Next Knife

[The Highlander]

So I've been doing a lot of shopping around, and I've been really interested in a lot of Kershaw's Ken Onion knives. I really like the leek a lot, but I'm looking to carry this knife as my main edc, and I'm worried about tip strength. (heard a lot of stories about tips chipping on leeks) Should I be worried about something like this? I don't want to get jumped by some goons in an alley only to have my knife break off in some guy. (not like I'm looking for trouble/going in dark alleys; just want to be prepared for anything)

I'm also really interested in the Avalanche, Blur, and Blackout knives. They seem to be more suited towards every day carry, and they also have that speed-safe assisted opening, which I'm a fan of. I like the G10 on the Avalanche, but it's also the priciest of the knives.

Just looking for some feedback from anyone who owns one or more of these knives. Thanks

 

[Doc_Jude]

If you don't want to worry about breaking your knife off in someone, stay away from those dainty lil' delicate blades. Get an Emerson, or one of the more sturdy Cold Steel folders (Recon 1, Gunsite, Lawman). The chances of them "breaking off in someone" are very low, & if they do, you can probably get a replacement (esp with the Emerson, I'm sure Ernest would be interested in the story!)

My next knife will probably be coming from Tai Goo. Something from the following selection:

 

[hso]

I haven't heard any stories about the tip of the Leek chipping or breaking so I'm curious about that.

Second, an EDC should serve the primary uses the individual intends it to. What will you be primarily be doing with the knife?

 

[INSULATION TIM]

I personally think that the Benchmade Griptillian w/D2 steel is a workhorse of a knife. The Benchmade Axis locking system is practically foolproof.

You can check it out HERE

If this is too big, they make it in a Mini-Griptillian. I personally prefer the plain edge; not the combo.

I believe that the version made with D2 steel is only avalable through Cabellas.

 

[mercop]

I have investigated a few stabbings and have never had a blade broken off in someone, the entire knife stuck in the body yes, broken off no. For anyone purchasing a folder for SD the Spydercop Endura/Delica make the most sense do to the availability of a trainer.

 

[the lone gunman]

I think one of kershaws most underated Knifes is the "Needs Work" Its what I EDC. Great blade steel and shape. cant beat it for under $35.00.

 

[NVMM]

I just bought a Buck 290 Rush. Seems to fit me Perfect.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=351274&highlight=buck+290+rush

 

[Limeyfellow]

You can invest in a Kershaw Leek that has the composite blade with the Sandvik 13C26 and reinforced along the blade and tip with CPM-D2. I use a Leek just fine mind you and I never broken the tip off, but I don't use it for prying things open either. They also come in S30V. The blade is a little thin, but it does pretty much everything I ask for it.

As an EDC, the Kershaw Blur is a better knife in my opinion however. It has a thicker, stronger, more usefully shaped blade, the handle material gives you a much better grip and it is what I would pick from Kershaw's line for and EDC knife.

With the Kershaw lines make sure you have one of the newer ones after they had gotten rid of the 440A stainless and gone to better steel.

You might also want to look at the Spyderco Delica and Endura. They had great jimping and shape that allows lots of effort to be placed into the work and keep control of the blade and come with the G10 material and have great blades. The Endura is a little bigger than the Delica, but they both work well.

Then there is the Benchmade Griptilian. I like the 550HG. It is nicely ambidextrous and can keep your hand away from the blade like you would get from the liner lock of the Kershaw knives for instance. It is thicker then the other knives in the handle, but it gives a good grip and hold. The Blur and Delica have better traction on the handle and the jimping on the Griptilian could be better but it has one of the best blade designs and excellent ergonomics.

If you really want a great Kershaw for EDC I would go with the Blur. I love the Leek mind you and keep it in my suit jacket as it has a good look and I don't anticipate it being used for much, but my go to knife is generally the Blur, which costs a little more, but well worth it.

 

[The Highlander]

I haven't heard any stories about the tip of the Leek chipping or breaking so I'm curious about that.

Second, an EDC should serve the primary uses the individual intends it to. What will you be primarily be doing with the knife?

I plan on using the knife for opening mail/office supplies, etc. Not very heavy duty stuff, hence why I've been considering a composite/D2 leek. I'm just concerned about blade strength in a self-defense role.

 

[TimboKhan]

well, if SD with a knife is a major concern for you, the Leek probably is not the knife for you. Blade strength aside, I just don't think the Leek would be a particularly great choice for SD. If the SD aspect is a minor concern, then I don't think you really have to worry about blade strength, which, incidentally, is probably going to be more than sufficient.

 

[Limeyfellow]

If a self defense purpose of the knife is important, I would stay away from the leek. There are better choices out there for the handle to keep your grip in a thrusting movement. Your blade should be fine, but I am not sure I would trust the grip, particularly on the top for a stab.

You be much better off with the likes of a Spyderco Endura. The Kershaw leek is better than nothing and you can get it with the g-10 handle for better grip, but there really are much better choices.

Self defense isn't a major concern for me with an EDC knife, and why I carry a Sig P226, but the Leek could be used in that role if needed, but you are risking loosing grip and cutting your hands. Of course that probably be the least of your worries at such a time.

 

[Coronach]

I have investigated a few stabbings and have never had a blade broken off in someone, the entire knife stuck in the body yes, broken off no.

I have, but the knife in question was a cheapo steak knife, and the "victim" twisted it against a rib and/or against a doorjamb when he fell down. It snapped at the handle.

Mike

 

[hso]

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