Kershaw Rainbow Leek - a pictorial review

UnknownVT · Jun 30, 2003

Going to try something different - as I have already reviewed in detail the regular Kershaw Ken Onion Leek here (linked) -
Kershaw/Ken Onion LEEK (pics)

One of the primary reasons to get a Rainbow Leek over the regular plain Leek is its looks - as the functionality is basically the same except for the finish and perhaps slipperiness/slickness* (see later*).

So presented here is a sort of pictorial review -

Kershaw Ken Onion designed Rainbow Leek -

Size -

Closed -

Frame-Locks

Back or Spine -

Note - the lack of a stop pin on the Leeks compared to the Vapor -
the thumb studs act as the stop pin on the Leeks.

Index-Open

much easier and safer to use than the thumb studs.
Even if the thumb studs are never used -
do NOT attempt to remove them
as they function as the stop pin against the handles
(see Back/Spine view above)

Safeties -

Leeks are made in the USA -

*Slipperiness/Slickness - the Rainbow Leek is smoother and slicker than the regular bead-blast finish Leek - so some are concerned about the knife being too slippery for safe handling especially when closing the knife, since the blade has to overcome the torsion spring tension.

I do not have this problem -
and it has occured to me that perhaps I am using a different technique to close the knife -

1. Unlatch the frame-lock and using the idex finger to gently nudge the blade pass the lock bar to the point where the torsion spring tension is just felt (ie: about 90deg to the handle)

- then I think my next step may be different -

2. move fingers out of the way of the handle opening and pinch the pivot point between the thumb and index finger - while bracing the butt of the handle in the heel of the palm - now use the middle finger (add the ring finger) to close the blade - see the photo:

Please let me know what you think of this "pictorial review" comparing it against the written review of the regular Leek linked here

Let me know if I should have used different view/pictures of if any pictures were not suitable or could be improved.........

BladeForum.com limits the number of images in a single post -
this post has the maximum allowed -
I'll put up a few more images in a follow up post.

--
Vincent

http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net/
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net/

UnknownVT · Jun 30, 2003

Additional images -

Rainbow Leek with pouch

Kershaw Catalog & Rainbow page -

Comments please.

--
Vincent

http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net/
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net/

J-man_the_jet · Jul 1, 2003

I've noticed the back "fin" on the Kershaw leek and Chive seem to be much smaller then the Scallion do you notice this?

Manji · Jul 1, 2003

very nice review, and the pictures are great. I thought about getting a rainbow leek but never got around to ordering one, I had a scallion which was a nifty knife. How is the wear on the coating? My main concern was the blade coating coming off. How does it compare to the ti coating on the boa or the teflon coating on the benchmades?

Hotrod · Jul 1, 2003

Thanks for the review... is the leek still in production?

Cant find anything on the kershaw website

UnknownVT · Jul 1, 2003

Originally posted by Hotrod
... is the leek still in production?
Cant find anything on the kershaw website

Hotrod,

The Leek(s) are very much in current production.

It's the Kershaw web site - it's simply not up-to-date -
so the Leeks aren't listed......

UnknownVT · Jul 1, 2003

Originally posted by Manji
How is the wear on the coating? My main concern was the blade coating coming off. How does it compare to the ti coating on the boa

I'm probably the last person you should ask that question - I have a SAK that I EDC'd for 5 years that doesn't show a scratch - and we all know how easily those red cellidor/plastic handles marr (one only has to show the handle a coin and it's scratched

.....)

The rainbow coating is Titanium oxide - which should be pretty tough - and the rainbowing is due to anodization(?) so the coating is molecularly bonded to the steel? Kershaw claims it's "durable and scratch resistant".

However - I would suggest for a using EDC - the regular bead-blast Leek might be a better choice - as it simply will not show scratches as much - the Rainbow version is really more of a "Sunday" dressy or even novelty knife to be worn on occassions.

However if one really likes the looks of the rainbow version (and I do) at the low price of about ~$60 one could afford to buy TWO - one to use and the other to keep nice and bring out/carry on dress occassions.

Another benefit of the Rainbow version - is like someone once posted -the looks appears to attract admiration, rather than the usual negative attention of "hey, that's a weapon"

Many thanks for your kind comments on the photography - all the photos - with the exception of the two with the hand - were actually scans on my cheapo flatbed scanner.

I have found that a flatbed scanner is quicker and easier than even a digicam - with perhaps a slight reservation on difficulties with mirror polished blades (which causes difficulties for converntional cameras as well)

see the discussion of using flatbed scanner "photography" in a bit more detail in this thread in the Gallery:
Gordon Knives - Bill DeFreest

Here's an article I wrote a little while back:
some general flatbed Scanners advice

fudo · Jul 1, 2003

Good review and good pics Vincent.
I really like my Rainbow Leek. It is very slippery, but I have no problems closing it. It is getting a secure grip to open it without losing it or getting my finger on the blade that concerns me.

UnknownVT · Jul 1, 2003

Originally posted by fudo
It is very slippery, but I have no problems closing it. It is getting a secure grip to open it without losing it or getting my finger on the blade that concerns me.

fudo,

Many thanks for your encouraging comments -

I hope you are using the index-open "flipper" (as opposed to the thumb-stud) to open the blade?

If using the index-open there should be almost zero danger of getting one's finger on the blade.

One can pinch hold the knife handle really securely between the thumb and the middle and ring fingers (one could even add the pinky), while pull/pressing the index-open flipper (I also have the butt of the handle pressed in the hollow in the heel of my palm - much like the photo of the hand holding the knife to close in the post above.

