Kershaw Leek 1660CKTST: The Quintessential Everyday Carry Folding Knife

Are you searching for a reliable, compact, and highly versatile folding knife that excels in everyday tasks while offering unmatched style and durability? For individuals who demand performance, precision, and an iconic design, the Kershaw Leek 1660CKTST stands as a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and innovative engineering. This isn't just another knife; it's a purpose-built tool designed for those who appreciate American-made quality and seek a cutting instrument that seamlessly integrates into their daily lives, ready for any challenge.

Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast needing a dependable blade for camping, a professional requiring a sharp edge for packaging or detailed work, or simply someone who believes in being prepared, the Kershaw Leek 1660CKTST is engineered to meet and exceed your expectations. It addresses common pain points such as the need for quick one-handed deployment, a robust yet lightweight design, superior edge retention, and resistance to wear and tear. This specific model, identified by UPC 087171166148, is particularly sought after for its striking aesthetics and enhanced blade performance.

Unrivaled Blade Performance: Sandvik 14C28N Steel with DLC Coating

At the heart of the Kershaw Leek 1660CKTST's impressive capabilities lies its 3-inch blade, meticulously crafted from Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel. This premium Swedish steel is specifically formulated for knife blades, offering an exceptional balance of hardness, corrosion resistance, and edge retention. What does this mean for you?

• Superior Sharpness: 14C28N steel allows for a very fine, acute edge, ensuring the knife arrives incredibly sharp and is easy to resharpen when needed. This makes quick work of tasks from opening packages to preparing kindling.
• Excellent Edge Retention: You won't have to constantly stop and sharpen your blade. This steel holds its edge remarkably well, even with regular use, translating to more efficient work and less downtime.
• High Corrosion Resistance: Thanks to its high chromium content, 14C28N steel is highly resistant to rust and corrosion, making it suitable for use in various environments, including humid conditions or around water. This extends the life of your knife and keeps it looking great.

Beyond the raw material, the blade features a matte black Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating. This advanced coating is not just for aesthetics; it provides significant functional benefits:

• Enhanced Durability: DLC is incredibly hard and wear-resistant, protecting the blade surface from scratches, abrasions, and general wear that can degrade uncoated blades over time.
• Reduced Friction: The slick nature of DLC can reduce friction during cutting, allowing the blade to glide more smoothly through materials.
• Non-Reflective Surface: The matte black finish offers a non-reflective surface, which can be advantageous in tactical situations or simply for those who prefer a more subdued look.
• Corrosion Protection: While 14C28N is already resistant, the DLC coating adds an extra layer of protection against environmental elements, further safeguarding the blade.

Designed for Versatility: Modified Drop Point and Part Serrated Edge

The Kershaw Leek 1660CKTST features a modified drop-point blade, a design renowned for its versatility and strength. This blade shape offers several advantages:

• Exceptional Slicing Capability: The gentle curve of the belly allows for efficient slicing, making it ideal for food preparation, cutting ropes, or general utility tasks.
• Precise Piercing Power: The "slim tip" of the modified drop point provides excellent piercing capability, allowing for intricate detailed work, puncturing materials, or even self-defense applications.
• Robustness: Unlike very fine or delicate tips, the modified drop point retains significant material behind the tip, making it more robust and less prone to breaking during strenuous use.

Complementing the blade shape is its part serrated edge. This hybrid design offers the best of both worlds:

• Plain Edge Section: Ideal for clean, precise cuts on materials like paper, cardboard, tape, or for delicate slicing tasks.
• Serrated Edge Section: Designed to effortlessly cut through tough, fibrous materials such as cordage, seatbelts, thick fabrics, or bread, where a plain edge might struggle or snag. This makes the Leek an incredibly adaptable tool for a wide range of situations.

This thoughtful combination ensures that the Kershaw Leek 1660CKTST is genuinely a multi-purpose tool, ready to tackle diverse cutting challenges that arise throughout your day.

SpeedSafe® Assisted Opening: Rapid, Reliable Deployment

One of the defining features of the Kershaw Leek, and a hallmark of many Ken Onion designs, is the patented SpeedSafe® ambidextrous assisted opening system. For anyone who needs to quickly deploy their blade with one hand, whether left or right, SpeedSafe® is a game-changer.

How does SpeedSafe® work? With a gentle push on the flipper tab located on the spine of the knife, a torsion bar spring inside the handle assists the blade in smoothly and rapidly snapping open into the locked position. This mechanism is not an automatic opener; the user initiates the blade movement, providing a safe and controlled deployment that is incredibly swift and satisfying.

• Instant Access: In situations where every second counts, SpeedSafe® ensures your blade is ready for action without fumbling.
• Ambidextrous Convenience: The flipper design allows for equally easy deployment for both right-handed and left-handed users.
• Fluid Motion: The action is incredibly smooth, reflecting the precision engineering that goes into every Kershaw knife.

Secure and Ergonomic: 410 Stainless Steel Handle with Frame Lock

The handle of the Kershaw Leek 1660CKTST is crafted from 410 stainless steel, also finished with the durable matte black DLC coating, creating a cohesive and striking aesthetic with the blade. Stainless steel handles are known for their:

• Exceptional Durability: 410 stainless steel is a robust material that can withstand significant wear and tear, making the handle highly resistant to impacts, scratches, and corrosion.
• Solid Feel: Despite its lightweight nature (just 3 oz), the stainless steel handle provides a substantial and secure feel in hand, enhancing control during use.
• Easy Maintenance: The smooth, coated surface is easy to clean and maintain, resisting the accumulation of dirt and grime.

