Kershaw LEEK

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Scurvy092 said:
Before you start throwing accusations around about heat treating, why don't you fill us in with some details.

What's the steal on the Leek?

What were you doing to get it to 'bend'?

How about you post some pictures.
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I'd like to more or less second this. What is the context of the knife bending? Was there any event that occurred prior to bending that might have affected the heat treat? What is the model number and year of manufacture? Bending "like a strip from a tin can" sounds pretty extreme, for any knife. From my experience with Kershaw, I almost can't fathom one of their knives doing anything close to that. Some explanation of the situation, pictures, or something like that will help us understand where you're coming from.

According to my understanding of Kershaw's processes, something like heat treatment would be done in large batches, especially for a knife as ubiquitous as the Leek. My reasoning is therefore that if the heat treatment process was wrong, then there would be numerous reports of such problems cropping up, especially if there are problems on the level that you are describing.

I've had some personal experience with the Leek. I bought a factory second, basic Leek for my sister to use. My impression of it when she would let me see it was that it was a well-built, solid knife. The blade stock was relatively thinner than other knives I've handled, but still was a solid piece that wouldn't bend unless coerced. I've also owned a Zing, a knife of similar size and construction (blade steel) to the Leek, though the stock is thicker. I've never experienced a time when that blade seemed ready to bend either. It's these experiences that make it hard for me to imagine a problem like what you've described. More details would be very helpful
 
I have not had a single problem with my Leek and it holds an edge fairly well. I like the steel on the blade for a price point. Not a problem for basic EDC work and came with a good edge. I recommend sending it back to Kershaw for a replacement, they usually have good customer service.
 
useless%20without%20pictures.jpg
 
Sorry my post got some folks agitated. To explain a little further, I was prying a plastic filler strip off a motorcycle battery. Not a tight fit and not a lot of pressure put on the knife. Anyone familiar with motorcycle batteries will know this is not an onerous task that requires one to bear down with much pressure. About 1/4 inch of the tip of the blade bent at a 45 degree angle without moving the plastic strip. My son then used his Chinese made knife to complete the operation without problems. Now to this old knifemaker, that indicates that the heat treatment of at least the tip of the blade was not up to snuff. If you disagree and are a skilled knife maker who heat treats metal every day as I do, I will listen to your reasoning.
As to what I owe Kershaw, I owe them a monetary compensation for their goods. Does a knife reviewer in any of the knife magazines owe a manufacturer a false review of one of their products if a problem is discovered or a chance to send different knives for testing without mentioning a problem existed with one of their review knives? I think not. Neither did I owe Kershaw sending the knife back to them before I posted a question concerning other people having problems with their products. Nor do I owe them sending the knife back now as it is my property.
Now as far as the knives I make, I have never had a knife returned. But if a person buys one of my knives and has a problem, he has the right to discuss that problem with other people of course. And nothing requires him to tell me he has a problem if he doesn't care to. If he does bring it to me, whether before or after he discusses the problem with anyone else, I will repair, replace or refund at his request.
I must admit I did not like the tone of Bad Juju's post advising of the steps I should have taken. He can advise of the steps HE would have taken in similiar circumstances all he wants. Just don't try to direct me like I am a child that needs direction. I am fully capable of making my own decisions in matters that concern me.
Now, all of you Ladies and Gentlemen that have a mind to, please wax eloquent about the way I have treated you and poor Kershaw by posting a simple question about a Knife that DID bend like a strip off a tin can. And please don't tell anyone at Kershaw, if you are connected with them in a large or small way, that they might have a problem with at least one of their knives.
Merry Christmas to all
Echols Made Knives
 
