Kershaw Random Leek 1660RBW Knife Review

As a remodeling contractor, backpacker, outdoor enthusiast, and daily carrier of a pocket knife I’m a fan of pocket knives and always appreciate a useful, well-made, and functional knife when I see one.

When looking at the Kershaw Leek 1660RBW I was particularly interested in looking at several points:

• Quality
• Durability
• Functionality
• Ease of use
• Application

First Impression – Kershaw Random Leek 1660RBW Knife

The Kershaw Leek 1660 knife is a popular knife for Kershaw and it’s easy to see why. The Random Leek knife 1660RBW  has a new blade shape and an all-BlackWash look. With its 3-inch blade, the “Random Leek” pocket knife is not too big and is certainly easy to carry.

I immediately liked the reverse tanto blade shape which as you may or may not know, adds durability and provides an ideal angle for cutting through boxes and other everyday jobs. Its also razor-sharp blade is made with Sandvik 14C28N means it can take care of a full range of cutting tasks.

The Leek knife series was designed by world-renowned knife maker Ken Onion and features his SpeedSafe blade assist opening mechanism which allows the knife to open smoothly with one hand. One flick to either the thumb stud or the blade protrusion and the blade deploys open, easily, quickly, and effortlessly and locks open for safety.

Fit and finish on the Random Leek 1660RBW is one that screams quality. I immediately loved the compact size and 2.9-ounce weight of this knife.

Specifications

• Blade Length 3 in. (7.6 cm)
• Blade Material Sandvik 14C28N
• Blade Finish/Coating Black-oxide BlackWash finish
• Blade Thickness 0.09 in. (2.29 mm)
• Closed Length 4 in. (10.2 cm)
• Handle Material 410 stainless steel
• Handle Finish/Coating Black-oxide BlackWash finish
• Handle Thickness 0.31 in. (8.08 mm)
• Overall Length 7 in. (17.9 cm)
• Weight 2.9 oz. (82 g)

Quality and Fit and Finish

The Kershaw Random Leek 1660RBW is made in the USA, who doesn’t appreciate that? Everything on this knife is quality from the materials used, to the screws holding the frame together.

When I started reviewing the Random Leek 1660RMW I swapped the reversible pocket clip to the other side for faster deployment – and tightened the lock to render it inoperable – by choice. I’m not a fan of the lock, it’s an easy modification.The tip on this knife is very sharp and I can see it breaking easily if used for prying. Something I sometimes do in a pinch.

Functionality and Ease Of Use

The Kershaw Random Leek 1660RBW is a lightweight, comfortable, and easy knife to carry whether you use the pocket clip or remove it and carry it loose in your pocket. The pocket clip is non-intrusive and holds securely to your pocket.

The spring-assisted opening is very fast, and with practice found that it opens well with either hand. Once the blade is open it is locked in place by the knife’s frame lock which prevents the knife from accidentally closing back into the handle during use.

The ambidextrous thumb stud on the Ransom Leek 1660RBW is low profile which might bug some

Overall Impression

As far as the Random Leek 1660RBW knife goes this simple, sturdy, no-nonsense knife is compact and light enough to carry every day. I really enjoyed my time with the Random Leek 1660RMW, it is truly a nice knife, that is still made in the USA. Highly recommended.

How Much And Where To Buy

The Kershaw Random Leek 1660RBW sells for approximately $ 50.00 online here:   Kershaw Random Leek 1660RBW

Kershaw Random Leek 1660RBW Knife is a post from Tool Box Buzz

The Kershaw MIXTAPE 2050 Folding Knife Review

Kershaw MIXTAPE Model 2050

4/5

Manufacturer: Kershaw
Model number: 2050
Price: $27.54
Weight: 2.6 Ozs.

Let’s be clear. This is not your good times mix you used to play in your Firebird on a Saturday night. But it is just as AWESOME! Kershaw is a manufacturer of high quality knives that offers styles that fit all budgets and tastes. The new MIXTAPE model #2050 folding knife is one of their latest offerings and is an incredibly affordable, compact, and a capable little every day carry knife! No it will not fit in your tape deck. But the MIXTAPE is right at home in your pocket!

While it won’t fit in your tape deck, the MIXTAPE from Kershaw is right at home in your pocket!

