Kershaw Leek Recommendation

B

BEASTCOAST

Joined
Feb 13, 2012
Messages
1
Hello,

A friend of mine let me borrow his knife a few days ago and I was extremely satisfied with its performance. It is a Kershaw 1660CB Composite Leek, and I would very much like to purchase one similar to it. Only thing is I don't know too much about different types of knives, and I definitely want a model that gives me more bang for my buck. I can't decide (or know the difference anyway) between the standard 1660 Leek with the 13C26 stainless steel blade, or the CPM-D2 composite edge.

If anyone could tell me which edge is of better quality I would greatly appreciate it. I wouldn't be putting it to hard use anyway, just something to use if I need to open a box or cut something small. But regardless I'd want an edge that wouldn't wear easily, and wouldn't show rust spots as much, etc.

Thanks in advance!
 
I love that knife. An ex ranger friend I hang with at the dog beach carries his everyday, he just sent it back to the factory after having it for awhile to get it fine tuned. He said they have really good and quick CS...that's one thing the custom scene can't entirely compete with is the manpower to deal with warranty and refurbish work pronto. But mike snody has been really great!
 
The CPM-D2 steel is run harder than 13C26, so you will have to sharpen it less often, but it will take longer to sharpen. In addition, CPM-D2 is a bit more prone to corrosion than the 13C26, but under the uses you describe, corrosion is a minor factor. Personally, I would go for the CPM-D2 as it takes a beautiful edge.
 
The S30V blade of Kershaw is pretty good sample, only downside is the G10 texture is very grippy. Some people say it's too grippy.
 
I agree that the S30v is too grippy. I have one and it irritates my hand every time I have to reach into my pocket. I also have a blue anondized Leek (see my other thread for issues frankenleeking).

To be honest though, I really think the best Leek is a Skyline. They are very close dimensionally (even the thickness) but the Skyline has a larger blade. They still weigh within .05 ounces of each other. I love the flipper design but I think that the assisted opening actually gets in the way because of the safety. I can deploy my Skyline much faster without any assist than I can switch off the safety of the Leek and then open it with the assist. Having disassembled both of them I can also say that the Skyline is much easier to service. They are cheaper and the G10 is not nearly as grippy as the S30v Leek.

I'm sure I'll catch some heat for saying that but it's all true. I was hot to trot for the Leek for a while until I handled the Skyline.
 
here comes the heat

So I don't use the safety on my leek, I carry tip up, and on the chance (hasn't happen) that it opens, it opens into pocket, doesn't hurt me.

I like the AO flipper, it's faster to open than just flipper, the AO is not complex, just a piece of steel wire that Kershaw will replace. I've got 2 Leeks and 2 Skyline, and definitely carry Leek more. The downside is, for a S30V leek, you can get 2 Skyline :) Also, skyline blade is more durable, I am more carefree with the skyline, but different tips for different functions.
 
I am sure leek freak will chime in soon. Personally, if it's going to be a user, I would check out kershawguys blems. He did have some G10 S30V offerings, it's not listed now, but you might email him and see if he still has a few. He'll often take them off the list with 1 or 2 left. If that is gone, the composite blade one is still listed.
 
Honestly, I'd base it purely on how much you want to spend. I think either will suit you just fine. If you want to spend an extra $20 (or whatever the difference is) to have the cooler CB blade, then go for it. As long as you keep them sharp, you won't have any issues sharpening them.

I would also agree that the S30V takes the cake on Leek blades. If the G10 is too slipper, just sand the scales down to a smoother texture. Do it outside so you don't kill yourself with G10 in your lungs and you're good to go :)

This is a discontinued model that actually had polished G10 scales, but you can achieve this pretty easily.
6786216635_9cd0063cf3_b.jpg
 
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