P'kal - every day utility?

amroc

amroc

Joined
Jan 4, 2009
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Would the P'kal hold up to daily use? Simple things that I subject most my knives to. Cutting tape on a box in my store, general cutting of softer items. I don't tend to abuse my knives beyond simple things. I know the S30V is pretty good, but I'm not sure about the overall design on the knife.

Greg
 
amroc said:
Would the P'kal hold up to daily use? Simple things that I subject most my knives to. Cutting tape on a box in my store, general cutting of softer items. I don't tend to abuse my knives beyond simple things. I know the S30V is pretty good, but I'm not sure about the overall design on the knife.

Greg
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The blade will easily hold up to EDC uses, the question is whether or not you can find a comfortable grip on it. I found it fine when holding my Dad's, and the blade shape and grind should make it an excellent cutter. Cutting tape or soft items is extremely easy on a knife, you have nothing to worry about. That blade can easily handle cardboard sessions or most anything else short of prying or cutting metal, though if you are using it for SD it is probably better to leave that one extremely sharp and use another knife for your cutting chores.

Mike
 
I'm trying to limit myself to only carrying one knife at a time right now, due to a few conversations I've had with an officer that frequents my store. Keeping the blade sharp isn't a problem, it's one of my job duties ;) (brick and mortar knife store). Thank you for the reply. I'll put it to use for a little while, and if I notice any problems, I'll pick up a small SAK or knife of the sort, for other cutting tasks.
 
It will hold up fine. Personally I think it's a great hawkbill EDC.

The only problem I would point out is the SD specific design, especially the grip. If you can find a comfortable grip with it that's great and I'd say go for it.

What features appeal for EDC?
 
I've been giving my P'Kal a try at EDC use.

The new caged Ball-Bearing Lock seems to be more debrie resistant than the older version that the Dodo uses. Originally, the lock was mostly a two-fingered operation to close, but I am now able to disengage the lock with my thumb only.

Had to remove the 'wave' pin as it caused too many undesired openings. I carry IWB mostly, but at work I carry in the pocket.

Since you sharpen knives, I am sure you already noticed that the blade grind makes sharpening to a good edge easy, no need to reprofile to a large degree was required on my part.

Blade shape is an issue for EDC, but for many uses the 'hawkbill' works fine.

I haven't had any particular issues as to gripping. The handle does have the two finger grooves and, thankfully, the blade has no finger choil.
 
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I am big on Self-Defense Knives and I Live by the "Law of Two", which means I carry two knives, one for SD and one for Utility. I would "NEVER" use a knife that I carry for self-defense in a utility task. If I am depending on a knife to save my life I want it to be Razor sharp and at %100 all the time. I would never dull it cutting boxes or other stuff. I have carried the P"Kal and IMHO it is a SD KNIFE ONLY.. If I need to cut something, I'll just whip out the old mini grip..But this is just my philosophy
 
I think gunmike1 pretty much summed it up.

If you don't have the opportunity, or are not interested in learning pikal techniques, but you still want a knife with the Emerson opener, I suggest you consider the Endura so equipped. I've been carrying an Endura with an Emerson opener and I've been pleasantly surprised at how handy it can be.

If you're set on having a hawkbill knife for utility as well as self-defense then I suggest you consider a Harpy, or a Tasman Salt, or a SuperHawk, all of which I think make better utility knives than the P'Kal.

However, I do think the P'Kal to be the perfect design for its intended use.
 
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