Sized like a Leek, but a bit different

D

dgaddis

Joined
Dec 26, 2018
Messages
77
Howdy there folks, I've done some lurking here and learned a lot, and have a question, hoping y'all can make some recommendations. Basically I'm looking for a light weight, small volume gentleman's folder. And yes, I realize this whole search is a total first world problems thing.

I've been thinking about getting a nicer pocket knife since going down the rabbit hole in research, and I've got $150 in Amazon gift cards for Christmas gifts soooooo...... But I wouldn't mind buying elsewhere if what I want isn't on Amazon.

Currently I carry a Leek with a Pop's deep carry clip. Honestly, it's a nearly perfect knife for me...but, if I were putting together the "perfect" knife (for me), it would be a bit different, and I'm wondering what might be out there that fits the bill. What I like about the Leek ::

Mainly the size, both the thickness of the handle (only 0.35"), and the short height/width - at it's "tallest" it's just under an inch. What that means is in my pocket this thing is basically invisible. It's so thin it doesn't bulge out, and I can't feel it pressing into my hip. And since it's so short when I reach into my pocket for my keys I usually don't even come in contact with the knife at all. I literally forget it's there unless I need it. I love that about it.

I also really like the thin blade, only 0.9". I work in an office and I'm not doing any hard use with this thing, so I don't need a stout blade. Mine has the standard 14C28N steel, something better would be nice.

I'm not in love with the blade shape, I'd prefer something with a bit more belly (spear point or drop point or similar), but I do like that super thin pointy tip. A true flat ground blade would be my preference.

I like flippers, but wouldn't mind the simplicity of a manual instead of the assist.

I love that the Leek is made in the USA.

A deep carry clip is a must, I don't like having the knife sticking out of my pocket, hence the aftermarket deep carry clip I added to the Leek. I don't care if the clip is black or silver.

Carbon fiber or a nice wooden handle would be nice. Titanium would be okay too. I don't want plastic or FRN, while functionally fine, it just looks and feels cheap IMO.

I care less about weight, more about 'volume'. The Leek is 3oz, which isn't super light, but it's really low volume, which I love.

The Massdrop x Ferrum Forge Gent Select is pretty much perfect on paper - thin handle, thin blade, good steel, nice blade shape, minimalist deep carry clip, bearings and a flipper tab. But it's not available on Amazon (tho if it's really the best option...I may get it anyways), and I've read some mixed reviews on the build quality.

The ZT-0450 (standard or carbon version) is nice too. Great action, thin handle, good steel, but I'd prefer a thinner blade and a flat grind, and it doesn't come with a deep carry clip. There is an aftermarket deep carry clip, but that just increases the price on an already spendy knife.

And, there's the newer Leek w/the carbon scales and CPM-154 steel. It's only $80, and I can just move my deep carry clip over to it. That's a really compelling choice too.

The Boker Plus Urban Trapper Petite 42 is also compelling. It's the right size, the right blade shape, good (better than I have at least) steel, bearings, and either a wood or carbon scales, and has a deep carry clip. But it's made in China, I'd prefer made in the USA. Reviews seem to be a bit mixed. The flat headed counter sunk clip screws are a really nice touch. Amazon has the wood handled version for only $80...but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't temped by the carbon version on BladesHQ for $110. Then I could use my Amazon gift cards on Work Sharp Ken Onion sharpener, which I don't really need, but..., well, y'all know how it is.

I'd say right now I'm down to either the Boker Petite or the carbon scaled Leek. Or just not buying anything at until I really need it, because I don't need a new knife. But the heart wants what the heart wants.

WHAT SAY YOU KNIFE NERDS??? And I mean that with all respect. Thanks for reading this far haha.

So, here's the wish list summary:
  • MUST HAVES:
    • 3"-ish long blade (give or take a half inch)
    • Thin blade, close to or thinner than the Leek (0.09")
    • A bit higher end steel (VG10, S35VN, etc). Not particular on the exact steel used, edge retention is more important than sharpen-ability (but I still need to be able to resharpen it myself). Corrosion resistance doesn't matter, anything available now is more than good enough for me.
    • No recurve on the edge
    • Flipper tab
    • Thin handle (as close to the 0.35" thickness of the Leek as possible)
    • Wood, carbon, or titanium handle (or scales)
    • Short handle width/height, again, as close to the Leek (1.0") as possible, smaller is fine
    • Deep carry clip
    • Simple/minimalist design
    • Under $150
  • WOULD BE REALLY NICE TO HAVE:
    • Spear point or drop point blade shape
    • Flat ground blade
    • Manual flipper on bearings
    • Made in the USA
    • Available on Amazon
And since every thread is better with pics, here's my Leek. These were taken shortly after I got it, it's showing a bit of wear now (which I don't mind, patina is the sign of a well used tool IMO).

