Best...EDC...Ever!

[FirstFreedom]

Eureka, I have found it! And bought it and brought it home today. Of course, "it" is the Kershaw Leek, with G10 scales & S30V blade steel:

http://www.savsonswordsandknives.com/kelewg.html

It's perfect for ME anyhow. It's got everything:

1. Small and very thin, for EDC with casual wear (slacks, etc.)
2. Very light, due to G10 scales
3. The G10 is *incredibly* grippy, due to the extensive fine checkering - feels like a cat's tongue and then some - you have to feel it to believe it.
4. Still large enough to use in a defensive manner (reach vital organs of an agressor), not to mention the slim profile would pierce flesh like a redhot iron through whipped cream.
5. S30V premium blade stainless steel is extraordinarily sharp, with excellent edge-holding ability and hardness.
6. Made in America.
7. Outstanding assisted-opening mechanism - there is NO practical difference between the flipper/AO combo and a true auto knife in terms of ease & quickness of opening.
8. Straight blade makes for easy sharpening
9. Best of all - it's got a poor man's price!!!!! I paid $68.someodd plus tax - but only $70 or so there as SavsOn...

Actually, it's not perfect. I think it would be perfect if it had 2 things: a CRKT LAWKS-style locking mechanism for the liner lock, and a slightly higher up-swept serrated thumb area on the back /top. We're sure getting closer to perfect though than ever before.

Oh, I debated at length between all-straight edge, or combo (serrated) blade, and ended up getting no serrations. But may have to get the serrated model at some point too.

I mean, is it just me, or can no other maker TOUCH the overall package of this knife at any price under $200, let alone Made in America, and under $75!!!

 

[WadeF]

I was very impressed with the Kershaw Random Leek, which was exclusive through Columbia Knife and Tool, or whoever. s30v, but it's frame lock, as opposed to a liner lock. I liked the looks of the G10 Leek, but I feel it would be a step backwards going to a liner lock from a frame lock, but the G10 would be nice for extra grip.

 

[kamagong]

I don't know if the G10 Leek is the best EDC ever, but it certainly looks like a nice knife. I was actually quite surprised to find another affordable S30V knife today. It was the Lone Wolf Harsey T1 with carbon fiber scales. Both look to be great bargains, and I'm tempted to pick up one or the other.

Does anyone know if the G10 Leek is a limited edition?

 

[ras]

Nope, the best EDC ever is the Benchmade 940 w/ S30V blade

 

[FirstFreedom]

Sure...pay almost twice as much for slippery aluminum handles, that sketchy axis lock (crappy IMO), and ugly tanto blade which takes more time to sharpen than one single straight blade - makes sense to me! YMMV.

And no, the G10 / S30V is not a limited edition - it's gonna be part of the standard lineup at least for the forseeable future.

I've got to check out that Lone Wolf T1 - sounds good.

 

[SpyderJon]

...that sketchy axis lock (crappy IMO)...

Just so I'm sure, are you kidding?

I'm not a real BM fan, but the Axis is still very good (especially if you're left handed). It's certainly more stable than the LAWKS.

 

[irabren]

Axis lock - one of the best locks - absolutely rules !!

 

[Joe Dirt]

Sure...pay almost twice as much for slippery aluminum handles, that sketchy axis lock (crappy IMO), and ugly tanto blade which takes more time to sharpen than one single straight blade ......

Riiiiiiiiight.

LOL. Hahahahahaha

 

[J85909266]

Sure...pay almost twice as much for slippery aluminum handles, that sketchy axis lock (crappy IMO), and ugly tanto blade which takes more time to sharpen than one single straight blade - makes sense to me! YMMV.

That Axis is not "sketchy". It's one of the most renowned lock mechanisms out there right now due to its strength and smooth, lightning quick action. In fact, the irony in calling an Axis sketchy when compared to a liner lock is off the charts, seeing as how the liner lock has more reported failures, and is the least trusted of any locking mechanisms.

Also, that isn't a tanto blade. It is one straight, easy to sharpen edge. The "tanto" in it is on the spine side of the blade.

And as for there being no knives under $200 that can match the S30V Leek, that's pretty laughable. Any of the Spyderco Golden, Colorado models have everything the Leek has minus the assited opening (which is finicky and useless to me), while having far more strength, toughness, and outright cutting ability.

 

[FirstFreedom]

You guys are so ridiculously brainwashed about the Axis lock.

1. First, ok, I was wrong about the tanto part of that Benchmade - oops, my bad. Everything else I said comparing the two stands however.

2. Don't get me wrong - a regular liner lock is subject to failure and untrustworthy for hard use - that much I agree with..so I really didn't make clear what I meant.

