I've been carrying a leek as my primary EDC now since 2006. Still have the same original knife. The torsion bar did break on me a year or two ago but with Kershaw all you have to do is call them up and they send you a replacement part for free. My biggest change I would recommend is buying an aftermarket deep carry clip. That was what really made it the perfect knife for me. It is Slim, everything is rounded and feels nice in the pocket. Nothing rubs your hand when you stick your hand in your pocket. I actually don't love the shape of it but the utility and the feel just make it the knife I keep coming back to
The Kershaw scallion then leek is what got me into collecting modern pocket knifes. The leek is such a classic icon. The design is timeless. It looks as relevant today as it did the day it was designed.
I got a Leek as a gift several years ago. It turned me into someone who started appreciating knifes. I dont have a huge collection, but it sure started it.
The safety slider was actually what sold it for me. I wanted an assisted open, but I carry my knife in my bag. While it normally sits in its own little pocket, I'm not risking something knocking it open and me reaching in there with that super sharp point. So I'm typically either carrying this or a multitool.
Ironically, I cut myself trying to get the knife from my pocket while the blade was slightly open because I'd closed it with the slider in the safety position. I do like the safety, and now that I know that is a risk, I'm more careful.
The Leek was my first real pocket knife that I ever owned. Bought it at a gun show in the late 90's and carried it for years. I loved that knife so very much and I still own it though the bushing has worn to the point of no longer being reliable. I later bought other knives from Kershaw, but discovered that every single knife I bought from them with premium blade steel was woefully soft from poor heat treat (I suspect to reduce the possibility of warranty returns from broken blades), which limited the performance of the premium steel that I paid extra for to being not much better than the standard steel blades that they offered. My M390 bladed Link measured 57 HRC on a freshly calibrated tester, which is utterly pathetic. That wasn't the only premium blade steel from them that I have had major issues with. I swore off the brand after repeated poor heat treat on their knives. One question for you guys. Why not offer a service to test the HRC on blades you have in stock (especially the super steels) and let the buyers specify the HRC of the blades you have in stock and buy exactly what they want rather than just getting whatever they get? Charge an extra $20 for the service. Those who value toughness over edge retention can go softer and those who want an edge that holds a long time can specify a much harder blade.
@@kruzedarling9347 I recommend avoiding most Italian and certain Chinese manufacturers. Some of the Chinese factories like We/Civivi do make pretty good blades. American Blade Works is a US manufacturer who gets their heat treat correct as well. Most of the manufacturers who get it right also tend to cost a lot more. I hear good things about Ritter/Hogue as well.
It's the Dividend for me...fits my hand perfectly, has great action, and love the look and steel of the composite blade. I carry this knife daily as my go-to EDC knife.
The first knife I bought in my collection (started collecting 20 years ago) was the Buck 110, my 2nd was the Leek, the 3rd was a CRKT combat/ tactical folder. My most RECENT was a Boker "gentlemans" knife featuring VG-10
Dude that composite Dividend is crazy good. Thin blade stock, ground great and wicked sharp out of the box. Good ergos and looks. Even a decent price for a US made knife. Bummer it’s assisted, but despite that, it’s still pretty great.
I have found the stainless version of the leek to be a great companion at any farmers market. The knife has been a joy to cut any fruit or snack, easy to clean and back in the pocket.
- definitely my go to is the random 1660R with a more sturdy tip, and a pull tight lanyard for help with blade slip up. As far as the whole onion .. My partner has the whole set Leek, Scallion, and Chive that she carries everyday. Yes she's that kind of woman. 🥰
- The weavers of eternity Paracord has a video on how to make the lanyard. I use micro cord around the lanyard hole to tighten the Paracord so it doesn't slip around.
I do have an original Leek on my desk at work. It opens all the mail and never complains. Our son carried one for eons. If it had a wave opening feature I'd be open to carrying one in a combo blade setup myself.
I would love to see a Beat the Icon based on the Loveless drop point hunter. They don't get more iconic, and it's got its DNA in so many folders and (obvs) fixed blades that it might be a lot of fun to do. I know when I see those sailboat lines flowing gently from pommel to point that I'm going to want the knife. : )
The Leek has never called out to me to own, but I get why so many people love it. Looks great, carries great and the blade geometry is really cool and does a lot of different jobs well. The Artisan Cutlery Small Archeo is my favorite alternative. I've had one for a few months and love it.
Got a Leek as a gift a couple years ago. It didn’t really appeal to me then, but now I can’t imagine not having it in my pocket. Love it, a perfect EDC.
A far cry from the Chris Reeve Beat the Icon: Bankruptcy Edition, we truly are in the golden age of knives. Also I was wondering if we could do a video showcasing the different methods of sharpening that KC employees use, since y'all sell those on the site as well.
I think the reason for the success of the leak is that it's a solid edc blade that isn't too aggressive and can also be a gentlmens dinner carry. It's classy and capable for everyday use.