Features and Specifications of the MIXTAPE

• Weight: 2.6 Ozs.
• Overall Length: 7.25″
• Closed Length: 4.1″
• Blade Length: 3.1″
• Handle Material: Glass-Filled Nylon
• Blade Steel: 8Cr13MoV
• Blade Finish: Stonewashed
• Pocket Clip: Single Position (Right, Tip-Up)
• Lock Type: Inset Liner Lock

First Impressions of the Kerhsaw MIXTAPE

The blade profile of the MIXTAPE is what immediately drew me to the design. The long sweeping edge has plenty of belly for slicing cuts. The tip is down swept and provides extra strength and durability. Kershaw refers to this as a reverse tanto, however similar blades are often referred to as sheepsfoot. The beveled back edge and stonewashed finish give it a really clean look.

The blade steel Kershaw used is 8Cr13MoV. This steel is not a super steel by any means. But when properly heat treated it is reasonably tough and will resist corrosion and maintain an edge. Speaking of the edge! Kershaw is renowned for putting razor sharp edges on their knives straight from the factory. The MIXTAPE is no exception. Out of the box the knife was hair shaving sharp and I easily sliced magazine paper and other materials.

The Kershaw MIXTAPE is LIGHT!

By skeletonizing the frame, using an inset liner lock, and designing a low profile pocket clip, Kershaw kept the overall profile of the MIXTAPE sleek and lightweight. The 2.6 Oz. total weight is almost unnoticeable in the pocket. The lack of a backspacer keeps the knife open and easy to wipe clean as well as cut weight.

The pocket clip is low profile and provides great retention in the pocket. While carrying the MIXTAPE it never came loose or fell from my pocket, but I did not have to wrestle it out either. The tension seemed just right and would give enough for thicker material work pants. Kershaw decided to integrate the clip design through the cutout in the handle of the blade and secure it between a backspacer.

This gives the MIXTAPE a streamlined look, but causes the blade to sit slightly higher in the pocket. Another downside to this is that the clip cannot be reversed. The MIXTAPE can only be carried on the right side with the tip up while folded.

The MIXTAPE’s Aesthetics- Form Before Function?

Like I said previously, I love the look of this knife! Kershaw included some nice aesthetic features such as a decorative pivot, a textured thumb disk, and also contrasting patterns on the handle material. These all add to the MIXTAPE’s eye catching and sleek design.

While using the knife I discovered that some of these features just don’t work well enough. The texture on the MIXTAPE needs to be more aggressive. I found my fingers slipping on the handle scales while using the knife and also while removing it from the pocket. Not something I want to worry about given how sharp it is. The MIXTAPE was slightly difficult to open using the thumb disk. After further review, this seems to be due to mainly my thick fingers and not the knife.

The Kershaw MIXTAPE is a Great Value!

Kershaw offers lines of knives to meet any budget. Their sister company Zero Tolerance offers models on a more high end scale and Crew Member Rob has had the chance to review some of their offerings which you can find here . The MIXTAPE is not a super high end offering, but that doesn’t make it a great value! It is produced in China and features materials and a blade steel that are value driven. Kershaw has the MIXTAPE listed with an MSRP of $43.99. But searching online I found the MIXTAPE for as cheap as $27.54 on Amazon. That is an incredible value! Check out the buy it now box for a link to that deal.

Final Thoughts on the Kershaw MIXTAPE

The Kershaw MIXTAPE folding knife is a blade with a lot of style and capability for not a lot of money. A sleek and very capable blade is combined with a low profile handle design that virtually disappears in the pocket. The handle could use more aggressive texturing and an ambidextrous clip, but for the money this is a great design! If you are reading this website, chances are pretty good that you have a knife in your pocket or several dozen rolling around in your truck right now. The Kershaw MIXTAPE folding knife would be a great upgrade for your every day carry that can accomplish a lot without spending a ton!

Kershaw MIXTAPE Model 2050 Folding Knife Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Kershaw Tool Giveaway – 022 Zero Tolerance

Father’s Day is around the corner and  we’ve teamed up with Kershaw to giveaway a very cool knife to some hard working Dad’s out there. We’re giving away the smallest ZT they’ve ever made. It’s called the 022 Zero Tolerance

Be sure to sign up today as this giveaway ends on Father’s Day!

What is the 022 Zero Tolerance?

It is a folding knife designed by Tim Galyean and precision built by Zero Tolerance. It’s so small it fits in your pocket and you won’t even know its there until you need it. It has a dark carbon fiber handles and an eye-catching decorative pivot with a blue-anodized pivot ring and matching tube spacers.

Fast Opening

The best part is this knife is how fast it opens.  An internal, smooth KVT ball-bearing makes this knife open quick, easy—and I’ll admit, it’s somewhat addictive.

