kershaw clash or leek?

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Mar 2, 2011
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K so which knife would you guys prefer for general use? cutting through boxes and things like that, and I mean big boxes. the kind that are extremely hard to cut. which knife will hold up better?
 
Neither. Look into a Needs Work. They are about the same length, but have a better feel in the hand with the contoured and textured handle, jimping, thumb ramp, and a substantial choil. If you are going to be cutting heavy cardboard, you will need a good grip on the knife, which neither the Leek or Clash will have. Blems are only $20 through kershawguy, and you can get them in different colors!

needsworkx3.jpg
 
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The Clash is more of a hard-use knife, so of the two I would recommend it first. It's generally less expensive too.
 
The leek is more a "gentleman's folder" than an actual hard use knife.

The clash has a very good grip but it's quite bulky and heavy.


My solution: buy both :D
 
ya i was thinkin clash too. and on the needs work i like it, but i just dont know about that blade shape. does the blade shape bother you?
 
IMO, The "Needs Work" is the ugliest looking, most useful, practical knife I've ever seen. :D

That's a compliment.
 
Ya I may look into it. Get it then take it back in a week if i dont like it. It does look like it would be good for box cutting.
 
+1 on the the Needs Work. It is a really comfortable knife to handle. It is rather bulky though, so it might be a bit uncomfortable to carry in your pocket. As already mentioned, you can get these as blems from Kershawguy for cheap. If you're going to be doing a lot of cutting on a regular basis, the Needs Work should suit your needs nicely.

I've been using a CB Leek for the past few weeks for, among other things, breaking down packaging. This includes cutting through 2-ply cardboard, nylon/polyester packing straps/webbing, and popping nylon zip ties off bundles of cables. It doesn't look like a rugged knife (smaller blade width and overall slim build), but it can handle those tasks pretty well. If you're going to be doing a lot of cutting of heavier materials, though, the handles can get a bit uncomfortable and slippery. There is a version of the Leek with G-10 handles, which should resist slipping better (and S30V blade steel, which should also retain its edge better).
 
I would suggest the Leek. Of course, that's the only one I own, but it's a classic Kershaw, and if you are wanting to try one, then try it now (I don't know if this is your first Kershaw or not, I apologize for assuming if it isn't). The Leek works wonderfully for EDC and cardboard cutting because the best knife for the job is the one that is with you, and a Leek completely disappears in your pocket.

If you want a knife with a little more prying power (although cutting cardboard doesn't involve any prying, boost it up to the infamous Blur. My father has that one and loves it, when he isn't accidentally cutting himself with it playing with the Speed Safe.
 
ya i have a leek for my collection. not for use. dont really know how it performs cuz i never use it. but i can say that it has like no grip. I like it tho. wondering about getting a second one for use.
 
I've been packing a Leek Composite Blade, with the D2 Edge, for about 3 years now. I lost my original in London, when I got in line to see the Houses of Parliament. Before I realized my Error, I was Stuck in line & lost Both my Leatherman Wave & my CB blade Leek....No locking Blades in the U.K. & yes, I knew. If I were dicing up Heavy Cardboard, I'd forget about a knife, & buy yourself a folding Razor Blade Holder Knife. They sell different models, & are available from Home Depot to Sears, Costco & Beyond for less than $10 bucks. My personal favorite came in a 3 or 4 pack from Costco & uses Typical Double Edged Stanley Blades, that you can buy by the 100 for around $8.00. The one I have I've been carrying, for dailey construction work, I've had for 5 years now! NOTHING is Harder on a blade than Cutting Cardboard, Especially if you have to cut against cement. This way, no matter WHAT you cut, you never have to sharpen your knife, you Always have a Fresh Clean Point & Edge, & most times you don't even need to buy your own blades! That's Construction Man Tip #1.
 
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