Kershaw Copper Leek Assisted Opening Knife (3" Stonewash) 1660CU

Kershaw Leek, copper handles

Ok, so I screwed up. I'm not a big wharncliffe fan really, but I knew I had to try the Leek because it's an industry standard. My regret does not involve the blade. The length, sharp edge, and blade material were all great here. No problems. Where I made my mistake was in buying the copper handles. The extra weight that copper adds? No big deal on small knife this size. That added… read more weight is negligible. It's the patina thing. As you'd expect, my new Leek came sealed in a plastic bag inside its Kershaw box. Once you open that bag and begin to handle the knife, your new copper scales begin to darken and dull overnight. Yes, I should have know. Think of any of the thousands of pennies that you have handled and you know this is where you'll inevitably go. Unfortunately, I was drawn in by the lovely photos of the shiny copper handles and just ignored this eventuality. And forgot about the stink as well. On one hand, it's an unforgettable metallic smell in your hands, on the other, you wonder why it has to smell. Or at least I do. Here's my point: Buy most any other Leek for around $45-$50 and pass on the copper handles. They add weight, they add smell, and they patina quickly. That means you have to clean them regularly if you want them to shine like a new penny. I'm going to give mine away or sell it, and then I'll buy a cheaper variant of the Leek in a different bright color.

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Best for Right-Handed Carry and Use

I'm a big fan of assisted open knives and copper scales. Between the scales, blade steel, and price, I was pretty stoked to get my hands on this knife! I've been using this knife pretty heavily as part of my EDC for the last few weeks and this is what I've found...

Things I like: Copper scales patina really well; Blade steel has proven consistent and reliable through many… read more applications; Assisted opening is very snappy and satisfying; Price is pretty good for an American made knife with good steel and scales; Size is perfect for (my fifth pocket) EDC; Blade shape and body contours are comfortable when I use my index finger to choke up on the blade for more control and accuracy; Clip has a comfortable contour and good purchase for the ring finger while the knife is in "opening position".

Things I don't like: The lock is inconveniently placed, feels stiff, gritty, and somewhat cheap...like an afterthought; The thumb stud is too close to the body for my liking, which affects my muscle memory for opening these types of knives (Have to flick "up", not "out"); Though the thumb stud appears to be ambidextrous, the design of this knife is really meant for right-handed carry.

The thumb stud is practically useless when attempting left-handed opening! Not only does it sit too close to the body of the knife (to the point that a notch must be carved into the body/scale to accommodate it), but your clip position directly affects where the left thumb sits/flicks while attempting to open. As a result of the single-sided clip access, carry options are extremely limited/limiting. The flipper and assisted opening make for an easier left-handed opening experience, but it would be nice to move the clip to the other side for a better left-hand carry experience. Fortunately, I'm right-hand dominant otherwise I'd be pretty disappointed. A better lock (and lock location) in addition to additional clip/carry options would push this review to 5 stars.

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Weighty With Issues

I liked my $45 frame lock Leek well enough to take a look at the more premium models. It was between this and the carbon fiber CPM154 model. Since I like the feel of the stainless steel version and prefer my small knives with a bit of heft anyway, I went for the copper version.

I immediately noticed the weight of the knife...it's a full oz. heavier than the already-hefty… read more stainless Leek and 1.6 oz. heavier than CF. The knife would not open fully out of the box, though I worked the mechanism a couple of dozen times. I finally loosened the pivot screw a bit and it now opens reliably, though with a touch of side-to-side play. The edge was not sharp enough to shave arm hair, cut paper or do much of anything without a full resharpening. It looks great, I'll give it that, though I'd prefer a bead-blasted or satin-finish blade to go with the polished copper scales. I'd also prefer a frame lock to the liner lock, as in the base model.

I disabled the silly blade lock by tightening its screw down. As in other Leeks and the Blur, the pocket clip kind of sucks. The clip is reversible for tip-up carry, which I prefer, but leaves an unacceptable hunk of knife protruding from your pocket. Even tip-down it's still fairly prominent for such a small knife. An after-market deep carry clip will run you $25 and shouldn't be necessary.

I would have returned the knife but just sitting on a table with the rest of my collection it picked up noticeable scars in the copper. Oh well, I dig the looks and can get used to the weight. I like the acquired patina and the pocket scars it picks up.

If you're a collector and have to have it, go for it. If you just want a premium steel blade, go for the CF version (I wish I had). If you can live with perfectly-serviceable 14C28N steel, spend half as much for the stainless model and buy another one if you lose it or it gets too dull to self-sharpen.

I give the base stainless model five stars, while for the reasons above this "premium" Leek rates only three stars.

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Keyshawn Copper Leek

I have a small collection of Leeks. This one is definitely one of my favorites. With the copper scales and CPM154 blade steel, it is a super little edc. The copper immediately takes on its own personality in colors & scars. It always brings admiration from all who see it. It’s just the right combination of looks and capability. I think I’ll order another one - I like it that… read more much

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Copper...coated?

I've noticed that on my knife the patina is extremely slow to take hold...almost at a stand still when compared to other copper items purchased at the same time. I'm wondering if Kershaw has coated these scales with something that inhibits the oxygen from doing it's thing. Very slow to patina,

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Typical Kershaw

When I say typical Kershaw I mean great quality fit and finish. Hefty little Leek
Just know Cooper it’s very very soft so if you actually plan to carry the scales will become full of ugly scratches.
Buy it anyway it’s really nice

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Love it.

I'm an OG leek owner from way back, so I was stoked to see this new version with copper scales and upgraded steel.

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New carry

Order came on time, happy I pre-ordered. Knife was assembled flawlessly as expected being it is USA made and Kershaw. Handle looks great, will look better with some patina. centering on blade is perfect.

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