420HC Stainless Steel Or Sandvik 13C26/CPM-D2

Welcome to the forums Daimyo!

I'm not familiar with that particular Buck, but here's what I know about the Leek.

Ken Onion designed the SpeedSafe Assisted Opening knife. It is a simple but effective and reliable assisted opening system. The Leek is a KO design, produced by Kershaw. Kershaw warranties their knifes for lifetime. They will either fix your knife for free, or send you the parts for free to do it yourself if you are so inclined. The link you referenced is very old material. Kershaw switched to Sandvik 13C26 steel from 440A for its blades in July 2007. Its a newer steel than the 420 that Buck uses. While 420 is a good steel, 13C26 has higher rust prevention properties and will retain an edge longer than 420. As for the lock systems used, the Leek is a frame lock. The Buck is a liner lock. There's nothing wrong with a liner lock, if done properly.

Just my opinion, but I'd personally go with the Leek. It's a fine knife for the money!

For updated info on the Leek, take a look here. I hope this helps!
 
Go with the Leek, it is an incredible knife for the $. I have mine here on the pooter desk now. I had a great desire to EDC it this week. 13C26 and CPM D2 are two of my favorite steels they both take and keep a great edge not that there's anything wrong with Buck's 420HC.
 
Ah, the link doesn't match the title of your thread...my bad.

If you're looking at the Leek Composite Blade, GO FOR IT! It's a beautiful knife, and well worth the price! They are limited editions, so grab one if you can. The CPM D2 cutting edge will hold for a very long time. Much better than 420HC.

Here are some great pics of the CB Leek!
 
I've owned several Kershaw assisted openers including the Leek, Speed Bump, Spec Bump, Cyclone and others.

I don't have a Buck Rush, but I do have 2 Buck Tempests which use the same assisted opening system as the Rush.

Between the Buck Rush and Kershaw Leek, I'd go for the Rush.
I personally like the ASAP system better than the SpeedSafe system.

The Buck ASAP assisted opening system is excellent.
Very fast, forceful, and reliable.

Buck's 420HC and Kershaw's Sandvik are comparable.

Both Buck and Kershaw are top companies with great customer service and warranties.
 
Thanks guys.
Yea i listed the Composite blade info I think. Im not sure which I will go with. Probable the Composite. Just looks color I think.

thanks for the help!!!!
 
You may have a hard time finding one...I'd check here. They say Out of Stock, but I'd shoot them an email. Tell them you're a new Blade Forums user, and you got the info from me.
 
Daimyo Katar said:
Thanks guys.
Yea i listed the Composite blade info I think. Im not sure which I will go with. Probable the Composite. Just looks color I think.

thanks for the help!!!!
Click to expand...

If you're going with the Composite blade, then I'd definitely pick the Kershaw over the Buck.
 
rifon2 said:
Buck's 420HC and Kershaw's Sandvik are comparable.
Click to expand...
We us 420HC on our Chive's and Scallion's.

If you're looking for edge retention there is no comparison IMO, 13C26/soon to be 14C28N will shine over 420HC everyday.

Corrosion resistance is where the 420HC will have an advantage.
 
I have both knives and like them equally! If you are thinking the composite Leek, I would go that route though. You could always look into the Buck Rush with S30V blade ;)
Both knives are durable though and ASAP systems are comparable to me. The only reason I would pick one over the other is for a blade steel upgrade.
Good luck, I hope he loves it!
 
It looks like the Kershaw Mafia has already shown up on this thread. :D

The Kershaw Leek is no doubt a superior knife. It's an excellent design by the famous Ken Onion, with a beautifully executed frame lock, useful bladeshape, and that SpeedSafe mechanism. You can't go wrong with the design.
 
Thomas W said:
We us 420HC on our Chive's and Scallion's.

If you're looking for edge retention there is no comparison IMO, 13C26/soon to be 14C28N will shine over 420HC everyday.

Corrosion resistance is where the 420HC will have an advantage.
Click to expand...
Why are you going to discontinue using the 13C26?
 
From what I understand, they are just upgrading to 14C26, since it will resist rust more, have a bit more wear resistance, and the steel will be exclusive to Kershaw.:thumbup:
 
Bucks 420HC is awesome. The heat treat and hardness count are fantastic. I like the Leek better, but between the Rush and Composite leek, I'd go Rush. Mostly because I think composite blades are uber fugly
 
Both knives are USA made and have fantastic warranties also!

Buy one of each and let us know which you both prefer :D
 
Outdoors Fanatic said:
Why are you going to discontinue using the 13C26?
Click to expand...

Over the last year they have worked with Sandvik to come up with a steel that has a little better edge retention and is more rust resistant that 13C26. The new steel, 14C28N, is being made by Sandvik exclusively for Kershaw. You won't find this steel on any other makers knives.

So why discontinue it? They've put their heads together with Sandvik and have come up with something better! :thumbup:
 
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