Kershaw Leek question

Which Leek should I get?

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lee12

Joined
Apr 8, 2014
Messages
48
I am looking at getting a gentleman’s knife for EDC in my office. I think I am wanting the Leek, and I’ll end up getting a new pocket clip. My question is which Leek to go with? I like the idea of the Random Leek for added tip strength, but I like the variety of options with the original. Also, is the composite Leek any good? Thanks for the help!

Lee
 
The Leek is one of those knives that you can't go with just one. The question is, how many do you buy on your first go-a-round. I'd do at least the Random and another. I've never owned a composite blade in a Leek, but have had one in another model from KAI.
Happy hunting, there's a good selection to choose from.
 
Dergyll said:
The default leaks are a little slippery in my experience
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They definitely are. But for very light use in an office environment, I wouldn't expect that to be an issue. Not like you're going to be bloody, muddy, covered in fish guts, etc... I work in an office environment, and the most "hard use" my knives see in the office is breaking down a box or cutting a sandwich.

When it comes to an office environment, the name of the game is keeping it classy. I try to avoid all of the neato stuff that catches our eyes as knife junkies. The last thing I want is for my knife to be eye catching in that setting.

My vote was the the original just because it has the most clean/plain aesthetic.





That said, I used to have a composite Leek with CPM-D2 and it was freaking awesome.
 
Now I’m stuck between a stainless steel random leek and a carbon fiber composite blade original leek….AND NOW just ran across a carbon fiber CMP 154
 
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I have a couple still, lost some in the past, but I still like my Black washed with a composite blade, a very stealth combination
 
The leek is nice, but the blur is amazing.

On the leek: I would stick with the basic models in alphabet steel and leave the pocket clip alone. Deep carry clips can mess with access to the safety switch in tip-up config. The money it costs to get one in D2, 154cm, or s30v just isn’t the same “bang for the buck” you see in those entry models. Pick a color, $50, and leave it alone is my vote.
 
Paratrooper06 said:
The leek is nice, but the blur is amazing.

On the leek: I would stick with the basic models in alphabet steel and leave the pocket clip alone. Deep carry clips can mess with access to the safety switch in tip-up config. The money it costs to get one in D2, 154cm, or s30v just isn’t the same “bang for the buck” you see in those entry models. Pick a color, $50, and leave it alone is my vote.
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I wouldn't call it alphabet steel... the base leek uses 14c28n, which is an amazing steel, I love it. This is the sandvik steel with added nitrogen, it is not from some unknown 3rd world steel mill : )

I have a leek with 14c28n, and a fixed blade, and they're at least twice as good as any alphabet steel imho :)

Larrin wrote about it -> https://knifesteelnerds.com/2020/06/15/what-is-the-best-budget-knife-steel/
 
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dirc said:
I wouldn't call it alphabet steel... the base leek uses 14c28n, which is an amazing steel, I love it. This is the sandvik steel with added nitrogen, it is not from some unknown 3rd world steel mill : )

I have a leek with 14c28n, and a fixed blade, and they're at least twice as good as any alphabet steel imho :)

Larrin wrote about it -> https://knifesteelnerds.com/2020/06/15/what-is-the-best-budget-knife-steel/
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It’s an alphabet steel whether you care to admit it or not, and I think you’re confused. I’m not knocking the knife or the steel. I said buy one of the cheaper versions. I didn’t say “don’t buy the leek”. Agree to disagree on the “alphabet steel” designation I suppose.
 
I have several Leeks, great knives but I agree with Dergyll the CF handled one with CPM 154 steel is my favorite. Light as a feather and much nicer feel than metal. It's pricier but worth it for my 2 cents. I even have the one with copper handles. Very cool the way it ages but it weighs a ton!
 
... fwiw, I personally count the alphabet steels as following the form x-cr-y (where x and y are numbers)

so 3cr13, 5cr15, 8cr13, 9cr18 etc all fall into that list
also... a key factor is any number of unknown steel mills make it

whereas, sandvik 14c28n doesn't fall into that category - only they make it

Sandvik 14C28N® — Sandvik Materials Technology

www.materials.sandvik www.materials.sandvik

anyway, I get that most bf members count any steel that has letters & numbers as 'alphabet steel'
I have a decidedly more nuanced view ; ) also, I'm not saying anyone has to see it the way I do
 
I really like my composite blade Leek. Slim, light and sharp as all get out.

FSa36c.jpg
 
Well I pulled the trigger and made a purchase. I ended up going with the frame lock random leek in stainless steel. I also ordered blue titanium screws and a matte titanium deep pocket clip (that doesn’t interfere with the safety). It will look classy, remain thin, and the tip on the random just looks like it will hold up better. Opted for the original steel due to me not being the best sharpener and would like to use ceramic rods for a touch up.
 
lee12 said:
Random Leek for added tip strength
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Found this thread looking for something else but wanted to add to this the Random Leek tip is paper thin and not what I would call strong at all. Not that the original blade shape looks much stronger but the spine doesn't get so skinny as the "reverse tanto" on the Random.
 
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