Kershaw leek

J

Jraut98

Joined
Aug 31, 2014
Messages
47
What are ur guys opinions on the leek? What is its main purpose and would it make a good EDC?
 
I like the Leek a lot. It is very compact, is nearly unnoticeable in pocket, and has a useful blade shape for the tasks I use it for (opening boxes and blister packs, breaking down boxes, cutting plastic & nylon packing straps, cutting zip ties, etc.). I'd say its target is light and medium duty applications. It makes a fantastic EDC knife.
 
Its a decent knife, I've owned one. Like flarp said, its light to medium duty. Thin blade. I'm not a big fan of smooth metal handles (or metal handles in general) so I gave mine to one of my cousins.
 
If you are in an environment where knives are overall not looked upon kindly, it might be a good choice. Keep in mind, if knives are against the rules of your workplace or school, whatever the case may be then that is entirely different. It is one of my favorite smaller knives, and it can be found in CPM-D2 as well as the standard 14C28N steel. It's not designed for any sort of hard use, but a simple cutting tool that can be used and carried almost anytime a knife is needed. Some people like to use it for preparing food, as it can get extremely sharp.
 
I think it's a very good entry-level EDC. The wharncliffe blade shape is extremely useful for draw cuts on packaging, which is my primary EDC task. It's also very thin and quite light, which makes it easy to carry. The steel isn't super-premium, but it holds an edge decently and it's very easy to sharpen to an extreme edge. Unfortunately the basic model handles are very slick and prone to rust (they're bead-blasted), which keeps it from being a truly great EDC. I still own one for sentimental reasons as it was my very first dedicated folder, though I no longer carry it now that I've gotten used to higher-end knives.
 
I love my Leeks. I think I have four of them, two composite blades (one blackwashed), one rainbow, and a Damascus. Seriously nice knives made with serious steels. Granted, they aren't good for combat batoning through a telephone pole, but so long as you aren't trying to kill a bear, it makes a fine EDC knife. And you can find them with different colored handles if you look. Kershaw does an excellent heat treat on the Sanvik 14C28N steel and mine are razor sharp!
 
My first knife above $40, still in my EDC pack.
Again, light to medium duty. I smacked it once in a baton fashion just to see what would happen; the tip bent a bit. I bent it back, no biggie.
Since it's so slim it almost disappears in your pocket. I haven't had a problem with the smooth steel grip, but I never tried to include it in my outdoors kit. It doesn't see a lot of use outdoors besides whittling. Everything in the city though, it's great.
The wharncliffe is extremely great for fine carving lines. The steel isn't the most durable compared to say, the Aus-8 off the Dozier, but it's miles better than any cheapie 440 stainless I've had and sharpens really really well. If you want better steel you can always get the composite, with D2 on the edge side.
 
I've had a chance to handle a Leek belonging to a friend of mine. I like it a lot. It's the composite blade---D2 should be suitable for anything you'd want it for. It's the only A/O I'd own.
 
I own one. Good knife for around $40. Opens fast, easy to sharpen, very thin. The tip is delicate and the pocket clip leaves a lot of the knife exposed, especially tip up. Overall not bad.
 
Last edited:
The Leek is one of my favorite knives - my first truly nice EDC, in fact. I don't often carry it, due to it having some steep competition, but I like having a couple around for sentiment and occasional use.
 
tchapman414 said:
I don't often carry it, due to it having some steep competition, ...
Click to expand...

That's the key, right there. The Leek punches way above it's class. It's such a good design that it actually competes for a place in the rotation with knives costing five to ten times as much. It's that good.
 
Where's poolhustler when you need him?

Anyways, the Leek is a great knife that's standing the test of time. It's a very popular model for all the reasons that have been listed above: useful blade shape, not too hefty, thin profile, Speedsafe, good steel, etc.

I always recommend this knife to people looking to get their first EDC, as it's not a tactical powerhouse but still has 3 inches of Sandvik steel that can handle most anyone's day to day chores. The smooth scales and sleek body make for a good office carry choice.
 
For those who really want to try a Leek out don't ask me, because I have never carried one. Not even for a day!!!

But if I were to EDC one, it would be a 1660TG10. The Tanto with G10 solves the problem of the thin pointy tip and slippery scales. The TIZDP is just plain cool and probably one of my favorites.



 
NeilB said:
That's the key, right there. The Leek punches way above it's class. It's such a good design that it actually competes for a place in the rotation with knives costing five to ten times as much. It's that good.
Click to expand...

It truly is. The fact that it even gets consideration when compared to my other knives is impressive, as there isn't another knife in that price range that commands the same respect from me.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top