Non assisted Leek alternative

A

augustus88

Joined
Oct 13, 2006
Messages
781
I'm looking for a non assisted Kershaw Leek alternative. The knife needs to be a modern, one hand opening folder $70 or under and similar to a Leek in blade shape and overall size. Narrow pointy tip with little if any belly. Unfortunately the Leek's handle is too thin and slippery for my specific need. The knife will be used in damp or sweaty situations where easy one handed closing is crucial.

I purchased a Kershaw AM-3 in hopes of being able to de-assist, but there's no detent hole on the blade. The Speed Safe is softer than the Leek, but I really need zero tension on the blade when closing. Seems like every knife that fits most of my needs is assisted. $&#%!

Suggestions?
 
Kershaw Skyline. it's unassisted and is small like the leek. It might have too much belly for you, but otherwise I think it fits with your requirements.
 
The Spyderco Wharncliffe Delica has no belly, and if the tip is not pointy enough for you a few minutes with a grinder will take care of it.
 
Thanks for the suggestions. In order to make either of those knives work, I have to hit them with a grinder. I was hoping to avoid that. Seems like every slender(height) pointy bladed knife I keep finding is assisted. The AM-3 would be perfect with a detent and no assist.
 
i was just going to recommend the AM-3... tho it only has 8cr blade steel, if you dont care, it should work fine.
 
crkt jettison? Don't own one, but it fits your wish list. BTW - there are two sizes.
 
Thanks for the additional suggestions guys.

The most important features I'm looking for are a thin(spine to cutting edge not stock thickness) pointy blade. One handed opening and closing with no assist.

I purchased the AM-3 and it's assisted, but easier to close than the Leek. 8cr13mov is fine. I'm looking for a knife that's not going to bother me much if I drop or lose it.

The CRKT Jettison and OKC Carter prime are too tall from spine to cutting edge.

I tried the Boker Urban Trapper and it was nice, but too thin and dainty for my large hands. It was too light and tended to fly out of my pocket when going after keys.

The Kizer Sunburst looks like it may be a winner! Thin pointy blade with no assist and the orange version would be easy to spot if I drop it in an accessible spot. Wish they made a 3" version, but 3.5" will probably work.
 
I would get a kahr arms delica and have one of the modes o the forum put a flat grind I it. A cold steel tuff lite would be a good alternative as well the "tip" on it surprisingly works well.
 
I appreciate the suggestions, but Both of those knives have tall, fat, stubby, blades. I need the combination of very little to no belly and hardly any vertical blade height like the Leek. Why does Kershaw insist on designing so many assisted knives that can't be de-assisted?

I wish the Kizer Splinter was $50 cheaper!

Any other ideas?
 
Des Horn looks perfect, but it's double my budget. Seems like there's not a lot of options that fit my needs in this price range.
 
Crkt Swindle:
crkt-ken-onion-swindle-k240xxp.jpg

crkt-k241xxp-swindle.jpg


Spyderco Kiwi 4: Can be found second hand cheaper.
Spyderco-kiwi-g10-folder.jpg
 
I'll second the Swindle suggestion!
Got mine for less than $40 and it is a fantastic flipper!!
So so blade steel, but it feels like a much more expensive knife!
Joe
 
Taking the assist spring out of the Leek eliminates blade retention because there's no detent hole. The blade swings open freely and I don't want to fiddle with the safety.

Basically I need a one hand deployed pocket scalpel that I can access on a rock climb, waist deep in swamp water or 20' up in a tree. All in sweaty or damp conditions. I don't want to fiddle with safety switches or fight assist springs.
 
I understand. I was not trying to come off as a smart---, and realized my post may have sounded that way.

I just got a Kershaw not too long ago and managed to break the assist spring.

While waiting to hear from the company, I drilled a detent indent into the blade and polished the washers. This made it into a very acceptable flipper.

I have a new spring in it now, but I'm very happy in knowing that, should the spring break again, it'll revert to a safe manual knife.

Regards,

Josh
 
No problem I didn't take your post as a smart___ comment. I was just clarifying what I need and why I didn't de-assist the Leek.

What drill bit did you use on the Leek? Mine is the D2 version. I have a heavy duty drill press, but haven't had much luck drilling hardened steel.
 
To drill, I used a couple old carbide drills, about 3/32", that I was replacing anyway.

You'll want to use low speed, use plenty of lube, and pause often. I actually monitor the blade temp with my fingers, but I won't recommend others do this due to the risk of being cut.

Regards,

Josh
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top