Kershaw Random Leek Plain Edge

Would you purchase this knife based on this review?

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WadeF

WadeF

Joined
Apr 12, 2000
Messages
2,116
Just got my Random Leek PE 1660TCKT from Chesapeake Knife & Tool Co. Their # is 1-800-531-1168 and they are supposedly exclusively carrying this model, also available with a partially serrated blade. I dealt with Betsy and she was very helpful with my order and knew just what I wanted. The Random Leek's feature S30V steel and are black coated.

After seeing a lot of members here talking about their Leeks and how much they enjoyed them I decided I should pick one up. I saw the Rainbow Leek at a knife shop and my first impression was it was smaller than I had imagined. Also I wasn't crazy about the steel they used. When I heard about the Random Leek with the S30V steel and the reverse tanto style blade for an introductory price of $69.95 ($7.50S&H) I was sold. It is my first knife with the S30V steel and my first knife with the reverse tanto. I have an Avalanche so it's my second Ken Onion speed safe knife from Kershaw.

I have fairly large hands, scrawny, but large. The knife feels comfortable in my hand. At first I was a bit worried it would be to small, but there is plenty of handle to hold onto. At first I found the blade hard to start open with the thumb stud. Also when I'd get it to go it wouldn't fully open. I adjusted the pivot screw and this helped with the opening and I started getting the hang of flicking it open. There is also a lever on the back side of the knife that lets you flick the blade open as well. This is still a bit awkward for me as it's hard to hold the knife comfortably in my palm while operating the lever, but I think with some practice it will get easier and it appears to be a more reliable way to open the knife. I find the blade doesn't always open fully when I use the thumb studs.

I like the Chris Reeves style integral lock. When the blade locks it feels solid and there isn't any blade play. There is also a safety lock so the blade won't accidentally open which is a welcome edition. I've been a bit reluctant to carry my Avalanche as it does not have a safety lock. Here are some pictures for those who would like a closer look at this piece. I need to get a new digital camera as this is about the best clarity I can get from my current one.

leeksideclosed.jpg

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leektop.jpg

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The below image shows the Leek in my hand.

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The below image shows from top to bottom, BM710HSSR, Large Sebenza, Random Leek, Spyderco SS Cricket.

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I still might pick up a Rainbow Leek as I hear they don't scratch easy and I wouldn't have to worry about it rubbing against my keys. I have a feeling the black coating on this knife may show wear easily so I'll probably take care of it for now.
 
Great looking knife, I am glad Kershaw finally got around to using a premium steel in their Leeks. I wish they would come out with a regular Leek with an s30v blade, I would buy one in a heartbeat. Thanks for the review.
 
You mean Kershaw? :) I know my Avalanche is 440V which is good stuff. Not sure why they went with 440A or whatever in the other Leeks. Maybe to keep the cost down?
 
Yeah Kershaw, I was thinking about another post about CRKT's and I put that in this post, it is almost bedtime and I am a little sluggish.:confused:
 
Very nice review.
I have the Rainbow Leek and it's probably my very favorite small EDC, and certainly my best looking one.

The 440A is'nt the best steel but seems okay for a smaller gentleman's knife. And because the blade is thin, you still get alot of performance when cutting (just like Victorinox Swiss Army Knives).

Just curious, does anyone know the hardness of S30V?

Thanks,
Allen.
 
My wife’s rainbow leek just came in the mail today and I can’t tell you how impressed I am with it. Does the random have a very smooth action? I’m not sure if it is because of the construction of the knife or the rainbow “coating” but this thing feels every bit as smooth as my SERE. I am debating between the random leek, a regular leek, and the 710hs for my next knife so any help you could give me would be appreciated!
 
Originally posted by anewguy
I am debating between the random leek, a regular leek, and the 710hs for my next knife so any help you could give me would be appreciated!
Click to expand...

The Random Leek feels smooth to me. You should pick up a Benchmade 710HS. I have the 710HSSR, but I'd probably go with the plain edge now, although there's plenty of plain edge blade to slice with on the combo edged version. :) This knife is my EDC 95% of the time. The Axis lock is great. While the Leek is a fun little knife, I doubt I'll carry it to often. I can get it open pretty quick, but closing it is another matter. I wouldn't try to one hand close it as it's a bit small for my hand and I'd afraid I'd slice myself. :) The 710 however can be opened and closed probably faster than I could open my Leek. The Axis lock lets you open and close the knife with the flick of a wrist without ever touching the blade. I find myself grabbing it from my pocket, flicking it open, slicing whatever, flicking it close and it's away withing seconds.

