Tell me about the Leafstorm.

[remnar]

I'm not sure why but I really like the look of this little knife. I am considering the Leafstorm for my next Spyderco purchase. Is there anything that I should know about this knife that may influence my decision to buy or not to buy. Please include the good, the bad, and the ugly truth about this knife. Thanks in advance.

-remnar

[Minibear453]

Never had one, handled it a bit, and I think I agree with what some people seemed to think - the grip was just too awkward for me. Your middle and ring finger kind of sinks into the big choil, and your pointer rests on "top" of it, right next to the blade. Just didn't feel great to me.

[SpyderNut]

As Minibear pointed out, the Leafstorm’s unique ergos may be considered an “acquired taste” to some folks. Another common criticism of the design is that the lack of choil allows the user’s index finger to come in close proximity to the rear-most edge of the blade, which can be hazardous during normal opening and closing of the blade. Having said all that, however, I actually find the Leafstorm to be one of my favorite designs. Sure, there are a few minor things I would tweak, but overall it’s a great knife. Pros: I love the ghost jade green G-10, the CPM-S30V steel, and the RIL. I also really like the ingenious lanyard hole design. Pick one up and see if it “speaks” to you. Mine certainly did. :)

P.S. FWIW, the Leafstorm is made in Golden, CO.

[gbelleh]

I like the Leaf Storm. It's a very nice looking design. But I also find the grip shape awkward. The handle is a bit too small, IMO, to get a good grip. This makes it very easy to get bitten by the sharp point at the rear of the blade, if your cramped index finger wanders forward looking for a choil. :eek:

As an interesting, nice looking design, and part of a collection, it's great. As an EDC, there are many much better options, IMO.

[remnar]

Thanks to all that have responded. So far, most of what I've read is on par with my own thoughts about the knife. I like some of the different designs and discontinued models are even better when I can find them. It's unique design does sort of call to me, and I am aware of the strange and possibly dangerous ergos of the handle. This would be more of an occasionally carried knife to add to my collection, rather than an EDC. Is there any known issues with the lock bar. I might be mistaken, but I think that I read a review once that criticized the lock up and blamed the thinness of the lock bar. I can't seem to find this same review so maybe I'm remembering it wrong. Have there been any quality issues with the Leafstorm? Anything specific to look for before making the purchase? Thanks again. Please keep the comments coming.

[MarcusH]

The Leafstorm is a very nice piece, the fit and finish of my sample is excellent.
It's just a 3-finger knife for me, just like the Techno.
If I have a full 4-finger-grip the cutting egde comes very close to my index finger.

For me the Leafstorm is a nice collectors piece, from a practical point of view there are better choices in the Spyderco lineup.

[eric m.]

I'm not sure why but I really like the look of this little knife. I am considering the Leafstorm for my next Spyderco purchase. Is there anything that I should know about this knife that may influence my decision to buy or not to buy. Please include the good, the bad, and the ugly truth about this knife. Thanks in advance.

-remnar

I really like the Leafstorm! As a matter of fact I was thinking of posting something on it because I've not seen it mentioned here! People say it is overpriced for what you get, but it is a very pleasing knife to carry! It seems like one of those knives like the Cat-Love it or Hate it! I bought 1, and when I found out it was being discontinued, I ordered another! Since you like the look of it already you will like it better in hand! Very sturdy knife in a compact package! :)

[bh49]

As an interesting, nice looking design, and part of a collection, it's great. As an EDC, there are many much better options, IMO.

+1
I own one and I like this beautiful piece as a part of collection, but I feel much secure with Kopa even Moki Glory. IMHO finger choil would improve design, add FFG and I would carry it.

[FCM415]

I wasnt going to get the Leafstorm but a like new one went up on the BF exchange for $85 last summer and I couldnt pass it up. Sadly, I couldnt get myself to keep it I much prefer the Techno and other small Spydercos over it. Ergos being the number one problem. If I did keep it, it would have just remained in its box so I passed it along. Even at literally half the price I couldnt do it.

[JNewell]

I love the looks and design but I am confident that I'd wind up with fingers under the edge somehow. Not all knives work for all people.

[John E]

I go back and forth between an urban and a leafstorm for the knife in my pocket most days (and other times have something a bit bigger). The overall "chunkiness"- thick blade and overall width, along with the RIL, the neat G10 are all very appealing. It is just fun to handle and play with. I know the design complaints about the lack of a choil, but that has never been a problem. It does not appear that Kevin Wilkins still makes the custom scale replacements, but it is certainly worth a look at his web site to see the variations on this theme. I am glad I got one.

John

[TBob]

I carry a Leafstorm every day at work, and have for about 5 years. It cuts like crazy and S30V stays sharp a long time. It's design and blade length fits in nicely in a business environment, especially those with blade-length limits. The lock easily closes with one hand, providing all-around ease of use. I don't have an issue with the ergos in common use, but it may not be suitable for cutting down large trees. Tastes certainly vary, but I have developed a healty respect for the Leafstorm.

[SpyderNut]

I've never had any issues with my Leafstorm's the lock-up--it's rock solid. True, the lock-bar is a bit thinner on the Leafstorm when compared to the lock-bar on the Techno. However, I think this isn't much of an issue given that the Leafstorm is a smallish knife and wasn't really designed for heavy-duty use. FWIW, I've had several liner-locks with liners as thin as .040 that had a very tight lock-up with no blade play or wobble.

[FLIP4real]

The Leafstorm is a very nice piece, the fit and finish of my sample is excellent.
It's just a 3-finger knife for me, just like the Techno.
If I have a full 4-finger-grip the cutting egde comes very close to my index finger.

For me the Leafstorm is a nice collectors piece, from a practical point of view there are better choices in the Spyderco lineup.

informative and great photos for reference. thanks

[hunterseeker5]

Seeing the above images of the techno, and I presume similar is true of the Leafstorm, I believe people are holding them wrong.

I learned this by accident when playing with the Techno. Clearly the traditional hammer of saber grips don't really feel quite right on the Techno, and look downright abysmal on the Leafstorm. What I picked up though from my chef-knife use though is the pinch grip, which when applied to the Techno produced magic. Revisiting the Leafstorm, I can only assume similar was intended for it.

I don't have any images, so I hope my video on the subject will suffice:
http://youtu.be/KgBUcmAgImw?t=3m56s

[Holland]

great looking nice with good specs. i would have owned one a long time ago, but the handle looks a tad uncomfortable

[NoFair]

It is a very nice knife, my only problem with it is that I think the C22 in CF/ZDP and Techno are better knives..

[bh49]

It is a very nice knife, my only problem with it is that I think the C22 in CF/ZDP and Techno are better knives..

With all due respect, this is subjective. Under my normal circumstances I would never take Techno over LeafStorm. C22 is the super-classic, still has a very slim chance to beat LeafStorm in my book. Both of them are gents knives and LeafStorm quite capable for the task and looks better for me (which is subjective as well). Of course Kopa Cocobolo will beat all of them. :)

[NoFair]

If you have a Techno I'll trade you a Leafstorm for it

[lambertiana]

I really like the leafstorm. It makes a great small carry, very classy and unique design. Sure, it's not suitable for chopping down trees or punching through car doors, but I don't do that every day...