[rcmodel]

Do you always use, ever use, or never use the safety during pocket clip carry?

rc

[beatledog7]

I don't ever use them. In fact, I have both of mine unlocked and snugged down so they won't lock.

[X-Rap]

It is not a blade I am comfortable with having in my front pocket without the lock on. Probably not my first choice.

[ArfinGreebly]

I carried mine for a year before I discovered the little locking slide. I had thought it was a rivet or screw. Duh.

Now, when I carry it at all (I have some other current favorites), I tend to lock it, and I couldn't even tell you why.

It has never opened when I didn't want it to, not even a little.

Now, if I were carrying it down in a pocket with a lot of loose stuff, I might be inclined to keep it locked.

With the Leek, after I discovered that it would lock, I spent some time figuring out how to deploy it one-handed even with the lock engaged.

When I get around to carrying it again, I won't use the lock.

Reflexive paranoia is a wonderful thing. Even after demonstrating for a year that it was safe to carry unlocked, I was locking it.

I gotta quit doing that.


(Incidentally, if you're worried about something in your pocket popping it open, then lock it. If you're carrying it on the clip, then run a few tests to see just how much force is required to flip yours open. If the required force is more than you're going to experience wearing slacks, then let it be.)

[1KPerDay]

I carry a Scallion in my change pocket and I disabled the lock.

[CApighunter]

I have owned my Leek for a few months and love it! I have never used the lock and have never had it open in my pocket. I have found that I prefer to carry it clipped to my waistband with the clip under my belt. This keeps it clean and covered, and doesnt draw suspicious looks(I'm in California, people are suspicious/scared of even pocket knives). I can still access it easily and don't worry about it scratching my phone screen. I will say be careful with that blade, it is razor sharp and I lost a 1/4 inch chunk of my finger while cutting salami on a backpacking trip.
CApighunter

[cleardiddion]

I keep mine either in a jacket or rear pocket of my jeans and it tends to get agitated by various things a lot so I tend to keep mine locked up.

I used to keep it unlocked in the front pocket of my pants unlocked but that was when it was my primary carry knife. The leek's become a backup/fine task sort of knife so I don't really need that quick of an access to it.

[jbkebert]

I never lock mine. I have carried my leek off and on for about four years. I sue it more for a scratch awl than for a knife. It can cut a pinpoint line and follows a straight edge like a dream. Anyway carried front pocket RH clipped I have never had it open by accident.

[rcmodel]

Thanks for the info everyone.

I haven't bought one, but a friend did and I got to play with it yesterday.

May have to pick one up just for the entertainment value of the assisted opening!!

rc

[beatledog7]

rc, you'll like it. Assisted opening is putting it mildly. Properly adjusted, the Leek flies open. Not the easiest knife to sharpen (ok, I'm not a great knife sharpener), but holds the edge it has.

I'll add, since that seems to be a key point of the question, that neither of mine has never opened when I didn't mean for it to.

[1KPerDay]

My chive has opened in my pocket FWIW. the Scallion fits a bit more snugly into my change pocket so it stays shut. If I were letting it rattle around free in a larger pocket I'd probably use the lock. They are sharp. ;)

[bodam]

I've carried a Leek for over 4 years and it's never opened on me in pocket (knocks on wood). I've also never had an issue with sharpening it, and it holds a pretty nice edge, and I cut everything with it.

[skywalkrNCSU]

I broke the lock off of mine, I don't like safeties on my knives or guns

[19&41]

I bought a chive and was concerned about it accidentally opening. The safety seems to defeat the purpose of an assisted opening knife. I edc either a blur or avalanche and the chive is for dress occasions, when it doesn't share a pocket.

[Cocked & Locked]

I had a Leek...for about 10 days then sold it. I didn't like the lock and I didn't trust it unlocked in my pocket for some reason. Plus it had a really wimpy thin blade (for my use) and a too small slippery handle.

Seemed like a good city boy type of knife. It was pretty though. :scrutiny:

[hirundo82]

I disabled the lock on mine. Prior to that I had a problem with the lock activating accidentally. Never and an issue with it opening on its own.

[1KPerDay]

I had a Leek...


Seemed like a good city boy type of knife.
lol :D

[beatledog7]

City boy knife? I admit I didn't know there was a difference between needing to cut something in the country and needing to cut something in the city.

But, as a mostly city boy who happens also to be able to look after himself in the country, I guess it might be a city knife in that it's small and easy to carry when I'm "city" dressed.

[Cocked & Locked]

I didn't know there was a difference between needing to cut something in the country and needing to cut something in the city.

Don't take me wrong please, I know some city boys and most of them are AOK. In fact, my first born son is a city boy and a fine fellow indeed.

But there are some differences in things that need cutting in the country.

There's deer to skin

http://pic90.picturetrail.com/VOL2169/3082611/8553770/120915747.jpg


Vines to cut

http://pic90.picturetrail.com/VOL2169/3082611/8553770/393690414.jpg

More vines to cut

http://pic90.picturetrail.com/VOL2169/3082611/8553770/393850638.jpg

Hay bale twine to cut

http://pic90.picturetrail.com/VOL2169/3082611/6675271/337186192.jpg

etc.

etc.

