The Definitive Guide to the Kershaw 1660ST Leek: An Icon of Everyday Carry

Are you searching for a reliable, versatile, and high-performance folding knife that seamlessly blends into your daily routine? Do you need a compact cutting tool that’s always ready, whether you’re opening packages, tackling outdoor tasks, or handling unexpected challenges? Look no further than the Kershaw 1660ST Leek, a celebrated design by legendary knifemaker Ken Onion. This knife isn't just a tool; it's a testament to superior American craftsmanship, engineered for precision, durability, and effortless use. For anyone from the seasoned EDC (Everyday Carry) enthusiast to the homeowner needing a dependable utility blade, the 1660ST Leek offers an unparalleled combination of features that make it a standout choice.

The Enduring Legacy of the Kershaw Leek Series

The Kershaw Leek has long been hailed as a cornerstone in the world of folding knives, and the 1660ST continues this esteemed tradition. Designed by the renowned Ken Onion, the Leek embodies a philosophy where sleek aesthetics meet practical functionality. Onion's distinctive touch is evident in the knife's flowing lines, ergonomic contours, and overall balanced feel. This isn't a knife that screams for attention; rather, its subtle elegance and highly effective design speak volumes. Manufactured with pride in the USA, the 1660ST Leek ensures a level of quality control and attention to detail that is synonymous with American-made products, providing users with a trusted tool that’s built to last.

The Leek’s popularity stems from its ability to address a wide range of cutting needs without being cumbersome. Its slim profile and modest weight of just 3 ounces make it an ideal candidate for pocket carry, often disappearing into a pocket until it's needed. This discreet presence, combined with its formidable capabilities, is why it’s a favorite among those who believe in being prepared without being burdened.

Unveiling the Blade: A Masterpiece of Steel and Design

At the heart of the Kershaw 1660ST Leek lies its meticulously crafted 3-inch blade, a critical component that defines its performance. This blade is a testament to Kershaw's commitment to using high-quality materials and thoughtful design.

Superior Blade Material: Sandvik 14C28N Stainless Steel

What makes a knife blade truly exceptional? It's the steel it's made from, and the Leek's blade is forged from Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel. This premium Swedish steel is specifically optimized for knife blades, striking an impressive balance between several crucial properties:

• Exceptional Corrosion Resistance: 14C28N boasts a high chromium content, making it highly resistant to rust and corrosion. This is particularly beneficial for an everyday carry knife that might be exposed to moisture, sweat, or various environmental elements. Users can confidently carry it without constant worry about degradation, even in humid conditions or after exposure to the elements.
• Excellent Edge Retention: The carefully engineered metallurgy of 14C28N allows it to hold a very sharp edge for extended periods of use. This means less frequent sharpening for the user, ensuring the knife is always ready when called upon.
• Ease of Resharpening: While it holds its edge well, when the time comes for sharpening, 14C28N is remarkably cooperative. It responds well to standard sharpening techniques, allowing users to restore a razor-sharp edge with relative ease, even for those new to knife maintenance.
• Good Toughness: This steel offers a commendable degree of toughness, meaning it can withstand some lateral stress and impact without chipping or breaking, contributing to the blade's overall durability and reliability.

This choice of steel ensures that the 1660ST Leek delivers consistent, high-performance cutting in a variety of situations, from delicate tasks to more demanding utility work.

Blade Profile: The Versatile Drop Point with Part Serration

The 1660ST Leek features a drop point blade type, one of the most popular and versatile blade shapes available. Why is it so effective?

• Slicing Prowess: The gently curving belly of the drop point blade provides an extended cutting edge, making it exceptionally efficient for slicing tasks. Whether you're cutting through tape, cordage, or opening boxes, the drop point glides through material with minimal effort.
• Piercing Capability: While designed for slicing, the slim tip of the Leek’s drop point blade retains excellent piercing ability. This allows for precise, controlled punctures, ideal for tasks like opening clamshell packaging or starting a cut in a tight space.
• Detailed Work: The fine point is also invaluable for intricate tasks where precision is paramount, such as scoring materials, scraping, or fine carving.