3. BUT, the Axis is most certainly VERY VERY 'sketchy' in fact, and although definitely a smidgeon better than a plain liner lock, not trustworthy for hard use at ALL. There is not nearly enough length of movement or counter-resistance on a accidental push of the release to make that thing close to being half way trustworthy for hard use. It may be "renowned" but it's 98% marketing & hype, and 2% substance.

4. So, the LAWKS system is *infinitely* better than that sketchy Axis lock, IMO. You may disagree, but if you do, it's only because you're brainwashed on the matter, I would submit. The Kershaw has neither, of course so it's inferior to an Axis, to be sure, for *hard use*, and far inferior to a LAWKS type mechanism. But I'm not talking about hard use, I'm talking about everyday carry. Now, if YOU'RE EDC *involves* hard use, then that's another story - the benchmade would be better than the Kershaw, but certainly not the best choice IMO. MY own EDC does NOT involve hard use, and that's why I said "for me" and "YMMV" above. But I stand by the assertion that the Axis is not even close to what it's hyped to be.

5. I disagree that the Spydercos are tougher and they they have better cutting ability - what's your evidence of that allegation?

6. In an argument attempting to prove its superiority, one of the adjectives used by you to describe the Axis (other than strong) is that of being "quick", and yet, OTOH, the AO of the Kershaw is dismissed as being un-necessary. That's absurd, frankly, seeing as how the AO of the Kershaw is far far quicker than the unassisted Benchmade, by any rational comparison. And of course, the AO is yet another reason the Kershaw is superior to the Spydercos, for me anyway. In the event of a defensive knife use, every millisecond of deployment time counts, and I can bring these Leeks to the ready incredibly fast and reliably - even though that's 0.01% of their purpose - if it's needed, then it's needed BADLY.

 

[BlackEnd]

3. BUT, the Axis is most certainly VERY VERY 'sketchy' in fact, and although definitely a smidgeon better than a plain liner lock, not trustworthy for hard use at ALL. There is not nearly enough length of movement or counter-resistance on a accidentally push of the release to make that thing close to being half way trustworthy for hard use.

I kind of have to agree with what FirstFreedom is trying to say here. Don't mistake me, I think Benchmade makes a fantastic product, but the axis lock does need some work. I've actually had one fail on me for the exact reason FF mentioned. The slider does not go deep enough in the the spine of the blade to really secure it properly. This system isn't crap, just needs some tweeking.

BTW my personnal choice for EDC is a Chris Reeve large Sebenza. There is no substantial subsitute! It WON'T fail

 

[WarRaven]

Omg, what a load of crap.

Tell you what, you send me all your benchmades and ill send you all my kershaws, in any steel flavour.

So its not even close to what its hyped too,(The Axis) And your going to tell us how much more strong and robust a liner lock is, lol.

Ok, so you have no BM's to send i see.



WR

 

[sph3ric pyramid]

Have you used liner-locks and AXIS-lockers extensively? I have never had an AXIS-locker fail, even through some serious abuse and dirt packed in the frame. I have also never been able to inadvertantly disengage an AXIS lock during use. I've had a couple instances where the initial lock-up was obstructed by pocket lint/grit/etc. but once in place, haven't been able to cause lock failure.

I can open any AXIS-locker faster from the pocket than an AO knife, as I don't even have to touch the blade. But in any case, for EDC, speed from the pocket doesn't matter much at all.

IMO, the CRKT liner-lock/LAWKS combo is much less streamlined, as the LAWKS simply prevents a faulty lock from moving off of the blade, and requires an additional step to put the LAWKS in place/disengage (although CRKT has come out with the auto-LAWKS, it still takes an additional step). I also haven't had the best experience with CRKT quality control, but the quality of AXIS locking knives is consistently high (as they all come from a single company).

As for Spyderco, their knives have great blade steel all around combined with good blade geometry/initial edge grind; it leads to better overall 'cutting ability' out of the box in many cases, I think.

The G-10 Leek looks like a great knife and I'm probably going to pick one up, but all opinions aside, it sounds like you've never used an AXIS lock, ever.

 

[ras]

When I was looking at knives to EDC, attributes I considered were that the knife was light enough, not too bulky, had good steel, a usable blade shape and a good strong lock. I'm one of those who has used the axis lock enough that I trust it far more than a liner; it isn't hype, I don't know of anyone who has had an axis lock fail (by either breaking or by accidental retraction) in actual use. If you know of a case, please inform us. I do know that squeezing a liner lock wrong can cause it to unlock, maybe the Leek will never do that, then again, maybe it can. My opinion, YMMV.

 

[WarRaven]

Ok, there are reported failings of the Axis, dont get me wrong thinking i am saying it is bullet proof, no it isnt.

However the failings have usually been a broken spring, and usually the second one will suffice till a new one is replaced.

A few others too, but not enough to warrant any concern, usually factory screw ups, poor maching that slipped past QC, but is usually noted during any play time or first use and not in the heat of moment later down the road.

