Know Your Onions -
Kershaw/Ken Onion Leek (a review)
I had a Kershaw Ken Onion Vapor since June/2001 and liked its size, form, shape and looks a lot - I particularly like the very strong frame-lock for a knife of basically "budget" price.
I also had various Speed-Safe assisted opening knives including the Black Chive and Scallion - both of which were fast, elegant, and in the case of the Black Chive - very cute.
So for a while I thought that a Vapor sized knife with frame-lock would be great, if it only had the Speed-Safe assisted opening.......
... and I missed it.
The Kershaw/Ken Onion Leek was just what I was waiting for -
it actually won the Blade Show overall Knife of the Year last year - 2002.
Once I knew about the Leek, I hastened to acquire one.
It arrived 5 days ago and I have since been handling it, and here are some of my observations.
Materials -
It is of all stainless steel construction blade of 440A, and handles of 410 - it is a frame-lock - part of the handle forms the lock - so there is the entire thickness, hence strength of the handle material forming the locking block (as opposed to a separate liner).
Dimensions and Weight -
The measurements are 4" closed, 7" open, blade length and cutting edge 3" - so it feels nice and right-sized for me - the handle fits nicely and the bead-blast matte finish is particularly fine/smooth. All the handle's edges are nicely rounded/bevelled.
Its weight is spec'd at 3.1oz whereas the same sized Vapor is heavier at 3.25oz - despite of the Vapor's numerous drilled lightening holes in the handle.
Why is that?
On closer examination one sees that the Leek uses a just perceptibly thinner blade stock (@ 5/64" (~0.078") vs. the 0.10" of the Vapor). Yet overall the thickness of the knives not counting the pocket clips are virtually the same.
The thinner blade is probably used to accomodate the Speed-Safe assisted opening mechanism, as well as probably offering an overall lighter blade for faster Speed-Safe activation.
Knives Open
Knives Closed
Blade -
The blade shape is has a very shallow belly - and at first sight looks almost like a straight edge - but there is a slight curvature - overall it is fairly narrow somewhat symmetrical and almost a "stilleto"/spear point.
It is a hollow-grind - and does the almost unforgivable thickening toward the edge.
But surprisingly did very well on my minimal test cutting -
Using some very strong polypropylene string - I made a loop holding lightly between the thumb and index finger and the other end between the index and middle finger and did two types of cut -
the first is the more obvious pushing the edge from tip toward the heel - the Leek did very well on this -subjectively it seemed the best here - against a large BG-42 Sebenza, David Boye BDS lockback, and BDC (colbalt) lockback, BDS 2" drop-edge fixed blade, Hendrix Model 11 semi-skinner ATS-34 fixed blade, the Kershaw Vapor and my EDC SAK(surprisingly the Sebenza and the SAK seem the worst here where once both blades slid over the string and pushing it out from my middle/index finger hold).
The other cut was pulling from heel to tip - here the Sebenza was really good and the Leek was in the middle bunch - although none did badly - except for the Vapor which had serrations and although it did cut it felt "rough" and saw-like.
How about cuting through things? The Leek manage to cut uncooked steak and Snickers bar really well - in fact seemed better than my most used Chicago Cutlery boning/utility knife (62S) - the materials did not seem to "stick" - perhaps it was the hollow-grind that actually helped?
I know that none of these "tests" give any indication of edge retention - but merely show how sharp the Leek was initially.
440A is not generally regarded as a top "premium" or "best" stainless steel - it is probably somewhat middle of the road - ie: a reasonable stainless steel that's very rust resistant.
Action -
The Speed-Safe assisted opening is fast - perhaps not as fast as the much smaller Chive, or Scallion - but it's marginal - it feels and seems fast.
One of the great features of the latest series of Kershaw/Ken Onion Speed-Safe knives is the Index-Open - which kind of looks like a trigger that protudes from the back of the knife when closed - using the index finger to press/pull back on this overcomes the initial resistance of the mechanism - thereby activating the torsion spring bar to make the blade open. When the knife is open that Index-Open acts as a finger guard. Very clever and works very well.
Index Open
The knife also has ambidextrous opening thumb-studs - but although I can work this fairly well - since I have used Speed-Safe knives since they first came out some 3 years ago - I find that the thumb-stud requires a slightly modified technique when compared to a straight unassisted/manual liner or frame lock, and may not suit everyone.
To open one has to push the stud outwards - away from the handle - and when the blade starts to open - get the thumb out of the way - it's not as complex, or difficult as it sounds - but it is not the same as opening a manual liner lock......
