Kershaw 1660OR Leek 3" Modified Drop Point Plain Bead Blasted 14C28N Sandvik Orange Anodized Aluminum Handle Folding

The Kershaw 1660OR Leek: A Masterpiece of Precision and Utility

The Kershaw 1660OR Leek with its striking orange anodized aluminum handle is more than just a pocket knife; it's a testament to precision engineering, ergonomic design, and unwavering utility. This iconic folding knife, a flagship product from Kershaw, is meticulously crafted in the USA, embodying a legacy of quality and innovation that has made it a favorite among everyday carry (EDC) enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and anyone seeking a reliable, high-performance cutting tool. Whether you're a seasoned collector or simply in search of a versatile knife for daily tasks, the orange Leek stands out, not just for its vibrant appearance but for its exceptional functionality.

What Makes the Kershaw 1660OR Orange Leek an Essential Tool?

The Kershaw Leek is renowned for its sleek profile, robust construction, and lightning-fast deployment, making it an ideal companion for a myriad of situations. From tackling mundane household chores to being a critical tool in outdoor environments, its design is optimized for both performance and portability. Users often ask, "What is the best everyday carry knife?" or "Which folding knife offers both speed and safety?" The Leek consistently emerges as a top answer due to its carefully considered features:

• Advanced Blade Steel for Superior Performance: The heart of the Kershaw Leek 1660OR is its 3-inch modified drop point blade, crafted from Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel. This isn't just any steel; it's a high-performance, chromium-rich alloy specifically developed in a unique partnership between Kershaw and Sandvik, a global leader in advanced materials. The result is a blade that delivers an outstanding balance of properties. What does this mean for the user?
  • Exceptional Edge Retention: The steel's precise composition ensures that the blade stays razor-sharp for extended periods, reducing the frequency of sharpening.
  • Superior Corrosion Resistance: Its high chromium content makes it highly resistant to rust and corrosion, even in damp or humid conditions, crucial for outdoor use or simply carrying it daily.
  • Ease of Resharpening: Despite its hardness, 14C28N is remarkably easy to bring back to a keen edge when needed, a significant advantage for long-term usability.
  • Optimal Strength and Toughness: It resists chipping and breakage, providing confidence during demanding cutting tasks.

  This bead-blasted blade offers a non-reflective, matte finish that adds to its rugged aesthetic while providing a practical surface that helps conceal minor scratches from everyday use.

• Modified Drop Point Blade Shape: Versatility Redefined: The Leek's blade features a modified drop point shape, a design choice celebrated for its incredible versatility.
  • Excellent Slicing Capabilities: The gently curving belly of the blade provides ample cutting surface for effortless slicing through various materials, from opening packages to preparing food.
  • Precision Piercing and Detail Work: The slim, acute tip of the drop point blade excels at intricate tasks, such as creating pilot holes, scoring, or delicate carving where precision is paramount. This dual capability makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, from the campsite to the workshop.
• The Striking Orange Anodized Aluminum Handle: Beyond its eye-catching appearance, the orange anodized aluminum handle of the 1660OR Leek is engineered for durability and ergonomic comfort.
  • Exceptional Durability and Lightweight Design: Aluminum is known for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio, making the Leek incredibly robust without being cumbersome. At just 2.40 ounces, it's remarkably lightweight for its capabilities, ensuring comfortable carry all day long.
  • Fade-Resistant and Scratch-Resistant Dye: The anodization process creates a protective, hard oxide layer on the aluminum surface, which is then permanently bonded with a vibrant, fade-resistant, and scratch-resistant orange dye. This means the handle's striking color will maintain its integrity even with consistent use, resisting the wear and tear that can dull lesser finishes.
  • Superior Grip and Ergonomics: The smooth yet subtly textured surface of the anodized aluminum provides a secure and comfortable grip, reducing the risk of slippage during use. The slim profile of the Leek's handle, measuring only 4 inches when closed, ensures it disappears into a pocket, offering discreet and comfortable carry.
• SpeedSafe® Assisted Opening: Rapid, Reliable Deployment: One of the most defining features of the Kershaw Leek, and a hallmark of Kershaw knives, is the SpeedSafe assisted opening mechanism. This innovative system ensures swift, smooth, and ambidextrous deployment of the blade with minimal effort.
  • Effortless Activation: A simple pull back on the ambidextrous flipper tab, seamlessly integrated into the knife's design, initiates the opening process. The blade springs open with a satisfying swiftness, ready for action in an instant. This makes it incredibly convenient for one-handed operation, whether you're right-handed or left-handed.
  • Reliability in Any Situation: SpeedSafe is a spring-assisted system, not an automatic one, providing a legal and widely accepted method for rapid blade access when time is of the essence. This feature makes the Leek particularly popular among users who need quick access to their cutting tool.
• Robust Safety and Security Features: Kershaw prioritizes user safety, and the Leek incorporates multiple mechanisms to ensure secure operation.
  • Liner Lock Mechanism: Once the blade is deployed, a sturdy liner lock snaps into place, securely locking the blade open during use. This prevents accidental closure, providing a solid and reliable platform for cutting tasks and enhancing user confidence.
  • Tip-Lock Slider: For added security when the knife is folded, the Leek features a Tip-Lock slider. This ingenious mechanism locks the blade closed, preventing accidental deployment while the knife is in your pocket or gear bag, offering peace of mind during transport.
• Versatile Carry Options: The Leek is designed for flexible carry, adapting to individual preferences.
  • Reversible Pocket Clip: The deep-carry pocket clip can be reversed for either tip-up or tip-down carry, allowing users to customize how the knife sits in their pocket for optimal accessibility and comfort.
  • Lanyard Hole: The handle is also thoughtfully drilled to accept a lanyard, offering an additional carry option or a way to secure the knife to other gear, preventing loss.