OCcp71ah.jpg


wPni3Trh.jpg


muDgBBzh.jpg
 
An upcoming Laconico EZC run is planned to be a US production. That will likely fit all of your parameters.
 
Just a few personal thoughts about the steel end.

vg10 is not an improvement over 14c28n, in fact, given a choice I prefer 14c28n.
cpm-154 is an upgrade since it's a pm steel, while the non-pm version, 154cm, is worse than 14c28n (imho)

Now that's out of the way, amazon is not the place you want to buy a high end quality knife: they have inventory control problems. There are documented historical cases where they have switched fulfillment from a 'good vendor/store' with a return from another vendor (which may be questionable in terms of knock-off status). TL/DR you can't really trust amazon (imho). Do some background reading on these forums. Here is a link from just recently about part of amazon's problem: https://slashdot.org/story/18/12/13...-how-you-end-up-purchasing-some-of-them-again

Next up, what's better than a Leek? I have not found a better slicer, unless you want to count Opinel (which I believe are the only one's you'll find with under 0.09" blade thickness). They are not automatic, or even 1 handed openable, and the wood handles are definitely too thick compared to a leek.

Best I can think of, cts-xhp blade on a spydy chaparral for about $130
C152CFP.jpg
 
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dgaddis said:
Not really. Looking at the sold out one on BladesHQ, the blade is nearly twice the thickness of a Leek (0.16" vs 0.09"), it doesn't have a deep carry clip, and the US-produced version has price tag of $400, which is waaaay outside my price range! It is a great looking knife though.
Click to expand...
I didn't realize the EZC is that much thicker than the Leek. I'm on the wait list for one. I think MBK has two runs planned. One from a Chinese manufacturer (Kizer?) for $225 and the $400 US run.
 
Benchmade 485, 531, Arcane maybe?? if you can find one cheaper.
Deep carry clips are available either from BM or aftermarket on the 531 and would still be under your price point.
 
I would avoid buying knives on Amazon due to the clone epidemic on Amazon and eBay. Of course not everyone is but it's fairly common. Better to have piece of mind. It's basically Ali express these days though.
 
If it's still made, the SOG mini-aegis hits many of those check boxes. Honestly, I don't know too much in the size range of the leek as far as thinness. It's a bit unique in the thin blade, thin carry, flipper tab.

Closest I can think of would be to get a newer CF leek that has the nicer steel and have it modified to your liking. A blade regrind, at least the tip, shouldn't be too expensive but getting a flat grind would be difficult.

Some that are close but a little bigger:
ZT 0450
Boker urban trapper, there are a few models/sizes so maybe one is actually quite close.
kizer splinter
kizer sealion
boker mini kwaiken
Looks like WE knives might have a few based on what I see at blade HQ but not sure if they're available on Amazon. I'm not familiar with the brand personally but have heard good things.
 
I have bought a lot of knives on Amazon and I am convinced I have never received a clone. I have received a clearly used knife (once) so I returned it. In fact returns are the reason I will continue to buy from Amazon. I have returned more knives than I have kept. It’s a great way to hold a knife and play with it and decide if it’s the one for you. If it is not, all it takes is two or three clicks to print a return label and a trip to the ups store to drop off the package. Usually within 2-3 hours of dropping off at the ups store the refund is in my account and I can start shopping for the next knife.

With that said I have purchased a Kizer Fiest and a Spyderco Chaparral in Rafir Noble for under 150 on Amazon that I would recommend and one of my favorites a Spyderco Mantra. The Mantra is a little more than your price range but you get M4 steel, titanium and a super slicer. The flipping action is only ok but that does not bother me because the flicking action is superb.

I hope my thoughts help with your quest
 
dgaddis said:
Howdy there folks, I've done some lurking here and learned a lot, and have a question, hoping y'all can make some recommendations. Basically I'm looking for a light weight, small volume gentleman's folder. And yes, I realize this whole search is a total first world problems thing.

I've been thinking about getting a nicer pocket knife since going down the rabbit hole in research, and I've got $150 in Amazon gift cards for Christmas gifts soooooo...... But I wouldn't mind buying elsewhere if what I want isn't on Amazon.