[redactor]

Do you always use, ever use, or never use the safety during pocket clip carry?

rc

I removed the lock on mine, and never had it open in my pocket. The problem that I have had with it, is that they keep getting pushed out of my pocket by my motorcycle over-pants. I've lost one on I5 somewhere b/w Seattle and Tacoma. I've had my second one fall out in the floor about half a dozen times. I've tried it with the clip on both sides, and still had it fall out. So, I don't use the clip anymore.

[JAshley73]

I always carried mine tip-up, unlocked. I have had it start to come open in my pocket, (maybe twice?), and trust me it isn't a big deal. It won't open far, so it's not a big deal to close back up in your pocket if you had to. And if I remember, I think I could reach the lock/safety with my pinkie...

The little booger is darn sharp though... Well worth $50 for a slim little knife if you ask me.

[rcmodel]

The problem that I have had with it, is that they keep getting pushed out of my pocket by my motorcycle over-pants.My son has lost the last two Benchmades I gave him for Xmas presents, for the same reason.

Apparently nobody's pocket clip co-exists well with motorcycle leathers & crotch rockets!!

Another question?
How well does the black coated blade finish hold up to actual use?

I have only owned one knife, a Benchmade with a Black-T finish on the blade.
And it looked rode hard & put away wet after about a month of normal use.

rc

[jbkebert]

I could not say on the leek since mine is silver. I have owned a couple gerbers and one kershaw in the black finish. They all looked like crap after a month or two of use.

The silver looks great after a few years of having it. I do have what seem to be permanent black lines on mine though. The partial serations on the blade sharpen the heck out of a carpenter and school pencils.

[floorit76]

I was working with a friend one day when his opened in his pocket. I heard a click, and he got a real strange look on his face. Took him a minute to fish it out, but no real damage done.

[beatledog7]

Mine is holding up pretty well. I kind of like the the "patina" of it wearing in places. The black clip is wearing the same way, noticeable but not severe.

[p35]

One major advantage of the Buck 290 Rush over the Leek (IMHO of course) is that the safety is in the same place as the blade extension/trigger so you can release it and open the knife without moving the knife around in your hand.

[rcmodel]

O.K.

I have almost decided to buy a Leek.

Only problem is, I want one with a 3 3/4" or 3 7/8" blade.
And they don't make one.

What I want is a Big Leek.
They could name it the Vidalia Onion or something!

rc

[Madcap_Magician]

I don't see much point to the safety, since it defeats the whole one-handed, fast-opening thing. But as a caveat, when I had a Leek, it did one time open partway in my pocket, and I did cut myself pretty good.

[X-Rap]

RC, I don't know what you think of the CRKT brand but my EDC beater is the M-16 with the part serrated blade. Opens not quite as fast as the Kershaws but it is totally under your control and the lock is very positive. Blade is 3 5/8", I carry till I loose it and then buy another.

[rcmodel]

I actually have a like new CRKT M14-16 Tanto.

I find it too big, too heavy, and too rough to carry in my pants pocket EDC.

It is so big and so rough around the edges I can't put my hand in my pocket to get something else out without the flipper and thumb-stud scraping the skin off the back of my hand.

Besides that, it's taken two years to get it broke in enough it doesn't take pliers to release the liner lock if you flip it open too hard & fast!

I would probably have been happier with the smaller M16 spear point.

But I didn't realize the M16-14 was going to weigh almost 6 oz, compaired to my Benchmade AFCK or 710's 4.5 oz weight & smooth to the back side of the hand in my pocket.

rc

[X-Rap]

Yea mine is the 13Z, it seems any clip knife I carry obstructs access to my pocket but the thought of that razor sharp Leek springing open when I'm digging in my pocket or stabbing me when I'm picking up something heavy makes it a back pocket proposition at best, and I still wouldn't want that blade in my butt cheek.
I quit carrying anything without a lock long ago and a big Case or Buck folder is to heavy for the pocket.

[mdauben]

After nearly a decade of on and off use I've never had a Leek open in my pocket. I actually remove the locks mine, as I have had them accidently engage, locking the knife when I wanted to open it. :cuss:

[tiro6]

had mine for a little over a year now and i never use the lock on it.... i still cant take off the lock one handed easily. its a great knife though!

[Big_John1961]

Another thing you can do with the lock, other than removing it, is tighten the T6 screw down so it doesn't actuate easily. That way, you still have it if you want it, but it won't accidentally slide into place. And manly-man knife or not, the Leek is a pretty handy little pocket tool. I ordered the G10/S30V version, but sent it back the next day because it's too chunky, which kind of defeats the purpose of such a knife.

The only knock I have against my smoke blue version is that the grip is on the slippery side. Otherwise, great little blade. And U.S. made.

[Big_John1961]

rcmodel, I ordered the same CRKT you have, but I wasn't impressed with its overall quality, so I sent it back. Plus like you said, it's pretty damn big for regular pocket carry. I moved back to my Benchmades, Spydies & Kershaws and I'm happy.