The pretty part of the Axis is, that as it all wears, it seats further and locks tighter with continued usage.

The liner as it wears,does not take up slack and begins to allow blade movement and eventual unlocking of the knife, making it truly unsafe.


WR

 

[ras]

By an axis lock failing I meant such that it allowed the blade to close. I was aware of a few spring failures, but hadn't heard of anyone getting injured in the process. In any case, the spring is much easier to replace than fitting a new liner.

 

[ginshun]

The G10 / Leek is indeed a fine edc knife.

Especially when you do like I did and buy a regular leek and switch the lock sides of the knife. Now I have a G10/S30V/Framelock Leek that I can set up for tip-up carry. My gf now has the leftovers, which is still a fine knife, especially for somebody who really doesn't know the difference.


That being said, you are delusional if you think that the liner lock on the G10 Leek is anywhere near as strong as an AXIS lock. Just look at the mechanics of the two, when pressure is applied to the spine of the blade, on a liner lock the pressure is trying to bend a long thin piece of metal, which could also slide off do to the pressure. With the AXIS the pressure is trying to bend a short steel cylinder and there is nothing to slip off. It doesn't take a genius to figure out wich one is stronger. I suppose during hard use, its conceivable that you could accidently disengage the lock, but IMO its no more likely to happen with an AXIS that it is with a liner lock.

My Leek is a great knife, but I still end up carrying (and trusting the locks on) my BM 710HS and my Spydie Paramil more.

 

[SpyderJon]

I'm not brainwashed, but I have had an axis-lock, and I do carry liner locks. The axis is at least as stable as most other liner locks. As far as why the AO might not be the best choice for EDC, the reason is simple, and you stated it yourself:

"...there is NO practical difference between the flipper/AO combo and a true auto knife in terms of ease & quickness of opening."

Its still not decided whether or not AO knives are going to be ruled de-facto automatic knives. Incidentally, that's why I don't carry an Axis lock. Where I live Axis locks AND AO knives can be considered border-line automatics. Not worth my hassle.

I'm also sure your point would have been better received had you been actually clear in what you were saying.

 

[[digidude]]

All this talk about locks! Give me a lockback anyday.

That is a fine knife however, though not a perfect EDC (for me at least).

 

[J85909266]

5. I disagree that the Spydercos are tougher and they they have better cutting ability - what's your evidence of that allegation?

6. In an argument attempting to prove its superiority, one of the adjectives used by you to describe the Axis (other than strong) is that of being "quick", and yet, OTOH, the AO of the Kershaw is dismissed as being un-necessary. That's absurd, frankly, seeing as how the AO of the Kershaw is far far quicker than the unassisted Benchmade, by any rational comparison. And of course, the AO is yet another reason the Kershaw is superior to the Spydercos, for me anyway. In the event of a defensive knife use, every millisecond of deployment time counts, and I can bring these Leeks to the ready incredibly fast and reliably - even though that's 0.01% of their purpose - if it's needed, then it's needed BADLY.

Basicly, the only thing you said with any weight at all is that the Axis can possibly be disengaged somehow during use. You said absolutely nothing else to refute its performance as a locking mechanism, and by calling anybody who appreciates an Axis "brainwashed", you have caused me to lose respect for this portion of your argument, entirely.

My evidence is that I have owned and used a G-10 Leek, and it felt flimsy at best compared to my Manix, Chinook or Military. It also cut terribly compared to the Millie and Manix because of the way too thick edge Kershaw put on it. The thin, flat grinds on the Spyders would most likely put the cutting ability above the Leek regardless of edge geometry anyway, though. Now, I know that the Manix and Chinook are heavy duty compared to the leek, but the Millie is similar in build, and way sturdier than the Leek I had. These are just my experiences, though.

You took my comment about quickness out of context here in this last paragraph. It's very obvious that you want to attack my integrity without actually reading what I am saying, just because I disagreed with you. I was using the quick action on the Axis as one of the reasons it is a well loved lock because you came off as somebody a bit ignorant about the Axis in your first posted, and the action speed is something a lot of people like. Also, you only assumed that I don't like AO because of the speed of the action, and that is quite incorrect. I don't like it because you have to lock the safety when carrying it because of the risk of it springing open in your pocket, and having to take off the safety contradicts the speed of the action entirely. The springs also break or wear down eventually, and need to be replaced, which is another thing I don't want to deal with about them. I also don't like that lighting speed is the only option when opening them. It limits the knife to me.

The action on an Axis is just as fast opening as an AO if you know how to use it, and it's at least three times faster on the close, making it far superior speedwise in the end.

I can flick open with my thumb almost any knife with a thumb stud or opening hole every bit as fast as an AO, without having to deal with the safety lock.