Currently I carry a Leek with a Pop's deep carry clip. Honestly, it's a nearly perfect knife for me...but, if I were putting together the "perfect" knife (for me), it would be a bit different, and I'm wondering what might be out there that fits the bill. What I like about the Leek ::

Mainly the size, both the thickness of the handle (only 0.35"), and the short height/width - at it's "tallest" it's just under an inch. What that means is in my pocket this thing is basically invisible. It's so thin it doesn't bulge out, and I can't feel it pressing into my hip. And since it's so short when I reach into my pocket for my keys I usually don't even come in contact with the knife at all. I literally forget it's there unless I need it. I love that about it.

I also really like the thin blade, only 0.9". I work in an office and I'm not doing any hard use with this thing, so I don't need a stout blade. Mine has the standard 14C28N steel, something better would be nice.

I'm not in love with the blade shape, I'd prefer something with a bit more belly (spear point or drop point or similar), but I do like that super thin pointy tip. A true flat ground blade would be my preference.

I like flippers, but wouldn't mind the simplicity of a manual instead of the assist.

I love that the Leek is made in the USA.

A deep carry clip is a must, I don't like having the knife sticking out of my pocket, hence the aftermarket deep carry clip I added to the Leek. I don't care if the clip is black or silver.

Carbon fiber or a nice wooden handle would be nice. Titanium would be okay too. I don't want plastic or FRN, while functionally fine, it just looks and feels cheap IMO.

I care less about weight, more about 'volume'. The Leek is 3oz, which isn't super light, but it's really low volume, which I love.

The Massdrop x Ferrum Forge Gent Select is pretty much perfect on paper - thin handle, thin blade, good steel, nice blade shape, minimalist deep carry clip, bearings and a flipper tab. But it's not available on Amazon (tho if it's really the best option...I may get it anyways), and I've read some mixed reviews on the build quality.

The ZT-0450 (standard or carbon version) is nice too. Great action, thin handle, good steel, but I'd prefer a thinner blade and a flat grind, and it doesn't come with a deep carry clip. There is an aftermarket deep carry clip, but that just increases the price on an already spendy knife.

And, there's the newer Leek w/the carbon scales and CPM-154 steel. It's only $80, and I can just move my deep carry clip over to it. That's a really compelling choice too.

The Boker Plus Urban Trapper Petite 42 is also compelling. It's the right size, the right blade shape, good (better than I have at least) steel, bearings, and either a wood or carbon scales, and has a deep carry clip. But it's made in China, I'd prefer made in the USA. Reviews seem to be a bit mixed. The flat headed counter sunk clip screws are a really nice touch. Amazon has the wood handled version for only $80...but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't temped by the carbon version on BladesHQ for $110. Then I could use my Amazon gift cards on Work Sharp Ken Onion sharpener, which I don't really need, but..., well, y'all know how it is.

I'd say right now I'm down to either the Boker Petite or the carbon scaled Leek. Or just not buying anything at until I really need it, because I don't need a new knife. But the heart wants what the heart wants.

WHAT SAY YOU KNIFE NERDS??? And I mean that with all respect. Thanks for reading this far haha.

So, here's the wish list summary:
  • MUST HAVES:
    • 3"-ish long blade (give or take a half inch)
    • Thin blade, close to or thinner than the Leek (0.09")
    • A bit higher end steel (VG10, S35VN, etc). Not particular on the exact steel used, edge retention is more important than sharpen-ability (but I still need to be able to resharpen it myself). Corrosion resistance doesn't matter, anything available now is more than good enough for me.
    • No recurve on the edge
    • Flipper tab
    • Thin handle (as close to the 0.35" thickness of the Leek as possible)
    • Wood, carbon, or titanium handle (or scales)
    • Short handle width/height, again, as close to the Leek (1.0") as possible, smaller is fine
    • Deep carry clip
    • Simple/minimalist design
    • Under $150
  • WOULD BE REALLY NICE TO HAVE:
    • Spear point or drop point blade shape
    • Flat ground blade
    • Manual flipper on bearings
    • Made in the USA
    • Available on Amazon
And since every thread is better with pics, here's my Leek. These were taken shortly after I got it, it's showing a bit of wear now (which I don't mind, patina is the sign of a well used tool IMO).

OCcp71ah.jpg


wPni3Trh.jpg


muDgBBzh.jpg
Click to expand...
 
