So i just got my first Leek

Joined
Dec 9, 2012
Messages
654
My fiance' got me a Leek for Christmas, and i absolutely love it, will definately be getting more of these. Since i love this knife so much do you guys recommend i check out any other similar knives? If so what are they etc. I am also thinking about getting a ZT 0561, so anything similar to those is appreciated also!!
 
The ZT 0561 is a terrific knife. So is the Leek. But other than the fact that they're both folding knives that incorporate flippers, they're more or less at opposite ends of the spectrum.

Before I'd make any recommendations, the first question I'd ask is what you're going to do with your knives. Are you going to carry and use them or collect and fondle them? If you're going to carry and use them, how much weight do you want to carry around with you? Are you going to clip your knives to your pants or carry them deep in your pocket? Are there any legal restrictions regarding blade length and opening mechanism in your jurisdiction? What blade deployment method works best for you . . . two-handed, single-handed, assisted open, non-assisted open, thumbstud, Spyderhole, flipper, automatic or manual? The list goes on.

As you can see, this isn't an easy decision. And you can end up going through a lot of knives before you find the ones that work best for you. But then a lot of folks around here (myself included) will tell you that it's the journey, not the destination, that counts. :)
 
Last edited:
Thanks! I knew the 561 has almost nothing in common with a leek, just trying to get some ideas, and those are 2 styles of knife i absolutely love. the leeks i dont intend to really carry, i guarantee i will break them lol. the 561 i will probably use somewhat like an EDC. i do like a one hand opening, and spring assist, but its not a crucial thing for me. the knives i have that aren't spring assist, dont bother me at all. I just like the look and feel of the Leek
 
The 561 is a fine knife, I own one and quite frankly it's just about the best knife I've handled yet (currently got a Sebenza in the safe).
Super smooth and very fast action. Ergos are quite good, and very grippy. Blade profile is well balance in between a tactical knife and a EDC.
 
And there's the problem in a nutshell. If I buy an 0561, it will end up in the safe right alongside my large Sebenza. They're both too big for me to carry. Would I be wrong to buy the 0561 anyway? Absolutely not. I purchase some knives to use and others to collect and fondle. That's why I asked the OP what he was planning on using his knives for. So if I read his last post correctly, the thing he likes most about the Leek is the AO. I get it. I'm an AO lover myself. But he wants to EDC somthing more along the lines of an 0561. In that case, I'd probably steer him in the direction of an 0300 or 0350. That's why his intended usage is key.
 
Last edited:
So the 0300 or 0350 would be a better EDC in you're opinion? I have never had any ZT in hand, i just love the look or the 0561, so i may be sticking my foot in my mouth saying i would use it as an EDC haha
 
I EDC the 561 no issues. Sits in my front right pocket, tip up carry.

What bld522 is saying is correct, it is not a small knife however it isn't terribly huge.

Specs are:
1.63" Wide (widest part)
.78" thick (clip to scale)
.57" Thick (scale to scale)
3.79" Blade length
5.12" length (longest portion)
Overall 8.9" length when open.

Weighs in at 6 oz.
 
Leeks are sweet little knives. I have the random Leek with Sandvik steel, and because of the fine grain structure and small carbides, it takes such a fine edge that it makes it great for lighter tasks where a more precise cut is needed.

The wharncliffe blade mixed with a high grit polish was the best tool I've used to slice wrapping paper while gifting up presents a few days ago.
 
So the 0300 or 0350 would be a better EDC in you're opinion? I have never had any ZT in hand, i just love the look or the 0561, so i may be sticking my foot in my mouth saying i would use it as an EDC haha

That's another issue. Sometimes a knife will call out to you even if you KNOW you'll never use it. I've got PLENTY of those kinds of knives right now and I don't really "need" any more of them. I'm actually in the process of getting rid of some of them. You, on the other hand, may be looking to add to your collection. That's what I mean when I say that the journey is everything. :)

The 0561 is a VERY sexy knife. I had a chance to handle one at last year's SHOT Show and I'm here to tell you that you won't be disappointed if you get one. But unlike Luis, it's far too large for me to EDC around the office. I'd have the sheeple scattering in terror at the first sight of it. I've also handled an 0300 and 0350 and they're both very large folders. But with the Speedsafe AO, they open like automatics.
 
Size really isn't an issue for with the field i'm in. i do want to get these knives in hand before i drop any money on them i just dont know of any retailers in my area
 
There's a neat little knife show that takes place in your general neck of the woods once a year. It's called the Blade Show. If I were you, I'd save up all the money I could to spend on knives and meander on over there. You'll have a chance to try out every knife you're interested in and discover a whole bunch more. Here are the particulars:

http://www.bladeshow.com/ehome/index.php?eventid=31379

PS: Seriously, the Blade Show is the world's largest knife show. Looks like the 2013 Show is taking place from May 31st to June 2nd. If I lived within striking distance of it, I'd go there every year without fail.
 
Last edited:
If the lg sebenza is too large the 0561 will feel very large. Try the 0550. Same basic feel, very sturdy and bada$$!
 
Back
Top