022 Zero Tolerance Features

• Made in the USA
• KVT ball-bearing opening system
• Flipper
• Reversible pocketclip (left/right, tip-up)
• Titanium frame lock, hardened steel lockbar insert
• Steel: CPM 20CV, stonewashed finish
• Handle: Carbon fiber front, stonewashed titanium back
• Blade Length: 1.8 in. (4.9 cm)
• Blade Thickness: 0.121 in. (0.31 cm)
• Closed Length: 3 in. (7.6 cm)
• Overall Length: 4.75 in. (12.2 cm)
• Weight: 1.7 oz. (50 g)
• Value $250.00

How to Enter This Giveaway?

1. Fill out the Entry Form below.
2. Check out one of our videos here and leave a comment.

Good luck!

Father’s Day Giveaway is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Rick Hinderer Deigned Zero Tolerance Knife

Zero Tolerance Hinderer 0562 Knife

4.5/5

Manufacturer: Kershaw Zero Tolerance
Model number: 0562
Price: 280.00
Power source: Thumb flipper & ultra-smooth KVT ball-bearing opening system.
Weight: 5.3 oz.

Who Is Rick Hinderer?

Rick Hinderer is a knife designer / maker who known for his meticulous attention to knife designs. He is an experienced Fire Fighter / EMT and rescue diver and his philosophy is deeply rooted in his experience with using his knives as a first responder.

Currently Rick designs more hard use, tactical knives, rather than, works of art.  Rick began changing over from old world knife making techniques to modern CNC precision manufacturing.  The end-result is a tactical, folding, hard use knife that are not only good-looking, but extremely comfortable in the hand.

Titanium Handle

The ZT Hinderer 0562TI model has a titanium handle provides a sturdy frame that rides comfortably in the pocket. It’s not a small knife, and is clearly designed to get work done.

CPM-20CV steel blade

The ZT Hinderer 0562TI model is outfitted with a titanium handle and a satin finished CPM-20CV steel blade.  CPM 20CV is a stainless steel with a high volume of vanadium carbides for exceptionally good wear resistance.

ZT featured Rick Hinderer’s special “slicer” grind, but on a premium stainless steel blade.

Super Smooth Opening Action

The ZT Hinderer 0562TI model opens with a flipper and the ultra-smooth KVT ball-bearing opening system. This is probably my single-most favorite feature on Kershaw and ZT knives.

KVT’s “caged” ball bearings surround the pivot and make opening the knife nearly frictionless; just pull back on the flipper and add a roll of the wrist and the 0562TI is ready to go to work.

You need to see how smooth this knife opens to believe it.

To ensure the blade is secure there is a titanium frame lock with hardened steel lock bar insert, and a lock bar stabilizer.

Deep Pocket Carry

The pocket clip is reversible and enables extra-deep carry. It attaches to the inside of the handle rather than the outside, is reversible (left/right) and enables extra-deep carry in the pocket. ZT uses matte black hardware to accent the steel-and-titanium look, this contrast makes the 0562TI exceptionally handsome.

Using the Knife

This is a fantastic knife with a razor sharp edge that stayed sharp until I cut some wire cable. The ball bearing roller system is incredibly smooth, and the blade lock engages solidly and disengages easily. For a large knife, it’s actually pretty easy to carry and that’s due to the light weight.[ 5.3 oz.] It has an excellent size to weight ratio.

The low carry pocket clip makes this knife almost disappear in my jeans pocket.

Specifications

• Made in the USA
• KVT ball-bearing opening system
• Flipper
• Reversible deep-carry clip (left/right, tip-up)
• Frame lock, lockbar stabilizer
• Steel: CPM 20CV, stonewashed flats, machine-satin grinds
• Handle: Titanium, stonewashed finish
• Blade Length: 3.5 in. (8.9 cm)
• Blade Thickness: 0.156 in. (0.396 cm)
• Closed Length: 4.8 in. (12.2 cm)
• Overall Length: 8.3 in. (21.1 cm)
• Weight: 5.3 oz. (152 g)

Improvements

In my opinion there is no room for improvement. Although some “defensive minded,” knife carriers may not like the smooth handle, it didn’t bother me at all.

Personally I’d live to see a glass breaker on this knife.

Price

The ZT Hinderer 0562TI knife is not cheap. You’ll find it online for approximately $280.00.

This could be the only knife you’ll ever need, it’s that good.

Overall Impression

This is a great all around EDC knife, but we know how much a tool costs is critical to determine value versus performance and features.