Sorry my post got some folks agitated. To explain a little further, I was prying a plastic filler strip off a motorcycle battery. Not a tight fit and not a lot of pressure put on the knife. Anyone familiar with motorcycle batteries will know this is not an onerous task that requires one to bear down with much pressure. About 1/4 inch of the tip of the blade bent at a 45 degree angle without moving the plastic strip. My son then used his Chinese made knife to complete the operation without problems. Now to this old knifemaker, that indicates that the heat treatment of at least the tip of the blade was not up to snuff. If you disagree and are a skilled knife maker who heat treats metal every day as I do, I will listen to your reasoning.
As to what I owe Kershaw, I owe them a monetary compensation for their goods. Does a knife reviewer in any of the knife magazines owe a manufacturer a false review of one of their products if a problem is discovered or a chance to send different knives for testing without mentioning a problem existed with one of their review knives? I think not. Neither did I owe Kershaw sending the knife back to them before I posted a question concerning other people having problems with their products. Nor do I owe them sending the knife back now as it is my property.
Now as far as the knives I make, I have never had a knife returned. But if a person buys one of my knives and has a problem, he has the right to discuss that problem with other people of course. And nothing requires him to tell me he has a problem if he doesn't care to. If he does bring it to me, whether before or after he discusses the problem with anyone else, I will repair, replace or refund at his request.
I must admit I did not like the tone of Bad Juju's post advising of the steps I should have taken. He can advise of the steps HE would have taken in similiar circumstances all he wants. Just don't try to direct me like I am a child that needs direction. I am fully capable of making my own decisions in matters that concern me.
Now, all of you Ladies and Gentlemen that have a mind to, please wax eloquent about the way I have treated you and poor Kershaw by posting a simple question about a Knife that DID bend like a strip off a tin can. And please don't tell anyone at Kershaw, if you are connected with them in a large or small way, that they might have a problem with at least one of their knives.
Merry Christmas to all
Echols Made Knives
 
I don't think bad juju meant anything. Considering you have less than 5 posts a year, you can't appreciate the sheer number of people who come in here with issues that are real or perceived to ask for help instead of contacting the maker directly. That's for every company, not just Kershaw.

I'm still interested to hear the blade steel because there are a lot of 420hc leeks out on the world.

Very interested to hear the results on the hardness after you test it.
 
Hi Mr. Echols -

I would ask you this:

If someone purchased one of your knives, and then suspected there was a problem with it in some way related to it's manufacture, would you prefer the customer parade your knife around showing everyone the flaws; or would you prefer the customer contact you so you can make it right and also learn something and prevent that kind of flaw from occurring in the future?

I, personally, would prefer that a customer contact me and allow me to know that I had potentially done something incorrectly, and allow me to make it right.

Maybe I am alone in this thinking.

best

mqqn
 
Scurvy092, Rockwell C at the flat on the blade tang is 52. The Rockwell on the edge ranges from the high 30's to the mid 40's but this may not be accurate because the blade is hollow ground and will not fit flat to the platen. The brass rod test, if you are familiar with that, shows the edge will roll over and not return.
Please be advised, I was not asking for help with this knife. I was just asking for information for my own benefit.
I also have failed in determining the type of steel used in the blade. It is not stamped on the blade or given in the literature which accompanies the knife.
I do not feel compelled to continue with this thread.
Scurvy092 said:
I don't think bad juju meant anything. Considering you have less than 5 posts a year, you can't appreciate the sheer number of people who come in here with issues that are real or perceived to ask for help instead of contacting the maker directly. That's for every company, not just Kershaw.

I'm still interested to hear the blade steel because there are a lot of 420hc leeks out on the world.

Very interested to hear the results on the hardness after you test it.
Click to expand...
 
Scurvy092 said:
I don't think bad juju meant anything. Considering you have less than 5 posts a year, you can't appreciate the sheer number of people who come in here with issues that are real or perceived to ask for help instead of contacting the maker directly. That's for every company, not just Kershaw.

I'm still interested to hear the blade steel because there are a lot of 420hc leeks out on the world.

Very interested to hear the results on the hardness after you test it.
Click to expand...

I would have had a similar reaction as the OP.
 