But it is different enough, that in the early days Kershaw demo knives at first had a plastic guard covering the blade toward the heel, and later had UNsharpened blades, because some people did not get their thumbs out of the way fast enough, or used the "follow through" as if opening an unassisted/manual liner lock, and have nicked themselves.
So why the thumnb-studs - when the Index-Open works so well? - is this a case of "belt and braces/suspenders"?
No..... the ambidextrous thumb-studs are actually the Stop-bar to stop the blade against the handle.
If one examines the knife open - one can see that the thumb-studs are flush/hard against the handle and there is no stop-bar on the back of the handle that stops the blade's back heel - as in a traditional unassisted/manual liner or frame-lock.
Stop Bar/Pin
Lock -
As already mentioned the Leek is a frame-lock like the Vapor or the Chive (or the Chris Reeve's Sebenza - the originator), whereas the Scallion and other Speed-Safe knives are liner-locks. I really like frame-locks for their simple elegance and inherent strength.
The Leek's lock only covers about 1/3 the blade width - I prefer ones that cover over 1/2 the width for safety reasons - whereas I do understand there are those that prefer the lesser - because it allows more room for wear.
Locks
Either way I tested the knife by having it open and hitting the back of the blade against wood to see if it would fail under stress (obviously keeping my fingers out of the way in case the lock fails). Under pretty hard knocks the frame-lock gave no hint of failing - even though I opened the blade using the speed-safe only, and did not try to further engage the lock more.
Safety -
Like the Chives and Scallions there is a Tip Safety lock that blocks the tip and prevents the blade from opening. It is merely a "bar" with a Phillips screw head that affords some purchase so that it can be slid along a slot to block the blade's tip. At first the safety was a bit stiff and required me to use a firm push to disengage it - but after some working it became fairly smooth that I can now engage or disengage the safety with either my pinky or ring finger of my right hand before I use the index finger to activate the Index-Open.
Safety
This is a nice addition to build confidence that the knife will not open accidentally when being carried and especially doing strenuous activity.
However I prefer the safety block on the Kershaw-Onion Boa - which is on the back of the handle blocking the Index-Open - although I have not used this in the flesh it seems to be in a better position and easier to use than the tip safety.
I tried to find ways to "accidentally" open the blade - by doing things like dropping the knife from about 3.5 feet onto carpet (didn't wish to damage the knife) or onto folded newspaper - I tried to orient the knife so that it would land on the Index-Open when it failed to open from the other drops - even when it managed to land on the Index-Open it did not open.
I also tried holding the knife by the butt/tail-end of the handle and banged the Index-Open against a paper pad on a counter top - I hit the paper hard enough to leave dent imprints on the paper - but could not open the blade that way either.
I like the knife so much that it is my at home EDC carry - but I do not use the safety - it sounds "risky" but I am pretty confident that the knife will not open even under shock - of course if I intend to jump about then I would definitely engage the safety.
Catalog -
I must commend Kershaw Knives on producing a very attractive and informative 2003-4 catalog. I particularly liked the illutrations and explanations on how the Speed-Safe mechanism worked.
Catalog Page
Legality -
or is Speed-Safe a Switch-blade?
This is what the Kershaw catalog says:
QUOTE:
There are many features of Speed-Safe knives that make them quite different than knives that are considered switchblades. Unlike a switchblade, Speed-Safe blades DO NOT deploy with the push of a button in the handle or by gravity alone. Instead, the user must manually overcome the torsion bar's resistance - using the thumb stud or Index-Open protrusion on the blade itself - in order to engage the Speed-Safe system. Because the user must manually overcome the torsion bar's resistance, Speed-Safe knives fall fully outside the Fedral definition of a switchblade. However due to the complexity and constantly changing nature of these laws and regulations, it is impossible for Kershaw Knives to be aware of every restriction in every location in which our knives are sold or carried. It is the responsibility of the buyer to investigate and comply with the laws and regulations that apply in his or her specific area.
UNQUOTE
Personally I do carry the Speed-Safe assisted opening Leek as an EDC - but only in my home - so it gets plenty of use exactly because it is convenient, fast and right sized.
But despite the assurance of the legality of the Kershaw Ken Onion Speed-Safe system - I personally do not carry it outside of my property - simply to avoid any possible arguments about its legality - but that is only my personal take, and as always - YMMV.