Don’t let its simple appearance fool you, this knife has utility written all over it. From the blade design, to the handle construction, this knife is excellent.

My overall impression is this is a high quality, no nonsense knife that functions well in many situations and is handsome enough for an everyday carry for almost every occasion.

Zero Tolerance Hinderer 0562 Knife Video Review

Zero Tolerance Hinderer 0562 Knife is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Zero Tolerance: ZT0470 Sinkevich Flipper – Titanium & Marbled Carbon Fiber – CPM-20CV Review

Zero Tolerance: ZT0470 Sinkevich Flipper - Titanium & Marbled Carbon Fiber - CPM-20CV

5/5

Manufacturer: ZAI
Model number: Zero Tolerance: ZT0470
Price: 260.00
Weight: 3.3 OZ

I don’t collect knives, so all of my knives are for carry. TheZero Tolerance Sinkevich ZT0470 Knife has a practical, EDC design that handles a wide range of tasks and looks good doing it.

There’s something about the Zero Tolerance knives that I love, and Im not alone.  From the first moment I held a ZT knife in my hand, I knew it was a keeper! I now have three ZT knives!

Specifications

• Length: 7.8″
• Closed Length: 4.4″
• Length: 3.4″
• Blade Steel: CPM-20CV
• Thickness of blade: .121″
• Weight: 3.3oz.

Quality Steel

The blade is CPM 20CV high-chromium stainless steel.  This powdered metallurgy tool steel has a high volume of vanadium carbides for exceptional wear resistance and a truly long-lasting edge. The highest level of chromium of any high-vanadium steel gives it excellent corrosion resistance as well.

Fit and Finish

The fit and finish on the Zero Tolerance Sinkevich ZT0470 Knife is amazing.  It has a two-tone, satin-and-stonewashed blade finish looks handsome, and I love the etching designs in the knife’s titanium handle.

The handle is titanium with a marbled carbon fiber insert. To make this marbled look the inserted carbon fibers randomly onto the molding plate. Resin locks the fibers in place and the result is a classic unique look.

A reversible, titanium clip and a black anodized-aluminum backs-pacer complete the look of this refined pocketknife.

Overbuilt in the USA

All ZT knives are built in Tualatin, Oregon USA. Zero Tolerance is a brand of Kai USA Ltd. The ZT knife brand dates back to 2006 when they supplied knives to the military and law enforcement, and other first responders.

Opening and Using the Knife

I’ve been carrying this knife for about a month now, it’s a tad on the heavy side, but I like the weight. The opening action is superb, as ZT is known for. This knife opens so noticeably smooth its difficult to describe.  The ZT fit and finish is something to admire. the handle gives me a four finger grip which is great for precision and control. I like the compact size and find all of the components; clip, scales, detent and flipper tab to be quality made.

Price

The Zero Tolerance Sinkevich ZT0470 Knife sells here for $260.00. some may think this is an expensive knife, I’d hold that comment until you hold and open it.

Conclusion

I always say you get what you pay for, and you get a sleek, classy design, quality knife and a fit and finish that is flawless. This knife is made to last a lifetime and would be great addition to your knife collection, or an amazing gift, for that guy or gal who appreciates pocket knives. We liked it so much that we gave it a 5-star rating.

Zero Tolerance Sinkevich ZT0470 Knife Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Kershaw Reverb Knife Review

The new Kershaw “Reverb” manual folding knife has just been released, and just in time for father’s day.  This new knife is perfect for hiking, camping or as an everyday knife.  Kershaw has been producing quality knives in all shapes and sizes since 1974 and the Reverb knife is no exception in quality.

No Legal Restrictions on The Reverb

The Reverb knife provides a manual opening action which requires two hands to open. Knives that are spring assisted or open with a single hand are prohibited in several states and are illegal up here in Canada. Unlike these spring assisted, and automatic knives, there are no restrictions on where the Kershaw Reverb Knife they can be sold.

High Grade Steel Construction

The Reverb knife is made up of 2 different steel types. The blade is made from 8CR13MOV steel with a PVD coating, which provides a durable cutting edge. The blade length is 2-1/2 inches and is a drop point tip that provides excellent versatility.

Frame Lock Handle

The handle is comprised of G-10 steel with a carbon fiber overlay front. The handle shape is contoured to provide a more comfortable grip. A portion of the handle moves behind the blade to lock it into position during use. The Reverb, when closed, measures 3-1/4 long, has an overall length of 6.1 inches and weighs 1.6 oz. I really like the weight of this knife.

