Recent Budget Folder Haul + Kershaw Leek Question

[Egnar T Seinnhoj]

So I've recently just purchased quite a few budget folders (8 different ones for $100 shipped. If you're interested in individual prices paid out of curiosity I can post those too since I'm fairly certain I got some really good deals all around). Being that I've never cared for folders until recently, I wanted go for high value knives just to try some different blades/materials and see what works for me before I really start to invest top dollar. Kershaw, of course, has earned a fan here which will eventually pull me to the ZTs. I'll post a list and total price at the end of the post with pics to come as I find the time to take some.

Here's the question part. One of these is a used Kershaw 1660CKTST. It's in decent shape, works like new but the paint job is pretty scratched up. I'd like to fix the finish and make it look a bit more presentable but of course I have no idea where to begin. If anyone has experience with this or knows a good place that can fix the finish, I'd appreciate any help you can offer.

• Kershaw Tremor 1950ST
• Kershaw Asset 1930STX
• Kershaw Leek 1660CKTST
• Gerber Bear Grylls Scout with...
• ...Gerber Bear Grylls Compact Scout
• CRKT Hammond Desert Cruiser
• Sanrenmu 710
• Sanrenmu 734

I also wouldn't mind hearing opinions on these knives if you own or have owned them. I'm always up to read opinions.

Thanks in advance, guys (or gals.)

 

[DShiflet]

• Kershaw Tremor 1950ST
• Kershaw Asset 1930STX
• Kershaw Leek 1660CKTST
• Gerber Bear Grylls Scout with...
• ...Gerber Bear Grylls Compact Scout
• CRKT Hammond Desert Cruiser
• Sanrenmu 710
• Sanrenmu 734

Asset, Tremor, and Leek are all very nice knives for their prices, Kershaw knives are great bang for the buck. Never used the Bear Grylls stuff, but a lot of it has a reputation as being pretty bad. Not sure about that specific one though. Sanrenmu are generally considered good budget folders as well, I intend to try them out down the line(I thought about getting one last week in fact, then passed in favor of an Enlan). Don't know anything about the CRKT either way.

 

[flatblackcapo]

The only thing I can think to do with your leek would be strip off all of the DLC coating.Then you could polish if you like that look or you could acid etch and stonewash it.

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This is what my Leek looks like after the acid etch/stonewash.It did not have the DLC coating though.

 

[darkangel55555]

to flatblackcapo's suggestion, the matte black finish will not be restored without stripping and recoating anyway, may as well have a more durable finish that hides the scratches, scuffs and dents of regular everyday use.

 

[Egnar T Seinnhoj]

Yeah that stonewashed look is pretty nice. Might have to go along with that.

I know the Bear Grylls line doesn't have too good of a reputation but I couldn't pass it up for the price I paid. If nothing else it'll be a collectible for me being a Bear fan.

I really like my CRKT Desert Cruiser. The clip options are great but I can't say much about the steel until I use it quite a bit more.

Should have noted that a few of these haven't arrived just yet but of those that have, the Tremor has become a fast favorite.

Thanks for the responses everyone.

 

[DShiflet]

Yeah that stonewashed look is pretty nice. Might have to go along with that.

I know the Bear Grylls line doesn't have too good of a reputation but I couldn't pass it up for the price I paid. If nothing else it'll be a collectible for me being a Bear fan.

I really like my CRKT Desert Cruiser. The clip options are great but I can't say much about the steel until I use it quite a bit more.

Should have noted that a few of these haven't arrived just yet but of those that have, the Tremor has become a fast favorite.

Thanks for the responses everyone.

The Tremor is my favorite of the 3 I own, but I am pretty partial to big blades, and the Tremor is a pretty hefty knife(esp for it's price). That one's actually been discontinued now too, so they may get a bit harder to find once places current stock dwindles down. The CRKT has a nice look to it(I may pick one up at some point), and the steel is pretty much the same as what the Kershaw uses on their budget knives(I have the CRKT Ripple and Premonition, both with the same steel), so, easy to sharpen and can get very sharp, but does tend to lose the edge faster than more premium steels. But at $20-ish a knife, I can live with that, lol.

 

[Egnar T Seinnhoj]

The Tremor is my favorite of the 3 I own, but I am pretty partial to big blades, and the Tremor is a pretty hefty knife(esp for it's price). That one's actually been discontinued now too, so they may get a bit harder to find once places current stock dwindles down. The CRKT has a nice look to it(I may pick one up at some point), and the steel is pretty much the same as what the Kershaw uses on their budget knives(I have the CRKT Ripple and Premonition, both with the same steel), so, easy to sharpen and can get very sharp, but does tend to lose the edge faster than more premium steels. But at $20-ish a knife, I can live with that, lol.

Agreed. I found out the Cruisers have been discontinued for a while also.

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Here are some of the pics I promised just in case someone wanted to see them.