| | |  | Folding Knives | Home » » » » » Kershaw Ken Onion Leek Folding Knife with Speed Safe | | | | | | | Description: | | The Leek series includes some of Kershaw's most popular knives, and the K.O. Leek serrated folding knife is no exception. This particular knife features a distinctive design by celebrated knife maker Ken Onion, who created the SpeedSafe ambidextrous assisted opening system. With SpeedSafe, the user can smoothly and easily deploy the blade with one hand, either left or right. This makes it ideal for sporting and work situations in which one-handed opening is easier and safer, such as when hunting, fishing, or working with your hands on the job site. The K.O. Leek also sports a bead-blasted stainless-steel handle, which gives the knife a sleek, cutting-edge look. If the stainless handle isn't your cup of tea, Kershaw also offers Leek knives in a variety of other handle styles, some with technologically advanced coatings for enhanced performance. For example, the red "smoked" double-anodized aluminum handle is a true head turner, while the black tungsten DLC-coated handle produces a non-reflective surface. As an alternative, you can opt for the Pink Leek, with its fashionable pink anodized aluminum handle, or the Rainbow Leek, which boasts a titanium oxide coating that produces a highly scratch-resistant, brilliant rainbow finish. 
The SpeedSafe assisted opening system lets you smoothly deploy the blade with 1 hand. | The K.O. Leek also comes with a Kershaw pocket clip, which is meant to be clipped with the handle on the inside of your pocket. The clip is not to be worn on a belt, as this is an unsafe way to carry your belt. Other features include a frame lock, which locks the blade into position after the blade is deployed, and a thumb stud for easier one-handed opening. About the SpeedSafe System
The patented SpeedSafe knife-opening system helps users open the knife by applying manual pressure to the thumb stud or blade protrusion. The heart of the SpeedSafe system--which is built into many of Kershaw's best-selling knives--is its torsion bar, which keeps gravity from opening the knife. After the blade is out of the handle, the torsion bar moves along its half-moon track and takes over, smoothly opening the blade and locking it into position, ready for use. Although they may look similar at first glance, SpeedSafe knives are not considered switchblades. Unlike a switchblade, SpeedSafe knives do not deploy with the push of a button in the handle or by gravity alone. Instead, the user must manually overcome the torsion bar's resistance, putting the knives outside the federal definition of a switchblade. However, it's the responsibility of the buyer to investigate and comply with the laws and regulations that apply in his or her specific area. Buyers should rest assured, however, that SpeedSafe knives are extremely safe, as they open only when the user manually deploys them, and lock securely into position when open so they don't close accidentally. Knife Maker Ken Onion
A master of his trade, Ken Onion is one of the most sought-after custom knife makers in the industry. His knives can be found in the most prestigious private knife collections as well in as in the pockets of his dedicated customers. Ken's involvement in the knife trade dates back to his time in Palestine, West Virginia, where he was inspired at the age of 12 by Vernon Ott, a local blacksmith and maker of garden tools and knives. In the ensuing years, Ken joined the U.S. Marine Corps and worked in such fields as construction, heavy equipment repair, and hydraulics repair, always with an eye toward eventually designing the perfect knife. In November of 1991, Ken met Stan Fujisaki, a talented knife maker who agreed to teach him the tricks of the trade. After years of preparation--and some inspiration while working on a Harley cam for a friend--Ken created his first SpeedSafe knife. Today, Ken designs a custom selection of knives for Kershaw, many featuring the patented SpeedSafe torsion bar system for assisted opening. Ken is personally involved throughout the design and manufacturing process to ensure that each knife meets his high standards for performance and quality. Specifications: - Blade material: Sandvik 13C26 stainless steel
- Handle: 410 stainless steel
- Blade length: 3 inches
- Closed length: 4 inches
- Weight: 3 ounces
- Warranty: Limited lifetime
- Item is restricted for shipping to some zip codes
| | | Features: | |
• This item is not for sale in some specific zip codes
| | | Product Details: | | | Average Customer Rating:
|  based on 348 reviews |
| | | | Customer Reviews: | |
Average Customer Review:
 ( 348 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
91 of 92 found the following review helpful:
 Great Quality... Great Carry KnifeOct 20, 2006
By MilPhogDan
I purchased this knife at a gun & knife show three years ago and have carried it everyday since. I've owned ($60.00) Spyderco and ($150.00) Benchmade (Automatic) knives, but this Stainless Leek model is slimmer, quicker to draw and has a better clip than both of these knives. Because of the unique spring action mechanism, many think it's an "automatic" knife. My only recommendation is to occasionally lubricate/clean the mechanism to keep the action quick. I did have to tighen the allen screw to keep the safety from slipping "on" in my pocket. I will be ordering a second one at this price. This is a very well designed, well made pocket knife.
