LionSteel L.E.One Mid Karambit Knife Red Aluminium, Stonewashed M390 by Emerson Design (LE2 A RS)

LionSteel L.E.One Mid Karambit Red Aluminum, Stonewashed M390 by Emerson Design (LE2 A RS) is a compact folding karambit with a Hawkbill blade and the Emerson Wave system.

LionSteel L.E.One Mid – Compact Red Aluminum Karambit

LionSteel L.E.One Mid Karambit Red Aluminum, Stonewashed M390 by Emerson Design (LE2 A RS) is a compact version of a technically advanced folding karambit, developed by lionSTEEL in collaboration with Emerson Design. The model combines sickle-shaped blade geometry, a finger ring, a Frame Lock locking mechanism, and the Emerson Wave quick-opening system. The Mid variant retains the character of the larger L.E.One but offers a shorter blade, lower weight, and a more manageable size for everyday carry.

The blade, made of Böhler M390 steel, features a Hawkbill / Karambit profile, a Flat Grind edge, and a Stonewashed finish—a configuration designed for fast, controlled cutting of utility materials. The handle, made of Ergal aluminum in Red, utilizes Solid® Knife technology, and opening via the Emerson Wave, flipper, or thumb hole allows the user to adapt the knife’s operation to the situation and their preferences.

Böhler M390 – Premium Steel for a Compact Karambit

Böhler M390 is a powder steel valued for its high wear resistance, good corrosion resistance, and long-lasting sharpness. In the L.E.One Mid model, this material is well-suited to the nature of a folding karambit, as it maintains a stable cutting edge when cutting ropes, straps, packaging, belts, and fibrous materials.

The Stonewashed finish gives the blade a rugged, slightly matte appearance and helps mask minor signs of regular use. Combined with the red aluminum handle, it creates a dynamic, technical aesthetic that fits well with the Emerson Design concept and the functional character of the L.E.One series.

Hawkbill / Karambit and Flat Grind – Fast, Controlled Cutting

The Hawkbill / Karambit profile features a strongly curved edge line that naturally guides the material toward the blade. This geometry increases cutting efficiency when cutting ropes, straps, belts, and plastics, while also providing the very distinctive cutting action typical of karambits. The reinforced tip and the sickle-shaped blade give the knife a distinctly task-oriented character.

The Flat Grind facilitates smooth gliding of the blade through the material, maintaining a good balance between cutting sharpness and edge durability. The serrations on the blade spine improve thumb control, and the Emerson Wave system allows for quick opening of the blade when drawing the knife from a pocket.

Red Aluminum Ergal and Frame Lock – Solid® Knife monolithic construction

The handle is made of Aluminum Ergal using Solid® Knife technology, meaning it is machined from a single block of material using precision CNC machining. This construction ensures high rigidity, low weight, and resistance to the stresses typical of heavy-duty use. The Red color gives the karambit a distinctive character and contrasts sharply with the Stonewashed blade.

The Frame Lock stabilizes the blade when open, and a steel inlay protects the lock surface from excessive wear. The reversible clip Right / Left, Tip-Up allows you to carry the knife on either side, while the finger ring improves grip retention and facilitates control of the karambit during dynamic use.

Emerson Wave, flipper, and thumb hole—three ways to open

The L.E.One Mid offers several methods for opening the blade. Emerson Wave allows you to deploy the blade as you remove the knife from your pocket, the flipper enables quick one-handed manual opening, and thumb hole provides an alternative access point to the blade. This design enhances the knife’s functionality and allows you to adapt its operation to your working conditions.

The pivot mechanism, based on ball bearings, improves the smoothness of the blade’s movement and supports fast, controlled opening. The combination of the Emerson Wave system, the flipper, the thumb hole, and the Frame Lock makes the L.E.One Mid a compact folder with a highly technical, task-oriented character.

Why Choose the LionSteel L.E.One Mid Red Aluminum?

The LionSteel L.E.One Mid Red Aluminum is designed for users looking for a compact folding karambit with a sturdy construction, fast operation, and premium materials. Böhler M390 steel ensures high edge durability, the Hawkbill / Karambit profile enhances cutting efficiency, and the monolithic Ergal aluminum handle offers rigidity and low weight.

The Emerson Design, the Emerson Wave system, the Frame Lock mechanism, ball bearings, and finger ring combine to create a folder with a distinctly specialized character. This is a knife for those who expect a compact karambit, quick access to the blade, and the high precision of craftsmanship characteristic of lionSTEEL.

Key Features at a Glance

• Böhler M390: premium powder steel with high wear resistance.
• Hawkbill / Karambit: curved geometry for fast, controlled cutting.
• Stonewashed: a rugged finish that masks minor signs of wear.
• Ergal Aluminum: a lightweight and rigid handle made using Solid® Knife technology.
• Emerson Wave: quick opening when drawing the knife from your pocket.
• Frame Lock: a strong lock integrated into the handle design.
• Back Ring: a finger ring that improves grip retention.

Technical Data

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the L.E.One Mid differ from the larger L.E.One?

The L.E.One Mid is a more compact and lighter version of the L.E.One karambit. It retains the Emerson Wave system, finger ring, Frame Lock, and Solid® Knife construction, but features a shorter blade and smaller overall dimensions.

How do you care for and sharpen Böhler M390 steel?

Böhler M390 steel should be cleaned, dried, and periodically coated with a thin layer of oil after use. For sharpening, a diamond or CBN system works best when guided steadily and without excessive pressure.

What is the Emerson Wave used for?

The Emerson Wave is a hook on the blade that can catch on the edge of a pocket when drawing the knife. This allows you to quickly open the blade while removing the folder.

What makes the Hawkbill / Karambit profile unique?

The Hawkbill / Karambit has a curved edge that guides the material toward the blade. This geometry works well for cutting ropes, straps, belts, and fibrous materials.

What is Solid® Knife technology?

Solid® Knife refers to a handle milled from a single block of aluminum. This solution increases the structure’s rigidity, reduces the number of components, and results in a lightweight, durable knife frame.

Prepared by: Specialists at Sharg® company – Your expert in EDC and cutting tools