The Ultimate Everyday Companion: Kershaw 1660OL Leek Folding Knife

Are you searching for a dependable, high-performance folding knife that seamlessly blends into your daily life? Do you need a versatile tool that’s as adept at opening packages as it is at handling light outdoor tasks? For enthusiasts of quality craftsmanship, outdoor adventurers, professionals seeking a reliable cutting edge, or anyone looking for the perfect gift, the Kershaw 1660OL Leek is an exceptional choice designed to meet a myriad of demands. This iconic knife, readily available at trusted retailers like DEGuns.com, embodies the perfect fusion of precision engineering, user-friendly features, and enduring style.

The Kershaw 1660OL Leek stands out in the crowded field of everyday carry (EDC) knives. Its design philosophy revolves around providing a compact, lightweight, yet incredibly robust tool that’s always ready when you need it. Users frequently ask, "What makes a good EDC knife?" The answer often points to a balance of blade quality, ergonomic design, deployment speed, and safety features—all characteristics where the Leek excels.

Unpacking the Kershaw 1660OL Leek: Features That Matter

At the heart of the Kershaw Leek 1660OL is its 3-inch modified drop point blade, a testament to thoughtful design. This specific blade shape is renowned for its versatility, offering a strong tip for piercing while retaining a generous belly for efficient slicing. The blade is meticulously crafted from Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel, a material developed through a collaborative partnership between Kershaw and Sandvik, specifically for high-performance knife applications.

What does this mean for you? Sandvik 14C28N is a premium steel known for its exceptional balance of properties. It boasts impressive edge retention, meaning your blade stays razor sharp for extended periods, reducing the frequency of sharpening. Furthermore, its excellent corrosion resistance ensures durability even in challenging environments, resisting rust and stains. This combination ensures the Leek's blade is not only incredibly sharp right out of the box but also maintains its keen edge and aesthetic appeal over time, even with consistent use. The bead-blasted finish on the blade not only adds a subtle, non-reflective appearance but also enhances its resistance to minor scratches and wear, maintaining its sleek look through years of service.

Complementing the superior blade is the knife's handle, made from olive drab anodized aluminum. This isn't just about aesthetics; it's a functional design choice. The anodized finish provides a fade-resistant, scratch-resistant dye that is permanently bonded to the aluminum. This process significantly increases the handle's durability, making it resistant to nicks, scratches, and the general wear and tear of daily use, ensuring the unique olive drab color remains vibrant. Aluminum is also inherently lightweight, contributing to the Leek's overall feather-light carry weight of just 2.40 ounces, making it virtually unnoticeable in your pocket until needed. Its slim profile, with a thickness of just 0.09 inches, further enhances its discreet and comfortable carry.

Seamless Deployment and Unwavering Security

One of the most praised features of the Kershaw Leek series is its SpeedSafe Assisted Opening system. For anyone who has ever fumbled with a tricky pocket knife, SpeedSafe is a game-changer. It allows for incredibly fast, smooth, and one-handed deployment of the blade. A gentle push on the ambidextrous flipper tab, and the blade glides open with a satisfying snap, locking securely into place. This quick deployment is crucial in situations where immediate access to a cutting tool is necessary, whether you're dealing with an emergency or simply need to open a stubborn package with one hand. The ambidextrous design ensures that both left- and right-handed users can operate the knife with equal ease and efficiency.

Once open, the blade is held firmly by a robust Liner Lock mechanism. This internal locking system is celebrated for its simplicity, reliability, and strength. The Liner Lock securely positions a portion of the knife's steel liner behind the open blade, preventing accidental closure during use. It's a trusted locking mechanism that provides confidence and safety, crucial for any cutting task. Disengaging the lock is intuitive and effortless, allowing for safe and quick closure when the task is complete.

Designed for the Real World: Practical Applications

The Kershaw 1660OL Leek isn't just a collection of impressive specifications; it's a practical tool engineered for real-world scenarios.

• Everyday Carry (EDC): This is where the Leek truly shines. Its compact 4-inch closed length, lightweight design, and convenient pocket clip make it an ideal companion for daily tasks. It sits comfortably in your pocket, ready for anything from opening boxes and mail to cutting string, tape, or plastic packaging.
• Outdoor Adventures: While not a heavy-duty survival knife, the Leek is perfectly suited for light outdoor activities. Campers and hikers will appreciate its sharpness for cutting cordage, preparing kindling, or even light food preparation. Its corrosion-resistant blade makes it reliable in various weather conditions.
• Professional Use: Many professionals, from tradespeople to office workers, find the Leek invaluable. Electricians might use it to strip wires (with caution), warehouse workers for opening crates, or anyone needing a precise cutting tool for daily job functions.
• Emergency Preparedness: Having a sharp, reliable knife can be critical in unexpected situations. The Leek’s rapid deployment and robust build make it a dependable tool for cutting seatbelts, opening emergency packaging, or other unforeseen needs.
• A Thoughtful Gift: For the knife enthusiast in your life, or someone who appreciates quality tools, the Kershaw 1660OL Leek makes an excellent gift. Its blend of utility, aesthetics, and KAI USA Ltd.'s reputation for quality ensures it will be a cherished item.

