Kershaw Leek Pocket Knife Evaluation

Backside Line

The Kershaw Leek pocket knife is amongst our high picks for the most effective pocket knives and has confirmed itself as a worthy companion for on a regular basis carry, work, or outside settings. It has a pointy 3-inch blade and a slim design (weighing solely 3 oz.), making it extremely moveable. Though light-weight, the Leek is very versatile and features effectively for duties starting from easy slicing to chopping greens and even intricate whittling. 

The assisted opening mechanism permits fast, one-handed entry however has a tip-lock function that retains the blade closed when not in use. Though it’s a high-performing knife, there are nonetheless some drawbacks. The skinny blade tip could not maintain as much as extra rugged jobs round camp or the workbench, and neglecting upkeep, particularly in a moist local weather, can result in rust or corrosion of the blade. Regardless of these minor drawbacks, the Leek delivers glorious efficiency and is effective for these needing a reliable knife for day by day duties. If you wish to see what different choices we love, take a look at our information to the most effective pocket knives.

Construct High quality

From the second you deal with the Kershaw Leek, you’ll be able to see the eye to element paid to its design and development. It excels in each aesthetic attraction and useful sturdiness. Throughout our testing, we inspected the knife, each new and after prolonged use, evaluating the match and end. We discovered minimal indicators of damage after extended use, indicating that the Leek can effectively carry out day by day duties whereas requiring minimal upkeep.

Its slim profile and light-weight design make it simple to hold, however it’s nonetheless massive sufficient for the common grownup to carry comfortably. The assisted-opening function, deployable through thumb studs or a backbone flipper, provides to its user-friendly attraction. We’ve examined the Leek in yard, workbench, and tenting settings, and it constantly delivered dependable efficiency.

Blade Retention & Stability

The Kershaw Leek maintains sharpness by way of in depth use and successfully handles versatile slicing duties. Throughout our testing, we subjected the knife to a variety of supplies, together with cardboard, rope, paper, and recent produce. The blade is sturdy, slicing cleanly with out vital dulling, even throughout prolonged slicing duties and over a number of weeks. The metal blade is engineered to stability edge retention and ease of re-sharpening.

Our checks did observe some minor edge rolling after preliminary use, which may happen when a blade is floor to a really acute angle. Whereas this didn’t considerably impression the knife’s total efficiency for routine duties, it’s good to maintain it in thoughts throughout extra demanding slicing jobs. A fast honing session can restore the blade, so keep in mind to maintain up with correct upkeep for optimum efficiency. Concerning stability, the Leek carried out effectively beneath strain, displaying no noticeable wobble throughout slicing duties.

Ergonomics & Grip

The Kershaw Leek presents a snug and safe grip that enhances usability. The contoured deal with design permits for a pure match within the hand, making it simple to regulate in all slicing positions. Throughout our testing, we employed totally different grip kinds—common, reverse, and pinch grips—whereas performing numerous slicing actions. The knife remained comfy and secure, particularly for precision work.

Whereas the Leek’s slim profile is right for pocket carry, its deal with thickness could also be a downside throughout prolonged use. Extended slicing can result in hand fatigue, particularly for duties requiring vital pressure. Regardless of this, the deal with design does a wonderful job of stopping slipping, even when dealing with slippery supplies like meals. The assisted-opening mechanism, activated by both a thumb stud or an index finger flick, additional enhances accessibility and ease of use.

Moreover, the knife encompasses a versatile pocket clip that permits for tip-up or tip-down carry. Sadly, it is just designed for right-handed customers, and the anchor factors should not mirrored for left-handed carry. This determination, possible made for aesthetic causes, limits accessibility for some customers.

Corrosion Resistance

In our testing, we uncovered the knife to a saltwater answer to simulate real-world situations that knives would possibly encounter, particularly when utilized in humid or marine settings. After this publicity, the Leek’s 14C28N chrome steel blade confirmed minimal indicators of corrosion. It isn’t utterly impervious to rust and deterioration, however the blade has corrosion-resistant properties that improve its efficiency. 