Adding to its versatility, the 1660ST Leek incorporates a part serrated edge. This "combo edge" design offers the best of both worlds:

• Serrated Section: The serrations excel at cutting through tough, fibrous materials that might challenge a plain edge. Ropes, straps, webbing, and even seatbelts can be sliced through efficiently with the saw-like action of the serrated portion.
• Plain Edge Section: The plain edge near the tip handles all the precision work, clean cuts, and slicing tasks where a smooth, sharp edge is required.

This combination ensures the Leek is prepared for virtually any cutting challenge you might encounter in your day.

Aesthetic and Functional Finish: Bead Blasted Blade

The blade of the 1660ST Leek features a bead blasted finish. Beyond its sleek, non-reflective matte appearance, this finish provides practical benefits. It helps to reduce glare, which can be useful in bright environments, and subtly enhances the blade's resistance to surface corrosion by creating a finely textured surface.

SpeedSafe Assisted Opening: Instant Readiness at Your Fingertips

One of the defining characteristics of the Kershaw Leek series is its integration of Ken Onion's patented SpeedSafe ambidextrous assisted opening system. This innovative mechanism transforms the act of deploying the blade from a two-hand operation into a fluid, single-handed motion, whether you're right-handed or left-handed.

How does SpeedSafe work? A torsion bar provides spring-assisted action. A slight push on the built-in flipper extension on the back of the blade (or a stud if the model has one) overcomes a detent, and the torsion bar takes over, smoothly and rapidly propelling the blade into the open and locked position. This makes the 1660ST Leek incredibly quick to access in any situation where speed and efficiency are important.

The benefits of SpeedSafe are numerous:

• Rapid Deployment: Get your knife into action almost instantaneously, crucial for time-sensitive tasks or emergency situations.
• One-Handed Operation: Keep one hand free for other tasks, improving efficiency and safety.
• Ambidextrous Design: The flipper design allows for equally comfortable and quick deployment for both left and right-handed users.
• Security and Confidence: The blade snaps open with a satisfying certainty, letting you know it's ready and securely locked.

This system is not only convenient but also provides a level of readiness that is highly valued by users who rely on their tools throughout the day.

The Handle: Robustness, Grip, and Security

A knife's handle is just as important as its blade, providing the foundation for a secure grip and housing the locking mechanism. The Kershaw 1660ST Leek features a handle made from 410 stainless steel with a matching bead blasted finish.

Durable 410 Stainless Steel Handle

• Strength and Durability: 410 stainless steel is renowned for its strength and robust nature, providing a solid and virtually indestructible foundation for the knife. This material can withstand significant wear and tear, making the Leek a knife that truly endures.
• Corrosion Resistance: Like the blade, the 410 stainless steel handle is highly resistant to rust and corrosion, ensuring the knife maintains its aesthetic and structural integrity over time, even with heavy use or exposure to harsh environments.
• Bead Blasted Finish: The bead blasted finish on the handle matches the blade, creating a cohesive and attractive look. Functionally, this finish offers a slightly textured surface that contributes to a more secure grip, especially when hands might be wet or gloved.

Ergonomics and Carry: Slim Profile, Ambidextrous Design

The Leek’s design prioritizes slimness, with a thickness of just 0.09 inches. This slender profile, combined with its light weight of 3 ounces, makes it exceptionally comfortable for everyday carry. It slips into a pocket almost unnoticed, without creating a bulky protrusion. The ambidextrous pocket clip can be configured for tip-up or tip-down carry, allowing users to customize how the knife sits in their pocket for optimal accessibility.

Secure Locking Mechanism: The Frame Lock

Safety and reliability are paramount in any folding knife, and the 1660ST Leek addresses this with a robust frame lock mechanism.

