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Last Updated: December 1, 2019
The Kershaw Leek is a popular EDC knife designed by legendary custom knife maker Ken Onion. Between his designs for Zero Tolerance Knives, Kershaw, and CRKT, Ken’s work has received a lot of attention on this site. This is for good reason as he is highly regarded as a knife designer.
Buy the Kershaw Leek at BladeHQ
The Kershaw Leek is firmly planted in the Every Day Carry (EDC) category. In fact, this is something of a gold standard for EDC. It comes in a great size and is a durable design, perfect for daily carry. Additionally, the Leek has been offered in wide variety of colors and finishes, including some limited edition versions over the years. This makes the Leek a collectable knife. For these reasons the Leek has become a favorite of both hardcore enthusiasts and casual pocketknife users.
General Dimensions and Blade Details
The Leek has an overall length of 7″, a 3″ blade, weighs 3 about ounces, and is made in America. Like the vegetable it was named after, this is a sleek and slim design. This lightweight folder is aimed directly at the Every Day Carry (EDC) market.
Here is a size comparison with the Leek in between my Kershaw Skyline and Kershaw Chive:
The Kershaw Leek features a modified wharncliffe style blade. The Leek’s mostly flat edge is almost completely devoid of belly. This makes the knife well suited for tasks that involve the tip of the blade. The Leek’s blade comes to a very fine tip and it makes the knife great for piercing tasks and detail work. Stuff like scoring boxes and clipping coupons is a breeze with a wharncliffe. It’s also easy to sharpen a wharncliffe blade like this relative to a knife with a curved edge. Another advantage of the wharncliffe design is that pressure is applied uniformly to the edge. This allows you to place a good amount of leverage into a cut.
On the flip side, folks may not like the wharncliffe blade because it has no “belly” or forward curvature to the blade. Belly is especially useful when preparing food (think, rocking a kitchen knife back and forth) or skinning game without piercing the hide. And that tip, while very precises, is somewhat fragile. You don’t want to drop any knife, or pry with any knife, but the tip of the Leek is especially delicate.
Another argument against the wharncliffe is that it looks funny. It lacks the traditional elegance of something like the Loveless Drop Point Hunter. This wharncliffe blade may take some getting used to if you come from a traditional hunting knife background, but that’s part of what folks find endearing about Ken Onion’s work.
Here is another size comparison with the Spyderco Endura and the Delica 4:
The Leek is a perennial in Kershaw’s catalog. The design is at least 10 years old, and probably is closer to 20. Accordingly, Kershaw has offered the knife in a number of steels over the years. But if you are going to buy one new one today, it will most likely come in 14C28N.
14C28N is developed by Sandvik, a Swedish company that made the steel exclusively for KAI USA/Kershaw Knives. 14C28N is a high quality stainless steel and is a choice for the price. I have found that 14C28N is a practical steel. It takes a fine edge easily, holds that edge for a decent amount of work, and is easy to sharpen. It also has good stain resistance. I prefer it over 8Cr13MoV and Aus8, the Asian budget steels, as it holds an edge longer. I also like it more than D2, a semi-stainless steel that can be found at similar price point as 14C28N, because 14C28N is easier to sharpen and isn’t as prone to staining.
It’s an excellent all round steel, and is appropriate at this price point.
Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip
The handle of the Leek will come in either full stainless steel with a frame lock (shown here) or aluminum scales with a liner lock. Both models feel good in the hand for a smaller knife. The solid steel handled version has a nice heft to it. Both handle types are constructed with screws rather than pins, so if you need to disassemble the knife, then it can easily done with a T6 torx bit.
Fit and finish on this handle is excellent. All the parts line up. The finish work is good with no tooling marks or anything like that. It’s simple design, but Kershaw has it dialed in.
This is a comfortable little knife that is geared towards light to medium use. I found I was able to get a 4 finger grip on the knife without much issue and my thumb found the thumb ramp easily. There is a little bit of jimping on the thumb ramp. The jimping isn’t supper aggressive, but it does grab the skin a little. Otherwise, there isn’t much of a “traction plan” on this knife, so you won’t want to skin a deer with it or take it into the shower, but for a small knife I liked the ergos.
The pocket clip of the Kershaw Leek is pretty good. Ken Onion is known for designing some pretty “out there” pocket clips, but the clip on the Leek is relatively normal looking. It is long, and offers good spring retention. It is reversible for tip up or tip down carry, but it is not ambidextrous.
The clip rides pretty low if you mount it tip down, but for tip up carry a good half inch of the handle sticks out. That said, this is a small and light knife, it still carries well and is unlikely to draw much attention. Here is a shot of the Leek in the pocket:
Deployment and Lockup
The Leek is an assisted opening knife, which means you start opening it manually, but then a spring kicks in to flip the blade open the rest of the way. Ken Onion designed the assisted opening system, which Kershaw calls the “SpeedSafe” deployment system. This assisted open technology is robust, and is used on a lot of Kershaw and Zero Tolerance knives. The Leek deploys quickly with a slight amount of pressure on the thumb studs or flipper. The knife opens with a satisfying “snap”, even after thousands of flips. Having owned a number of SpeedSafe knives over the years I can vouch for it’s reliability. It’s a good assisted opening mechanism.
