The Ken Onion-designed Kershaw Leek is one of the most popular Kershaw pocket knives of all time.
But what is it that makes this Kershaw pocket knife such a hit? Let’s peel back the layers, if you can excuse the pun.
It’s the Right Size
The Kershaw Leek is a great size for EDC and well-designed for a wide range of different applications (but not all, see below).
With an overall length of 7” and a 3” blade, the Leek is sized just right for EDC and general applications. Weight depends on the configuration and scale materials, but in general, it’s hovering around 3 oz.
This makes the Leek a convenient size for everyday carry and general cutting tasks and chores.
It’s Versatile
The 3” blade and the fine point of the Leek make it a suitable pocket knife for fine wood carving, detail work, and even in some situations, food prep.
This makes it a good EDC knife as well as a backup knife when you’re hiking, camping, canoeing, or just otherwise enjoying the outdoors.
The size, weight, and blade profile – which is not entirely unlike a Wharncliffe – is highly versatile overall.
It’s Available in a Wide Range of Configurations
If there’s one thing you’re going to love about this Kershaw pocket knife, it’s that the Leek is available in so many configurations.
For one, it’s available with a wide range of blade steels. The standard Leek is a 14C28N model, which is good enough as-is, but it is also made with MagnaCut, CPM-154CM, and others.
In terms of handle scale materials, colors, and blade finishes, there is a huge range of variety in the Leek as well.
There are Leeks with copper, steel, aluminum, and even carbon fiber scales, which offer different character and performance. It’s available in models with a DLC finish, as well as anodized scales in a random of colors. There’s even a gold-tone DLC Leek.
If you’re looking for a model with a combo blade, there’s even one with a partially serrated blade.
In other words, there’s a Leek for every use.
It’s Easy to Carry and Deploy
Given the Leek’s size, it’s comfortable and practical to carry it free in a pocket, but it also comes with a pocket clip.
Deployment is fluid thanks to the flipper mechanism and Kershaw’s SpeedSafe Assisted Opening which gives this little knife the ability to whip open like a flash.
For those that prefer manual openings, the spring can be removed, but it is still a nice feature, and the action is very smooth.
Lockup is solid, too, and it’s a bonus that Kershaw has opted for a frame lock instead of a liner lock, which is much stronger.
Price
Granted, there is no one sticker price for this Kershaw pocket knife because it exhibits such wide variety, but the price is something to love nonetheless.
Even expensive, premium models with high-end finishes and copper or carbon fiber scales are in the neighborhood of $100, and you get get a Leek for a lot less than that.
Is There Anything We Don’t Love?
All-in-all, the Kershaw Leek is a great pocket knife and its popularity is a testament to that. It has a fluid action that requires little break-in, it’s light, it handles well, and it’s made with premium materials.
There’s not much we would change, but there is one thing. The point is very fine. While this makes it excellent for piercing tasks and detail work, it also strongly predisposes the Leek to tip breakage, so be aware of that.
Never use the tip to pry, and if you’re doing tip-heavy work, consider reaching for another knife or tool.
Looking for This Kershaw Pocket Knife?
Looking for a Leek or some other Kershaw pocket knife? Check out White Mountain Knives via the previous link.
They carry a wide range of Kershaw folding knives, along with other multi-tools and fixed blades. They even offer free shipping in the United States. If you need a new Kershaw knife, bookmark that page and get it there.
