The kershaw Leek is a fantastic l'il knife for everyday carry. That one is in my pocket every single day - the black one with the steel frame - I find it grippier than my other Leek (though not as pretty), which is why I like it. Yeah, the steel needs sharpening every now and then due to it not being the best steel, but it's (1) slim, (2) ergo, (3) takes a great sharp edge, and (4) most importantly, opens incredibly easily, which could help in a self-defense scenario, not to mention save time with everyday carry. I like the leek better than the others in the Onion lineup, because it's the right size, and doesn't open TOO easily (unintentionally in the pocket), like the scallion.
And this'll get me flamed, but I do not trust the Axis lock of the Benchmade (or the Arc-Lock of SOG - very similar) as far as I could throw Michael Moore. Way way too easy to accidentally come unlocked - not enough distance OR enough resistance on the 'sear' if you will, for top-notch safety under hard use. Something like the LAWK system on some of the CRKTs is far far superior in my view. Benchmades do have good steel though. If CRKT would use better steel, or Benchmade would license some CRKT designs & make them, then we'd be 'in bidness'.
Don't get me wrong now - an axis lock knife is acceptable for most people's EDC, and is not much less safe than a standard liner lock such as on my Leek or any other standard liner lock, but for hard use, it's unacceptable when compared to more positive locking designs out there, IMO.
