Got a Leek on the way, did I get shafted?

O

Oreyeon

Joined
Jun 22, 2008
Messages
69
Just got this knife:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260278296805

I was unaware initially that this knife was produced with two different types of steel for the blade for this particular model. I'm seeing it was done in 440a first, then Sandvik 13c26 steel. Unless this guy doesn't know what he's selling, I'm pretty sure I'm getting the one with the 440a blade. Did I screw myself here? I'm hearing that Sandvik 13c26 is miles better, and I bought this knife wanting something for EDC for life as I've heard nothing but good things about it. I just wish I'd paid more attention to the details on the blade material before buying. :(
 
Any Leek made from July 2007 on, will be 13C26. Prior Leeks are 440A.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=487060

HOWEVER, 440A will handle 95% of what most people ask an EDC to do, and be easier to sharpen, to boot. I EDC quite a few 440A blades. Are the "bragging rights" less? Sure, but the average person you come in contact with (i.e., non-knife-nuts) won't have a clue. And they'll surely be more impressed with the Leek's quality and SpeedSafe, anyway.
 
Awesome. Thank you for information man. I will check out the date on the knife once it arrives.
 
I agree with what riffraff says. The 440A blades will handle just about anything you throw at them. None of my 440A bladed Leeks have ever let me down. Good luck.
 
My much appreciated Leek is stamped Nov. 2007 but the plastic package said 440A on the card inside. I was purchasing it as much for the change of steel as for the outstanding Kershaw quality! I new they had switched steels and I didn't know the exact date but I was dieing for one in 13C26 which to me touches up a little easier. I guess I will soon try one in 14C28N;).
 
Perhaps you got an older piece of packaging on that 11/07 Leek and blade is actually Sandvik?
 
Yes, I should have used a better word. I'm sorry. I just don't trust Ebay much, and I have a bad habit of screwing myself over. I love Kershaw knives, it was nothing against the knife. I just didn't want to get something that was going to cause me anymore headaches than I'm already dealing with. But anyways, as you're aware, it really doesn't matter now, because I'm giving this Kershaw to my buddy for his 50th birthday gift since I sinned and tried to be a cheapskate on a budget with initially buying him the chinese ripoff.
 
Oreyeon said:
I sinned and tried to be a cheapskate on a budget with initially buying him the chinese ripoff.
Click to expand...

Please, do yourself, Kershaw and the knife industry as a whole a
favor and not buy any knock-offs. It's bad for everyone in the end.

SV
 
If its stamped 11/07, its 13C26. Still, don't sell short 440A. It will get the job done!

And I agree with SV...don't limit the counterfit blacklist to just Kershaw.
 
I have a 440A Blackout that has given me exemplary service. Don't forget that the heat treatment varies with different manufacturers and Kershaw does a great job.
 
You want here me knock 440A, as I have quite a few knives it that good user steel. I just prefer 13C26N, and the Leek makes a dandy package to use it in!
 
I have my little chive with 440 steel and that little guy has kept me as happy with it as could be. My blade is from 05 I believe, and with all the use it has only needed minimal touchups to keep it nice and sharp for me. I would not worry about it too much, I hope your friend enjoys the blade!
 
440A is still a great steel... buttery smooth to touch up, and takes a wonderful edge. Just might hold an edge quite as long? Not sure, so many steel are so close. I Do think i prefer the new sandvic steels for the money
 
I actually prefer the 440a over the Sandvik steel that is used now. I found that it is easier to sharpen, and stays sharper longer, just my personal experiance.
 
You guys are so knowledgeable. I appreciate and am grateful for all of the information. You guys actually have me wanting the 440a blade. lol. However, the knife arrived today in the mail, and it is the Sandvik steel blade, as it's stamped June 08. And holy cow, I love the knife. My buddy will love it, and maybe one day, barring anymore stupid mistakes on my part, I'll have the one I want, the Leek 1660 CB.

Thanks again you guys for all of the information.

Matt
 
dblagent said:
I have my little chive with 440 steel and that little guy has kept me as happy with it as could be.
Click to expand...

All Chives with the exception of the Dam Chive are done up in
420HC....which just goes to show how good of a job Kershaw
does with there HT's. :thumbup:
 
Becasue I'm such a swell guy, I'll take the Leek off your hands if you decide don't like it in the near future. I'm OK with both steels! :D
G20
 
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