Kershaw Leek and Spyderco Delica general comparison

A

annasoH323

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Sep 26, 2012
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I have a curiosity itch that needs scratching. It seems like these two knives are among the most popular from their respective companies as far as small EDC knives go. What do people think about how they compare? Cutting performance? Steel advantages and disadvantages? Size? Fun factor? General likability?

I tried a search but didn't find any recent threads with these two in the spotlight.
 
Delica has more curve to the blade. Less mechanical parts to fail. Time proven design. Scales may tear up your pants material. Leek blade is very straight, almost warncliffish. I don't find it as good at skinning. It's very very pointy though. More so than Delica. Better for five detail work (removing a splinter for example) but easily broken.

The leek seems to hold its edge longer to me. Both easy to get sharp again. The vg10 is a proven steel.
 
The leek has a pointier tip, straight edge blade, and Sandvick 14C28N (which many love) And it comes in many different colors, and variations.
 
Bear in mind that Kershaw loves to beadblast their 14C28N, so be wary of rust if you live in a humid environment or near water.
 
Two very different knives, but the main factors for me personally aside from blade shape/grind:

- carrying width
- steel handles vs FRN (strength vs weight)
- framelock vs lockback
- assisted flipper vs manual Spydiehole (speed vs reliability)

While I frequently carry/use Spydercos for certain tasks, the Leek has more pocket time than any other knife I've ever owned, going on 10 years now.
 
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I have put a leek through its paces over the years probably more than it deserved. The leek has never let me down. The leek is one of my top 10 favorites. Its a great small edc won't ever be a big knife but thats not what it was designed for
 
I picked up a smoked scale Leek from a pawn shop last week for $13 and I'm in love! I've not done much w/it other than open a package, but it is so fun to open!

If I can find a similarly priced Spyderco, I'll hop on one of those as well!
 
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The biggest difference (and advantage) to me is being able to create FrankenLeeks. With all the different steel combos KAI offers/has offered (from 440A to ZDP-189 and everything in between, including a composite blade of 14C28N and CPM-D2), and all the different frames available, the possibilities are endless.

Leek FTW, without question.
 
Delica has my vote. The leek feels too small in hand. The tip on mine bent and broke within 3 months of use. As a flipper, it's alright. The delica feels stronger, easier to open, better blade steel, and I like the mechanism better.
 
I like the reverse tanto version of the leek for a stronger tip. And with all the steels that have been offered along with the colors and materials of handles the leek is my pick. The delica is a nice knife also.
 
SPXTrader said:
The biggest difference (and advantage) to me is being able to create FrankenLeeks. With all the different steel combos KAI offers/has offered (from 440A to ZDP-189 and everything in between, including a composite blade of 14C28N and CPM-D2), and all the different frames available, the possibilities are endless.
Click to expand...

Current most carried variant (and you know I've had EVERY OPTION available over the years)...

Steel framelock
G10 and stainless liner face scale
CPM-D2 CB
STR Deep Carry Clip

It's the best combination I've found for light, strong, safe, tough, sharp, thin, covert, etc etc.

It will be in my coffin unless lost....assuming it was lost during my death, because otherwise I'd replace it.

It's a "$200 knife" IMHO.

P.S. Have fun finding the proper screws to assemble one.
 
I love my Leek. I have the composite blade with the CPM D2 cutting edge and i've used it on tons of boxes and cardboard and it hasn't failed me yet. For how thin the knife is, the frame lock is actually super solid. No vertical play at all. I do like the Delica but every one i've handled has had a noticeable amount of vertical play which is where I tend to draw my line. However, I would like to check out the new sprint run Delica with the Super Blue steel. I've heard good things about the steel and would like to experience it for myself. For the price points on both of the standard models I say just buy both and rotate them in your EDC. You'll quickly figure out which one you like better.
 
I bought both and carried/used them. Both are high value, high quality knives. I prefer the Delica for the light weight, the better grip, and the way it opens and closes. The CPM D2 edge on the Leek is amazing. I gave it to a dear friend who lost his other Leek. Ultimately you have to handle and use a knife to know if it is for you. The Leek is, in my opinion, more beautiful to behold, but the Delica just fits my needs better.
 
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