Kershaw Leek or Spyderco Native SS

boobar

boobar

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Nov 25, 2002
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I am looking at picking up a 3" blade knife and these are the 2 that I am debating on. I am looking for opinions on fit and finish, steels used in each, and just overal quality. How does the Leeks 440A blade compair to the Natives AUS-10 blade? Lets hear what everyone has to say. Thanks
 
I'm pretty new to knives so I wasn't too concerned with blade steel when I was looking. I knew I wanted 440C or better though. I ended up with a Benchmade 705 (154CM = ATS-34). Other knives I considered were the Benchmade Mini Griptilian (440C) and the MOD STF-685 (154CM with DLC black coating, fairly new knife with little info). Price-wise, you'd be around $55 for a mini Grip, $85 for a BM 705 and $90 for a MOD STF-685. I looked at the Leek as well and really liked the assisted opening feature but wasn't crazy about the 440A steel although I'm sure it would be fine. I don't know anything about the AUS steels.

Hope that threw a wrench into your decision-making process...hehe!

;)

Drivie
 
these knives are very different in that the leek is sort of a delicate gentleman's knife whereas the native is a much burlier EDC. The steel for each knife matches the mission - you will get much better performance out of the AUS - 10 (Better yet I think they are coming out with an S30V model too (??)). The leek looks nicer, I think, esp in rainbow configuration, and especially compared to the Zytel-handled Native, which ain't much on looks but is a solid performer. Hope this helps.

edit - oh you said native SS. That is a LOT of steel in the pocket, compared to a leek, so it will be fairly heavy. but the fit & finish will be better. The leek is ok on f&f but the SS native, when you can find it, is sweet.
 
The Native in S30v is now my offhand pocket carry piece. It is awesome! I think it is the lowest price-point knife available right now in S30v. If I'm wrong on that, I hope somebody will clue me in. I alway liked the basic design of the Native, and have heard many rave over carrying it in the past, but I shied away from past iterations because I like a 3.5"+ blade. When it came out in S30v, I had to go for it. I became a believer! This is a great EDC knife because the S30v keeps an edge better than any traditional steel. If there is a point midway between ATS34, 154CM, BG42, etc., and super-steels such as Talonite, this is the stuff! It has been out for about a month now, so look around for it in S30v. You will be rewarded handsomely for your effort.:D
Dave
 
I just ordered the Native SS and I can't wait till it gets here. Thanks for you opinions.
 
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