My new ZDP Leek

jasonwilldermood said:
I will be sending mine back today to be sharpened and have the clicking cam fixed. I have to say that I am very disappointed to have to do this but that I have faith that Thomas and Craig will make things right:) Sounds like the next batch will be right as well. I wish I had waited on one of them:(
Jason
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That clicking noise when closing the knife is normal for leek's....


Also for everyone else is it the first batch of these ZDP leek's that are dull? I have one in the mail and hope it does not suffer from this. Is it the whole batch or just like 25% to 50% to XX%? I mean I can sharpen it but since it is such a fine steel I would like a good factory base sharpen to start with.
 
... I thought I'd better ask a question. My ZDP Leek just arrived, and it's just sharp enough to shave -- but the bevels are 27 degrees per side (54 degrees inclusive). Is the obtuse bevel an attempt to reduce edge chipping? How acute can I go without creating an overly fragile edge? My laminated ZDP Caly Jr. is at 11 degrees with a 15 degree micro-bevel. It's fairly prone to chipping when used hard. I bought a ZDP Caly Jr. for my son and he brings it to me every month or so for re-sharpening with numerous chips in it. I ground his to 15/17 simply because I know he abuses his knives, but I suspect he'd bring it back chipped even if I ground it at 30 degrees per side -- he's that hard on 'em.

So, is there an "ideal" angle for the ZDP Leek?

Is there a limit that we should avoid exceeding?

Thanks,
Mark
 
Guys,

OK - let me try to answer some questions.

Sharpening at Kershaw - All Kershaw's are sharpened by hand. We use a two step process.

Step 1 - set the cutting edge - for this we use a Silicon Carbide wheel - Noritake - Special hardness and Grit ;)

Step 2 - We hone the cutting edge - usually from one side only (Back side). For this we use a special wheel that I import from Japan ;)

ZDP Leek Primary bevel thickness / angle issue:

The standard 440A leek is hollow ground (Concave) and is .018"-.021" before sharpening.

The ZDP Leek was Flat ground and was .022"-.025" before sharpening.

Did we grind the blades thicker because of chipping / breakage concerns - YES, the Leek blade - due to design has a delicate point and grinding them slightly thicker helps with cutting edge and tip strength.

Does the more obtuse sharpening angle make the apparent sharpeness less than the standard "scary" sharp Leek - IMHO - YES but I don't see us making "Butter" knives either- sharpness is relative.

That said - If you send you ZDP Leek to my attention - I will get it "Scary" sharp and send it right back.

Speedsafe clicking issue :

This is usually caused by the Torsion bar moving in the connecting hole in the blade while being compressed ( Closing the blade). I do not seethis alot. I have added an operation to the blade to eliminate the potential of this in the future.

I don't post on the Forum alot - but I do read your posts and take your input to heart - we appreciate the time you take to give us the "Good, Bad and Ugly" on our products.:D

Craig Green
Factory Manager
Kershaw Knives.
 
Thanks for the info Craig. Thomas suggested I send mine back if the clicking didn't stop within a day or so. Also I have one with sharpness issues. I sent it back today. I very much appreciate your participation on the forum. It is always great to see proactive representation from a company like this. I look forward to getting my scary sharp Leek. It is good to see you are fixing the clicking problems on the next batch. I hope you are able to fix mine.
Jason
 
I don't know about you guys, but I think Kershaw has stepped it up big time. Seeing them post on these forums really makes a statement on their commitment to a quality product. I think Spyderco has a very dedicated following due to Sal and his input on these forums. Thank you Thomas and Craig, you have my vote.
 
proguide said:
I don't know about you guys, but I think Kershaw has stepped it up big time. Seeing them post on these forums really makes a statement on their commitment to a quality product. I think Spyderco has a very dedicated following due to Sal and his input on these forums. Thank you Thomas and Craig, you have my vote.
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Could not have said it better.:thumbup: Thank you all at Kershaw.
 
proguide said:
I don't know about you guys, but I think Kershaw has stepped it up big time. Seeing them post on these forums really makes a statement on their commitment to a quality product. I think Spyderco has a very dedicated following due to Sal and his input on these forums. Thank you Thomas and Craig, you have my vote.
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Agreed! It is nice to see you here and get prompt and honest replays.

Thanks, Vassili.
 
Mr. Green. Thank you for the insight and feedback. You do credit to Kershaw. I have one blade out of two that needs sharpening. Scary sharp would be fine, but more than that the grind is crooked.

Nothing is going to be perfect that is made by man. As long as Kershaw provides honest, decent and professional people like yourself and Thomas W. to help make adjustments to this new and exicting project you won't hear me complain. My confidence is high mostly due to the way this is being dealt with.

Question? What is the proceedure to get these to you and what kind of turnaround can we expect? Joe L.
 
Thanks Craig. Since the ZDP Leek fairly laughs at my EdgePro's coarse stone I was using a coarse diamond hone glued to a stone blank to re-profile the blade. I bought a set of the cheap 2"x6" hones from Harbor Fakes and cut them to 1"x6". Unfortunately they're the ones with the perforated surface -- I found out just how fragile the Leek's tip can be when it hung up in the hone and broke off. After one very loud expletive (thank God the wife wasn't home) I took it out to the belt grinder. The blade is now ground with a 15 degree back bevel and a primary of 19 degrees with a 21 degree micro-bevel. While grinding in the new tip I lifted the handle a bit so the tip is at roughly 25 degrees -- and the tip's ground to a less acute point than it once had. It now push cuts and shaves almost as well as my ZDP Caly Jr. at 15 degrees.