Deep Carry design

The Reverb knife is very slim and compact so it can be inside your pocket with little to get hung up on.  The handle design offers two other carrying options:

• Belt clip which is a standard feature on most Kershaw folding knives.
• Carabiner clip so it can go on a belt loop, key chain or on your back pack.

Great Knife A Great Price

Overall the Kershaw REVERB is well priced, and a hands down winner in my “Everyday Carry” book.  I liked the sharp blade which is ready to work right out of the package, down to the compact design, that doesn’t feel bulky in your pocket.  The REVERB sells for $22 US on amazon and $37.99 CA.

Kershaw Reverb Knife is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Kershaw Link 1776 GRYBW Blackwash Series

5/5

Manufacturer: Kershaw
Model number: Link 1776
Price: 39.51
Power source: Spped Assist
Weight: 4.8 ounce

Kershaw Link 1776 GRYBW Assisted Folding Knife Review

If I said to you I want an every day carry knife, [EDC] made in the USA, at an affordable price would you think of Kershaw Link 1776 GRYBW Blackwash Series knife?

If you didn’t know knives and you saw the Link, you’d probably say no way, thinking that it’s expensive, but it’s not.

Made In USA

Made in Tualatin, Oregon, the Link has a drop-point style blade constructed out of 420HC stainless steel. 420HC steel, while not the best quality knife metal, it  has higher amounts of carbon and chromium to boost both blade hardenability and corrosion resistance.

Drop Point Blade

I’ve always like drop point knives for my EDC because I use my EDC for more than cutting, like prying. I know, I can hear you cringing as you read this. sometimes my EDC knife becomes a tool of immediate means which means I use it for prying or other non-knife actives.  A drop point knifes blade slopes on the spine of the blade from the handle of the knife to the tip of the blade. This design allows the thicker stronger spine of the blade to continue forward to the tip of the blade.

Bad Ass Finish

My first impression of the Link knife was that it was a sharp looking knife, no pun intended.

The Kershaw Link 1776 GRYBW BlackWash Series came out of the box ultra sharp with a crisp, clean and uniform cutting edge, which includes a 1-inch serrated blade section.

The Link has an almost industrial look to it, with machined handles made from lightweight aluminum and anodized dark grey; which not only looks fantastic, but has good grip traction. The Blackwash finish on the Link is gorgeous, and gives the impression of that favorite “broken-in tool,” but the finish actually offers the knife corrosion resistance.

Durable Knife Engineering

The Link is a solidly designed knife, there is zero blade play, the blade rests perfectly centered, and I love how solidly fast the blade deploys.

The liner lock is not nested, but still well designed.   Folding the knife is simple and intuitive due to the liner lock that sticks out a bit from the scales.

A reversible pocket clip allows users to customize the knife for left or right-handed pocket carry. Pre-drilled holes in the handle enable the user to change either blade forward or blade rear positions. Both positions place the blade; tip up, for fast deployment. The however, does knife sit high in the pocket, approximately ¾-inch when fully seated.

There is also an over sized lanyard hole will easily accept Paracord rope. [550 cord]

SpeedSafe Assist Action: Smooth and Crisp

Probably the single most impressive quality of the Link, and many Kershaw knives, is it’s Speed Safe opening design.

For those of you that are unfamiliar with Speed Safe it is a torsion bar that allows the knife to be opened with one push of the built-in flipper. The knife “springs” open smoothly and easily and most importantly with one hand!

The “flipper” is a protrusion on the back of the blade that the user can pull back on, or flip, in order to deploy the blade. The Link opens quickly and easily with a manual push on the flipper.

Specifications

• Blade Length: 3.25″ (8.4 cm)
• Handle Length: 4.4″ (11.2 cm)
• Overall Length: 7.6″ (19.3 cm)
• Blade Steel: 420HC, Black-Oxide Blackwash Finish
• Handle Material: Machined Aluminum, Blackwash finish
• Weight: 4.8 oz. (136.1 g)
• Made in the USA
• SpeedSafe open, built in Flipper
• Reversible pocket clip, (left/right)

Worth It?

The bottom line is yes!   The Kershaw Link 1776 GRYBW Blackwash Series knife is bad-ass and I’m willing to bet that here are few, if any, $40, USA made knives on the market right now with this level or quality engineering. This knife sells online here: Kershaw-1776TGRYBW-SpeedSafe-Aluminum-BlackWash

Kershaw Link 1776 GRYBW Blackwash Series is a post from Tool Box Buzz