Funny you drop this video, I picked up a Leek and a week into carrying it it opened in my pocket and was stabbing me in the leg. I removed the tip lock to run a deep carry clip, nor do I want a pocket knife I have to unlock to deploy. In 10 years of carrying my Clash model every day it never opened in my pocket. I'm afraid this one just isn't an icon for me, nor will it replace my old tried and true Clash. Despite being a budget model it has served me remarkably and the search for it's replacement continues. Selling the Leek on eBay right now.
I love your videos. I almost never like Boker knives for one reason or another, but the one you showed is very tempting. Never owned a Leek, too common.
Always love my Kershaw Leek especially the rainbow Leek! Every time I sold one I always included a band aid they always said thank you afterwards it is a super sharp knife!
I have had my leek camo, the first edition camo I should say for about 8 years now, carry everyday, it has been lost 2 times out on the land I live, my fault, wasn't using the clip,I came close both times to buying the same knife,but so crazy I found just laying on the ground both times just hours away from buy again, I really like this knife for edc, I do have several other knives and use them, just haven't found them as comfortable edc, and besides there more expensive and definitely wouldn't want to loose one, for the money this knife is hard to beat in my humble opinion 😎
I've owned several over the years and ended up giving them away as gifts. I wish Kershaw would bring back the Ken Onion Blackout. I loved those knives.
I love my Leek! Having said that, it's bit me a few times due to the slippery scales and my own stupidity. I wish they would make a Micarta version (perhaps a future Knife Center exclusive????)
I haven’t had much trouble with the slippery scales but I don’t really put it to super hard use. Agree that some kind of textured scales would be a great change. I’ve seen some with Mother of Pearl and other stone, but I’m not sure those really help the grip, plus they’re more expensive.
- add a pull tight lanyard and that will help. Use a 325 Paracord (could be wrong on the size number), micro cord, and you should be good. I use that style on everything from machetes with bigger Paracord, to pocket knives, and fish bats.
I have a Leek Composite in ball blasted finish from 2004, and I think its outlines are as smooth and beautiful as knives ever get. I also have a Civivi Elementum Ebony, and I think it's the smoothest opening knife I ever had.
I have owned several leeks for 6+ years and I just now, in this very moment realized the reason that Ken ONION made knives called the Leek and the Chive
I purchased half a dozen leeks when they were $39.99. I quit carrying them because of the slick scales. Then a version with CF scales and better blade material appeared I purchased that. My current EDCs are Ritter Hogue, Yojimbo in CruWear, large Archeo, Gerber Aegis, and a Begleiter. I have come to prefer knives that are stouter than my Leeks. Very nice presentation.
I had a g10 with s30v version about 10 years ago.. I've been using it all the time for about 4 years, I love this knife! Everything is playing and singing, except for the spring. The spring has broken, as far as I know happens, but guess what? I wrote to the Kershaw team and they sent me new ones to Poland. No problem. That's why I love Kershaw, and ZT even more: D I recommend and recommend Kershaw LEEK again! After replacing the spring knife works like a new one, but someone stoled it in my work office :(
Holding up the swayback against the leek as a comparison is interesting considering that I believe the leek was Swaggs first knife. I remember watching a SMKW video where they made her pick out a knife and carry it for a while. The knife she chose was the leek. That's pretty cool.
Was on a knife kick last 2 yrs. Guessing spent nearly 2 grand searching the perfect folding EDC. 2 leeks were the first purchases I made. Now a drawer full of knives later I Always carry my benchmade bugout in my right pocket, and a SAK fieldmaster clipped to my left.
I've never been a fan of the Leek but I completely understand it's popularity. It's just a simple well rounded knife. For people who just need to do simple tasks it's one of my first recommendations.
I think the issue with beating the icon here is at the Leek's price, it kinda does what it does best for a USA-made knife. At cheaper prices, you're making major sacrifices in regards to both knife quality and steel, and a lot of these other blades have scales and liners, so they're much less slim in the pocket. To get those qualities in another knife, you're either spending a lot more for something with better materials or making some sort of compromise. Either way, I don't think there's anything that beats the leek if I'm looking for a small and slim utility pocket knife. Unless you don't care about buying knives from china, in which case, there's a Ruike framelock in 14C28N for like 32 bucks that's pretty good.
I have the Leek, the Scallion, and the Chive. Great knives, though I do wish the carry clip was deeper. I am going to try replacement clips for deep carry. The Chive goes to work with me everyday but I actually carry it in my pocket loose and don't use the clip. Been very pleased with all three, but always interested in options. Thanks for the video.
