Kershaw Leek - opinions?

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TheMightyGoat

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I'm mostly wondering about the 440A steel it has for the blade. I know this steel won't win any awards, but does anyone have any problems with it? Any other opinions on the knife?

Edit: Oh, by the way, the reason I'm interested in this knife is because of the "reverse tanto" blade. I'm looking for a medium-sized folder for EDC with that style blade, and this is really the only one I could find. I'm very open to suggestions if you have any.
 
I think the Leek is a good knife, especially for the money. I don't carry mine often but, IMO, the steel is more than strong enough for the kind of use that such a knife would see. It feels sturdy and the frame-lock provides a safe and secure hold. It has a slim profile but possesses great ergonomics at the same time. I wish that the Scallion was as thin. I say get one as long as it is legal to own in your area.
 
I too think that the Kershaw Leek is a great little everyday carry knife. The assisted opening feature is very addictive and I've played with the mechanism hundreds of times and there has been no problem with the torsion bar or the lock. It's still as solid as it was when new.

440A is not a state-of-the-art super steel, but despite what the steel snobs say, it's adecuate enough for this knife and it's intended use. It's sharp, does the job and it's easy to resharpen when required.
 
Ditto what they said. I have been using mine for a couple of months now and have found no faults in the steel or the knife, and really like the slim profile, it just kinda disappears in the pocket.
Great bang for the buck, and like they say, the assisted opening feature is addictive, my wife can personally attest to that. I think she has threatened to whip me at least a hundred times if I don't quit playing with it. The knife that is.:footinmou
 
I'd say the steel takes a very good edge, razor sharp and cuts well, only two complaints that I'd have about the knife, handles are too smooth and the thumbstud sometimes catches on the pocket when taking it out and activating the assisted opening, surprising and somewhat dangerous if not careful, I do slide the lock on when putting it into my pocket but must be sometimes I forget to slide the lock down.

The edge, I recently touched the edge up on some Spyderco Profile stones and a strop and that sucker will pop the hair at will, quite sharp!

G2
 
I don't have a leek but I have a Blackout and a Whirlwinds. The steel is adequate. It can get sharp easily (it comes extremely smooth and sharp when new) but be prepared to touch up the edge once a week if you use it constantly. It is, however, a giant step up from 420J2, and even a lot better than the 440A found on many wannabe knives such as United Cutlery and Fury brand imports. I think the main difference is the heat treat. Most of the cheap knives probably dont get past 55 RC. Kershaw probably treats it up to 57 RC. I really like Buck's 420HC which they can get to an exceptional 58 RC.
 
The Leek rocks! It is very fun to play with and keeps a very sharp edge for quite a while. Be careful though, I've gotten a few cuts from having too much fun ;)
 
We totally love the leek. The chive always seemed small for me, personal opinion of course, the leeks size is much better. Paul
 
I don't know much about the Leek's blade steel, but my Leek is very sharp. Nice knife. Get one, you won't regret it.
 
The Kershaw/Ken Onion LEEK is a wonderful knife - it is just right-sized for me. After just over 3 months I am still very much infatuated with it.

It combines a very fast Speed-Safe assisted opening mechanism with a Frame-Lock, to me this was a great combination - one that I had wished for - I wrote a long review with photos in the Knife Reviews & Testing section:

Kershaw/Ken Onion LEEK (pics)

The 440A steel is not generally regarded as exotic or premium - but it is very rust-resistant and works well as a general purpose blade steel.

For example after over 3 months' ownership and use I have only stropped the blade twice, just to maintain the edge - first time was "legit" as I saw a shiney flat spot at the curve of the blade - the second time was probably superfluous - I just wanted to do it :)

But you have to bear in mind I am not a hard-hard knife user but the Leek gets used where a very handy, accessible, fast easy opening knife would get used - it's my at home EDC - so it's on me all the time in and around the home.

However, personally, I don't carry the knife off my property - even though it is not legally regarded as a switchblade by Federal definition - it just acts like one, enough that I'd rather avoid any possible hassle.
But YMMV.
 
The only problem I had with mine was the grip, it's just too slippery to hold on to when it snaps out. That's why I have one of the TiNi models on backorder. Think that overall coat will do the trick.

K1660CKT.jpg
 
I have a rainbow leek, and leek and both have held up just fine. As far as blade steel its more than adequate for what it is. They are both good knives!! do not print in pockets and light enough that you do not notice it in your pocket!!!
 
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