[hillbilly]

I went shopping today and handled a Kershaw Leek 1660 ST.

I think light shown from heaven and angles sang in my ear as I repeatedly flicked the blade open...........

I think I'm getting one. In fact, I know I'm getting one.

I handled Benchmade, Spyderco, and Kershaw and the Kershaw fits the best and opens the easiest in my hands.

hillbilly

[Combat-wombat]

Yeah... but they either use 440 or 420 in the leek, and that ain't to good.

[Harbinger]

It's such a magical moment when blade and hand become one.
Go get it and enjoy it!

[hillbilly]

I'm learning all sorts of things since I've been looking for a carry knife.

Here's a link on steels.

http://www.sonic.net/~blade/Info___Links/About_Steel/Steel_FAQ/steel_faq.html

According to this page, 440A is not great, but good enough, with really strong anti-rust properties.

Other steels may hold an edge better, but are not as rust resistant.

For an everyday carry knife, subject to body heat and sweat, I think rust resistance might be key.

But now that I know all this stuff about steel types, it means that I will have to, of course, buy a lot of different knives to get a lot of different steel types.....yeah.....that's it.........buy lots of knives to go with lots of guns........

hillbilly

[Combat-wombat]

Yeah. My Kershaw Blackout (440A also) is fine for everyday carry. It's just not the best stuff around.

[Penforhire]

The 440 in my Whirlwind is not exotic either but it gets the job done on a daily basis. Like the old Timex commercials, takes a licking and keeps on ticking. Not a "trailer queen" among knives (unlike some of my dad's old carving knives and wooden mallets). Buy it and be conscious that it is a middle-of-the-road quality blade.

[mtnbkr]

They're good knives. My wife has the TiNi coated one and the TiNi coated Chive, it's little brother. Blade steel hasn't been an issue for a light duty edc. You wouldn't use the knife for hard tasks, it's not built for it.

TiNi=rainbow coloration

Chris