What Sets It Apart
SpeedSafe is Kershaw's assisted-opening mechanism, designed by knife maker Ken Onion. A spring-loaded torsion bar takes over partway through the opening motion, snapping the blade the rest of the way into the locked position once the user has moved it past a certain point with the flipper tab or thumb stud. This is legally distinct from a true automatic (switchblade), which opens with a button press alone — the Leek still requires manual force to begin the opening motion, which matters for the legal classification in many jurisdictions, though local laws vary and should be verified before carry.
The bead-blasted stainless steel handle is a single-material design rather than scales over liners, which keeps the Leek's profile notably thinner than G10 or Grivory-handled competitors. This is part of what makes it disappear in a pocket, though it also means the handle conducts cold more readily than synthetic materials in winter conditions.
A 3oz assisted-opening folder thin enough to forget is in your pocket
Who This Is For
The Leek is right for: users who want the fastest possible one-handed deployment in a slim package, EDC carriers who prioritize a thin profile over a thick, secure grip, and anyone looking for an affordable, well-regarded design from one of production knife-making's most influential designers.
A note on pricing and links: Prices are current as of June 2026. Some links are affiliate links.
How It Compares
Common Questions
Is the Kershaw Leek legal to carry?
Assisted-opening knives like the Leek are legal in most US states but restricted or regulated in a small number of jurisdictions that classify assisted openers similarly to switchblades. Knife carry laws vary by state, county, and city and change over time — verify current local law before carrying any assisted-opening knife in an unfamiliar jurisdiction.
What is the difference between assisted opening and automatic (switchblade)?
An automatic knife opens fully with a button press and no additional manual motion. An assisted-opening knife like the Leek requires the user to manually move the blade partway open before a spring takes over to complete the motion — a meaningful legal distinction in many jurisdictions, even though the end result feels similarly fast.
How does Sandvik 14C28N compare to S30V?
14C28N is a Swedish stainless steel with excellent corrosion resistance and good edge retention for its price tier, but it generally does not hold an edge quite as long as CPM-S30V under heavy use. It is, however, noticeably easier to sharpen and less expensive to produce, which is reflected in the Leek's lower price.
Does the Leek come in other blade steels?
Kershaw has produced Leek variants in CPM-154 and other premium steels at higher price points, alongside the standard Sandvik 14C28N version. The core handle design and SpeedSafe mechanism remain consistent across variants.
