention in all walks of life. The founders took an existing Facebook group that was focused, like many Facebook knife groups, around buying and selling knives, and transformed it into a more complete community-style experience. One of the founders of Knife Community Italia, Raffaele Santoro, partnered with his friend and knife maker Michele Pensato, probably better known to LionSteel fans as Molletta, to create this utility fixed blade.

The business end of the KC-01 is a hearty, broad 6-inch drop point. That’s a sizeable slab of steel, enough to accomplish an expansive suite of chores, excelling especially in chores of the medium to large persuasion. You expect knife enthusiasts to choose the right steel for the job, and, knowing the hard use remit for their knife, Santoro and Molletta chose to make it in CPM-3V steel. Even as a newer generation of super steel is ushered in, 3V is still, without a doubt, one of the benchmarks for toughness in the production knife world; newer steels have to work hard not only to be better than 3V on paper, but to best its very long track record.

A roomy, hand-filling handle follows on from the base of the KC-01’s blade. A classic bracket shape demarcates the front and back ends of the grip portion, but the user’s hand is permitted to find what works best for it within those boundaries. Three different colors of Micarta are on tap for the scales, which are thick and laid over a thick full tang frame. All three versions of the KC-01 come with a Kydex sheath for carry.

As mentioned, the KC-01 is a limited edition series, just 300 pieces across the three handle options. Right now it’s only available to purchase in Europe, but LionSteel said that they will be bringing some to Blade Show next month – that might be the best place to grab one stateside.

Knife in Featured Image: LionSteel KC-01

The information provided by KnifeNews.com (the “Site”) is for general recreational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed on the Site are those of the author or those quoted and do not necessarily reflect the views of any entities they represent. All information on the Site is provided in good faith, however, we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of the information on the Site. Under no circumstance shall we have any liability to you for any loss or damage as the result of the use of the Site or reliance on any information provided. Your use of the Site and your reliance on any information on the Site is solely at your own risk.