Why Choose the Kershaw Leek 1660OL Over Other Options?

When comparing the Kershaw Leek to other folding knives, several factors distinguish it as a top-tier choice:

• Superior Steel: The use of Sandvik 14C28N is a significant advantage, offering better edge retention and corrosion resistance than many common stainless steels found in this price range. This translates to less frequent sharpening and a longer-lasting blade.
• SpeedSafe Assisted Opening: For quick, one-handed access, SpeedSafe is unparalleled. Many knives require two hands or a more deliberate motion to open, but the Leek provides instant readiness.
• Durable, Lightweight Handle: The anodized aluminum handle is not only aesthetically pleasing but also exceptionally tough without adding unnecessary weight. The olive drab color is not merely a coating; it's an integral part of the aluminum itself, ensuring it won't chip or peel like paint.
• Perfect Balance of Size and Functionality: At 7 inches overall when open and a 3-inch blade, the Leek strikes an ideal balance. It’s large enough for effective use but compact enough for discreet and comfortable carry.
• Kershaw's Reputation: Kershaw, a brand of KAI USA Ltd., has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality, innovative knives that offer exceptional value. When you choose a Kershaw Leek, you're investing in a product from a company with a proven track record.

Maintaining Your Kershaw Leek for Longevity

To ensure your Kershaw 1660OL Leek continues to perform at its peak for years to come, a few simple maintenance steps are recommended:

• Cleaning: After use, especially in wet or dirty conditions, wipe down the blade and handle. For deeper cleaning, warm, soapy water can be used, ensuring to dry thoroughly afterward to prevent rust, particularly in the pivot area.
• Lubrication: Periodically apply a light oil (such as mineral oil or a specialty knife lubricant) to the pivot point to keep the SpeedSafe mechanism smooth and functional.
• Sharpening: While the Sandvik 14C28N steel holds an edge well, all knives eventually need sharpening. Use a quality sharpening system appropriate for stainless steel to restore the razor-sharp edge. Avoid excessive pressure.
• Storage: Store your Leek in a dry environment to prevent corrosion.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Kershaw Leek 1660OL

Q: Is the Kershaw Leek good for self-defense?
A: While any sharp object can be used for self-defense in an emergency, the Kershaw Leek 1660OL is primarily designed as a utility and everyday carry tool. For dedicated self-defense tools, users should seek out specialized training and equipment. Its primary strength lies in its ability to handle a wide range of daily cutting tasks efficiently and safely.

Q: Can the pocket clip be changed or moved?
A: Yes, the pocket clip on the Kershaw Leek is reversible. It can be moved to either end of the handle (tip-up or tip-down carry) for ambidextrous use or preferred carry style. This adds to the knife’s adaptability for different users and preferences.

Q: Is the Leek suitable for heavy-duty tasks?
A: The Kershaw Leek is designed for light to medium-duty tasks. Its slim blade profile and liner lock are perfect for precision cutting, opening packages, and general utility. For very heavy prying or chopping, a larger, more robust fixed-blade knife would be more appropriate. Respecting the knife's design limitations will ensure its longevity and your safety.

Q: What is the benefit of a "modified drop point" blade?
A: A modified drop point blade combines the strength of a drop point with a slightly more acute tip, often featuring a subtle recurve or belly. This design provides excellent piercing capability while retaining a strong tip and a long, curved cutting edge, making it incredibly versatile for both detailed work and general slicing.

Q: Where can I reliably purchase the Kershaw 1660OL Leek?
A: The Kershaw 1660OL Leek is available from reputable retailers specializing in knives and outdoor gear. For a trusted source, you can find this specific model, UPC 087171035116, at DEGuns.com, where you can expect authentic products and reliable service.

In conclusion, the Kershaw 1660OL Leek in olive drab is more than just a folding knife; it's a meticulously crafted tool that offers unparalleled performance and reliability for everyday carry. Its combination of premium Sandvik 14C28N steel, durable anodized aluminum handle, lightning-fast SpeedSafe assisted opening, and secure Liner Lock makes it a standout choice for anyone seeking a blend of utility, safety, and sophisticated design. Whether for daily chores, outdoor adventures, or as a reliable companion in unexpected situations, the Leek consistently proves why it's a favorite among knife enthusiasts worldwide.

Kershaw 1660OL Leek Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Kershaw
Model	Leek
SKU	1660OL
UPC	087171035116
Blade Material	14C28N Sandvik
Blade Type	Modified Drop Point
Blade Length	3"
Blade Finish	Bead Blasted
Edge Type	Plain
Handle Material	Anodized Aluminum
Handle Color	Olive Drab
Open Type	Flipper (SpeedSafe Assisted)
Lock Type	Liner Lock
Overall Length	7"
Closed Length	4"
Thickness	0.09"
Weight	2.40 oz
Hand Orientation	Ambidextrous
Includes	Pocket Clip
Style	Folding