I'm glad that they upped the steel on the Leek since I was selling them retail (2002-2008), when they were in (from memory) 420HC. That DOES technically make it US-made with international materials now, but I'm all for that trade off. I also appreciate that the price on these things hasn't gone up by much. I remember selling these at $69.95 myself back then, of course being a brick/mortar store in a mall did have overhead. It's one of the first instances of a spring assist, and that comes with a compromise. You can't remove the spring assist to turn it into a manual folder, since the torsion bar replaces the detent that other liner locks use to keep the blade closed. Only other thing I can mention is the blade safety thing has never improved. It's made of plastic so it won't ding the blade, but just about every one I've seen has been cut off by the blade since it will loosen over time and flop into the closed position while the blade is deployed.
DC. Just to let you know, I just started collecting USA only knives - folders, autos, and pocket - and I am in my 60s. The knife business competition is fierce,which is good for us buyers. But because I like your videos so much, I made a point to purchase something from the KnifeCenter.
i got a Kershaw leek as a christmas present 4 or 5 years ago and its been my edc ever since until i started carrying a Columbia River CEO just for something different the last few months. but i still switch them up. for my money a leek is the very best affordable knife you can get from anybody....
I love the look and how slim the leek is, but wish there was no assisted opening and I don't need the Warncliffe blade. What knife would you recommend?
Ken Onion's designs while with Kershaw were impeccable. I've been carrying the Leek composite after they stopped making the Needs Work. I also have a couple of Scallion blades tucked away in various bags for backup. I've looked at some of Ken's work at CRKT but for me none of those designs have the elegance of the Leek design.
It is hard to beat the Kershaw Leek. I've carried Leeks on and off since they were introduced. For me, the blade design is perfect for light everyday use.
I've had a leek a long time. Mine has the serrated blade at the root. I don't like that, but the blade has worn, such that the tip doesn't reach the safety slider stop anymore. But I found the Kershaw site has new plain blades available! (I did check Knife Center). I always found the slight swell in the belly is odd. It almost seems like a slight radius to the blade, yet it swells out for the last third of the blade toward the tip. I like the thin profile that's for sure.
Can there be any problems when carrying a Kershaw Leek or Delineation carefully in the USA, New York given the size and SpeedSafe handle. Also, can there be any problems when having such a knife carefully packed in a suitcase (not in hand luggage) when traveling by air and crossing borders in Europe and the USA? I.e. is it possible to travel openly and safely with it as a useful EDC tool? Thanks.
Thank you for a very inspiring video, once again. Assisted opening is a nono where I am, but I got inpired by the alternatives, and even if I have followed your channel for more than a year, this prompted my first order from you. I do not buy the expensive stuff, but the G10 version Small Archaeo and the Kizer Swaggs Sway Back both caught my interest to the point that I had to put in an order. I live overseas from you, so I dread the upcoming customs handling fees and VAT, but still these knives seems worth it.
it is my EDC knife... has been for years... black tie & blue collar, it works for both... slider locks are not sturdy and have broken on all of mine...
While i still think the older Kershaw skyline is better looking, I've switched to the leek for daily due to assisted opening and being slightly more pocketable. I got both a few years in the past both under 45 dollars, skylines are up over 100 used since they were discontinued unfortunately.
RUIKE KNIVES P831-SF FOLDING KNIFE: 14C28N stainless steel (58~60 HRC). Framelock with an additional locking thumb stud. There is no better or cheaper alternative which is why I always prefer to be loyal to originals.
Love/Hate relationship with my Leek. Love the spring assist, subtle flipper hump, good blade shape and edge retention....but the handle. Good shape, but WAY too slick and heavy. Offer one with liner lock and textured G-10 or Carbon, or at least machine some holes in the handle and the Leek would stay in my pocket.
Hey DCA! I'm starting a new job at the end of November and I will have to be in business casual attire. I want to treat myself to a new executive style knife, but I am stuck. The mini ceo is at the top of my list, but I would prefer something a little more flashy/high end, but in the 1.5 inch to 2 inch range. Budget is up to 200 bucks. Thanks!
Here’s a question DCA and KC crew: why do you guys seem to love S35VN for your exclusives? At time of writing, there are 108 folding knives in your “Exclusive” category, with 21 varying knife steels throughout, but 23 knives in the lineup, about 1/5th of your exclusives, all have S35VN with the other 85 split between the other 20 steels. Is it preference/affordability/accessibility or something else? Maybe a combination? Thanks in advance, love the content.
Maybe someone is interested in a little fun story. I am collecting the leek with all the different blade steels. Once I wrote to kershaw to ask if I am missing some steels or if they can tell me other variations they used. They answered and asked me to go to the different blade forums to look for informations there because they don´t know or can´t tell me which steel grades they used.
The Leek was my first assisted opener. But after carrying it for a few years, 20 years ago, I gave up and it has sat ever since. The liner lock is garbage on those things (the aluminum scale ones). The frame lock on the larger ones seems fine.
I don't like assisted opening knives and i'm not comfortable carrying a Leek that could open in my pocket at any time. A better option for me is the Kizer De L' Orme for $95 considering the fit and finish, materials, size, weight, and action.