There is a second optional safety lock to keep the knife from opening accidentally. Out of the box, this secondary safety is loose, and will invariably move around when you don’t want it to. Thankfully, this safety can be tightened down, or even removed completely if you decide not to use it.
Additionally, for those that don’t care for the SpeedSafe, it’s possible take the spring out and use this as a non-assisted opening knife. There is a ball bearing detent inside on the lockbar, so the knife still functions de-assisted. But primarily the Leek was designed as an assisted opening knife.
The blade on my knife locks open with a stainless steel frame lock. The lock is solid, and without blade play in any direction. It should be more than adequate for the typical EDC chores you will put this knife up to, like breaking down boxes and opening mail. My Leek has seen substantial use over the years, and the lock still engages early, and securely without blade play. When it’s time to release the lock there is no stick.
The Leek was designed to be a “1 hand” knife, which means you can open and close this knife with one hand. I’m left handed and found it easy to both open and close this knife with one hand. For a small EDC knife this is handy, and it’s almost a requirement for my EDC knives.
Here is a parting size comparison with another EDC classic, the Benchmade Mini Griptilian:
Kershaw Leek Review – Final Thoughts
The Kershaw Leek has most of what I look for in a small EDC knife. It’s light, slim, sharp, and fast. I like the solid lockup and quality blade steel. The pocket clip is secure, and the knife feels good in the hand. The fact that this Kershaw is made in the USA certainly does not hurt either. I think the quality is better on Kershaw’s USA made knives than their imported blades.
The biggest potential issues with the Leek are that there is not much texture on the handle, and the tip is thin and can break if you are not careful with the knife. It’s a little “fiddly” and is more of a light duty knife. It will accomplish most typical urban or suburban EDC chores, but if you have harder use in mind I’d look elsewhere. Also, the secondary lock is annoying unless you tighten it down or remove it.
However, for a little EDC blade I think these are minor issues. You just have to keep your intended use in mind. The sleek design makes this something of a gentleman’s folder, and I could see this knife doing just as well in an office as it would in a more demanding environment.
Perhaps the greatest test is the test of time. I originally wrote this review back in 2011. Back then, there were a lot less knife manufacturers and knives to choose from. As I update this review in late 2019, the Leek is still relevant. Kershaw still makes it, and it still sells well. My review sample has held up well over the years. It’s a high quality knife and is designed to last. And at well under $50, the Leek is an affordable USA made option. I’d say it has aged well and passes with flying colors.
Personally, I prefer the Kershaw Skyline over the Leek, but if you like the design then I think you will be pleased with the build quality and practicality of the Leek. Much like the Skyline, this is a modern classic for good reason. Recommended.
- KERSHAW LEEK POCKET KNIFE: The Kershaw Leek might just be your new favorite EDC. Not too big, not too small, the 3-inch blade and slim design make it capable of fulfilling a wide range of cutting tasks. Made in the USA.
- DROP POINT PLAIN EDGE BLADE: Made from high-performance Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel, the blade resharpens easily and holds its edge. The bead-blasted finish provides a clean, matte look.
- 410 STAINLESS STEEL HANDLE: The corrosion-resistant, stainless-steel handle is contoured for a comfortable grip while in use. Silver, bead-blasted finish. Includes reversible pocketclip for right, tip-up/down carry.
- DESIGNED WITH SAFETY IN MIND: Equipped with Kershaw’s SpeedSafe assisted opening for easy one-handed release with flipper. Frame lock secures blade open while in use and Tip-lock slider keeps blade locked closed when folded.
- SIZE SPECIFICATIONS: Blade Length: 3in. Closed Length: 4in. Overall Length: 7in. Weighing in at 3oz. Backed by Kershaw’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.
I recommend purchasing the Kershaw Leek at Amazon.com or BladeHQ.Please consider that buying anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.
I have to disagree on ‘light use’. I carried one for a year and a half, using it as a stocker at a walmart. It worked well for dealing with heavy zip ties and for thick strands of pallet wrap. I finally retired it when I bent the tip. I’d rate it for medium EDC.
Thanks for the comment Roadkill! Yes I think “light use” was a poor choice of words. What I meant to say was “not heavy use” like say, a ZT302 or something. It is a nice little EDC option, especially the frame lock version. Kershaw does a great job w/ the small EDC knives – I have a few more in the rotation for upcoming reviews.
im a boy scout would this be a good knife for me my last knife was a cheap $12 wilcor show knife so i need a new one
Hi Keith,
This is a nice knife and would make a nice upgrade over the Wilcor. The tip is very fine however, you could snap it off if you aren’t careful. I might recommend the Kershaw Scallion or Skyline over the Leek. However, if you like the knife I do recommend it – it’s well made.
