Pikal vs. Yojimbo

The blade shape is different, the lock is different, the handle is different, the features are different and they have different types of SD applications.

There is little to compare.
 
I have both. I like the Yojimbo, but if I had to choose between them, it would definitely be the P'kal.

The wave on the P'kal works great. I can operate the caged ball lock equally well with both hands; whereas the compression lock works much better with my left hand (Which is okay, since I'm left-handed.).

Not surprisingly, the P'kal is much more comfortable than the Yojimbo when held in reverse grip. It's not as comfortable in standard grip, but definitely useable. I find that it works quite well for many of my mundane EDC tasks.

Tom
 
Ok, thanks. I realize that there are several differences between the two, I just wanted to know what people liked more/thought was better.
 
I like the locks on both. I like the Yojimbo's ergos a little more. The P'kal has a great lock and wave. I find the Yojimbo's blade shape more useful in non-SD applications.
 
As an owner of both of these blades, I humbly submit my interpretation of the diferences between the two. I hope my descriptions are accurate, and I would enjoy a discussion of my viewpoints, especially from those who differ with mine.

These knives are both superb manifestations of expert design in collaboration with a manufacturer known for high standards. The two models represent two very different schools of self-defense with a blade.

The Yojimbo, as designed by Michael Janich, is a weapon built around the idea of disabling your attacker's ability to harm you. This concept is centered around the slashing cut, using the edge of the blade. The knife is meant to be held in a forward grip, with the point upwards from your thumb, and the edge outwards. The design does not preclude using the point, but the edge is the primary focus. An advantage of this design is the short blade, making it legal in more areas. The blade is very much like that on a Stanley utility razor knife. Michael Janich has disseminated a video in which he demonstrates the cruel efficiency of even a stubby razor blade. Due to the compression of flesh upon contact with the blade, the knife can cut much deeper than its actual length, and long, deep cuts are possible. The shape of the handle also allows the knife's use as an impact weapon, utilizing the narrow butt as a punyo. Mr. Janich has long taught a system of engaging an opponent in which a defender might horribly disable an attacker, yet spare his life.

The P'Kal, as designed by South Narc, is meant to be held in a reverse grip, that is with the point downwards and the edge inwards, and to use the point to assault your attacker in a sewing-machine manner, and the edge in a hooking move to shear your attacker's limbs out of the way, thus providing an opening to attack with the point yet again. The technique is ruthless and relentless, with little concern about the survival of your attacker. Another difference with the Yojimbo is the P'Kal's "wave" feature, which allows one to draw a folding knife rapidly, in panic mode, in response to ambush or other unexpected escalation in a confrontation. If we are not allowed to carry a fixed blade in self-defense, a waved folder, with training, gives one a rapid-response capacity. Otherwise, we are left with drawing our folder and utilizing it as an impact weapon prior to opening the blade. See Mercop's description of "folder into the fight" elsewhere in this forum.

Both knives are well built, strong, and reliable. The blades are capable of amazing sharpness. Either can provide self-defense, given proper training and understanding of their designs. We who carry blades with self-defense as one utility should be grateful for Mr. Glesser, Mr. Janich, and South Narc for their collaborations.

I prefer the P'Kal because I have found that, for myself, the learning curve for its utilization is much shorter, and the deployment of the blade is more reliable under extreme duress. This knife, accompanied with one of South Narc's DVDs, and especially if complemented by a training seminar, will give you great comfort as you go down the mean streets.
 
Excellent write-up TIZWIN. I don't have either knife, although I'm should be receiving the P'Kal within a couple days. I've seen & read quite a bit on each knife & am familiar with knife fighting techniques (Having taken & instructed before, along with being a LE weaponless defense instructor).

Obviously both knives are pure SD knives. Sure, they can be EDCs, but really your SD only knife should be sharp & stay that way, & there are better knives out there for "normal" knife duty. On that note, a fixed blade is going to be your best bet for SD. Most states knife laws being what they are, many FBs aren't allowed to be CC.

I would think the P'Kal would be the better choice for SD because of it's ability to be deployed quicker & easier. In a real "defend your life" situation, fine motor skills usually go out the window & the P'Kal lends itself to be quicker for that.

Obviously what I'm writing is subjective & might not be right for you. The nice thing about both knives is that they are made by Spyderco & both are quality knives.
 
This is why training is realy what you need to consider when deciding your personal SD strategies. If you're educated in a form of SD, that training will determine what you should consider. I'm presuming that you have no formal training because if you did, you would give us a little more specifics on what you're looking for. I may be wrong and if I am, please give us more details on how you train.
 
Ok, thanks for the responses. It seems the Pikal is generally prefered, and it is much cheaper, so I think I will put that one on my growing list. Thanks again.
 
Gday Guilo,
I can only comment on the Yojimbo, not on a SD aspect, but it's utility value.

I own a company that imports paper and distibutes it to the printing industry. I have witnessed many accidents due to by my staff using poor quality box cutter style knives that are mass produced with poor materials, flimsy blades and appalling locking mechanisms. This is what started my search for the "perfect" utility knife, one that had a sharp tip for slicing open packets, cutting through plastic strapping, stripping shrink film off pallets and an array of general workplace tasks that require a knife.

The Yojimbo is that "perfect" knife that I was looking for, it does all of the above, it stays usable sharp for an exceptionally long time, its straight blade shape makes it easy to sharpen, the locking mechanism is super strong and reliable, its ergonomics and grip make it secure to apply alot of pressure in cutting or the most delicate of cuts.

All of my wharehouse staff are now kitted out with a Yojimbo, like myself, they all use them hard every day and would never go back to using a flimsy plastic boxcutter. I haven't had a knife related injury in the workplace since introducing the Yo.

Its a little ironic, a knife that was predominately designed for inflicting wounds, has found a role in preventing them.
 
Dear Stockman:

Thank you very much for your post. Issuing your workers Yojimbos! I love it! You made my day.

Stay safe,

Mike
 
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