Kershaw Damascus Leek A/O Knife Review

Let’s Dive into Kershaw Damascus Leek A/O Knife

The Kershaw Damascus Leek A/O Knife is a stylish and functional folding knife designed for everyday carry and outdoor use. Manufactured by Kershaw, this knife features a beautiful ladder damascus steel blade, assisted opening mechanism, and a sleek, black Tungsten DLC coated stainless steel handle. It’s a knife that immediately catches the eye, promising both aesthetic appeal and practical utility.

I was looking for a reliable everyday carry knife that offered a good balance between cutting performance and ease of carry. The Kershaw Damascus Leek A/O Knife seemed to perfectly fit the bill with its compact size and assisted opening.

Upon unboxing, the Kershaw Damascus Leek A/O Knife impressed me with its sleek design and solid feel. The damascus steel blade is stunning, and the black-coated handle provides a secure grip. The weight feels just right, not too heavy but substantial enough to inspire confidence.

While considering similar knives, I looked at the Benchmade Griptilian and the Spyderco Paramilitary 2. I ultimately chose the Kershaw Damascus Leek A/O Knife for its unique damascus blade and assisted opening feature, offering a blend of style and speed that the others didn’t quite match.

My first impression was excitement; the Kershaw Damascus Leek A/O Knife seemed like a premium EDC knife with both visual appeal and functional design. The assisted opening was smooth and quick, and the overall fit and finish were excellent.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Kershaw Damascus Leek A/O Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

My first real test of the Kershaw Damascus Leek A/O Knife came during a weekend camping trip in the local mountains. I used it for various tasks, including preparing food, cutting rope, and whittling small pieces of wood for kindling.

The knife performed admirably in dry conditions, offering precise cuts and a comfortable grip. The blade’s edge held up well, and the assisted opening was a breeze, even with slightly damp hands. No issues arose, and the knife felt like a natural extension of my hand.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Kershaw Damascus Leek A/O Knife has proven to be a reliable companion. There are minimal signs of wear and tear on the blade and handle, attesting to the quality of materials used.

Regular cleaning and oiling have kept the blade sharp and the action smooth. The DLC coating on the handle has resisted scratches and scuffs, even with daily pocket carry. Compared to my previous EDC knife, a generic stainless steel folder, the Kershaw Damascus Leek A/O Knife has exceeded my expectations in terms of both performance and durability.

Breaking Down the Features of Kershaw Damascus Leek A/O Knife

Specifications

• Blade Length: 2.38 inches – This provides a good balance between cutting capability and ease of carry. Its size makes it ideal for everyday tasks without being overly bulky.
• Closed Length: 4 inches – Compact enough to comfortably fit in a pocket without being cumbersome. This size makes it convenient to carry every day.
• Blade Material: Ladder Damascus Steel – Offers both aesthetic appeal and decent edge retention. The damascus pattern is visually striking and adds a touch of class.
• Handle Material: Black Tungsten DLC Coated Stainless Steel – Provides a durable and corrosion-resistant grip. The DLC coating enhances the handle’s scratch resistance and provides a sleek look.
• Assisted Opening: Features Speed-Safe torsion bar mechanism – Enables quick and easy one-handed opening. This is particularly useful when you need to deploy the blade rapidly.
• Locking Mechanism: Framelock – Ensures the blade stays securely in place during use. This adds a layer of safety when the knife is in operation.
• Additional Features: Lanyard Hole and Reversible Pocket Clip – Offers versatile carry options. The lanyard hole allows for attaching a lanyard or keychain, while the reversible pocket clip accommodates both left- and right-handed users.

Performance & Functionality

The Kershaw Damascus Leek A/O Knife performs its intended tasks exceptionally well. It’s sharp enough to handle most everyday cutting chores with ease and the assisted opening makes it quick to deploy.

The knife’s primary strength is its combination of style and functionality, however its smaller blade may not be ideal for heavy-duty tasks. Overall, it meets and even exceeds expectations for an EDC knife.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is superb, with high-quality materials used throughout the knife. The weight feels balanced, and the handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, even during extended use.

The knife is very user-friendly, and the assisted opening mechanism is intuitive. There’s almost no learning curve, making it accessible even to those new to folding knives.

Durability & Maintenance

The Kershaw Damascus Leek A/O Knife is built to last. The stainless steel handle and damascus steel blade are both durable and corrosion-resistant.

Maintenance is straightforward; regular cleaning and occasional oiling are sufficient to keep the knife in optimal condition. The framelock design is simple and reliable, minimizing the risk of mechanical issues.

Accessories and Customization Options

The knife comes with a reversible pocket clip, and a lanyard hole which offers basic carry options. Aftermarket options are limited, but some users may choose to add a custom lanyard or replace the pocket clip.

The knife’s design is generally not intended for extensive customization, focusing instead on its inherent aesthetic and functional qualities. Its compatibility with accessories from other brands is also limited.

Pros and Cons of Kershaw Damascus Leek A/O Knife

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Who Should Buy Kershaw Damascus Leek A/O Knife?

The Kershaw Damascus Leek A/O Knife is perfect for those who appreciate a stylish and functional EDC knife. It’s a great choice for:

• Everyday carry users who value aesthetics and ease of use.
• Outdoor enthusiasts who need a reliable and compact cutting tool for light tasks.
• Knife collectors who appreciate the beauty of damascus steel.

Those who need a heavy-duty knife for demanding tasks should skip this product. Those requiring extensive customization options might also want to consider other models. A must-have modification would be a high-quality knife sharpener to maintain the blade’s edge.

Conclusion on Kershaw Damascus Leek A/O Knife

The Kershaw Damascus Leek A/O Knife is a well-designed and aesthetically pleasing EDC knife that offers a good balance between form and function. Its unique damascus blade, assisted opening mechanism, and durable construction make it a worthwhile investment for those who appreciate quality and style.

At a price of $106.65, the price is justified considering the premium materials and features. I would personally recommend the Kershaw Damascus Leek A/O Knife to anyone looking for a reliable and stylish everyday carry knife.

If you’re in the market for a new EDC knife, the Kershaw Damascus Leek A/O Knife is definitely worth considering. Its blend of style, functionality, and durability makes it a standout choice.