Here's the new tip -- we'll see how well it holds up. The factory tip was better looking, but this one should be stouter:
tip.jpg


Mark
 
Well I just got mine today From Mike at GP knives
He held one back for me Knowing that I had been asking for them Forever.
Mine was shaving sharp:) All is good here, out of the 34 that he received they where all spoken for. I can’t believe how hot this knife is.
-Eric
 
I've been reading the posts in this thread with some interest. I received my "Titanium ZDP Leek" today, and all is well. I use a pretty simple (but standard, for me) procedure to test sharpness. I cut newsprint and judge sharpness by how easily the blade passes through the fibers. In my judgment, the Leek is sharp. Compared to my recently purchased "G10 Leek," the Speedsafe opening of the ZDP Leek is NOT as "snappy." Still, it's snappy enough. My example does not not exhibit any popping or clicking when the torsion bar is compressed, and the blade is well centered in the frame when closed. The overall fit and finish are very good.

The only modification I made to it was to move the spring pocket clip so that I could carry the knife in a tip-up orientation. People will disagree, of course, but that's the orientation I prefer. After doing that, the knife rides a little higher (i.e., more visible) in the pocket. That's not a big deal for me.

Bottom line...I like the knife. I'll probably purchase another as a gift for my brother.

My only recommendation... When re-orienting the pocket clip, I had to remove the torx screws. Ironically (I think), I had to use my Benchmade torx wrench kit because there was no torx wrench included with the Leek. I think it would be worthwhile for Kershaw to consider including such a wrench so that users can easilty remove the clip screws if desired.
 
MeDoctor that is a beautiful hand ground edge. Mine never end up that pretty. I like what you did with the tip.

I too am VERY impressed with Kershaw's reaction to this small problem. I was already impressed with your products, but you have won a lifetime customer with your customer service. Being in the customer service business myself I know how difficult it can be to make everyone happy, but you guys are going the extra mile.
 
Hi all,

Well it looks like some are happy with the factory edge, and others are not. If you send them in, we will turn them around in a day, and have them back headed your way. Thanks for the understanding in regards to the edge (and a few clicking) issues. I think we learned a bunch from all of this, and we will be a better manufacturer because of it. Thanks also for the support and encouragement, we are going to continue to try and push the envelope, and offer up some more performance type knives in the near future.
 
Thanks also for the support and encouragement, we are going to continue to try and push the envelope, and offer up some more performance type knives in the near future.
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Thank you Thomas. I'm looking foreward to more special products from Kershaw. The company has made a very desirable product and handled the few complaints with directness and class. That brings repeat buyers, as well as word of mouth advertising.

I hope you don't give up on ZDP because of the problems associated with it. Good luck, Joe L.
 
Absolutely. Put me on the list for the "ZBump" or anything with more belly to it. Ti framelock and no blade coatings.
I could see how this issue with the sharpening could have spun into a flamewar. Thomas and Craig have been nothing but gentlemen.:thumbup:
 
If you guys decide to take a stab at sharpening them yourself don't use a coarse stone . use a medium or medium fine diamond .After you get the desired bevel then switch over to a spyderco profiler stone the brown one . I don't believe the steel is giving you a headache as much as the edge thickness and steep bevels. The guys at Kershaw are trying to do the best they can for you guys and maybe the thicker grind is a bit of an issue.I personaly like this steel ground thin and slightly convexed and have had no problem with chipping or breaking . It just makes most of us that have been in this industry for a while a little nervous to think of grinding a nice thin bevel with a 64-67Rc steel.Especially at the price this stuff sells for.
I really wanted to jump in here and say that the folks at Kershaw will make it right and they are genuinly a great company and a great group of guys and girls .They do genuinly care what you think and are constantly pushing the limits to build a better product. And thats why I stick with them . Even though I don't have a zdp Leek yet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Hint !!!!!!!! Craig!!!!! Thomas!!!!!

Aloha!!!Ken Onion
 
imp said:
I really wanted to jump in here and say that the folks at Kershaw will make it right and they are genuinly a great company and a great group of guys and girls .They do genuinly care what you think and are constantly pushing the limits to build a better product. And thats why I stick with them . Even though I don't have a zdp Leek yet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Hint !!!!!!!! Craig!!!!! Thomas!!!!!

Aloha!!!Ken Onion
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Wow! Ken nice to see you here!

Vassili.
 
Even though I don't have a zdp Leek yet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Hint !!!!!!!! Craig!!!!! Thomas!!!!!
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:eek: Whoopsy, sorry about that Ken, not sure how we missed you. I have one leaving today for you.
You all must feel pretty special getting a one of these Leeks before Ken ;) .
 
Well, I have had mine for a couple of days now and all I can say is "awesome!"

Mine came out of the box click-free and sharp as all get out. I have to agree with Ken Onion who described it as the ultimate EDC. Fit and finish are excellent, blade is as tight as a drum and pictures do not do justice to the contrast between the TI handle and the ZDP blade.

Thomas et all, excellent work!


John
 
jvan said:
Well, I have had mine for a couple of days now and all I can say is "awesome!"

Mine came out of the box click-free and sharp as all get out. I have to agree with Ken Onion who described it as the ultimate EDC. Fit and finish are excellent, blade is as tight as a drum and pictures do not do justice to the contrast between the TI handle and the ZDP blade.

Thomas et all, excellent work!


Got mine today. I will describe it same as above with one exception, my blade was "working sharp" and I understand why it was done this way. It was not sharp enough for me but I took care of that. I pulled mine down to around 12 deg. total with mico-bevel at around 15 deg. I don't claim to be a sharpening guru, but this thing is wicked sharp. Reminds me of the Caly Jr. I had.

Thomas & Co.
Really, thank you so much for bringing this knife to us so fast. I love it!:thumbup:
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