I've carried a Leek for years. I used to be able to buy knives wholesale and sold knives as a side business. I sold BUNCHES of Kershaw's in all shapes and sizes. For the average person the blend of quality at an affordable price point just fits. There are definitely better blades out there. They cost more- sometimes alot more. It depends on what your budget can afford and what your needs dictate.
As far as Kershaw knives, be aware that they do have two lines. The Leek and a fair number of the upper echelon of their product line are still made in the USA. The ones you see in the hardware store and other retail locations are mostly made in China. To be honest I handled hundreds of Kershaws when I was in the business, the Chinese versions were always of good quality and utilized the exact same materials as the US made.
People don't want to hear this but it's the honest truth. In the time that I sold knives I looked at all different shape, sizes, styles and brands of knives. Every knife that I sold I personally inspected to make sure it was clean, sharp and functioning. The cheap Chinese knives were absolute junk. Not worth spit and I wouldn't sell them. The Chinese knives made with a familiar brand name- for example Kershaw, Buck and Schrade were always good quality but sometimes a little dirty. I'd clean some leftover polish or finishing material off of them sometimes but that was it. I never got one I had to return. As far as the Made in USA brands- I returned a Bear & Sons a Kershaw and a Buck for replacement due to manufacturing flaws and I had to take a Case XX and sharpen a flat spot off of the blade before I could sell it. Keep in mind that I probably sold three to one Name Brand Chinese to one of the made in USA knives because of the cheaper price point.
It is what it is...
