Kershaw skyline vs rat 2 vs kershaw leek vs other

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Aug 31, 2014
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I'm looking for an EDC that a can rely on. I do not want to spend over 60 dollars and can not have a blade longer than 3 inches. I have found good reviews on the skyline, leek, and rat 2 but am not sure what to get. I need the knife to be durable, (the leeks point looks kinda thin). What should I get? Also what kind of work is each knife good for I know the different blades are better for certain jobs?
 
You could get the Skyline and the Rat 2 and probably be under $60 and you'd be happy two times!
 
Buck vantage pro S30V, flipper for $60 can't be beat!

ZTD

Agreed! I have one and it is awesome. Getting tough to find at the $60 mark though. Some dealers and online auction sites still have the Vantage Force Avid (mid-level model with Sandvik steel) for around $40.
 
Either the Skyline or the RAT-2 would be a durable and safe bet, the Leek is nice but the tip is very thin and the action can be tricky to get adjusted just right for fast deployment and very little blade play.
I personally Carry my RAT-2 much more than the other two despite owing both, I just like it more, the looks, the feel, the smooth action and loud click when it locks into place.
The skylines bead blasted blade turns me off a little and the pocket clip rides a little high in the tip up position.
 
Delica, rat 2, or esee avispa. I've had a skyline and found it too delicate. Thin blade and no liner on the non locking side made it feel weak to me. Great for light weight edc but not something I would "rely" on. Weak tip on the leek would make me nervous.
 
I have a RAT 1, can imagine the RAT 2 is just a smaller version of the same knife. I also own the Delica 4. I would say you get a lot more value going with the RAT 2, it has a value you can't really beat, but the Delica is quite a bit lighter weight-wise, and the blade has a flatter cutting edge which helps for more EDC tasks. One carry of the Delica and I'm loving it, but I also carry my RAT 1 and love it as well. (Too bad you can't stretch a bit higher, the ZT 0566 is incredible but a bit pricier)
 
Out of those 3 I would go with the skyline. The leek has a very thin delicate tip and the Rat 2 has a thinner liner lock than the skyline. Also G10 on the skyline feels much better than the plastic on the Rat 2 and better grip than the leek.

Now if you can swing it I HIGHLY recommend the delica 4 FFG. It is a great size and shape while also being incredibly light yet sturdy. It's my goto work knife, the VG-10 holds up very well and is super easy to keep razor sharp.
 
Of those three, I'd pick the Leek... specifically a Composite Blade Leek. It costs a bit more than the standard Leek, but the CPM-D2 on the cutting edge is great stuff. The tip on the Leek is tapered to a fine point, but as long as you aren't trying to pry anything with it, it should be fine. It is tougher than it looks.
 
I'm gonna go with "other" and recommend the Cold Steel Recon 1 mini.

You're looking for an EDC you can rely on - check. (Strongest lock out there, built like a brick chithouse, g10 handle, AUS8 blade) You don't want a blade over 3" - check. You don't want to spend over $60 - check. The Recon 1 mini is half that. Only bad thing about it is the coating wears pretty easily.... The upside is that under the coating is a very nice stonewashed finish!

Good luck with whatever you choose. This thread needs moar pics! Here's a pic of my Recon 1 mini (daily driver):

 
The Rat series knives are most comfortable bar none. Its not even a question at this price point. The CS is good and of course I am a Spyderco fanboy. But still the Rats for $30 a piece are AMAZING values and the ergonomics make for outstanding comfort. Hold one and you will see.
 
Rat 2 is very nice. The liner on mine is all the way over on the opposite side now :( but no blade play yet.

Full flat grind, decent enough steel and relatively light. Great action - thumb flicking it open is no problem. I like the belly it has towards the tip for food prep - it lends itself well to a rocking motion on a chopping board for chopping up garlic for instance.
 
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