AGRussell Gentlemen's Framelock
ZT 450
Lionsteel TRE
Boker Plus FR
Buck Vantage pro small
 
Kershaw USA Made Blade Exclusive Knockout M390 Stonewashed.

3"-ish long blade (give or take a half inch)... It's 3.25 inch;

A bit higher end steel (VG10, S35VN, etc)... Bohler M390;

No recurve on the edge, flipper tab, simple/minimalist design, under $150; Yep, all of those;

Drop point, flat ground, Made in USA... Yes, very close, and yes again;

Available on Amazon? No.... but screw Amazon. Buy yourself some skis or a brewing kit or something else from Amazon...

But buy this knife from Whitty at USA Made Blade. It'll knock your socks off and support a good knife purveyor.
 
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Thumbs up for wanting a USA built knife. Narrows down the choices. I would have no problem with buying off Amazon or ebay. If by chance the knife wasn't an original or not described accurately you just return it. Neither organization is Ali express. Not sure where that came from,
 
dgaddis said:
Howdy there folks, I've done some lurking here and learned a lot, and have a question, hoping y'all can make some recommendations. Basically I'm looking for a light weight, small volume gentleman's folder. And yes, I realize this whole search is a total first world problems thing.

I've been thinking about getting a nicer pocket knife since going down the rabbit hole in research, and I've got $150 in Amazon gift cards for Christmas gifts soooooo...... But I wouldn't mind buying elsewhere if what I want isn't on Amazon.

Currently I carry a Leek with a Pop's deep carry clip. Honestly, it's a nearly perfect knife for me...but, if I were putting together the "perfect" knife (for me), it would be a bit different, and I'm wondering what might be out there that fits the bill. What I like about the Leek ::

Mainly the size, both the thickness of the handle (only 0.35"), and the short height/width - at it's "tallest" it's just under an inch. What that means is in my pocket this thing is basically invisible. It's so thin it doesn't bulge out, and I can't feel it pressing into my hip. And since it's so short when I reach into my pocket for my keys I usually don't even come in contact with the knife at all. I literally forget it's there unless I need it. I love that about it.

I also really like the thin blade, only 0.9". I work in an office and I'm not doing any hard use with this thing, so I don't need a stout blade. Mine has the standard 14C28N steel, something better would be nice.

I'm not in love with the blade shape, I'd prefer something with a bit more belly (spear point or drop point or similar), but I do like that super thin pointy tip. A true flat ground blade would be my preference.

I like flippers, but wouldn't mind the simplicity of a manual instead of the assist.

I love that the Leek is made in the USA.

A deep carry clip is a must, I don't like having the knife sticking out of my pocket, hence the aftermarket deep carry clip I added to the Leek. I don't care if the clip is black or silver.

Carbon fiber or a nice wooden handle would be nice. Titanium would be okay too. I don't want plastic or FRN, while functionally fine, it just looks and feels cheap IMO.

I care less about weight, more about 'volume'. The Leek is 3oz, which isn't super light, but it's really low volume, which I love.

The Massdrop x Ferrum Forge Gent Select is pretty much perfect on paper - thin handle, thin blade, good steel, nice blade shape, minimalist deep carry clip, bearings and a flipper tab. But it's not available on Amazon (tho if it's really the best option...I may get it anyways), and I've read some mixed reviews on the build quality.

The ZT-0450 (standard or carbon version) is nice too. Great action, thin handle, good steel, but I'd prefer a thinner blade and a flat grind, and it doesn't come with a deep carry clip. There is an aftermarket deep carry clip, but that just increases the price on an already spendy knife.

And, there's the newer Leek w/the carbon scales and CPM-154 steel. It's only $80, and I can just move my deep carry clip over to it. That's a really compelling choice too.

The Boker Plus Urban Trapper Petite 42 is also compelling. It's the right size, the right blade shape, good (better than I have at least) steel, bearings, and either a wood or carbon scales, and has a deep carry clip. But it's made in China, I'd prefer made in the USA. Reviews seem to be a bit mixed. The flat headed counter sunk clip screws are a really nice touch. Amazon has the wood handled version for only $80...but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't temped by the carbon version on BladesHQ for $110. Then I could use my Amazon gift cards on Work Sharp Ken Onion sharpener, which I don't really need, but..., well, y'all know how it is.

I'd say right now I'm down to either the Boker Petite or the carbon scaled Leek. Or just not buying anything at until I really need it, because I don't need a new knife. But the heart wants what the heart wants.