I have an honest question. If you are a knife maker, why would you carry a production knife? I mean no disrespect to any knife makers, but I had never really thought about this until this thread. Maybe I am a little naïve in my thinking... but if you make knives, wouldn't you carry something that you make? :confused:
 
Echols Made Knives said:
Sorry my post got some folks agitated. To explain a little further, I was prying a plastic filler strip off a motorcycle battery. Not a tight fit and not a lot of pressure put on the knife. Anyone familiar with motorcycle batteries will know this is not an onerous task that requires one to bear down with much pressure. About 1/4 inch of the tip of the blade bent at a 45 degree angle without moving the plastic strip. My son then used his Chinese made knife to complete the operation without problems. Now to this old knifemaker, that indicates that the heat treatment of at least the tip of the blade was not up to snuff. If you disagree and are a skilled knife maker who heat treats metal every day as I do, I will listen to your reasoning.
As to what I owe Kershaw, I owe them a monetary compensation for their goods. Does a knife reviewer in any of the knife magazines owe a manufacturer a false review of one of their products if a problem is discovered or a chance to send different knives for testing without mentioning a problem existed with one of their review knives? I think not. Neither did I owe Kershaw sending the knife back to them before I posted a question concerning other people having problems with their products. Nor do I owe them sending the knife back now as it is my property.
Now as far as the knives I make, I have never had a knife returned. But if a person buys one of my knives and has a problem, he has the right to discuss that problem with other people of course. And nothing requires him to tell me he has a problem if he doesn't care to. If he does bring it to me, whether before or after he discusses the problem with anyone else, I will repair, replace or refund at his request.
I must admit I did not like the tone of Bad Juju's post advising of the steps I should have taken. He can advise of the steps HE would have taken in similiar circumstances all he wants. Just don't try to direct me like I am a child that needs direction. I am fully capable of making my own decisions in matters that concern me.
Now, all of you Ladies and Gentlemen that have a mind to, please wax eloquent about the way I have treated you and poor Kershaw by posting a simple question about a Knife that DID bend like a strip off a tin can. And please don't tell anyone at Kershaw, if you are connected with them in a large or small way, that they might have a problem with at least one of their knives.
Merry Christmas to all
Echols Made Knives
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Um...

You shouldn't be advertising your business without a "Knifemaker" membership. you clearly are advertising with this post, what with how your customer service is so great and you are so experienced making knives.
 
Skates said:
I would have had a similar reaction as the OP.
Click to expand...

As another person with under 20 posts a year, I don't doubt it.

I don't think people who aren't regulars appreciate the sheer number of 'what's that best knife for $xx', 'What's knife should I get', 'There's a problem with my knife' etc etc etc type of threads we see here on a DAILY basis...
 
mqqn said:
Hi Mr. Echols -

I would ask you this:

If someone purchased one of your knives, and then suspected there was a problem with it in some way related to it's manufacture, would you prefer the customer parade your knife around showing everyone the flaws; or would you prefer the customer contact you so you can make it right and also learn something and prevent that kind of flaw from occurring in the future?

I, personally, would prefer that a customer contact me and allow me to know that I had potentially done something incorrectly, and allow me to make it right.

Maybe I am alone in this thinking.

best

mqqn
Click to expand...

I third this. You shouldn't pry with a sharp, pointy, thin blade. A thicker blade will do this job.

For $10 your mistake can be fixed. (new blade from KAI) If you don't want to pay the $10, use the knife as the manufacturer intended.

If you sold a knife comparable to the leek to someone, and they pried with it, bent it, and then complained, what would you think of that customer?
 
Scurvy092 said:
As another person with under 20 posts a year, I don't doubt it.

I don't think people who aren't regulars appreciate the sheer number of 'what's that best knife for $xx', 'What's knife should I get', 'There's a problem with my knife' etc etc etc type of threads we see here on a DAILY basis...
Click to expand...

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
 
For someone of such an advanced age, the childish behavior of the OP is entertainingly ironic.
 
I still haven't seen either a picture of the blade, or a picture of the rockwell test. I refuse to believe anything you have said so far without both of those things photographed.
 
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