Developed by way of a partnership with a Swedish engineering agency, the 14C28N alloy metal presents glorious resistance to corrosion. A corrosion-resistant blade is advantageous for customers who use their knives in moist situations or can’t at all times wipe them down after use. Whereas no knife is totally proof against corrosion, the Leek’s resistance is noteworthy in comparison with different knives in its class. It scored an eight in our corrosion resistance metric, however correct upkeep—corresponding to common cleansing and oiling—can improve its lifespan.

Locking Mechanism

The Kershaw Leek has a dependable liner lock to maintain the blade in place throughout use and a singular security function to maintain the blade closed throughout transport. We examined the locking mechanism’s power and reliability by repeatedly opening and shutting the knife and utilizing it beneath various stress ranges. The liner lock held agency and we had been assured the blade wouldn’t by chance disengage whereas slicing. Nevertheless, we discovered that the mechanism might be stiff and require extra effort than anticipated to shut once more.

We additionally assessed the lock’s efficiency when the knife was moist or soiled. Regardless of these situations, the liner lock didn’t budge, providing security and safety all through our checks. The knife design features a slider mechanism that locks the blade closed, stopping unintended openings throughout transport. Concentrate when slipping the knife in your pocket as a result of this function can interact.

Weight

The Kershaw Leek weighs simply 3.1 oz, which is fairly common for a pocket knife of its dimension. This stability of performance and portability is especially interesting for on a regular basis carry, because the knife just about disappears in your pocket. Throughout our testing, we appreciated how the slim profile allowed the Leek to be simply accessed with out including bulk to our pockets.

The skinny deal with design does increase some ergonomic issues for prolonged use and if in case you have bigger arms. A extra rounded deal with profile would possibly improve consolation throughout lengthy slicing duties, however for typical on a regular basis eventualities, the Leek is comfy sufficient. Whereas backpackers would possibly search even lighter alternate options for many day by day duties, the Leek presents a wonderful compromise between weight and usefulness. It’s sturdy sufficient for frequent use with out weighing you down.

Ought to You Purchase the Kershaw Leek?

The Kershaw Leek is a wonderful alternative for anybody looking for a dependable, on a regular basis carry knife. Its light-weight design and slim profile make it supreme for individuals who prioritize portability. It’s well-suited for on a regular basis duties like slicing by way of packaging, meals prep, or different detailed work. It is usually a wonderful choice for informal customers and outside fanatics.

Nevertheless, if you happen to anticipate needing a knife for heavy-duty duties or prolonged use, you would possibly discover the Leek’s skinny blade and deal with uncomfortable. And if you happen to’re searching for one thing ultralight, this isn’t the best choice. Nonetheless, the Kershaw Leek presents glorious worth for its high quality and is designed for anybody searching for a reliable, aesthetically pleasing knife for day by day use.

What Different Pocket Knives Ought to You Contemplate?

Benchmade Bugout 535 Evaluation: The Benchmade Bugout 535 is a knife made for individuals who recognize the Kershaw Leek’s glossy design however are searching for a good lighter knife choice. Weighing simply 1.9 ounces, the Bugout presents a compact, easy-to-carry profile supreme for EDC or as a consideration for backpacking. In contrast to the Leek, the Bugout encompasses a handbook lock that retains fingers clear throughout closure to reinforce security. 

Opinel No. 8 Evaluation: If price range is a priority, the Opinel No. 8 gives a basic, dependable different. It’s light-weight (1.5 ounces), making it good for outside actions like mountaineering, however it lacks a pocket clip. The comfy beechwood deal with and safe collar lock do look good, however the collar lock requires two arms use, which could be annoying at instances. Though it is probably not as sharp because the Leek initially, it’s simple to sharpen and keep.

Spyderco Para Army 2 Evaluation: For these looking for a high-performance choice, the Spyderco Para Army 2 is a premium different. It has a pointy, sturdy blade, and is way bigger than different choices with a blade size of three.41 inches. The four-position pocket clip provides versatility. Though it’s heavier and bulkier than the Kershaw Leek, the grip and dimension of the deal with make it simpler to maneuver for extra agressive duties.