WHAT SAY YOU KNIFE NERDS??? And I mean that with all respect. Thanks for reading this far haha.

So, here's the wish list summary:
  • MUST HAVES:
    • 3"-ish long blade (give or take a half inch)
    • Thin blade, close to or thinner than the Leek (0.09")
    • A bit higher end steel (VG10, S35VN, etc). Not particular on the exact steel used, edge retention is more important than sharpen-ability (but I still need to be able to resharpen it myself). Corrosion resistance doesn't matter, anything available now is more than good enough for me.
    • No recurve on the edge
    • Flipper tab
    • Thin handle (as close to the 0.35" thickness of the Leek as possible)
    • Wood, carbon, or titanium handle (or scales)
    • Short handle width/height, again, as close to the Leek (1.0") as possible, smaller is fine
    • Deep carry clip
    • Simple/minimalist design
    • Under $150
  • WOULD BE REALLY NICE TO HAVE:
    • Spear point or drop point blade shape
    • Flat ground blade
    • Manual flipper on bearings
    • Made in the USA
    • Available on Amazon
And since every thread is better with pics, here's my Leek. These were taken shortly after I got it, it's showing a bit of wear now (which I don't mind, patina is the sign of a well used tool IMO).

OCcp71ah.jpg


wPni3Trh.jpg


muDgBBzh.jpg
Click to expand...

I have a lot of the knives you are talking about, and I really think a carbon fiber Spyderco Chaparral or carbon fiber (or rosewood) Ferrum Forge Gent would be right up your alley! Personally, I'd go with the CF Chaparral.

Both the CF Chaparral and CF Gent feature very thin blade stock (the Chappy is .08" and the Gent .13") with a wonderful full flat grind. Both have a good amount more belly than the Leek. Both are very light, coming in right around 2.5oz. The Chaparral features CTS-XHP steel and the Gent CPM-S35VN... Both upgrades over the (fantastic) 14c28n used in the standard Leek. Both feature deep carry clips, although I much prefer the wire clip on the Chaparral. Both have phenomenally thin handles with the CF Chaparral measuring .34" and the Gent .4". By my measurement, the Gent is about 15/16" at it's widest point while closed (not including the flipper tab), while the Chaparral is about 1 3/8" at it's widest point while closed. Nevertheless, the Chaparral seems to disappear in my pocket a bit better than the Gent. I think it is because of the superior pocket clip on the Chaparral which keeps it tucked into the corner of my pocket. Neither are made in the U.S., which is about the only "negative" I can think of. You can also pick up the titanium version of the Chaparral at a steep discount since it has been discontinued.

Regarding the build quality of the Massdrop X Ferrum Forge Gent, I don't think you have anything to worry about there. The only problem I've really heard about is the pivot screw coming loose after several days of constant flipping. Nothing a dab of blue Loctite can't fix. The build quality and fit & finish on mine is superb. You'll have to go through @Massdrop for the Gent, but I wouldn't worry about that either. They recently became a supporting Dealer Membership here at BF and have an active rep. :D

I really LOVE both the Chaparral and the Gent, but I give the nod to the Chaparral because of the thinner blade stock, better pocket clip, and better (for me) ergonomics... I also prefer CTS-XHP over CPM-S35VN, but that's as much a preference as the ergonomics. The FRN Chaparral is such a wonderful work knife and the carbon fiber and titanium version bring the model to another level... Not sure if that would outweigh the lack of flipping action on the Chaparral or not for you. I do think the Gent looks a touch more classy though, if that's important and the titanium framelock is also a nice touch on the Gent for the price.

The CF/CPM-154 Leek is an incredible knife and one of my all time favorites! The steel sharpens up nicely and stays sharp for a decent amount of time. The carbon fiber is REALLY well done and feels wonderful in the hand. The only reasons I wouldn't recommend it over the Chaparral or Gent is because you're not too fond of the blade shape and because most of the aftermarket deep carry clips really change the way the the Leek feels in the hand in my opinion. It is a tad bit thicker than the standard framelock Leek too.

The M390 Dividend is also one of my favorites! It features the best steel of the bunch (in my opinion) and is an incredible value. It also has a bit more belly than the Leek. The reason I don't recommend it over the Chaparral or the Gent is because it doesn't disappear in the pocket nearly as well as the three previously mentioned knives, and because the aftermarket deep carry pocket clips change the ergonomics.

PKXkBpO.jpg

0GJe81P.jpg
 
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