58 of 60 found the following review helpful:
 Kershaw Leek - It's one sharp OnionSep 25, 2007
By Miko
"Sharp Shopper"
I have a lot of knives, among them Benchmade, Beretta, CRKT ... but this Ken Onion Leek may be THE sharpest knife I have ever purchased. Aside from all the other great features you will read about in these reviews (they're all true) it simply has a razor edge that is a box cutter's equal. I have been developing my knife sharpening technique with a diamond stone and a steel for years now, and I can put an amazing edge on a knife. But not quite like this - this is a true razor's edge. It starts to cut you the instant you test it.
I got my Leek because I wanted an every day carry knife with a "stay closed" safety, so it only opens when I want it to. I wear my knife hanging off a carabiner with my keys, and sometimes my old Beretta would come open when sliding into or out of my truck, for example. So I love that this has a tip safety. And for sure, the Speed Safe torsion opener is waaaaay cool. It's the closest thing to a switchblade I've ever tried.
And major kudos to Kershaw for really putting a pro edge on this blade. A "criminal edge" - because it's "sharper than the law should allow". Have fun and be careful.
62 of 72 found the following review helpful:
Sexy, yet stabbyMar 01, 2007
By K. M. Burright
Like the Chive, this knife is a nice small package that's deceptively stabby. Sure, it looks innocent, but how much of that blade do you want in your eye? Hypothetically speaking, of course. I would never indicate that you should stab people with this knife. Never ever.
The high points are the sleek design, flawless assisted opening, and light weight. I have problems with thumb studs on assisted opening knives, so I am very pleased that this has an index opening. For the safety-conscious, there is a safety lock to keep the blade from opening in your pants. Not that it will, but just in case I guess.
The Leek is a perfect knife for people with small hands; that i's assisted opening is a definite bonus. Too many assisted opening knives are too bulky for my hand, or too powerful when it snaps open (Kershaw Tactical Blur, for example). The Leek firmly snaps into place without "recoil" and is light and small enough for people with small hands to easily use. But don't be fooled by its innocent appearance. This knife can be a deadly little package and should not be underestimated.
34 of 40 found the following review helpful:
 Six MonthsJul 21, 2010
By T. morton
I've been carrying this knife daily and using it several times a week. I haven't yet had to sharpen it and the knife still opens briskly. There is no visible wear, definitely a good buy.
Edit: After some thought, and using the knife under adverse conditions, I'm going to lower my to review to three stars. The lack of any sort of texturing makes it very difficult to use when wearing gloves or with wet hands.
Further Update: I lost one of the washers while cleaning the knife. Kershaw had two replacement pairs to me within two days, Great Service!
9 of 9 found the following review helpful:
One Awesome KnifeNov 27, 2010
By Dr Nick
Let me start by saying I am very picky when it comes to my pocket knives. This one is awesome in every way. It has the speed assist which is a great option but in addition to the traditional thumb stud it has a spot on the back of the blade which allows you to use your index finger to deploy the blade. The steel keeps an edge very well but is not impossible to sharpen. The size of the knife is also perfect for pocket use. Overall, this is truely a great knife. Don't hesitate on this one. One last thought. It is also made in the USA which means quality. I am so sick of previously great brands (I am refering to you Gerber) sending a large part of their products to be made in China but keeping the price point the same. Chinese knives are just not quality. Some Kershaw knives are also produced over there, but not this knife. One great knife at a great price.
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