Customer Reviews

Kershaw Ken Onion Leek Serrated Folding Knife with Speed Safe

5 star:		(231)
4 star:		(40)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I purchased this knife at a gun & knife show three years ago and have carried it everyday since. I've owned ($60.00) Spyderco and ($150.00) Benchmade (Automatic) knives, but this Stainless Leek model is slimmer, quicker to draw and has a better clip than both of these knives. Because of the unique spring action mechanism, many think it's an "automatic" knife. My only recommendation is to occasionally lubricate/clean the mechanism to keep the action quick. I did have to tighen the allen screw to keep the safety from slipping "on" in my pocket. I will be ordering a second one at this price. This is a very well designed, well made pocket knife.

I have a lot of knives, among them Benchmade, Beretta, CRKT ... but this Ken Onion Leek may be THE sharpest knife I have ever purchased. Aside from all the other great features you will read about in these reviews (they're all true) it simply has a razor edge that is a box cutter's equal. I have been developing my knife sharpening technique with a diamond stone and a steel for years now, and I can put an amazing edge on a knife. But not quite like this - this is a true razor's edge. It starts to cut you the instant you test it.

I got my Leek because I wanted an every day carry knife with a "stay closed" safety, so it only opens when I want it to. I wear my knife hanging off a carabiner with my keys, and sometimes my old Beretta would come open when sliding into or out of my truck, for example. So I love that this has a tip safety. And for sure, the Speed Safe torsion opener is waaaaay cool. It's the closest thing to a switchblade I've ever tried.

And major kudos to Kershaw for really putting a pro edge on this blade. A "criminal edge" - because it's "sharper than the law should allow". Have fun and be careful.

Like the Chive, this knife is a nice small package that's deceptively stabby. Sure, it looks innocent, but how much of that blade do you want in your eye? Hypothetically speaking, of course. I would never indicate that you should stab people with this knife. Never ever.

The high points are the sleek design, flawless assisted opening, and light weight. I have problems with thumb studs on assisted opening knives, so I am very pleased that this has an index opening. For the safety-conscious, there is a safety lock to keep the blade from opening in your pants. Not that it will, but just in case I guess.

The Leek is a perfect knife for people with small hands; that i's assisted opening is a definite bonus. Too many assisted opening knives are too bulky for my hand, or too powerful when it snaps open (Kershaw Tactical Blur, for example). The Leek firmly snaps into place without "recoil" and is light and small enough for people with small hands to easily use. But don't be fooled by its innocent appearance. This knife can be a deadly little package and should not be underestimated.

I've been carrying this knife daily and using it several times a week. I haven't yet had to sharpen it and the knife still opens briskly. There is no visible wear, definitely a good buy.

Edit: After some thought, and using the knife under adverse conditions, I'm going to lower my to review to three stars. The lack of any sort of texturing makes it very difficult to use when wearing gloves or with wet hands.

Further Update: I lost one of the washers while cleaning the knife. Kershaw had two replacement pairs to me within two days, Great Service!

Let me start by saying I am very picky when it comes to my pocket knives. This one is awesome in every way. It has the speed assist which is a great option but in addition to the traditional thumb stud it has a spot on the back of the blade which allows you to use your index finger to deploy the blade. The steel keeps an edge very well but is not impossible to sharpen. The size of the knife is also perfect for pocket use. Overall, this is truely a great knife. Don't hesitate on this one. One last thought. It is also made in the USA which means quality. I am so sick of previously great brands (I am refering to you Gerber) sending a large part of their products to be made in China but keeping the price point the same. Chinese knives are just not quality. Some Kershaw knives are also produced over there, but not this knife. One great knife at a great price.

I'm not a huge outdoorsman but wanted a nice everyday pocket knife. The Kershaw's Leek fits the bill. I love the size, long enough to get your whole hand envolved with the task yet small enough to have clipped to your pocket and forget its there.

I was planning on taking the clip off and just letting the knife "float" in my pocket but fell in love with the clip. The only thing better than light weight in your pocket is no weight in your pocket.

I find that the knife is well designed and I really like the Speed Safe opening action. It has a solid "click" that lets you know that the knife is in a locked position. Super sharp and the perfect drop point blade.

This is a beautiful, slim, sharp, functional, fast knife. The knife is slim, and with the clip can be carried easily in your pocket. The safety on the end of the knife is a little stiff, but can be adjusted so that it is easier to slip on or off.
The pocket clip is reversible, allowing you to carry the knife point up. This is a great feature, because when the knife is carried in your pocket point up, you do not have to swing the knife around in your hand to get it in position for opening. The knife can be deployed much quicker when carried in this fashion.
The speed-safe index opening flipper works very well, opening the knife quickly with just a little pressure on the mechanism. No grand flourishes, thumb strength, or wrist flicking is needed to open this knife.
The finish is good, the quality is great, everything about this knife is amazing. A great knife to own.

Very well made knife, and is thin enough for the front pocket. Sharp and easy to open and close with one hand. Just be sure it is completely closed before you return it to your pocket, Because of the torsion spring, it does not SNAP shut like old style pocket knives. The tip may stick out of the handle just enough to cut you. Great price at Amazon - will order several for gifts.

I am now on my 3rd Kershaw knife of this design... My first one was given to me by my brother in law who is in the Marine Corps and was shipping out to Iraq. I managed to hold onto this knife for a good couple of years and used it almost every day before foolishly breaking the tip off of it trying to pry something from a piece of wood when no screw-driver was available.

This particular model is slightly longer than my old one, and it is also thinner.

When I lost my second one, I searched everywhere to find an alternative to this knife, but found nothing. There is nothing else out there quite like this (be it more expensive models, or cheap "me-too" imitations). It's light, good looking, easy to use, well-built, and most importantly, it's a pocket knife that will do just about anything you ask it to, and then quietly sit clipped to your pocket where you never even notice it's there. I'd like to shake hands with the guy that came up with this design: well done.

The knife is sleek and has a great profile. I love the speedsafe function on it. The blade lock is a bit stiff, but I suppose that's just so it doesn't slide open on accident.