Kershaw Ken Onion Leek

Joined
Oct 19, 2002
Messages
56
Greetings -

I'm interested in purchasing a Kershaw Ken Onion Leek, my problem is that I've never owned nor do I know anyone that has owned any Kershaw knives. I'd simply like to know if Kershaw knives are good knives, particularly the Ken Onion Leek.

Any comments, info, or rants about them would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,
PotatoFrog
 
Ken Onion, the designer of the Leek and maker of $1,000+ custom models carries a Rainbow Leek as his EDC! How about that! :eek:

The Kershaws are good knives for the price, especially the Onions.
 
Yep, he really does carry a Rainbow Leek! :D

BTW, the only difference between the rainbow version and the normal Leek is the coating. They are equal in functionality, but the plain Leek is far cheaper.
 
Does the Rainbow coating really make that much of a difference? I was reading up on it, 2002 Knife of the Year, and Bayou Lafourche has it on back order for only $59.99 and they describe the coating as being "scratch resistant". I also found it a http://botachtactical.com/index.html for $55, apparently "In-Stock", as well as the regular Leek for only $39.00. Any input on Botachtical.com? I've never heard of them myself.
 
The coating looks very nice and is pretty durable. I'd pay the $16 extra if you like the multi-colored look.

I have heard some bad things about Botach. I'd check out the Good/Bad/Ugly forum for more info.
 
Enough said about Blotach - I'm definitely not going to be pruchasing from them, EVER. Thanks for that heads up.

As for the Rainbow finish - I'm really not into the multicolored look - So I guess I'll just go with the regular Leek. \

Oh, also - I've looked at a couple pictures of it on line and they all seem to depict the Leek as having a bead blast finish. Is that the case? If not, what finish does it have - Handle and blade?
 
Better get in quick, guys in other threads have talked about legal ripples starting to form in regards to the Leek in the States and over here......
 
Ok - So I've decided to buy the regular Leek without the Rainbow coating. I've already placed an order for it via E-Bay for $42 including shipping & handling from E-Bay ID - KnifeStore. I've bought from this person twice before, both via E-Bay, both were great transactions. Hey, thanks for all of your help. Maybe down the line I'll get myself the Rainbow Leek. As for now, I've gotta save up some serious cash for the small Classic Sebenza - Which I've only ever heard good things about.

So far, I've been carrying around Benchmade knives and I think it's time for a change. Although I LOVE my miniGriptilian 556 and my Osborne Switchback 920, I've gotta move on - Gotta expand my horizons. If you've all got any other recommendations for EDC work knives - And I mean WORK knives - Please tell me.
 
YEP thats no ****!!! In fact Ken gave me that Leek he had with him at the Vegas Classic! I think it KICKS ASS! Great knife from a genious of a guy! Ken was telling me, he and his son designed it! How damn cool is THAT!
 
As for EDCs. You can stick with Benchmade and get the 710 or 806. Both are top of the line. Want to try something diffrent? Go for an Al Mar Sere 2000, One of the best production knives out there, or the Shrike. Its also one hell of a knife.

If your after the gadget factor. You have the Microtech LCC D/A. They are going for an unbelieveable low price compared to what they used to and what they are worth.

If these above selections are alittle more than you want to spend, you have a few new great CRKT models that just came out. The D.O.G. folder is heavy duty with a cool new boltlock design and comes with two sets of scales. Then you have the Lake Series Signature. Also a great buy.


So many knives, so little money :)
 
Don't get me wrong I like CRKT knives but I have had my fair share of problems with them. But the new designs actually might change my mind. My only problem with the other knives you suggested is that the blade of the knife can't be more that 3.5" - NYS/NYC law allow people to carry a knife with a 4" blade, but I'd prefer a 3.5" just in case. Anyway, thanks for the reply. As for the Leek, I can't wait to get it - But nobody has yet to answer my other question - What finish does it have on the blade and handle? Bead blast or Satin? The picures posted on various websites all depict it as having a bead blast finish, is that so?
 
The Kershaw Leek does have a "matte" finish just like the Chive. It's smoother than the typical bead blast finish found on CRKT blades. I recently received a Rainbow Leek in a trade and I am very impressed. I must have opened/closed it over 2 hundred times since I received the knife and there is no visible wear on the coating where the frame lock engages the blade tang.
 
Any Kershaw KO piece you can consider with no regret.

I purchased a Boa, a few months back from a dealer on ebay, got a fantastic price, and it fast became my edc....it is still as tight and secure today, as the day I took it out of the box (and although I don't abuse it, I do 'play' with it considerably ;^) ). Kershaw gives a lifetime warranty if anything does go wrong.

Mr Onion's SpeedSafe assist opening system is wonderful, and he was even gracious enough to respond to me personally when I asked a question in his site, regarding care and maintainence. Seems a real nice guy, and very 'approachable'.

Lots of good quality pieces out there, but don't hesitate a minute for the right (for you) Kershaw KO...you'll not regret it.

Best Regards,

Philthy
 
i have both the leek and the chive in regular finish. compared to "satin", the finish on a leek is greyer than that of say a 551. not as shiny. both are GREAT knives and hold up well to what i throw at them.
 
That article is such BS!

The Ken Onions don't open with a button!

I agree Steven, but that is 'Big Brothers' interpretation of the switchblade law. I read somewhere that a DA in Texas is pushing for the same thing.
 
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