I have been carrying a black-coated Leek for a couple of years now. However, after a recent experience with having to explain an assisted opening knife to a member of the NYPD (who was very nice about it, handed me the knife back, and told me to hide it better), I had decided that it was time for another EDC.
I really like Kershaw knives, and have always thought that they provide the best compromise of qualify vs. price, so that's where I went looking... and discovered the Skyline.
Kershaw 1760 Skyline is a very light knife. At 2.3oz, it's the lightest 3" folder I know of... even lighter than the Leek it has replaced. However, unlike the Leek, its handles are covered in textured G10 grips, which make the knife VERY grippy, without being uncomfortable (compared to say, another of my knives... the Kershaw Blur, the handle of which is coated with something that feels like asphalt).
The knife is very straight and square-looking, but I've come to appreciate its simplicity. It's rather streamlined, and the handle is supremely comfortable, regardless of the type of the grip. The large index finger notch makes the hold very secure, and the additional support provided by the flipper-turned-finger guard is very welcome.
The knife action is superb - it deploys nearly as fast as the Leek, despite the lack of SpeedSafe torsion... with only a slight flick of the wrist. The thumb-stud is largely for decoration, since it's not high enough to be used when the knife is closed, thus leaving you to rely on the flipper... which is just fine by me. There is no play at all to the blade when it is open, firmly secured by a sturdy-enough liner lock.
The blade is a Sandvic 13C26 steel that comes very sharp from the factory and is able to push-cut through paper with almost no pressure. I haven't had a chance to put the knife through its paces, but from what I understand, I can only expect good things from this blade.
Finally, I cannot say enough about the value of this knife - <$30 for a USA-made knife that is so comfortable is a steal and everyone should have one, if only as a loaner. It won't replace my Benchmade Mini-Rukus on a hike, but for EDC, it is all I can ask for.
I really like Kershaw knives, and have always thought that they provide the best compromise of qualify vs. price, so that's where I went looking... and discovered the Skyline.
Kershaw 1760 Skyline is a very light knife. At 2.3oz, it's the lightest 3" folder I know of... even lighter than the Leek it has replaced. However, unlike the Leek, its handles are covered in textured G10 grips, which make the knife VERY grippy, without being uncomfortable (compared to say, another of my knives... the Kershaw Blur, the handle of which is coated with something that feels like asphalt).
The knife is very straight and square-looking, but I've come to appreciate its simplicity. It's rather streamlined, and the handle is supremely comfortable, regardless of the type of the grip. The large index finger notch makes the hold very secure, and the additional support provided by the flipper-turned-finger guard is very welcome.
The knife action is superb - it deploys nearly as fast as the Leek, despite the lack of SpeedSafe torsion... with only a slight flick of the wrist. The thumb-stud is largely for decoration, since it's not high enough to be used when the knife is closed, thus leaving you to rely on the flipper... which is just fine by me. There is no play at all to the blade when it is open, firmly secured by a sturdy-enough liner lock.
The blade is a Sandvic 13C26 steel that comes very sharp from the factory and is able to push-cut through paper with almost no pressure. I haven't had a chance to put the knife through its paces, but from what I understand, I can only expect good things from this blade.
Finally, I cannot say enough about the value of this knife - <$30 for a USA-made knife that is so comfortable is a steal and everyone should have one, if only as a loaner. It won't replace my Benchmade Mini-Rukus on a hike, but for EDC, it is all I can ask for.
