Larger Leek and Trac-Tek handles

WA Martin

WA Martin

Joined
Jan 23, 2007
Messages
3,106
I just bought a model 1660 Leek over the weekend and I am very inpressed.

Only had a problem with the pocket clip bending out the first time I brushed up against something but that has been fixed. Have the keychain with the TORX bits on order from HQ so that won't be a problem anymore either.

I have carried a Spyderco Endura on duty for years. A couple years ago I got a lanyard for it and so took off the troublesome pocket clip and have been back pocketing it ever since.

Question: Does Kershaw make a Leek style knife, with the Speed-safe opening system, in a size like unto the Spyderco Enduras? I'm also wondering if there are any Leek style knives with Trac-Tek handles or handle inserts. I saw the Rescue Blurs but still want a knife with a point on the blade.

Thanks in advance for any information you regulars can give me.
 
WA Martin said:
Question: Does Kershaw make a Leek style knife, with the Speed-safe opening system, in a size like unto the Spyderco Enduras? I'm also wondering if there are any Leek style knives with Trac-Tek handles or handle inserts. I saw the Rescue Blurs but still want a knife with a point on the blade.

Thanks in advance for any information you regulars can give me.
Click to expand...

Endura 4 has a 3 3/4" blade.

The only SpeedSafe I'm aware of with a blade that length is the Cyclone which
is a very different knife than the Endura in shape and weight.

You could look at the Speed Bump or Spec Bump.
Spec Bump's more pricey, but I actually like the Speed Bump more (version with aluminum scales) because it's a slimmer, lighter carry.
Of course, it doesn't have the S30V blade steel either. But it's got very good blade steel, Sandvik 13C26.

As for the Blur, Kershaw does make a few versions with a point.
And IMO they are terrific knives, especially the one in black with S30V.

Other folks are sure to post with plenty of more thoughts on this; meantime you can check out Kershaw's website at www.kershawknives.com
 
Take a look at the Kershaw Shallot, 3.5 inch blade and with a nice looking point! No models of it yet with a grippier handle, but it is a brand new design and there will likely be many models of it. Here's hoping for a G10 version at some point.
 
The shallot as mentioned above, no Trac-Tec of G-10 as of yet.

Regular Blurs come to a point, but do not have a helper flipper.
They do have a thumbstud, Trac-Tec inserts, Speedsafe. 3-3/8" blade, 4-1/2" overall.
Available in Red, Silver etc... MSRP $90.00 to $140.00 depending on handle and steel used.

Speed Bump. Speedsafe, Akulon with Santopreene over-mold handle, flipper, Stud Lock. 3-5/8" blade 4-15/16 overall. MSRP $100

Whirlwind. Speedsafe, Polymide handle, thumbstud, linerlock. 3-1/4" blade 4-1/2" overall. MSRP $80 to $85.00

That's off the top of my head.

hope that helps.

mike
 
Ok, I did look at the Blurs and I do like the way they look. Especially the Black Blur. (Has the Stone Washed Blur been discontinued?) The various bumps don't do it for me though.

But if I understand 2brothers correctly there is nothing on the backside of the Blur to push on to get it to open. That is a deal breaker for me. I don't know why but I have never been able to learn to operate a thumbstud. I don't know if it is because I'm left-handed or what but I can never get them to work effectively. I also have large hands. Hence carrying the Endura. (Can you special order a "flipper"?)

I just tried to work my Leek with only the thumb stud and it is a no-go. Can't even get it to fully open with only the thumbstud. (And darned lucky I didn't split my thumb open - my thumb slipped right off the stud and onto the blade :eek: )

The Whirlwind could have possibilities too.

That Shallott looks really interesting (see georgemaggos' photo in the 'Dear Thomas' thread). Why can't I find it on the website???

Anyways, thanks guys. You've been a big help already and I'll keep checking back to see what else folks have to say. Especially about where to find Shallotts and Stone Washed Blurs.
 
WA Martin said:
Ok, I did look at the Blurs and I do like the way they look. Especially the Black Blur. (Has the Stone Washed Blur been discontinued?) The various bumps don't do it for me though.

But if I understand 2brothers correctly there is nothing on the backside of the Blur to push on to get it to open. That is a deal breaker for me. I don't know why but I have never been able to learn to operate a thumbstud.

The Whirlwind could have possibilities too.

That Shallott looks really interesting (see georgemaggos' photo in the 'Dear Thomas' thread). Why can't I find it on the website???
Click to expand...

FWIW, the thumbstuds on the Blur are about the best I've seen on a production knife. They are "canted" and ridged, whoever designed them should put them on more knives!

But I must admit to missing the flipper on the Blur, no matter how good those thumbstuds are.

___________

The Whirlwind was my first AO knife, going back to the late 90's.
I think it's a great knife, but I really don't like the fact that it has only one thumbstud.

___________

The Shallot is a brand new release.
Flipper only; no thumbstuds.

www.knifecenter.com has them; that's where I saw the knife for the first time - about a week or two ago -
 
And you cannot find the Shallot on the web site because it has literally only been out for about 10 days or so. I really like the way it looks, like a leek on roids or something. :D I may wait on a more "special" version for me though, to make it stand out. Can't wait to see what they do with it.

The other Kershaw I am waiting on is the RAM, no assisted opening but a flipper that looks to be as quick. I am also a lefty, so the lock should be nice too.
 
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