The 710HS is a fairly large folder as you can see in my picture above, compared to the Leek. So sometimes I will leave it home if I'm going out where a big aggressive knife like that might scare people. :) Then I'll just take my Spyderco Cricket, or maybe the Leek.
 
Great review! However I am not too thrilled with the blade configuration. I much prefer the regular Leek style.
 
I just ordered my plain edge last night and Betsy handled the transaction, I tried earlier to order on line but had a glitch. Oh well, I wanted to use the phone anyway. I have the Random Task and like the blade design,when I saw the Random Leek it got the best of my resistance. The only Kershaw/Onion I have trouble closing one handed is the Blackout with the low profile liner lock that is flush with the scale (don't want to lose a fingertip).I got to handle a Leek at the knife show and it surprised me with its weight. After EDCing the 1500 Mini Task with G10 scales,the Leek felt very heavy in the hand.For what its worth I hadn't acquired a rainbow leek due to the steel used for the blade . I consider my Kershaws to be workers more than lookers.The"standard" leek blade shape didn't thrill me either, a bit too weapon shaped, similar to a dagger. Even though I never have been even glanced at sideways by LEO I don't want to give them any reason to "talk" to me about that lethal appearing weapon I'm carrying.
 
Like smokinbasser, I'm underwhelmed by the blade shape of the standard Leek; I much prefer the Random Leek's reverse tanto. (Mind you, this has absolutely nothing to do with what a LEO would think of the blade. Although if that were the criterion, I suspect a black, reverse tanto blade would strike many as being more "evil looking" than, say, a rainbow blade on a regular Leek. But, again, that's just not a significant issue for me.)

Anyway, I ordered my Random Leek a few minutes ago.

I'd been planning on buying the knife from a Chesapeake Knife store, but the most conveniently located store for me still doesn't have any in stock. So I made the purchase by phone. Yeah, I wound up paying for shipping, but I avoided sales tax (since Chesapeake has no stores here in PA), and I saved myself a trip to the mall.

Anyone think a somewhat larger version of the Random Leek will be introduced in the spring? Maybe with a 4" blade? I could go for that.
 
Just ordered mine a few minutes ago! I've been wanting a Leek for a while now and seeing this one was more than I could take. I can't wait. Let's see, MD to AZ..... I'm gonna be crawling the walls.
 
Originally posted by Mike7
Anyone think a somewhat larger version of the Random Leek will be introduced in the spring? Maybe with a 4" blade? I could go for that.
Click to expand...

I'd like to see a larger Leek, although I wonder what the discount price on that would be. :) $100? $130? The leek is a little on the small side for my preferance. It would be nice to have more to hold onto when operating it.
 
I EDC a Kershaw 1500 minitask, the leek is approx 1/2 inch longer closed probably 1 inch longer open I have the random task that is almost a 1/4 inch longer than the leek closed. the random task feels large in my hand while the mini just "fits" better in my hand. Both have exactly the same pocket clip so that isn't a factor. My handling of the leek at the show was brief so I am anxious to see if the leek "fits"
 
Hey Ken. Nice work on the Random Leek. I'd like to add that after handling it more I have gotten much more comfortable handling it, and opening it. One of my coworkers was impressed with the factory edge as he shaved his arm hair off all the way down his left arm. :) He has really hairy arms, like sasquatch! He left a 1 inch wide bare strip all the way his arm. :)

I still think a large random leek would be cool. :)
 
Just got mine today. I'm very impressed. Can't add much that already hasn't been said. Very well made, slick and feels good in the hand. I want to thank you Ken for a great design, Kershaw for great materials and workmanship and Chesapeake Knife & Tool for outstanding service. Can't go wrong with this one!
 
Thanks guys , We are planning in a rather large folder in the near future. I doubt it will be like a Leek but I promise it will be cool.
 
Well done review, if I didn't already have the knife it would more than peak my interest. Good pictures, lot's of information on the knife and the companies offering it, very promotional.

I am very happy with the knife as well, great combination of design and materials and hard to beat at this price point. I am wondering why they dropped Ken's logo from the knife, though.
 
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