Pocket knives · owner-verdict comparison

Kershaw Leek vs Spyderco Para 3: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Kershaw Leek: 83% of 184 owners recommend it, vs 71% of 224 for the Spyderco Para 3.

Verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube owner comments — affiliate reviews excluded. Sample sizes differ; judge accordingly. How we score

Kershaw Leek

83%of 184 owners recommend
83% recommend · 6% neutral · 11% don't
Owners praise
  • Thin, light, and disappears in the pocket
  • Razor sharp and holds a good edge
  • Outstanding value for the price
Owners complain about
  • Thin tip chips or snaps off easily
  • Assisted opening / torsion bar wears out or safety fails
  • Slippery and easy to lose; weak pocket clip
Full owner report →

Spyderco Para 3

71%of 224 owners recommend
71% recommend · 11% neutral · 18% don't
Owners praise
  • Perfect size for everyday carry
  • Favorite knife that never leaves the pocket
  • Comfortable, confidence-inspiring grip in hand
Owners complain about
  • Too small or cramped for larger hands
  • Pocket clip rides high or needs swapping for deep carry
Full owner report →

What Kershaw Leek owners say

ill take the leek all day. The safety is an awesome touch, the spring assist is quick and never opens in my pocket by accident whereas the blur did a few times and i quite enjoy the slightly smaller size of it
@Beamer-Fonz on YouTube
The safety slider was actually what sold it for me.
@bmljenny on YouTube
the torsion bar in a assisted knife will wear out after awhile and it won’t have enough force to fully flip open and lock in place, that’s what happened to my Kershaw leek.
boglimaniac on Reddit

What Spyderco Para 3 owners say

I love this freakin thing - the looks, the overall size, the blade, the whole (smaller) enchilada.
@sharperdamage829 on YouTube
Para 3 is a perfect user, one of the best knives ever made.
@matthew.hebbert on YouTube
So glad you mentioned the poor quality of screws and how they strip.
@lazypoet1973 on YouTube