Again I do not appear to have problems even when/if my hands are slippery.

--
Vincent

http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net/
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net/

UnknownVT · Jul 1, 2003

Originally posted by J-man_the_jet
I've noticed the back "fin" on the Kershaw leek and Chive seem to be much smaller then the Scallion do you notice this?

Good observation J-Man -
sorry this reply is a bit late as I wanted to take a comparison pic:

(this image displays actual size on my monitor)

It is just noticable that the Index-Open "flipper"/"fin" is larger on the Scallion when compared to either the Chive or the (rainbow) Leek.

As someone also observed the Scallion's blade stock is also a bit thicker than the Leeks (and the Chives).

--
Vincent

http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net/
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net/

fudo · Jul 2, 2003

Yes Vincent- I use the flipper to open the Leek. mine is really slippery so it is slower to use than many others I own. That said, it still has a high "Gee Whiz" factor.

UnknownVT · Jul 2, 2003

Originally posted by fudo
I use the flipper to open the Leek. mine is really slippery so it is slower to use than many others I own.

Hmmmm.... that still baffles me.

If you look at the above pic of the hand activating the Index-Opener the only parts of the hand holding the anodized Ti oxide parts of the knife are the index finger on the Index-Opener, and the thumb squarely on the handle - the middle and ring fingers are actually on the pocket clip on the other side.

Even if the anodized Ti oxide were slippery - one can actually hold/pinch the knife very, very (very

) tightly without any danger of coming into contact with the blade - as I said (for me) even if my hands were greasy it would not make that much difference (to me).... I do realize as in all things YMMV - but are you by any chance Left-handed?

J-man_the_jet · Jul 3, 2003

Originally posted by UnknownVT
Good observation J-Man -
sorry this reply is a bit late as I wanted to take a comparison pic:

(this image displays actual size on my monitor)

It is just noticable that the Index-Open "flipper"/"fin" is larger on the Scallion when compared to either the Chive or the (rainbow) Leek.

As someone also observed the Scallion's blade stock is also a bit thicker than the Leeks (and the Chives).

Thanks for the Comparison VT, I think the Scallion was ment to be a "Tank" when compared to the Chive.

Joe Talmadge · Jul 4, 2003

The Leek cries out for this kind of pictorial review, thanks VT! I found the Chive's black coating to be incredibly resilient. I haven't used it super hard, but just using it around the house, I haven't gotten the coating to chip, or even scratch. I've heard the Leek's coating won't be so tough.

What I like most about the little knives -- the chive and scallion -- is how great the feel in the hand despite being so tiny. I think the Chive might be the best tiny knife design I've handled.

Joe

UnknownVT · Jul 4, 2003

Originally posted by Joe Talmadge
I found the Chive's black coating to be incredibly resilient. I haven't used it super hard, but just using it around the house, I haven't gotten the coating to chip, or even scratch. I've heard the Leek's coating won't be so tough.

What I like most about the little knives -- the chive and scallion -- is how great the feel in the hand despite being so tiny. I think the Chive might be the best tiny knife design I've handled.

Many thanks Joe for your kind words.

Yes, indeed the black boron oxide coating of the Black Chive is incredibly tough - as Ken Onion demonstrated at the 2003 Blade Show - where he took a knife and use the tip to try to scratch the Black Chive - it didn't even leave a mark, much less a scratch.

I've been asking about a black boron oxide coated Leek - Kershaw do have plans for one - but they are backed up on capacity - so in other words don't hold your breath....
however, I am first in the line

I'm glad you mentioned the handling of the tiny Chive - I too feel that way -

I think it has something to do with the handle shape and the way it naturally fits for a "palmed" hold (with the butt of the handle pressed in the palm) - I don't think I have even considered holding it like a conventional full-sized handle.

Thanks

thombrogan · Jul 4, 2003

Way to go, UnknownVT! Your review got me set to price out rainbow Leeks despite being left-handed and despite not wanting to carry any assisted-opening/automatic knives outside of the house. You're review was informative and inspiring. Please keep up the great work.

Burt Porter · Jul 5, 2003

Really good review. Ya did good!!!!

fudo · Jul 5, 2003

As a matter of fact- yes, I am left-handed.

UnknownVT · Jul 6, 2003

Originally posted by fudo
As a matter of fact- yes, I am left-handed.

Ah-ha! -

That might explain why the Rainbow Leek is too slippery for you, and I don't have problem.

When opening the knife with the Index-Opener I find that I have my thumb on the anodized Ti oxide face of the handle, while my middle and ring fingers are holding on the the pocket clip. When exerting pressure on the Index-Opener with my index finger as shown in the photo - I found I actually use the pocket clip edge as purchase for my fingers to counter balance the pressure - so the result is that the knife even if it is slippery would not slip out of my hand.

But for a left-hander the grip would be reversed (I know good thinking - Sherlock

) -
for a lefty the thumb is pressing on the pocket clip and the fingers are now on the anodized Ti oxide face where one could not use the edge of the clip for purchase....

hence slippery for you -
but easy for me

Perhaps -
if you used the thumb pressed so that it uses the edge of the pocket clip, and then placed the middle finger on the pivot screw head which should give slightly more grip/purchase - and carefully place the ring finger just on the edge of the handle again gaining some more purchase to counter balance the pressure from operating the index-opener - this might help?

Trace Rinaldi · Jul 7, 2003

Great review! on a great little folder.. Ken gave my son one of the pre-production rainbow leek in Vegas a while back.. Lil Trace has been carrying it, and using the heck out of it ever since..
The finish still looks great, and all he has managed to do is round the point a bit.. He calls it his pimp knife..