Decision Time! (Image Heavy)

[nebeel]

Made a thread a week ago or so asking for advice about a new folder. Well, fast forward after all the great feedback, and now have 3 new ones!

Haha, I'm sure I'll use them all, but I like them all so far.

Kershaw Leek:




Kershaw Shallot




Benchmade 943








You'll notice on the BM there's a bit of what looks like wear on the handle. This is from me rubbing the knife on my jeans to try to smooth out the "chalky" feeling of the handle. Anyone have any better idea to try and smooth it out a bit and get rid of that "chalky" feel?

 

[lobo9er]

I dont have or have used any onf the 3 but the LEEK is nice looking!

 

[OH_Spartan]

All have their merits. Three new knives....I am jealous

 

[USAF_Vet]

I'm a Benchmade fan, but I like the look of the shallot.

 

[Il Duca]

943 all the way. I just don't like AO.

 

[Valkman]

I like Benchmade.

 

[Chris-bob]

I like Benchmade, but love the look of the Leek!

 

[JimStC]

Outstanding choices and great pictures! Thanks for sharing. Just what I need: new knife ideas:banghead:

Jim

 

[bikerdoc]

I voted Benchmade, just on looks as I don't own any of them, which is peculiar as i have about 4 dozen knives.
Warning - Dont buy a Spydeco Native as they are most addictive.

 

[nebeel]

They definitely all have their place.

So far, the Shallot is the biggest and heaviest. Even though the blade is almost the same size as the Benchmade, the full steel construction makes it a lot heavier.

The Leek is very small and I think will carry very well.

I ended up using some steel wool (dish washing type) on the Benchmade to smooth out the handle and get rid of the rough chalky feel. Now it feels great and it's EXTREMELY light. I don't feel it in my pocket at all!

I think it will be a toss up between the Benchmade & Leek. I'm guessing it will come down to durability and edge retention. But right now I'll probably carry both equally.

 

[lemaymiami]

If the handle surfaces on that Benchmade are a bit too aggressive for your taste you can accelerate the natural wear process by using a small piece of wet/dry sandpaper in a very fine grit (at least 400, maybe 600). Work those surfaces a bit (handle only, never touch anything metal) then check your progress - easy does it you're only wanting to relieve sharp edges very, very slightly. Since I'm also a rodbuilder I'm very comfortable using a tiny amount of lacquer thinner on a soft clean rag to clean your work surfaces periodically as you go along. Hope this helps...

 

[Armored farmer]

All nice looking knives. I think the blade design is best on the Leek. I have a Kershaw 'Needs work' as my daily work knife. It is sharp, easily sharpened, and QUICK. The Leek looks like it would be slim and easy to carry.
My son is getting hitched this summer and is getting all the groomsmen 'Leeks' with a Custom inscription on the blade. (I hope he gets his ol' dad one too)

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

I'd break the tip on the Leek and like the opening and locking of the Shallot over the Benchmade.

 

[bannockburn]

I have both Kershaws and Benchmade knives. All are very well made and decent buys for the money but of the two companies listed I would go with the Benchmade knife.

 

[rcmodel]

I love my Benchmades.
I have 6 of them.

I love the axis-lock, and I love the old AFCK liner locks more..


But, I did buy a combo blade Kershaw Leek in October last year, and one for my son.

The Leek has become my EDC for the last 6 months.

What I don't like?
The pocket clip is not as secure as those from Benchmade.
Because the Leek is slicker then Owl dodo, the clip & handle is shorter, and your leg can push the clip out of your pocket when you set down.

And the Assisted Opener spring broke on mine one week after I got it.
Kershaw sent me a free 'care package' of springs, screws, bolts, and bushing washers that should keep 3 Leeks running longer then I will care.

Other then that?

I like them, a lot.

rc

 

[nebeel]

Been carrying the Benchmade all week so far and it is pretty nice. Doesn't feel like carrying anything, rides secure and unobtrusive.

 

[csa77]

Iv been using a leek as a fishing knife, for 2 years. I absolutely love the point of the blade, its almost needle like and great for piercing tough skin fish like sharks . the thin blade makes its easy to cut up bait for chum as well.

the fairly strait edge is very easy to sharpen.
its light enough to keep around my neck on a lanyard while I fish from my kayak


the only down side is the assist spring just recently broke,because of that I am considering a small fixed blade since at times Iv had to be really quick about cutting my line when you hook something too big for a 10foot kayak.

 

[SAGEEN]

it was a hard one i like the stainless look best

 

[Coop45]

I like my Benchmade 943! The Emissary is cool to!

 

[beatledog7]

I have a 1/2-serrated Leek in that black aluminum-like material, and it's not as slick as rc describes. It's been my EDC for nearly two years. Love it! Bought an identical spare.

 

[Tomcat47]

All three are nice knives...

I am not into blade profile on leek... but still nice looking knife.

I love blade design on the shalott and 943 and for all practical carry purposes I would probably lean to the 943 , but Shalott has best looking blade to me...