Why the Kershaw Leek 1660OR is the Smart Choice for Various Lifestyles:

The Kershaw Leek's blend of aesthetic appeal, advanced materials, and practical features makes it suitable for a diverse range of users and scenarios.

• The Everyday Carry (EDC) Enthusiast: This knife is a cornerstone of many EDC collections. Its compact size (4-inch closed length), light weight, rapid deployment, and versatile blade make it the perfect everyday companion for tasks like opening boxes, cutting string, or basic utility. The vibrant orange handle also makes it highly visible if dropped.
• Outdoor and Recreational Users: For hikers, campers, anglers, and hunters, the Leek serves as a dependable utility blade. Its corrosion-resistant steel stands up to the elements, and its sharpness is invaluable for tasks ranging from preparing tinder to cutting fishing line.
• Professionals and Tradespeople: Carpenters, electricians, warehouse workers, and many other professionals find the Leek an indispensable tool for their daily work, thanks to its reliability and precision.
• The Thoughtful Gift-Giver: For those looking for a high-quality, made-in-USA gift that combines utility with distinctive style, the orange Leek is an excellent choice. It conveys thoughtfulness and appreciation for fine craftsmanship.

Maintaining Your Kershaw Leek:

To ensure your Kershaw Leek 1660OR provides years of reliable service, simple maintenance is key:

1. Cleaning: After use, especially in dirty or wet conditions, wipe down the blade and handle with a damp cloth. For deeper cleaning, use a mild soap and water solution, then dry thoroughly.
2. Lubrication: Occasionally apply a drop of light oil (like mineral oil or specific knife pivot lube) to the pivot area to ensure smooth assisted opening.
3. Sharpening: While the 14C28N steel holds an edge well, periodic sharpening will restore its factory-sharp performance. Use a sharpening system appropriate for high-quality stainless steel.

Kershaw: A Legacy of American Craftsmanship

The fact that the Kershaw 1660OR Leek is "Made in the USA" is a significant signal of quality and commitment. It signifies adherence to stringent manufacturing standards, rigorous quality control, and the pride of American craftsmanship. When you choose a Kershaw knife, particularly one like the Leek, you're investing in a product backed by a brand synonymous with innovation, durability, and user-focused design. This commitment to excellence ensures that every Leek knife lives up to the high expectations of its users.

In summary, the Kershaw 1660OR Leek isn't just a folding knife; it's a meticulously engineered tool designed to excel in performance, safety, and aesthetic appeal. Its Sandvik 14C28N steel blade, vibrant orange anodized aluminum handle, SpeedSafe assisted opening, and robust safety features coalesce to create an unparalleled cutting instrument. Whether for everyday utility, outdoor adventures, or as a distinguished addition to a collection, the orange Leek offers a unique blend of functionality and distinctive style, representing a pinnacle of American-made quality that can be found at reputable dealers like DEGuns.