Hey Dan…another great review! I picked up the composite blade Leed a while back. I really like the look and functionality of this knife. The composite blade looks very slick…hopefully, it wears as well.
Thank you Dale! I like the composite version, it is very unique. I hope it wears well too and you carry it in good health.
Dan
Thanks, Dan! It is a very unique look and I love the Ken Onion design!
I have the leek 1660CKT. I loved the assisted action so much I kept opening and closing the knife repetively. The torsion bar ended up breaking. It operates quickly manually with a good flick of hand the only draw back was the safety that is not very durable is the only way to keep the blade from deploying. Instead of sending the knife back to kershaw I called customer service an asked them to send me a torsion bar as it is an easy repair. They were very accomodating and in a week they sent me three. I like the knife. I think they could make a better safety mechanism on this unit. I like safties and with a litlle practice its not hard to deploy the safety as part of the whole deployment exercise if it becomes one your habits.
I loved my Leek, but it was so slim and smooth that it fell out of my pocket and was never to be seen again.
I can’t bring myself to get another to replace it, tempting though it may be.
Fred,
Ouch! Sorry to hear that. Perhaps a G10 Leek is in your future…
Dan
I bought a Kershaw Leek a couple months back. It is a nice quality knife, but I have to agree about the tip being too thin for heavy use. My only complaint with Kershaw is the safety lock that slides over the tip of the blade when in closed position. The one on my Leek is loose, I get in a hurry sometimes and close the blade on it. I noticed that the edge on the tip of the blade is a little dull.
Hey Glen,
Yeah that tip is awfully thin. Not recommended for anything strenuous. Nice for clipping coupons and stuff though. I agree, the external safety gets in the way sometimes. I’m not a fan of those in general. Thanks for commenting.
Dan
Very few knives come with a perfectly sharpened edge, and none stay sharp forever if you use them. If it is dull, make it sharp. I have never bought a knife that came with an edge sharpened to my standards. Although to call the tip of a Leek ‘dull’ is strange in my experience. My problem with it is that it is too damn sharp! I keep pricking myself with it.
I carry it daily and it serves me very well. Sharpens to a razor edge on my diamond stone. I’m curious about the Damascus blade, is it true Damascus or simply acid etched to appear as Damascus?.
Hi Joel,
Great question. The Damascus version features genuine Damascus.
Dan
Leeks are good edc’s but order spare lock tortion bar,no tip prying cutting only and original stainless lock is best strength
i don’t think that loose safety is a Leek problem, I think you just got a badly adjusted one. I’ve had two, and neither safety was loose. I can agree the safety is a poor design though, since it turns it into a two handed knife and is a pain. Fortunately, they really only included it as a peace-of-mind thing for people nervous about the new Speedsafe mechanism. I never use it, and even removed it entirely on my first Leek, which I carried literally every day for several years, and never once had an unintentional deployment. Most other Speedsafe knives don’t even bother with the safety any more, so I think they decided it was redundant. The tip is quite delicate and fragile. I can vouch for that because I snapped off the very last millimeter of my old one, foolishly trying to tighten an eyeglasses screw with it. Luckily it was still pretty pointy, I just sharpened it into a tiny chisel tip. And yes, I eventually lost that Leek. Pretty sure I had the old ‘snagged on my shirt when I took it off’ experience, lost it somewhere in a corn field. Never saw it again. Recently got another to replace it after several years without one. New one has a liner lock and aluminum scales instead of the steel frame lock of the old one, and the finish is subtley different. And it is $30 cheaper from the same source, which worries me somewhat. Hope Kershaw hasn’t been cutting corners to reduce the price or anything. You know, switching to AUS8 from C14N28 or something. or 440 stainless….
Had this one for about a 6-month period I am very well pleased with the edge and sharp point the handle fits in my hand pretty good I have a pretty good size hand spread of exactly 4 in knife has been a good companion easy to store in my pocket out of you from anyone and with the clip I haven’t lost it yet that’s a miracle I love the little Kershaw thanks Dan
Best purchase ever I’m on a few kershaws in my time but this is one of the best knives I’ve had so far
I *found* my leek, in 2015, lying in the road in quite literally the middle of nowhere Oregon. Looked down, and there it was, over 50 miles of unpaved road away from anything, lying right by my boot. Been carrying it ever since. I broke the very very top off early on, but it has been flawless otherwise. The steel is great, folding mechanism still operates flawlessly (though the mechanism is pretty sensitive to dirt slowing it down or preventing a positive lock). The finish is wearing in spots, and the secondary lock has worn through, which is just as well, it sucked anyway. It is worth infinitely more than I paid for it. For whoever lost it .. well, it’s having a good life, and thanks!