[K96771]

I have a Leek and it's a great looking knife, but it has a slippery handle and doesn't feel all that secure in my hand. I now clip it inconspicuously on the side of my softside briefcase where it's accessible when in my car and when walking to and from it. It's sort of a backup. For EDC in my pocket I like a Spyderco and Kershaw too.

[crazyjennyblack]

I got rid of the lock on mine. Uscrewed it, broke the plastic, and threw it away. It's the worst feature on the knife! Once the lock is gone, it's great. I sew a special inside strap in the right butt pocket of my jeans. My Leek is completely concealed then, and easily accessible with either hand.

With the spear point, I wouldn't use it for everyday tasks, but it's might nice as a backup in case the pistol quits on me. The spear point is also great for cleaning under my fingernails, etc...

[rcmodel]

Well, I'm about to pull the trigger and order two of them.

My youngest son lost his little Red Benchmade I gave him off his big red motorcycle, and has been whining about it ever since.

So I think I will get both him and myself one to play with!

http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/KS1660BR/Kershaw-Ken-Onion-Black-And-Red-Leek-Plain-Edge-Assisted-Opener-3-inch


If he loses a $50 Leek, it won't be as bad as losing a $175 Benchmade again!

rc

[Kayaker 1960]

I have a Swiss Army Tinker in my pocket to use as a tool. I keep a Leek on the inside of my belt for self defense. The lock is never on, a self weapon needs to be for quick deployment.

[rcmodel]

Well, for what it's worth, I just dropped the hammer on a Two Leek Kershaw order.

One red & black handle standard Sanvik blade,
http://images.knifecenter.com/knifecenter/kershaw/images/1660br.jpg

And the other all silver with the composite edge Sanvak/D2 blade.

http://images.knifecenter.com/knifecenter/kershaw/images/1660CB.jpg

We shall see what we shall see I guess.

rc

[bbuddtec]

sweet choices, rc, i've never had my "scallion" go "click", and I doubt my coworker/LEO ever did either.... and he carries a leek always. The safety is just a pseudo- "'suit" proofer.

I guess it helps if you carry wisely...

[greyling22]

I always liked the semi warncliffe blade on the leek. it's not great for hard use and makes a terrible screwdriver, but it sure does a number on letters, splinters, fruit etc. Never had isses with the leek or chive popping open in pocket, but I moved away from them because they are slippery and heavy (relatively) I would like to hear what you think of the combo blade.

I've actually been more impressed by the kershaw chill and skyline. especially the chill. dirt cheap, very well designed, stupid light and very narrow: just disappears in the pocket.

[Eaglestroker]

RC, I've had one of the composite edged leeks sitting in my cart on Amazon for the better part of two years. I have carried a Leek for 12 years, and have lost 4 of them after bending the clips. Most of the time I get it hung up getting in out of the tractor/skid steer/etc. I can remember mine opening on me once. I found a scallion at a horse show about 8 years ago and it's run back up to the leek ever since. That little guy is TOUGH.

In any case I think you'll be happy with it.

[JShirley]

Leeks bite. The stabby point just seems to have a magnetic attraction to finger tips.

[rcmodel]

RC, I've had one of the composite edged leeks sitting in my cart on Amazon for the better part of two years.Well it's about time you dropped the hammer too!

They ain't gonna get any cheaper I betcha!

In fact, Kershaw has a habit of discontuning colors and models at the drop of a hat.

I just figured out the red/black handle Leek I ordersd is not in the new 2012 catalog.

Leek variations?
Check this out!!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/9937764@N08/6508559107/

rc

[hso]

If you want a bigger blade take a look at the Ripple and the Eros that Ken Onion has designed for CRKT.

[rcmodel]

Thanks, but I already blew my knife budget this time around!!

I will check it out though!

I believe the Eros has already been discontinued by CRKT, although there are probably some still around.

rc

[Eaglestroker]

Hey rc, thanks for the push. I need to get on the ball and call Kershaw to get a replacement clip. Now I'll have another Kershaw in the rotation. I've always seen the colors but simply prefer the straight stainless-esque finish of the standard model. You can catch them on sale on LA Policegear for less than $20. Usually buy two when that happens and give the other as a gift.

[qwert65]

Never lock it

[rcmodel]

Well, the two Leeks finally got here today.

And I am very impressed!

Made and finished like scary sharp man jewelery!

The combo D2 is a frame lock, and the red/black one is a liner lock.

The Combo D2 even came with a very nice little fleece lined zipper pouch I will never use!

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j219/rcmodel/TwoLeeks.jpg

Both came out of the box sharp enough to shave the day old beard on my face, dry!

I found out the thumb studs are really blade stops only.
Don't even try to use them to open the blade!!!
Yep, missing some skin already from trying it a couple of times!

Already changed the clips to point-up carry and they come out of the pocket already opening!

I see I won't be using the safety either.
Carried point up against the back of my front pocket, no amount of pressure on the flipper can budge the blade to open, even a little bit.

Anyway, I think I'm going to like my silver D2 combo edge, and I'm sure my son will like his birthday present of the red/black one!!

Thanks again for everyones input on the Leek!

rc