Question for P'kal owners

A

amati1543

Joined
Dec 28, 2008
Messages
54
Is the P'kal comfortable to hold in more conventional grips at all, or is it only comfortable in the reverse, edge-in grip it was designed around?
Also, how do people like the caged BBL? I've been using the Poliwog extensively for some time, so I'm used to it in it's "raw" form, so to speak.
 
The caged ball lock is really nice. I can unlock it easily with just my thumb or index finger and it's much easier to operate with gloves on compared to the old style.

The Pikal is somewhat comfortable in a regular grip, even better if you remove the wave. You can easily use it to open a package, peel an apple, break down a box etc. If you try doing something like prolonged wood cutting, or breaking down a lot of boxes, it wouldn't work so well because the ergos aren't designed around a typical grip. For brief cutting chores it works good as an EDC for everything besides cutting food on a cutting board. You can also try using it in it's intended grip for your cutting needs. Works surprisingly well for a lot of things.
 
I'm inclined to agree with Vivi, reverse grip edge in, outstanding...forward grip edge up or I guess you could call it sabre grip; comfortable... if your comfortable with your thumb that close to the blade,
hammer grip edge up, I think my thumb could accidentally disengage the lock.

Hammer grip edge down feels somewhat comfortable, and like Vivi said if you held it edge down (with thumb on spine), and removed the wave it could also be somewhat comfortable, but it just feels kinda awkward to hold it that way.
I've carried it a lot, and played with it a lot but have never actually used it utility wise, just have it should the need arise.
 
Hi Amati,

The P'Kal is a very purpose built design. It functions best in the intended grip. In our mind, the model (and the trainer) was created for undercover law enfocement professionals in a last ditch situation.

sal
 
I had SouthNarc himself demonstrate for me the way he carries and draws the P'kal -- he carries it very far forward in the pocket, then draws and rolls the knife into the edge-in reverse grip in what is a very natural motion.

In my opinion there's absolutely no reason to buy this knife unless you intend to use a reverse-grip, edge-in methodology. For more conventional uses there are any number of other Spydercos that would be better suited for your needs. If you do prefer that method, especially as demonstrated in the ShivWorks videos, this is a very good choice, probably the best choice in a production folding knife.
 
The P'Kal is a very special purpose built knife. If you find the blade curve conducive to your cutting tasks, pick up a SuperHawk. :thumbup:
 
I LOVE the P'Kal. It's not really suitable as a utility knife, but it's probably the best design I've ever seen for its intended purpose. The caged ball lock works great. It's the sharpest knife I've ever owned. As long as you expect this knife to perform as designed, you won't be disappointed.
 
I'd love to see a more EDC-oriented design similar to the P'kal.

I love how simple the design is, how compact the knife is, the blade shape, and the peg wave, and the caged ball lock. It's really an eye-catching, unusual little knife.

It would be great to see one more geared toward for edge-down, utility use. I know that defeats the purpose of the knife, but still.
 
It could be my imagination, but I find the wave from the pickle to fully open the knife more reliably than the regular wave.
 
I think this is because you've got that angled peg rather than te curved wave, and it catches more readily because of that angle. It's more open.
 
thanks for all your replies. I hadn't heard of the pikal style, but I do have some background in balintawak escrima (practiced lots when I was a little kid) and when I mentioned it to my dad he knew what I was talking about, so I may still pick one up. On the other hand, my culinary student friend saw a picture of it and said it looked exactly like a Tournee knife-which was a startling revelation, to say the least.
 
I'll at least pick one up for my dad. He likes that grip, and liked the knife when I told him about it.
 
amati1543 said:
On the other hand, my culinary student friend saw a picture of it and said it looked exactly like a Tournee knife-which was a startling revelation, to say the least.
Click to expand...

I'm a big fan of most things by Shivworks, and the P'kal is no exception.

BTW, perhaps it shouldn't be so startling ;) - the purposes of the blade shape are quite similar, decent piercing, with a mild inward curve to "trap" and slice objects such as fruit, vegetables, and flesh.
 
Well... I hate to disagree with "The Man" but I think they slipped up on this knife and created a terrific EDC utility tool "accidentally". It may be intended for SD but it cuts like a demon, opens flawlessly, locks and releases beautifully and I find the "regular" grip both secure and comfortable. I doubt (hope?) I never need a knife for SD but the P'Kal gets regular carry for EDC cutting jobs I DO do.

Ken
 
senoBDEC said:
I'm a big fan of most things by Shivworks, and the P'kal is no exception.

BTW, perhaps it shouldn't be so startling ;) - the purposes of the blade shape are quite similar, decent piercing, with a mild inward curve to "trap" and slice objects such as fruit, vegetables, and flesh.
Click to expand...

I just didn't notice it till he mentioned it and whipped his out.
 
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