--
Vincent
http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net/
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net/
Kershaw/Ken Onion Leek (a review)
I had a Kershaw Ken Onion Vapor since June/2001 and liked its size, form, shape and looks a lot - I particularly like the very strong frame-lock for a knife of basically "budget" price.
I also had various Speed-Safe assisted opening knives including the Black Chive and Scallion - both of which were fast, elegant, and in the case of the Black Chive - very cute.
So for a while I thought that a Vapor sized knife with frame-lock would be great, if it only had the Speed-Safe assisted opening.......
... and I missed it.
The Kershaw/Ken Onion Leek was just what I was waiting for -
it actually won the Blade Show overall Knife of the Year last year - 2002.
Once I knew about the Leek, I hastened to acquire one.
It arrived 5 days ago and I have since been handling it, and here are some of my observations.
Materials -
It is of all stainless steel construction blade of 440A, and handles of 410 - it is a frame-lock - part of the handle forms the lock - so there is the entire thickness, hence strength of the handle material forming the locking block (as opposed to a separate liner).
Dimensions and Weight -
The measurements are 4" closed, 7" open, blade length and cutting edge 3" - so it feels nice and right-sized for me - the handle fits nicely and the bead-blast matte finish is particularly fine/smooth. All the handle's edges are nicely rounded/bevelled.
Its weight is spec'd at 3.1oz whereas the same sized Vapor is heavier at 3.25oz - despite of the Vapor's numerous drilled lightening holes in the handle.
Why is that?
On closer examination one sees that the Leek uses a just perceptibly thinner blade stock (@ 5/64" (~0.078") vs. the 0.10" of the Vapor). Yet overall the thickness of the knives not counting the pocket clips are virtually the same.
The thinner blade is probably used to accomodate the Speed-Safe assisted opening mechanism, as well as probably offering an overall lighter blade for faster Speed-Safe activation.
Knives Open
Knives Closed
Blade -
The blade shape is has a very shallow belly - and at first sight looks almost like a straight edge - but there is a slight curvature - overall it is fairly narrow somewhat symmetrical and almost a "stilleto"/spear point.
It is a hollow-grind - and does the almost unforgivable thickening toward the edge.
But surprisingly did very well on my minimal test cutting -
Using some very strong polypropylene string - I made a loop holding lightly between the thumb and index finger and the other end between the index and middle finger and did two types of cut -
the first is the more obvious pushing the edge from tip toward the heel - the Leek did very well on this -subjectively it seemed the best here - against a large BG-42 Sebenza, David Boye BDS lockback, and BDC (colbalt) lockback, BDS 2" drop-edge fixed blade, Hendrix Model 11 semi-skinner ATS-34 fixed blade, the Kershaw Vapor and my EDC SAK(surprisingly the Sebenza and the SAK seem the worst here where once both blades slid over the string and pushing it out from my middle/index finger hold).
The other cut was pulling from heel to tip - here the Sebenza was really good and the Leek was in the middle bunch - although none did badly - except for the Vapor which had serrations and although it did cut it felt "rough" and saw-like.
How about cuting through things? The Leek manage to cut uncooked steak and Snickers bar really well - in fact seemed better than my most used Chicago Cutlery boning/utility knife (62S) - the materials did not seem to "stick" - perhaps it was the hollow-grind that actually helped?
I know that none of these "tests" give any indication of edge retention - but merely show how sharp the Leek was initially.
440A is not generally regarded as a top "premium" or "best" stainless steel - it is probably somewhat middle of the road - ie: a reasonable stainless steel that's very rust resistant.
Action -
The Speed-Safe assisted opening is fast - perhaps not as fast as the much smaller Chive, or Scallion - but it's marginal - it feels and seems fast.
One of the great features of the latest series of Kershaw/Ken Onion Speed-Safe knives is the Index-Open - which kind of looks like a trigger that protudes from the back of the knife when closed - using the index finger to press/pull back on this overcomes the initial resistance of the mechanism - thereby activating the torsion spring bar to make the blade open. When the knife is open that Index-Open acts as a finger guard. Very clever and works very well.
Index Open
The knife also has ambidextrous opening thumb-studs - but although I can work this fairly well - since I have used Speed-Safe knives since they first came out some 3 years ago - I find that the thumb-stud requires a slightly modified technique when compared to a straight unassisted/manual liner or frame lock, and may not suit everyone.
To open one has to push the stud outwards - away from the handle - and when the blade starts to open - get the thumb out of the way - it's not as complex, or difficult as it sounds - but it is not the same as opening a manual liner lock......