Safety is paramount in knife design, and the Kershaw Leek 1660CKTST employs a sturdy frame lock mechanism. In a frame lock, a portion of the handle frame itself pivots inward to securely wedge behind the blade tang when the knife is open, preventing accidental closure.

• Unwavering Security: The frame lock is renowned for its strength and reliability, providing a very secure lock-up that gives users confidence during demanding tasks.
• Simplicity and Effectiveness: It's a straightforward, robust mechanism that is less prone to failure compared to some other locking systems.
• Easy Disengagement: To close the knife, simply push the locking bar aside, allowing the blade to fold back into the handle.

The Ken Onion Design Philosophy: Form Meets Function

The Kershaw Leek is a signature creation by master knifemaker Ken Onion, whose designs are celebrated worldwide for their innovative functionality and distinctive aesthetics. Onion's touch is evident in every curve and contour of the Leek, blending art with utility. His philosophy prioritizes ergonomic comfort, intuitive operation, and a sleek profile that makes the knife a joy to carry and use. The Leek's slim, elegant lines belie its robust performance, embodying the perfect balance between a gentleman's folder and a rugged workhorse. It's this masterful design that contributes to its enduring popularity among knife enthusiasts and everyday users alike.

Why Choose the Kershaw Leek 1660CKTST?

When considering an everyday carry knife, numerous factors come into play. The Kershaw Leek 1660CKTST consistently rises to the top for compelling reasons:

• Versatility Personified: From intricate cuts to heavy-duty slicing, the modified drop point and part serrated edge combination ensures you’re prepared for anything.
• Built to Last: High-performance Sandvik 14C28N steel, a tough DLC coating, and durable 410 stainless steel handle guarantee longevity.
• Effortless Deployment: SpeedSafe® assisted opening means quick access and readiness in any situation, enhancing both convenience and safety.
• Secure Handling: The ergonomic handle design paired with a reliable frame lock provides a secure grip and prevents accidental blade closure during use.
• Compact & Lightweight: With a closed length of 4 inches and weighing just 3 ounces, it slips discreetly into your pocket without adding bulk, making it the ideal EDC.
• Iconic Design: Ken Onion's timeless aesthetic ensures this knife is as much a statement piece as it is a functional tool.
• Proudly Made in the USA: Supporting American manufacturing means investing in quality control, skilled labor, and a product crafted to the highest standards. This also ensures compliance with stringent manufacturing guidelines and ethical practices, giving you peace of mind about the product's origin and integrity.

Real-World Applications & Use Cases

The Kershaw Leek 1660CKTST is more than just a beautiful object; it's a practical tool for countless scenarios:

• Daily Tasks: Opening packages, cutting string, slicing fruit, breaking down cardboard boxes, stripping wires. Its slim profile makes it perfect for discreet office carry.
• Outdoor Adventures: Cutting cordage for shelters, preparing tinder for fires, slicing food during camping or hiking trips, minor repairs on gear.
• Professional Use: Electricians, mechanics, construction workers, and warehouse employees find its sharp blade and assisted opening invaluable for repetitive cutting tasks, ensuring efficiency and safety.
• Emergency Preparedness: The part serrated edge is excellent for cutting seatbelts or tough materials in survival situations, while its piercing tip can assist in tasks requiring precision.
• Gifting: For the knife enthusiast, the EDC aficionado, or anyone who appreciates finely crafted tools, the Leek makes an exceptional and thoughtful gift.

Caring for Your Kershaw Leek

To ensure your Kershaw Leek 1660CKTST performs optimally for years to come, simple maintenance is key:

• Cleaning: After use, especially if exposed to moisture or corrosive materials, wipe down the blade and handle with a damp cloth. For tougher grime, a mild soap and water solution can be used, ensuring to dry thoroughly afterward.
• Lubrication: Periodically apply a light film of a quality knife oil to the pivot area to maintain the smooth SpeedSafe® action.
• Sharpening: While the 14C28N steel holds an edge well, eventually it will need sharpening. Use a quality sharpening system appropriate for stainless steel blades to maintain its razor-sharp edge. The part serrated section may require a specialized serration sharpener.
• Storage: Store your knife in a dry place to prevent moisture buildup, especially if not being carried.

The Kershaw Leek 1660CKTST is available at trusted retailers like DEGuns. When you acquire this knife, you're not just buying a cutting tool; you're investing in a legacy of American knife-making excellence, innovative design, and a companion ready for any challenge life throws your way. Its combination of an advanced blade, quick deployment, secure lock, and iconic design makes it an indispensable asset for anyone seeking a high-performance, versatile, and aesthetically pleasing everyday carry knife.

Kershaw Leek 1660CKTST Key Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Kershaw
Model	Leek
Blade Material	14C28N Sandvik Steel
Blade Length	3 inches
Blade Type	Modified Drop Point
Edge Type	Part Serrated
Blade Finish	Black DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon)
Handle Material	410 Stainless Steel
Handle Finish	Black DLC
Opening System	SpeedSafe® Assisted Opening
Open Type	Flipper
Lock Type	Frame Lock
Overall Length	7 inches
Closed Length	4 inches
Blade Thickness	0.09 inches
Weight	3 ounces
Hand Orientation	Ambidextrous
Includes	Pocket Clip
Manufacture	Made in the USA
UPC	087171166148
MPN	1660CKTST