- Joined
- Apr 10, 2003
- Messages
- 6
I am thinking of buying a Rainbow Leek as a gift because the photos look kind of cool but I am concerned about AUS 6a steel not being worth buying. Any comments on AUS 6a?
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Kershaw Rainbow Leek
- Thread starter Jerry Reichlin
- Start date
The rainbow leek, unless they changed it in the last few weeks, is 440A. With a 420HC handle.
Not a glamorous steel. However, my regular leek is the sharpest factory knife I have ever encountered.
It is so sharp that I can't use it as I often would an EDC. But, the edge "steels" right back up with a ceramic rod (not a sharpening system, but a rod I use like a steel).
Its a good knife anyway you slice it. Since its only gonna cost you $30-40, I'd just get one, see how you like the shape and speedsafe and go from there.
Just my $0.02.
Not a glamorous steel. However, my regular leek is the sharpest factory knife I have ever encountered.
It is so sharp that I can't use it as I often would an EDC. But, the edge "steels" right back up with a ceramic rod (not a sharpening system, but a rod I use like a steel).
Its a good knife anyway you slice it. Since its only gonna cost you $30-40, I'd just get one, see how you like the shape and speedsafe and go from there.
Just my $0.02.
- Joined
- Apr 12, 2000
- Messages
- 2,116
I have a Random Leek and it's a well made knife. I picked up a Rainbow Chive and I really like the finish on that knife. It's much smoother than I thought it would be. I like it so much I'll probably have to pick up a Rainbow Leek.
I wouldn't let the quality of the steel bother you to much unless you're planning to use it daily to cut cardboard and what not. If you're just using it to occasionally slice something open it should hold up fine. Pick up something like a Spyderco Sharpmaker and you can keep it razor sharp.
I wouldn't let the quality of the steel bother you to much unless you're planning to use it daily to cut cardboard and what not. If you're just using it to occasionally slice something open it should hold up fine. Pick up something like a Spyderco Sharpmaker and you can keep it razor sharp.
- Joined
- Jul 2, 2000
- Messages
- 941
My EDC carry pieces are a Microtech LCC and the Rainbow Leek. It's an excellent little knife! Don't let the 440A stop you from getting it, it really does hold its own for what I feel the knife's intended purposes are. It seems to be heat treated pretty well and holds an edge better than I originally expected. The original edge that came on it was very sharp (maybe a little aggressive, but still shaved well) and has not needed sharpening in the time I've used it.
I think maybe there's a little too much emphasis on using one knife for everything from cutting copper wire to sawing cardboard to rope to envelopes and tape. With the vast array of possible applications for a knife, it is no wonder that there is a strong bias towards knife "strength." I love the LCC for a workhorse that I can depend on, but the Rainbow Leek is no slouch and finds tons of uses. Not only that, but it does its job with style!
It's the one knife I have that I can hand over even to timid people, and even though it swiftly swings open, all of the "cool" and "pretty" thoughts seem to wash away the "oh my god it's a switchblade!" stuff.
It has a good design, great edge and geometry for slicing, and will retain the edge nicely. If you want it for heavy duty usage, there are probably better "workhorse" options out there. However, for an everyday carry piece that sees light/moderate use, the Leek is in my opinion an *excellent* choice. 440A on mine exceeded my expectations, so I'm very glad it did not stop me from getting one
OK, </praise>
I think maybe there's a little too much emphasis on using one knife for everything from cutting copper wire to sawing cardboard to rope to envelopes and tape. With the vast array of possible applications for a knife, it is no wonder that there is a strong bias towards knife "strength." I love the LCC for a workhorse that I can depend on, but the Rainbow Leek is no slouch and finds tons of uses. Not only that, but it does its job with style!
It's the one knife I have that I can hand over even to timid people, and even though it swiftly swings open, all of the "cool" and "pretty" thoughts seem to wash away the "oh my god it's a switchblade!" stuff.
It has a good design, great edge and geometry for slicing, and will retain the edge nicely. If you want it for heavy duty usage, there are probably better "workhorse" options out there. However, for an everyday carry piece that sees light/moderate use, the Leek is in my opinion an *excellent* choice. 440A on mine exceeded my expectations, so I'm very glad it did not stop me from getting one
OK, </praise>
- Joined
- Jan 4, 1999
- Messages
- 3,000
AUS6 or 440A (similar) are among the most popular of blade steels. What they give up in hardness, they make up in corrosion resistance and ease of maintenance. Most kitchen knives are made with alloys that are similar to these and some are made with precisely these steels.
I think the more salient issue is that of the coating. If this knife is going to be carried in a pocket, then be prepared for a scratched finish.
I think the more salient issue is that of the coating. If this knife is going to be carried in a pocket, then be prepared for a scratched finish.
Please take a look at -
Kershaw Rainbow Leek - a pictorial review
for a review using more words of the functionally and mechanically similar plain Leek -
Kershaw/Ken Onion LEEK (pics)
The regular Leek is my at home EDC precisely because of the reasons Ken Onion gave:
"It is about making a pocket knife as simple and effortless to use as possable. Old men with arthritis,women with long fingernails,dexterity challenged individuals as well as the average guy can grab his /her knife with one hand ,open the blade with minimal effort ,use it ,close it and put it away with as little effort as possable. "
It is on my person at home despite the fact I can grab any of numerous knives - simply because with the Speed-Safe and being right-sized (for me) I find it more convenient to use than any other knife.......
Kershaw Rainbow Leek - a pictorial review
for a review using more words of the functionally and mechanically similar plain Leek -
Kershaw/Ken Onion LEEK (pics)
The regular Leek is my at home EDC precisely because of the reasons Ken Onion gave:
"It is about making a pocket knife as simple and effortless to use as possable. Old men with arthritis,women with long fingernails,dexterity challenged individuals as well as the average guy can grab his /her knife with one hand ,open the blade with minimal effort ,use it ,close it and put it away with as little effort as possable. "
It is on my person at home despite the fact I can grab any of numerous knives - simply because with the Speed-Safe and being right-sized (for me) I find it more convenient to use than any other knife.......
