Kershaw skyline or leek?

S

Sandman84

Joined
Dec 4, 2014
Messages
31
I have already ordered a kershaw field knife to replace my current junk hunting knife. I have right at $40 left on my amazon card. I'm looking for a new all-purpose edc.
It needs to ride low in my pocket and not be bulky.
Must be a folder with pocket clip.
It can't be over $40.
Preferably 14c28n steel or better.
Didn't have to be assisted opening.
The sturdier the better.
It will be used mainly for work but also recreational stuff. It doesn't have to be as hard use as a zt or something but still tough.
I know that is all pretty specific. I've got it narrowed down to a skyline or a leek. If you guys have a better suggestion let me know but please try to keep it US made.
 
Skyline is sturdier, the g10 offers better grip, and I prefer the flipper over the assisted open. That gets my vote.

With that said - neither one is bulky, but neither one rides low. You'll need to get aftermarket low-ride clips to accomplish that. The leek rides lower once that is done.
 
I prefer the Skyline.

Smooth flipper, nice blade shape and not thin, lightweight, G10 scales.

Standard clip rides acceptably low but for really low you'll need an $15+ deep carry clip.
 
These are actually both awesome suggestions. Only thing you may have an issue with is the fact that neither ride very low in the pocket.

Then again, you can always get an aftermarket clip for it after the fact.

I've never had a Skyline but hear a lot of great things about them. I have a composite blade Leek that has made a great pocket companion.
 
Skyline is much sturdier. The Leek's tip is incredibly sharp, but also very delicate.
 
I have numerous leeks and they are ground really thin. That said, 14C28N steel has performed flawlessly for me. Takes a sick edge and I have never chipped it under normal use. I have a skyline on the way so I cannot comment on it yet but for me the blade shape would make the determination between the two. The leek is a very utilitarian blade, but there is little belly. If you want more belly than the Skyline would be my choice. Both are quality blades, light, slim edc knives
 
I own both and would choose the Skyline for better ergonomics and blade strength. Also there's less to go wrong with a flipper as opposed to an AO.
 
Riz2530 said:
I have numerous leeks and they are ground really thin. That said, 14C28N steel has performed flawlessly for me. Takes a sick edge and I have never chipped it under normal use. I have a skyline on the way so I cannot comment on it yet but for me the blade shape would make the determination between the two. The leek is a very utilitarian blade, but there is little belly. If you want more belly than the Skyline would be my choice. Both are quality blades, light, slim edc knives
Click to expand...
I've also had really good experience with 14c28n. I have the kershaw blur tanto in it. Very sharp and has stayed that way through hard use. I think it's a great steel for the price.

I'm really leaning more toward the skyline also. It's just the leek gets lots of great reviews. It's been around for a good while so it's obviously a great knife. It's just the blade shape gets me to thinking that either I will be cussing it in a week or it'll be extremely useful and I'll wish I had it years ago. It seems like it would excel at cutting gaskets out or using the tip as a pick. Really just finesse work. The skyline seems like it would be a better all around knife.
 
Get the Skyline now.
When you have an extra $60 (tax return?) get a composite Leek, the cutting edge and tip will be D2.
 
Is the composite blade like the blade on the kershaw rake? I'll definitely be getting some higher end knives in the future but for the time being $40 is my cap.
 
PURPLEDC said:
skyline. If you have the extra cash S30V skyline.
Click to expand...

Thats what I ordered. I prefer flat or convex grinds to hollow grinds, so I hadnt ever gotten a skyline. When I saw the flat ground, stonewashed S30V blade and carbon fiber handle, I knew I had to get one.

A final word on leeks. The blade is very handy. With such a precise tip you can pierce packaging and other items With ease. The blade shape really reminds me of a utility knife. On the negative, I have had them slip up and out of my pockets and lost them, usually in my truck or my couches. This is because the steel handle doesnt create any significant friction on the pocket. The G10 on a skyline will help prevent that. There is also a g10 leek out there if you look. Might have to get it on the secondary market though.
 
I would skip both. The leek is very slippery to hold. And the Skyline for me has two Achilles heels. The pointy bottom part of the scale sticks out of your pants too much and it tears up pants if you don't fidget with the clip just right. The Skyline has a great blade shape otherwise for edc.

I would choose an OD1 if you can find them or a Dozier lockback over those two anyday. The Boker Exskelibur is also a nice option in 440c as is the Kershaw Blur which is an awesome edc. So much knife packed into a compact handle. The speedsafe takes a bit to break in but it's great after.
 
I checked out the od1. I'm still leaning toward the skyline though. I have a blur that I carry as a work knife. I'm just not crazy about the tanto blade or the serrations on it. Plus I've never had a knife with g10 scales. I'll check out the dozier in the am.
 
Would you say that the 14c28n is a bit better than 440c? Or is it the other way around? I've always heard that I should avoid the 400 series steels.
 
Sandman84 said:
I've always heard that I should avoid the 400 series steels.
Click to expand...
Whoa, watch out with that broad brush.

400, yes. But 420HC and 440B/C make very good blade steel.

Here's not the place to discuss the details, there many threads here that cover steels. As homework, just search on 14C28N and read the posts of the knowledgeable knifemakers' opinions. Some consider it much better than 440C.

We at BF won't steer you wrong and the Skyline wouldn't be getting such an overwhelming recommendation if its steel wasn't good.
 
Definitely a skyline. But you should check out the Ontario rat 1. Aus 8, But a work horse at that
 
I hear a ton of great things about the Skyline, but my Father-in-Law has a Leek and he loves it. Put his own edge on it and it's scary sharp.
 
I know at least two people in my department who EDC Leeks, and having seen them in light office-type use, that's enough for me to choose the Skyline instead. Don't get me wrong, I think a Leek would be a fine knife if you absolutely only ever needed it for extremely light duty, but the Skyline is going to win out in terms of grip and versatility in my opinion.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top