But it is different enough, that in the early days Kershaw demo knives at first had a plastic guard covering the blade toward the heel, and later had UNsharpened blades, because some people did not get their thumbs out of the way fast enough, or used the "follow through" as if opening an unassisted/manual liner lock, and have nicked themselves.
So why the thumnb-studs - when the Index-Open works so well? - is this a case of "belt and braces/suspenders"?
No..... the ambidextrous thumb-studs are actually the Stop-bar to stop the blade against the handle.
If one examines the knife open - one can see that the thumb-studs are flush/hard against the handle and there is no stop-bar on the back of the handle that stops the blade's back heel - as in a traditional unassisted/manual liner or frame-lock.
Stop Bar/Pin
Lock -
As already mentioned the Leek is a frame-lock like the Vapor or the Chive (or the Chris Reeve's Sebenza - the originator), whereas the Scallion and other Speed-Safe knives are liner-locks. I really like frame-locks for their simple elegance and inherent strength.
The Leek's lock only covers about 1/3 the blade width - I prefer ones that cover over 1/2 the width for safety reasons - whereas I do understand there are those that prefer the lesser - because it allows more room for wear.
Locks
Either way I tested the knife by having it open and hitting the back of the blade against wood to see if it would fail under stress (obviously keeping my fingers out of the way in case the lock fails). Under pretty hard knocks the frame-lock gave no hint of failing - even though I opened the blade using the speed-safe only, and did not try to further engage the lock more.
Safety -
Like the Chives and Scallions there is a Tip Safety lock that blocks the tip and prevents the blade from opening. It is merely a "bar" with a Phillips screw head that affords some purchase so that it can be slid along a slot to block the blade's tip. At first the safety was a bit stiff and required me to use a firm push to disengage it - but after some working it became fairly smooth that I can now engage or disengage the safety with either my pinky or ring finger of my right hand before I use the index finger to activate the Index-Open.
Safety
This is a nice addition to build confidence that the knife will not open accidentally when being carried and especially doing strenuous activity.
However I prefer the safety block on the Kershaw-Onion Boa - which is on the back of the handle blocking the Index-Open - although I have not used this in the flesh it seems to be in a better position and easier to use than the tip safety.
I tried to find ways to "accidentally" open the blade - by doing things like dropping the knife from about 3.5 feet onto carpet (didn't wish to damage the knife) or onto folded newspaper - I tried to orient the knife so that it would land on the Index-Open when it failed to open from the other drops - even when it managed to land on the Index-Open it did not open.
I also tried holding the knife by the butt/tail-end of the handle and banged the Index-Open against a paper pad on a counter top - I hit the paper hard enough to leave dent imprints on the paper - but could not open the blade that way either.
I like the knife so much that it is my at home EDC carry - but I do not use the safety - it sounds "risky" but I am pretty confident that the knife will not open even under shock - of course if I intend to jump about then I would definitely engage the safety.
Catalog -
I must commend Kershaw Knives on producing a very attractive and informative 2003-4 catalog. I particularly liked the illutrations and explanations on how the Speed-Safe mechanism worked.
Catalog Page
Legality -
or is Speed-Safe a Switch-blade?
This is what the Kershaw catalog says:
QUOTE:
There are many features of Speed-Safe knives that make them quite different than knives that are considered switchblades. Unlike a switchblade, Speed-Safe blades DO NOT deploy with the push of a button in the handle or by gravity alone. Instead, the user must manually overcome the torsion bar's resistance - using the thumb stud or Index-Open protrusion on the blade itself - in order to engage the Speed-Safe system. Because the user must manually overcome the torsion bar's resistance, Speed-Safe knives fall fully outside the Fedral definition of a switchblade. However due to the complexity and constantly changing nature of these laws and regulations, it is impossible for Kershaw Knives to be aware of every restriction in every location in which our knives are sold or carried. It is the responsibility of the buyer to investigate and comply with the laws and regulations that apply in his or her specific area.
UNQUOTE
Personally I do carry the Speed-Safe assisted opening Leek as an EDC - but only in my home - so it gets plenty of use exactly because it is convenient, fast and right sized.
But despite the assurance of the legality of the Kershaw Ken Onion Speed-Safe system - I personally do not carry it outside of my property - simply to avoid any possible arguments about its legality - but that is only my personal take, and as always - YMMV.
--
Vincent
http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net/
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net/
)
Sad the foolish laws that are passed just to give a false sense of security to some.
