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

Kershaw 1660PUR Leek: The Iconic Purple Folding Knife for Everyday Excellence

Are you searching for the perfect everyday carry (EDC) knife that blends superior performance with a distinctive aesthetic? Do you need a reliable tool for daily tasks, something that feels great in your hand and stands out from the crowd? Look no further than the Kershaw 1660PUR Leek, a celebrated folding knife known for its compact design, precision engineering, and eye-catching purple anodized aluminum handle. This isn't just a knife; it's a statement piece and a highly functional instrument designed to meet the demands of modern life, whether you're at home, in the office, or out in the wild.

The Kershaw Leek, designed by the legendary Ken Onion, has achieved iconic status in the knife community. Its sleek profile and practical features have made it a go-to choice for countless users. The 1660PUR variant elevates this classic with a vibrant purple finish that is not only visually striking but also incredibly durable. For those who appreciate craftsmanship, innovation, and a touch of personal style in their tools, the purple Leek offers an unparalleled combination.

Why Choose the Kershaw 1660PUR Leek? Key Benefits & User Outcomes

The Kershaw 1660PUR Leek solves several common problems faced by individuals seeking a versatile and dependable knife:

• Problem: Many EDC knives are bulky or uninspired.
  • Solution: The Leek's slim, lightweight design (just 2.40 oz) ensures comfortable pocket carry without added bulk. Its unique purple handle adds a personalized, stylish touch.
• Problem: Blades lose their edge quickly or are difficult to sharpen.
  • Solution: Crafted from high-performance Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel, the Leek's blade arrives razor-sharp and maintains its edge exceptionally well, thanks to its optimized alloy composition.
• Problem: Knives are difficult to open one-handed or lack reliable locking mechanisms.
  • Solution: Featuring Kershaw's renowned SpeedSafe® assisted opening, the Leek deploys with lightning speed and fluidity using the integrated flipper. The sturdy liner lock mechanism provides secure blade retention during use.
• Problem: Durability concerns with handle materials.
  • Solution: The purple anodized aluminum handle is treated with a fade-resistant, scratch-resistant dye that is permanently bonded to the aluminum. This ensures the vibrant purple color remains pristine for years, even with heavy use.
• Problem: Finding a versatile blade shape for various tasks.
  • Solution: The 3-inch modified drop point blade offers excellent piercing capabilities combined with a practical belly for slicing. Its bead-blasted finish reduces glare and provides a non-reflective surface.

Deep Dive into the Leek's Superior Design & Materials

The Leek's enduring popularity is no accident. It's the result of meticulous design and the use of high-quality materials, all manufactured with precision.

The Heart of the Knife: Sandvik 14C28N Stainless Steel Blade

What makes a knife truly perform? It starts with the blade steel. The Kershaw Leek 1660PUR features a 3-inch blade made from Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel. This premium steel, developed in a partnership between Kershaw and Sandvik, is specifically engineered for knives that require an excellent combination of edge performance, high hardness, and corrosion resistance.

• Exceptional Edge Retention: 14C28N is known for its ability to take and hold a very fine, sharp edge. This means fewer trips to the sharpener and more time enjoying a consistently sharp blade.
• Superior Corrosion Resistance: Its optimized chemical composition provides excellent protection against rust and corrosion, making it suitable for a wide range of environments and daily tasks, including those involving moisture or food prep.
• Ease of Sharpening: Despite its hardness and edge retention, 14C28N is remarkably easy to resharpen when the time comes, allowing users to maintain a razor-sharp edge without extensive effort.
• Bead-Blasted Finish: The blade's bead-blasted finish provides a non-reflective, matte appearance that is both aesthetically pleasing and helps to hide fingerprints and minor scratches, maintaining the knife's sleek look.

The Versatile Modified Drop Point Blade

The Leek’s 3-inch blade features a modified drop point profile. This is one of the most popular and versatile blade shapes for good reason:

• Strong, Controlled Point: The "drop" of the spine towards the tip creates a strong, robust point that is excellent for piercing tasks, offering fine control for detailed work.
• Ample Belly for Slicing: The gentle curve of the cutting edge, or "belly," excels at slicing through materials like cardboard, rope, or packaging. This makes it incredibly effective for everyday utility.
• Plain Edge: The plain (non-serrated) edge provides a clean, precise cut and is generally easier to sharpen and maintain for most users.

The Striking & Durable Purple Anodized Aluminum Handle

The most distinctive feature of the 1660PUR Leek is undoubtedly its purple anodized aluminum handle. This isn't just a painted surface; it's a sophisticated finish that offers both beauty and brawn:

• Anodizing Process: Aluminum handles undergo an electrochemical anodizing process. This transforms the aluminum's surface into a durable, corrosion-resistant, porous oxide layer that can be dyed. The dye is then permanently sealed within this layer.
• Fade-Resistant & Scratch-Resistant: Unlike painted finishes, anodizing creates a surface that is integral to the metal itself, making it incredibly resistant to fading, chipping, or scratching. The vibrant purple will maintain its rich hue even after extensive handling and exposure.
• Lightweight Durability: Aluminum is inherently lightweight, contributing to the Leek's mere 2.40-ounce total weight, which is ideal for EDC. Despite its light weight, it provides a sturdy and robust frame for the blade and locking mechanism.
• Ergonomic Design: The slim, contoured handle fits comfortably in the hand, offering a secure grip for various tasks.

