Kershaw Leek Black/Stonewash Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion Review

Let’s Dive into Kershaw Leek Black/Stonewash Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion

The Kershaw Leek Black/Stonewash Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion is a sleek, stylish, and highly functional everyday carry (EDC) knife designed by the renowned Ken Onion. It’s known for its slim profile, assisted opening mechanism, and razor-sharp blade, making it a popular choice for both casual users and seasoned knife enthusiasts. This particular model boasts a black anodized aluminum handle and a stonewashed blade, giving it a tactical yet refined aesthetic.

I was looking for a lightweight, discreet knife that I could comfortably carry every day without feeling weighed down. I needed something that was quick to deploy and reliable for a variety of tasks, from opening boxes to cutting rope during camping trips. The Kershaw Leek Black/Stonewash Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion seemed to check all the boxes.

Upon unboxing, my initial thought was just how incredibly light this knife is. The design is minimalist and elegant, the black handle offering a low-profile look while the stonewashed blade gives it a broken-in, rugged appearance. The build quality felt solid for such a lightweight knife; there wasn’t any blade play and the assisted opening was snappy and smooth.

I considered other EDC knives like the Benchmade Bugout and the Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight. While both are excellent knives, the Bugout felt a little too fragile for my needs, and the Para 3 Lightweight’s pocket clip placement wasn’t ideal for my carry style. The Leek offered a better balance of durability, portability, and ease of use at a compelling price point.

My first impression was one of excitement. The knife felt great in my hand, the assisted opening was addictive, and the overall aesthetic was exactly what I was looking for. I was eager to put it to the test.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Kershaw Leek Black/Stonewash Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the Kershaw Leek Black/Stonewash Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion was during a weekend camping trip in the Appalachian Mountains. I used it for various tasks, including preparing kindling, cutting paracord, and opening food packages. The knife performed exceptionally well in dry conditions, but I did manage to get it wet while cleaning a trout stream.

The knife still worked perfectly when wet. The Kershaw Leek Black/Stonewash Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion was very easy to get used to, the SpeedSafe assisted opening made one-handed deployment quick and effortless. The only initial issue was getting used to the tip lock, which secures the blade when closed.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of daily use, the Kershaw Leek Black/Stonewash Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion has held up remarkably well. There are some minor scratches on the stonewashed blade, but they blend in with the finish and add to its character. The anodized aluminum handle has proven to be surprisingly durable, showing minimal signs of wear.

The Kershaw Leek Black/Stonewash Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion requires very little maintenance. I clean the blade and pivot point with a dry cloth after each use and occasionally apply a drop of oil to keep the action smooth. Compared to some of my other knives that require more frequent cleaning and sharpening, the Leek has been a breeze to maintain.

Breaking Down the Features of Kershaw Leek Black/Stonewash Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion

Specifications

• The blade length of the Kershaw Leek Black/Stonewash Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion is 3 inches. This makes it perfect for EDC as it isn’t intimidating.
• The closed length is 4 inches. This compact size allows it to disappear in your pocket.
• The blade material is 14C28N steel. This steel offers an excellent balance of hardness, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening.
• The Kershaw Leek Black/Stonewash Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion was designed by the legendary Ken Onion. His innovative designs and attention to detail are evident in this knife.
• The overall length when open is 7 inches. This provides a comfortable and secure grip.
• The Kershaw Leek Black/Stonewash Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion comes with a reversible pocket clip. This allows for convenient tip-up or tip-down carry.
• The handle material is 6061-T6 Aluminum. This makes the handle lightweight and durable.
• The handle color is black with a sand finish. This offers a subtle grip texture.
• The blade finish is stonewash. This helps to hide scratches and gives the blade a rugged look.
• The blade shape is a drop point. This is versatile for piercing and slicing.
• The Kershaw Leek Black/Stonewash Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion opens with an assisted opening mechanism. This provides rapid and easy deployment.
• The package contains one knife. It’s ready to go right out of the box.
• Additional features include a lanyard slot. This allows for convenient attachment to a lanyard or keychain.
• The blade type is a folding blade. This makes it easy and safe to carry.

These specifications combine to create a lightweight, durable, and highly functional EDC knife. The 14C28N steel blade ensures a sharp edge and ease of maintenance.

Performance & Functionality

The Kershaw Leek Black/Stonewash Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion excels in its primary function: cutting. The blade’s sharp edge and drop point shape make it ideal for a wide range of tasks.

It is reliable, easy to use and fairly comfortable. The knife is well-balanced and feels secure in hand.

The primary strength is the SpeedSafe assisted opening, allowing for lightning-fast deployment. The blade is also easy to sharpen. A minor weakness is the tip lock, which can be a bit fiddly to disengage, especially with gloves.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is excellent for its price point. The 6061-T6 Aluminum handle feels solid and the stonewashed blade gives it a premium look.

The Kershaw Leek Black/Stonewash Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion is very user-friendly with a minimal learning curve. The SpeedSafe opening is intuitive and easy to master.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Kershaw Leek Black/Stonewash Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion should last for many years. The 14C28N blade resists corrosion and the aluminum handle is durable.

Maintaining this knife is relatively easy. Regular cleaning and occasional oiling are all it typically requires.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Kershaw Leek Black/Stonewash Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion comes with a reversible pocket clip. This can be changed for right- or left-handed carry.

Aftermarket accessories are limited. Custom scales are available from various sources, but overall, the Leek is best enjoyed in its stock configuration. The Kershaw Leek Black/Stonewash Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion is compatible with aftermarket deep carry pocket clips designed for Kershaw knives.

Pros and Cons of Kershaw Leek Black/Stonewash Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion

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Who Should Buy Kershaw Leek Black/Stonewash Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion?

• Perfect for: Everyday carry enthusiasts, hikers, campers, and anyone looking for a reliable and discreet folding knife.
• Who should skip this product? Those who prefer a larger, heavier knife for more demanding tasks, or those who dislike assisted opening mechanisms.
• Must-have accessories or modifications? A sharpening stone or honing rod to maintain the blade’s edge.

Conclusion on Kershaw Leek Black/Stonewash Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion

The Kershaw Leek Black/Stonewash Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion is a fantastic EDC knife that offers a great balance of performance, style, and value. Its slim profile, assisted opening, and durable blade make it an excellent choice for a wide range of users.

The price is certainly justified given the materials used and the features offered. The Kershaw Leek Black/Stonewash Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion punches well above its weight class.

I would absolutely recommend the Kershaw Leek Black/Stonewash Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion to anyone looking for a reliable and stylish EDC knife. It’s a knife that you can depend on day in and day out. Get yours today and experience the Kershaw Leek Black/Stonewash Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion difference!