Recently purchased a Kershaw Leek, but I have a few questions

J

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So I was never going to buy the leek, because I couldn't justify spending $50 on 14c28n. But I found it on one of our favorite third party vendors for $25 including shipping so I got it. And for that price I'm extremely happy with it. Only...that tip scares the s**t out of me. I thought my spyderco Delica had a thin blade profile. But this leek is even more so. I feel like I can snap it just by bending it with my finger.

I'm probably not going to edc this as much, or just use it for the lightest tasks. Like cutting open mail or slicing tape from boxes of future knife purchases. I think te speed assist is good, I like how it feels in the hand and everything else.

I'm curious what you use your leek for?

I'm starting to think maybe the kershaw thermite would have been a better choice.

Any input is good input, thanks!
 
The leek is more durable than you think. Its not a chopper or a prybar. But that thin blade is steel. Try it out on fruits and vegetables. Slice up bread, cheese, and sausage. Cut apart a cardboard box.
 
I used to EDC a Leek and never had a problem with the tip, although I'm not what you'd consider a "heavy duty" user. Lots of forumites swear by the Leek. I don't think it would have the following it has if the tip was that prone to breaking. Remind yourself, "Hey, its a $25 knife!", and have fun.

The Thermite is a great knife for the money too, although the Leek has better materials and F&F. If you like the slim profile of the Leek, but want a little heavier blade, check out the Skyline.
 
The early delicas had a similarly thin tip, it sounds like the one you're comparing the leek to is the more common "robust" version thats been out for a while now. There aren't a ton of knives with very thin pointy tips like the leek so its nice that Kershaw didn't nerf the design for the masses.

They're definitely more robust than they look, just don't pry anything with it. Leeks are great box cutters though and perfect for an office type edc, 14c28 is a fantastic steel too but you'll only discover that after using it for a while.
 
I have the 14c28n Leek and the Elmax Leek, and haven't had any issues with either one. I've been using the 14c28n Leek quite hard, cutting zipties, cutting cables, making holes in drywall (dulled the heck out of it, but the tip was just fine). That 14c28n Sandvik is quite tough, don't worry.
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I don't particularly like the Leek, but the tip should be fine unless you're prying or stabbing things then torqueing the blade.
 
I hate the Leek, and sold mine, but never had reason to doubt its strength or durability.


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I carried a Leek for a long time, one in 12C27 and another in 13C28 and they are good knives. I have never broken a tip. I did ding on when I dropped it accidentally, but it was easy to fix. Also, I have knives in 14C28N and I think you will find that you will love it. It will hold a razor edge longer than a lot of super steels like S30V but then it will dull faster after that. But, then it is easy to get back to razor sharp, too.
Just make certain that safety is torked down enough not to let the blade come open in your pocket!
 
The Leek is a great little knife, as long as you're not cutting up cars with it.
 
Esav Benyamin said:
The leek is more durable than you think. Its not a chopper or a prybar. But that thin blade is steel. Try it out on fruits and vegetables. Slice up bread, cheese, and sausage. Cut apart a cardboard box.
Click to expand...

Agree. You will come to love the blade shape. The sharp tip comes in handy.
 
The leek is my favorite pocket knife. I have the 13c26 (AEBL) version, and the tip is awesome, as well as the steel/heat treat. 14c28 is an excellent steel as well.
 
Another thing to mention is that the flat-ground leeks (composite and Elmax) have a somewhat more robust tip while still keeping that needle profile. And that needle tip is fantastic for removing splinters.
 
The composite blade Leek (D2 edge, 14C28N spine) has probably been my most carried knife over the last few years. It is deceptively tough, despite its thin profile. I've used mine to break down some fairly heavy boxes (double and triple walled cardboard) and even used a slight prying motion to cut zip ties off bundles of cables with no issues. It may be less forgiving if you do happen to use it for prying or as a screwdriver, or if it happens to fall tip-first onto a hard surface. But under normal use, it should hold up fine.
 
EricV said:
The early delicas had a similarly thin tip, it sounds like the one you're comparing the leek to is the more common "robust" version thats been out for a while now. There aren't a ton of knives with very thin pointy tips like the leek so its nice that Kershaw didn't nerf the design for the masses.

They're definitely more robust than they look, just don't pry anything with it. Leeks are great box cutters though and perfect for an office type edc, 14c28 is a fantastic steel too but you'll only discover that after using it for a while.
Click to expand...
Correct, I have the most recent Delica, ffg/frn
 
I don't own a Leek but have cause to use a friend's a lot. It has a composite blade. I love it and mention it here occasionally. It's the first knife I recommend to anyone asking about a small, inexpensive gent's blade. I never thought of it as 'delicate.'

You should cut some tuff stuff with it to put your fears to rest.
 
Ya that thing slices like a boss! mainly use mine for mail and cutting the foam in my pelican case. I wouldn't worry about breaking it, unless your prying something lol
 
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