Effortless Opening with SpeedSafe® Assisted Opening

Kershaw’s SpeedSafe® assisted opening system is a hallmark feature of the Leek, making one-handed blade deployment quick, smooth, and safe.

• How it Works: A torsion bar within the handle assists the blade in opening once the user has manually pushed it past a certain point using the integrated flipper or ambidextrous thumb stud (though the flipper is the primary opener for the Leek).
• Fast & Convenient: This mechanism allows for rapid deployment, which is incredibly useful in situations where speed and efficiency are key.
• Flipper Action: The small protrusion on the back of the blade (the flipper) makes opening the knife intuitive and straightforward. Simply apply a slight push with your index finger, and the blade snaps open with authority.

Secure & Reliable Liner Lock Mechanism

A dependable locking mechanism is paramount for any folding knife, ensuring safety during use. The Leek employs a liner lock, one of the most widely used and trusted locking systems in the knife industry.

• Robust Engagement: When the blade is fully open, a portion of the liner (the internal frame of the handle) snaps into place behind the blade's tang, securely locking it in the open position.
• Easy Disengagement: To close the knife, simply push the liner out of the way, allowing the blade to pivot back into the handle.
• Tip-Lock Slider: For added security during carry, the Leek also features a "Tip-Lock" slider. This small, manual slider moves into place to prevent the blade tip from protruding from the handle during carry, offering an extra layer of peace of mind.

Who is the Kershaw 1660PUR Leek For? Real-World Use Cases

The Kershaw 1660PUR Leek is a highly versatile tool, making it an excellent choice for a diverse range of users and scenarios.

• The Everyday Urban Professional: Perfect for opening packages, letters, or cutting loose threads without intimidating those around you. Its sleek design makes it office-friendly.
• The DIY Enthusiast: Whether it's scoring drywall, trimming electrical tape, or opening material bags, the Leek handles common household and workshop tasks with ease.
• The Light Outdoor Adventurer: Ideal for preparing tinder, cutting cordage, or opening food packets on a day hike or light camping trip. Its corrosion resistance is a definite plus.
• The Discerning Gift Giver: For a knife enthusiast, a collector, or someone just starting their EDC journey, the purple Leek makes a memorable and highly functional gift. Its unique color ensures it stands out.
• Anyone Valuing Quality & Style: If you appreciate well-made tools that perform reliably and look good doing it, the 1660PUR Leek is an excellent fit. Its "Made in USA" designation further underscores its quality.

Maintaining Your Kershaw Leek: Tips for Longevity

To ensure your Kershaw 1660PUR Leek continues to perform at its best for years to come, a little care goes a long way.

• Cleaning: After use, especially if exposed to dirt, debris, or corrosive substances, clean the blade and pivot area. Use warm, soapy water and a soft brush, then rinse thoroughly and dry immediately.
• Lubrication: Periodically apply a drop of light knife oil (such as mineral oil or specialized pivot lube) to the pivot point to keep the SpeedSafe mechanism smooth and prevent corrosion in critical areas.
• Sharpening: While the 14C28N steel holds an edge well, all knives eventually need sharpening. Use a quality sharpening system (e.g., a ceramic rod, diamond stone, or guided sharpening system) to maintain the plain edge. The ease of sharpening 14C28N makes this a less daunting task than with some other steels.
• Storage: Store your knife in a dry environment to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to corrosion, especially on the steel components.

Why Choose Kershaw? A Legacy of Innovation and Quality

Kershaw Knives, founded in 1974, has built a reputation for crafting high-quality, innovative, and value-driven knives. Based in Tualatin, Oregon, Kershaw is known for its commitment to using advanced materials, state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, and collaborating with renowned knife designers like Ken Onion, who shaped the iconic Leek. The fact that many Kershaw models, including the Leek, are "Made in USA" is a point of pride, ensuring stringent quality control and supporting domestic manufacturing. When you choose a Kershaw, you're investing in a product backed by decades of expertise and a dedication to performance.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Kershaw Leek 1660PUR

• Is the purple handle durable? Yes, the purple color is applied through an anodizing process, which permanently bonds the dye to the aluminum. It's highly resistant to fading, scratching, and wear, ensuring the vibrant color lasts.
• How easy is it to open the knife with one hand? The SpeedSafe® assisted opening system, combined with the prominent flipper, makes one-handed opening incredibly fast and smooth with minimal effort.
• Is the blade suitable for tough tasks? The 14C28N Sandvik steel is a high-performance stainless steel that offers excellent edge retention and toughness for its class. The 3-inch modified drop point blade is versatile for many daily cutting and piercing tasks, though it's designed as a utility/EDC knife, not a heavy-duty pry tool.
• Does it come with a pocket clip? Yes, the Kershaw 1660PUR Leek includes a pocket clip for convenient tip-up or tip-down carry, allowing for ambidextrous use and personal preference.
• Where can I purchase a genuine Kershaw 1660PUR Leek? For authentic Kershaw products, including the 1660PUR Leek, you can find a wide selection at DEGuns.com. They offer reliable service and a comprehensive range of knives.

The Kershaw 1660PUR Leek embodies the perfect blend of practical utility, advanced materials, and distinctive style. Its lightweight, slim design makes it an ideal EDC companion, while its robust construction ensures it’s ready for any challenge you throw its way. Whether you're a seasoned knife enthusiast or new to the world of everyday carry, this purple Leek is a smart, reliable, and visually appealing choice available at deguns.com.

Kershaw 1660PUR Leek Product Specifications