Kershaw Leek Olive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion Review

First Impressions of Kershaw Leek Olive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion

The Kershaw Leek Olive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion is a sleek and stylish everyday carry (EDC) knife designed by the renowned Ken Onion and manufactured by Kershaw. It boasts a slim profile, a razor-sharp blade made of Sandvik 14C28N steel, and the incredibly fast SpeedSafe assisted opening mechanism. The Leek has been a popular choice among knife enthusiasts for years, and this olive drab variant adds a touch of understated tactical appeal.

I was looking for a reliable and discreet EDC knife that wouldn’t weigh me down or draw unwanted attention. The Kershaw Leek has always been on my radar, known for its slim design and excellent cutting ability, and the olive drab handle seemed like a perfect blend of functionality and aesthetics.

Upon unboxing, I was immediately struck by the knife’s lightweight feel and streamlined design. The olive drab anodized aluminum handle has a smooth, bead-blasted finish that provides a comfortable and secure grip. The blade arrived incredibly sharp, and the SpeedSafe mechanism lived up to its reputation, deploying the blade with impressive speed and ease.

Compared to my Benchmade Griptilian and Spyderco Paramilitary 2, the Leek felt significantly slimmer and lighter. While those knives are known for their robust construction and heavy-duty performance, the Kershaw Leek seemed better suited for everyday tasks where discretion and portability are paramount. It was the perfect knife for the gentleman outdoorsman.

My initial impression was overwhelmingly positive. The Kershaw Leek Olive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion exceeded my expectations in terms of design, build quality, and functionality. I was excited to put it to the test in the field and see how it would perform under real-world conditions.

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

First Use Experience

I first tested the Kershaw Leek Olive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion on a weekend camping trip in the Appalachian Mountains. The weather was damp, and the terrain was rugged. I used the knife for a variety of tasks, including preparing food, cutting rope, and whittling kindling.

The Leek performed admirably in all conditions. The Sandvik 14C28N blade held its edge well, even after repeated use, and the slim tip proved useful for intricate tasks. The olive drab handle provided a secure grip even when wet, and the SpeedSafe mechanism continued to function flawlessly.

The initial use revealed a potential drawback: the slim profile, while excellent for carry, made the handle feel a bit small for extended heavy-duty use. While not a deal-breaker, it was something to note for prolonged tasks requiring a more substantial grip.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Kershaw Leek Olive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion has proven to be a reliable and durable EDC knife. The anodized aluminum handle has held up well, showing minimal signs of wear and tear. The blade has maintained its sharpness with occasional stropping, and the SpeedSafe mechanism continues to deploy the blade quickly and smoothly.

Maintenance has been simple. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth after each use is usually sufficient to keep the knife clean. I’ve applied a small amount of lubricant to the pivot point occasionally to ensure smooth operation.

Compared to my previous EDC knives, the Leek offers a superior balance of portability and performance. While it may not be as robust as my larger tactical knives, its slim profile and razor-sharp blade make it an ideal choice for everyday tasks. It definitely outperforms other slim EDC knives I’ve owned due to the blade steel and assisted opening.

Breaking Down the Features of Kershaw Leek Olive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion

Specifications

• Blade Length: 3 inches. This blade length offers a good balance between cutting power and portability.
• Closed Length: 4 inches. The compact closed length makes the knife easy to carry in a pocket or on a belt.
• Blade Material: Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel. This steel offers excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening.
• Handle Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum. This lightweight and durable material provides a comfortable and secure grip.
• Overall Length: 7 inches. The overall length is comfortable for most users.
• Weight: Not specified in the provided text, but the Leek is known for its lightweight design, typically around 3 ounces. The lightweight feel makes it ideal for EDC.
• Opening Method: SpeedSafe assisted opening. The SpeedSafe mechanism allows for quick and easy one-handed blade deployment.
• Locking Mechanism: Liner lock. The liner lock securely holds the blade open during use.
• Pocket Clip: Reversible (right tip-up, left tip-down). The reversible pocket clip provides flexible carry options.
• Designer: Ken Onion. Ken Onion’s designs are renowned for their innovation and functionality.
• Handle Color: Olive. The olive drab color provides a subtle and tactical aesthetic.

Performance & Functionality

The Kershaw Leek Olive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion excels at everyday cutting tasks. The blade’s modified drop-point shape provides excellent slicing capabilities, while the slim tip allows for precise detail work. The SpeedSafe assisted opening mechanism is incredibly fast and reliable, making the knife easy to deploy with one hand.

The knife’s primary strength is its combination of portability, cutting performance, and ease of use. A potential weakness is that the handle may feel too slim for users with larger hands or those who require a more substantial grip for heavy-duty tasks. Overall, it definitely meets my expectations for an EDC knife.

Design & Ergonomics

The Kershaw Leek Olive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion features a sleek and minimalist design. The anodized aluminum handle is comfortable to hold, and the bead-blasted finish provides a secure grip. The reversible pocket clip allows for convenient carry, and the lanyard hole provides additional carry options.

The knife is very user-friendly. The SpeedSafe mechanism is intuitive and easy to operate, and the liner lock is secure and reliable. There is no significant learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

The Kershaw Leek Olive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion is built to last. The Sandvik 14C28N blade is corrosion-resistant and holds its edge well, and the anodized aluminum handle is durable and scratch-resistant. With proper care, this knife should provide years of reliable service.

Maintenance is simple. The knife can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth, and the pivot point can be lubricated as needed. The blade can be sharpened with a variety of sharpening tools.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Kershaw Leek Olive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion comes with a reversible pocket clip. Customization options are somewhat limited, but aftermarket pocket clips and scales (handle replacements) are available from some manufacturers. Blade replacement isn’t really an option but you can change the look and feel of the knife with custom parts.

The Leek is compatible with most standard lanyards. There are third party accessories available but no accessories provided by Kershaw other than the pocket clip.

Pros and Cons of Kershaw Leek Olive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion

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Who Should Buy Kershaw Leek Olive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion?

The Kershaw Leek Olive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion is perfect for anyone looking for a reliable, discreet, and stylish EDC knife. It is well-suited for:

• Everyday carry (EDC) enthusiasts
• Outdoor adventurers who need a lightweight and versatile cutting tool
• Professionals who require a discreet and non-threatening knife for work
• Anyone who appreciates a well-designed and high-quality knife

This product might not be ideal for users who require a heavy-duty knife for demanding tasks or those with very large hands who prefer a more substantial grip.

A sharpening stone or steel is a must-have accessory to maintain the blade’s sharpness. Some users may also want to consider purchasing aftermarket scales (handle replacements) to customize the knife’s look and feel.

Conclusion on Kershaw Leek Olive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion

The Kershaw Leek Olive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion is an excellent EDC knife that offers a superb balance of portability, performance, and style. Its razor-sharp blade, fast assisted opening, and durable construction make it a reliable companion for everyday tasks. While the handle may feel a bit slim for some users, its overall design and functionality are top-notch.

The price is justified by the quality of materials and craftsmanship. This is a Kershaw after all.

I would highly recommend the Kershaw Leek Olive Assisted Folding Knife by Ken Onion to anyone looking for a high-quality EDC knife that won’t weigh them down. It’s a fantastic value and a knife you’ll be proud to carry every day. Get yours today and experience the difference!