Kershaw Zing or Kershaw Leek Damascus

F

fonzerelli

Joined
Jun 21, 2009
Messages
3
Hello! This is my first time at this site and I was hoping to find some Kershaw reviewsl. Unfortunately, it seems that the Kershaw area was closed so after a few minutes of looking around here, this seemed like the most appropriate area to post a few quick questions.

I am trying to decide between the two models mentioned above (Zing and Leek Damascus) and cannot find any useful information on the web about the qualities of their respective steels. The Zing uses Sandvik 14C28N stainless-steel while the Leek Damascus uses what is supposedly Damascus steel. I say supposedly because my limited understanding of these things had me believing that Damascus steel was something lost forever.

While I may not know much about knives, I am pretty proficient with searching on the web, yet I cannot find any useful information or reviews about either steel!

What I'm trying to find out is how these two steels compare. Specifically, how sharp they are, edge retention, sharpening difficulty and durability. If anyone has any experience or knowledge of these steels, your input would be greatly appreciated. Or, if something out there is better and is at about the same price level, that information would be cool too.

Thanks,
David
 
Greetings and welcome to BF:)

Your Kershaw question will be far better addressed in the "General Knife Discussion" forum.
The Traditional forum focuses on classic pocketknives and fixed blades from factories such as Case and Queen and traditional pattern custom knives.

Almost all the Kershaw gang are still very active in the "General" forum and I am sure they will answer your question quickly and efficiently.

The "Traditional Forum" moderators are great guys and I am sure they will be happy to move the thread for you in the next few hours.


Welcome again and have fun........;)
Steven
 
Last edited:
fonzerelli said:
Unfortunately, it seems that the Kershaw area was closed so after a few minutes of looking around here, this seemed like the most appropriate area to post a few quick questions.
Click to expand...
You might have better luck in the General Knife Discussion section of the forum where modern locking and assisted opening knives like the Kershaws are discussed. This section of the forum is more properly for discussing traditional style folders (i.e. old-fashioned knives like Case, Queen, etc.). ;)

I am trying to decide between the two models mentioned above (Zing and Leek Damascus) and cannot find any useful information on the web about the qualities of their respective steels.
Click to expand...
For a using knife, I would go with the Sandvik Zing. Its not a premium steel, but it is a good quality stainless steel that takes a nice edge and holds up well to daily wear and tear. IMO, the damascus Kershaw uses is mostly for looks, so unless you are looking for a fancy knife more for show than go, stick with the regular steel. It offers no real usage benefits in terms of sharpness, edge retention, durability, etc., over Sandvik.

Actually, I would probably recomend a Leek in Sandvik, or if you are willing to spend a bit more for an even better steel, in Sandvik 13C26/CPM-D2 composite steel or S30V. I have both a Sandvik Zing, and Leeks in all three steels I just mentioned and I like the size, construction and ergos of the Leek better than the Zing. :thumbup:

I say supposedly because my limited understanding of these things had me believing that Damascus steel was something lost forever.
Click to expand...
No, real damascus (like on the Kershaw) is alive and well, and can be found in a lot of production and custom knives these days. There are some companies that sell "damascus-like" or "damascus-finish" knives, which are just plain steel with the damascus patter etched into the surface, however, so be sure to read discriptions carefully. ;)
 
Last edited:
Both are great knives. Both steels will take a keen edge and
hold it well. While I think the DAM steel is mainly for looks, it
is still a very good steel. Performance wise, they're really to
close that you will notice a difference in everyday use and ease
of sharpening. Get the one you like or better yet....Get both. :)
 
While I really like the looks of the Damascus blade versions, I think the standard Sandvik blade models are better users or the CB & S30V versions.

I found the standard Zing to be a stout little folder. I wish it was a little larger, as I think a larger/heavier blade would probably flip better, but the grooved blade works well. Actually, if you like R.J. Martin's grooved folders, check out the Groove. For the price, it's a very good size knife & flips great.
 
Thank you all for your help!

Maybe I will get both. Or more. It looks like my flashlight 'problem' has been transfered to knives.
 
I decided on the SV30 version (G10). Is the Spyderco Sharpmaker ok to use on this one?

Are there better (for a novice) options for sharpening this knife when needed?

Thanks again!
David
 
The Leek's nice but the point is very thin and the handle is too short for me. I've also grown to dislike AO. So, I'd go with the Zing.
 
Splat said:
The Leek's nice but the point is very thin and the handle is too short for me. I've also grown to dislike AO. So, I'd go with the Zing.
Click to expand...
Uh... I guess its a matter of personal taste, but the point on the Leek is only slightly thinner than the Zing, the Zing is an AO, too, and the handle of the Leek is about 1/8 inch longer than the Zing. :p
 
Splat said:
DOH! You're right. I read Zing but have been thinking JYDII lately. :)
Click to expand...
Oh, yeah! The JYD is definetly more robust than the Leek. Now, I have used a Leek on and off for years and never had a problem with breaking/bending the tip, but I suppose of you use your knives hard it is a valid concern.
 
fonzerelli said:
I decided on the SV30 version (G10). Is the Spyderco Sharpmaker ok to use on this one?

Are there better (for a novice) options for sharpening this knife when needed?

Thanks again!
David
Click to expand...

Good choice. You'll find the Sharpmaker more than adequate for maintaining the edge, and they're easy to use.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top