Any thoughts on the Spyderco Uk Pen Knife?

Joined
Jul 20, 2011
Messages
55
There's something about this knife i find so enthralling... its so simple though

frnukpkdp.jpg
 
I have the sheepsfoot s30v orange g10 model, and with my experience, its been a great user, lock is tight enough to be confident, without being too tight as to prevent one-handed or easy opening. Mine came a little stiff, but put some grease on the pivot and it was good to go.

One complaint, if your hands are on the larger side, putting your first finger into the choil can be a bit bothersome, and the handle is closer to a three finger for me.

However, overall, great user, good value in my opinion.
 
UKPK in all its incarnations is a very practical, unintimidating EDC. An interesting modern alternative to a traditional slip joint folder or a Swiss army knife. No lock on these indeed, but the choil will prevent them from closing on your fingers. I love this combination of the modern and the traditional slip joint.
I suggest you check them out.
As an aside, I have a small preference for its cousin the Urban Wharncliffe.
 
Great knife!

Nice and light, a blend of the simple elegance of a slip joint with modern features like the outstanding wire clip and the Spyderhole for one hand opening.

The choil is another big improvement since it helps prevents injuries if the blade should start to close when you are using it.


Having no lock is both a blessing and a curse. No lock means that it is legal to carry in more places and for light cutting chores, there is really no need for a lock and not having to release a lock mechanism makes the knife simple and easy to close. But for heavier work, which may involve reaming or a bit of drilling with the point along with some light stabbing/poking with the tip, you would be better off with something that locks.


There are only two things I would change on the LW FRN version, the first would be change the grind from saber to a FFG (the original UKPK already has a FFG) the other is to add a lanyard hole (not sure if I would actually use it much, but I like the option).


Another thing that would be cool for the LW FRN versions would be sprint runs in the same steels that Spyderco uses for the Mule Team sprints for people who prefer folders.



- Frank
 
I have the G-10 version and like it. If I lived someplace where I couldn't carry a locking folder, it would be my top choice.
 
I have the G-10 version and like it. If I lived someplace where I couldn't carry a locking folder, it would be my top choice.

I think the same way but because i can carry a locker, why bother?
I really don't understand why people buy them if they don't have the locking restriction. If it is for collection purposes and personal preference i can understand but other than that...
Lockers are way safer and there are lots and lots more to choose from.
Personally i don't see me EVER buying any kind of non-locking folders!
Anyway, just my 0.02$.
 
I think the same way but because i can carry a locker, why bother?
I really don't understand why people buy them if they don't have the locking restriction. If it is for collection purposes and personal preference i can understand but other than that...
Lockers are way safer and there are lots and lots more to choose from.
Personally i don't see me EVER buying any kind of non-locking folders!
Anyway, just my 0.02$.
Yeah, I agree -- I'm planning to sell mine because it doesn't see any use for that very reason. If I take a trip to New York City or someplace else where a locking folder could cause trouble, I'll just bring one of my traditionals.
 
I think the same way but because i can carry a locker, why bother?
I really don't understand why people buy them if they don't have the locking restriction. If it is for collection purposes and personal preference i can understand but other than that...
Lockers are way safer and there are lots and lots more to choose from.
Personally i don't see me EVER buying any kind of non-locking folders!
Anyway, just my 0.02$.


You may one day appreciate the design of a particular slipjoint like say for instance the BP CLB Compliance. A truely unique and elegant piece
 
I bought one for my Dad and he works in an office so its perfect for him and he loves it. I sharpened it up on the ultra fine sharpmaker rods but it was already really sharp and just got that much sharper. He has the maroon and standard blade shape.
 
I really don't understand why people buy them if they don't have the locking restriction. If it is for collection purposes and personal preference i can understand but other than that...
Lockers are way safer and there are lots and lots more to choose from.
Personally i don't see me EVER buying any kind of non-locking folders!

In my opinion, for lighter usage a lock is not that important. I have a vault-like locking Sebenza, yet I carry an humble SAK with just as much satisfaction.
 
I don't have any legal need for a slip, but I really like the orange wharn design and have been eying it for months.

I think the same way but because i can carry a locker, why bother?
I really don't understand why people buy them if they don't have the locking restriction. If it is for collection purposes and personal preference i can understand but other than that...
Lockers are way safer and there are lots and lots more to choose from.
Personally i don't see me EVER buying any kind of non-locking folders!
Anyway, just my 0.02$.

They're different. Part of knife ownership for me is the tactile pleasure, and the opening/closing action of a slip is new and interesting. I acknowledge that for strength a locking knife is always going to win.
 
I have one with folage green G-10, and flat ground drop point, and really like it. Very light, and feels great in the choil grip.
When your finger is in the choil its not going to close on you. I'm 50 and grew up on slip joints and never felt much of a need for a lock, though I have alot with a lock and carry them often.
I've cut myself much more with a locking folder than a non locking folder. Then again I don't sit around playing with slip joints like I do frame and liner locks, and thats when i usually get cut.
 
This lock/non-locking discussion has been beat to death. I like my UKPK, I have the orange g10 version with a leaf-shaped blade. It's scary sharp. The lock up is tight, but still easily opened with one hand. If you can get over the lack of lock, clearly some can't, then it's an excellent blade. To quote everyone else who can deal with a lockless knife, "If you use the blade correctly, then you really have no need for a lock." It's a light-use gentleman's folder, so it's not going to be taking on intense wood cutting tasks.
 
I dont like the blade shape, too much like the old byrd cara cara 1's (thats why i love the new ones).
 
I have the ukpk in GIN1. In my opinion I think the ukpk is the best that spyderco can offer for UK residents. For US residents its not so great because there are far more safe, efficient, and usable folders to choose from. Personally my role for it right now is more of a visually appealing piece of desk jewelry. It does hold a great working edge though that GIN1. If you ever do get a UKPK and already have other knives, that UKPK is probably not going to see very much pocket time...
 
Man I must be getting old! Some of your opinions on non locking knives is really supprising to me.
 
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