• How it Works: In a frame lock, a portion of the handle (the frame) itself pivots inward to wedge behind the blade's tang when the blade is open, securely locking it into place.
• Benefits:
  • Exceptional Strength: Frame locks are known for their inherent strength and reliability, providing a very secure lock-up that prevents accidental closure during use.
  • Minimal Parts: With fewer moving parts compared to other lock types, the frame lock is less prone to malfunction and easier to maintain.
  • Simple and Reliable: Its straightforward design contributes to its dependability, giving users confidence that the blade will remain open and stable during cutting tasks.

This robust locking system ensures that the Leek is not only quick to deploy but also exceptionally safe and secure during operation.

Real-World Applications: Your Indispensable Daily Companion

The Kershaw 1660ST Leek is more than just a piece of metal; it’s a versatile tool designed to enhance your preparedness for countless scenarios. Its blend of features makes it an ideal answer to many common questions users pose:

• "What is the best knife for opening boxes and packages?" The Leek's sharp drop point blade and quick SpeedSafe deployment make light work of cardboard, tape, and shrink wrap, making it a perfect tool for online shoppers or warehouse workers.
• "Which pocket knife is good for outdoor tasks like cutting fishing line or preparing kindling?" The part-serrated edge excels at fibrous materials, while the plain edge can feather stick or prepare small tinder. Its corrosion resistance makes it suitable for fishing and camping environments.
• "Do I need a serrated edge on my EDC knife?" For those who frequently encounter tough materials like rope, cordage, or even thin plastic strapping, the part serrated blade of the 1660ST Leek offers distinct advantages over a plain edge, ensuring you’re equipped for diverse cutting challenges.
• "What knife is reliable for minor repairs or crafting?" The precise tip and excellent edge retention are perfect for intricate tasks, from stripping wires to cutting paper or leather for hobby projects, or performing small fixes around the house or workshop.
• "I need a slim, lightweight knife for everyday carry." With its 4-inch closed length, 7-inch overall length, and 3-ounce weight, the Leek 1660ST fits comfortably and discreetly in any pocket, making it an ideal, unobtrusive companion.
• "Which knife is made in the USA?" For those who prioritize domestic manufacturing and the quality assurance that comes with it, the 1660ST Leek proudly bears the "Made in the USA" stamp.

Whether you're an urban professional, an outdoor enthusiast, a DIY hobbyist, or simply someone who appreciates having a capable tool at hand, the Kershaw 1660ST Leek will quickly prove itself an indispensable part of your daily toolkit. Its precision, durability, and ease of use ensure that you're always ready for whatever the day throws your way.

Caring for Your Kershaw Leek 1660ST

To ensure your Kershaw Leek 1660ST performs optimally for years to come, a little maintenance goes a long way. After use, especially in wet or dirty conditions, simply wipe down the blade and handle. For deeper cleaning, warm, soapy water can be used, followed by thorough drying. Regular sharpening will maintain the blade's razor edge, and a small drop of lubricant on the pivot point will keep the SpeedSafe mechanism operating smoothly.

Where to Find Your Kershaw Leek 1660ST

For those ready to experience the unmatched quality and performance of the Kershaw Leek 1660ST, you can find this exceptional folding knife, along with a wide array of other premium firearms and accessories, at DEGuns (deguns.com). They offer a trusted source for your outdoor and tactical needs.

Kershaw 1660ST Leek Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Kershaw
Model	Leek
SKU	1660ST
UPC	087171166100
OAL	7"
Closed Length	4"
Blade Length	3"
Blade Type	Drop Point
Blade Material	14C28N Sandvik Steel
Blade Finish	Bead Blasted
Edge Type	Part Serrated
Blade Thickness	0.09"
Handle Material	410 Stainless Steel
Handle Finish	Bead Blasted
Lock Type	Frame Lock
Open Type	Flipper (SpeedSafe Assisted)
Hand	Ambidextrous
Style	Folding
Weight	3 oz
Includes	Pocket Clip