Reviews > Knives > Folding > Kershaw Rainbow Leek > Arron Robinson > Long Term Report

Long Term Report - Kershaw Rainbow Leek knife

Reviewer Info:

Name: Arron Robinson
Age: 34
Gender: Male
Height: 5' 9.5" (1.77 m)
Weight: 230 lb (104.3 kg)
Email address: mouserar-at-gmail-dot-com
City, State, Country: Dallas, Georgia, USA
Date: 1 March 2006

Product information:

Reviewer Info | Product Description | Field Conditions
Field Information | Test Notes | Impressions After Long Term Testing

Product Description:[back to top] 

The Kershaw Rainbow Leek is a folding knife designed by Ken Onion. The handle consists of two steel plates about 1/8 in (3 mm) which have been coated with titanium dioxide and hit with an electrical current, which causes color variations in the surface finish. The handle also includes a sliding locking mechanism as well as a clip, which can be repositioned on the knife (more on this later) and a hole to accept a cord or lanyard. The blade itself is a drop-point shape with a single edge. The blade has also been finished in the manner of the handle, lending it a rainbow look.

Field Conditions:[back to top]

Since mid January, I have continued to carry the Rainbow Leek daily. In that time I have used it for a couple of day hikes as well as a weekend backpacking trip.

The trip was in mid February on the Pine Mountain Trail in central Georgia. Temperatures ranged between a balmy high of 50 F (10 C) and a low of 32 F (0 C). It rained darn near continuously, only stopping in the afternoon on the second day long enough to set up camp.

In day to day use, the knife gets a lot of attention. The look is very unusual and people tend to want to try it out.

Field Information:[back to top]

Test Notes:[back to top]

1. Blade:
   
• What is the hardness of the blade like? The blade has held up to considerable use and abuse. It has not bent or lost its edge any more than I would expect under constant use. Honing it back to a sharp edge is quick and painless.
• I will probably occasionally need to use the blade to pry small things a bit. Will the blade bend? The blade has held its shape well, not bending or warping.
• Will the steel hold an edge well, or need constant maintenance? Not as wickedly sharp as when it arrived, but still holding an edge. Sharpens up well and is easy to maintain.
• Will the knife hold a sharp point? Ah, upon closer inspection it would appear that a tiling job that I did earlier in the test series had done a number on the tip of the blade, which was rounded off a bit. After a few additional sharpenings, the point has returned.
2. Handle Construction:
   
• The only visible connection between the handle halves is 3 screws. Is there more holding the halves together? The strongest point of contact between the handle halves is the main "hinge" screw of the knife where the blade pivots. I do not foresee a problem with this. 
• Does the handle have grip to it or does it slip? The finish is smooth, but not particularly slippery. It is more slick than an aluminum handle, but not any more slippery than another steel handle.
3. Opening/Locking Mechanism: 
   
   • Many sites are carrying this knife. Many claim that this is the fastest legal opening mechanism available. I often need to be able to use a knife one handed, and I wonder if this mechanism is that easy to use? In fact, the Kershaw documentation recommends that this blade only be opened one handed, due to the quick movement of the blade. Opening the knife has become second nature, as is sliding the safety into place when returning it to my pocket.
   • Will it operate smoothly after continued use? So far, the action has slowed ever so slightly. I have lubricated it and sharpened it and the snap it came with has returned.
   • Will it open unexpectedly? I did have the blade open while pulling it from my pocket once; it scared me quite a bit, but did not cut anything. I have not been able to duplicate this occurrence.
4. Finish:
   
   • The finish on this knife is beautiful. Will it wear off easily? Not easily, but prolonged use against rock did scratch the finish.
   • Does it add a texture to the blade? Nope. 
   • How does sharpening the knife affect the finish of the blade? The very edge of the blade does lose its rainbow hues, but overall, the use of the knife does not effect the look.
   • Does it change if the knife is exposed to heat? Cooking with the knife over both stove heat and open flame has caused no change in the appearance of the knife.

Impressions After Long Term Testing:[back to top]

The Kershaw Rainbow Leek knife is a beautiful knife which has a simple design. It has held up to more than its share of use in the woods and out. It has found a permanent place in my pocket.

Thanks to Backpackgeartest.org and Kershaw for the opportunity to share my experiences!

Reviews > Knives > Folding > Kershaw Rainbow Leek > Arron Robinson > Long Term Report