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Spyderco Pikal P'kal Knife Your Thoughts Opinions
- Thread starter froggy
- Start date
TIZWIN
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Aug 23, 2006
- Messages
- 1,145
I followed the development of this knife for months, if not years. It is the culmination of a joint effort between a martial artist, a custom knifemaker, and a manufacturer, with input from the internet community.
If one is limited to a folding knife for self-defense, the Spyderco P'Kal, with proper training, is ideal. The only limitation it may have, beyond legalities, is that its blade may be a bit too short for maximum effectiveness when an attacker might be wearing heavy clothing.
I suggest buying the trainer version as well.
If one is limited to a folding knife for self-defense, the Spyderco P'Kal, with proper training, is ideal. The only limitation it may have, beyond legalities, is that its blade may be a bit too short for maximum effectiveness when an attacker might be wearing heavy clothing.
I suggest buying the trainer version as well.
- Joined
- Oct 30, 2005
- Messages
- 5,171
The P'Kal makes a reasonable EDC. I have had one in my EDC rotation for a few months now.
The blade is thin and makes a good slicer, the handle allows the handle to positively index in ones hand in most grips, and the lock appears to be strong and reliable.
I took the "wave" bar off, since I find the knife opens too soon when I use it.
The blade is thin and makes a good slicer, the handle allows the handle to positively index in ones hand in most grips, and the lock appears to be strong and reliable.
I took the "wave" bar off, since I find the knife opens too soon when I use it.
- Joined
- Jan 4, 2009
- Messages
- 433
I own one of these, and I love it. I get the best looks when people see it drawn and seemingly already be open. Probably one of the best knives I own for the "Woah, that's cool" factor.
Beyond the coolness, it's a very effective knife with someone who knows how to use it. I've never formally trained with it, and I would love to get a trainer version of it, I have done my own draw drills and incorporation into my already formal training of Kajukenbo, Muai Thai, Tae Kwan Do, and Sanjuriu Jujitsu, and my informal in about ten other styles. It's easy to adapt to self defense wise if you understand human anatomy (especially from a martial arts stand point).
I've never really used it as a utility knife, mainly because I wanted to keep it as sharp as possible. I carried an Endura 4 Waved in my back right pocket for all my utility purposes.
It's one of my favorite knives I own due to it's speed, size, and ease of use. When I first handled it in the SFO, the lady working (I don't remember who off the top of my head) was advising me to try the trainer first for drawing because it takes practice. I drew it flawlessly mid sentence and when asked if I'd handled one before, I told her I hadn't and that I was able to do that because of the videos I'd seen on it. With that said, this is definitely a knife that I would strongly suggest playing with and handling before making up your mind on.
Greg
Beyond the coolness, it's a very effective knife with someone who knows how to use it. I've never formally trained with it, and I would love to get a trainer version of it, I have done my own draw drills and incorporation into my already formal training of Kajukenbo, Muai Thai, Tae Kwan Do, and Sanjuriu Jujitsu, and my informal in about ten other styles. It's easy to adapt to self defense wise if you understand human anatomy (especially from a martial arts stand point).
I've never really used it as a utility knife, mainly because I wanted to keep it as sharp as possible. I carried an Endura 4 Waved in my back right pocket for all my utility purposes.
It's one of my favorite knives I own due to it's speed, size, and ease of use. When I first handled it in the SFO, the lady working (I don't remember who off the top of my head) was advising me to try the trainer first for drawing because it takes practice. I drew it flawlessly mid sentence and when asked if I'd handled one before, I told her I hadn't and that I was able to do that because of the videos I'd seen on it. With that said, this is definitely a knife that I would strongly suggest playing with and handling before making up your mind on.
Greg
Sal Glesser
Moderator
- Joined
- Dec 27, 1998
- Messages
- 11,745
Hi Froggy,
The interest in a Spyderco Pikal folder was requested by a forumite on this forum
The P'kal model took years to deveop and refine. We wanted to have the speed and reliability of a fixed blade with the convenient carry of a folder.
An undercover law enforcement professional known on the forums as "Southnarc" created the fixed blade version with a custom knifemaker, Trace Rinaldi. He also is a trainer in both gun and Pikal.
Using the fixed blade model as a design concept, we made dozens of models before a final design was reached. Eric Glesser designed the ball bearing lock concept using a smaller ball and a "cage" for releasing the ball. This permited the use of a very strong and reliable, self adjusting lock in a smaller space.
It was a truly collaborative effort with quite a few experts in their field.
Functionally, it's very effective. We recommend training with a trainer, which we also produce.
The market for this model is primarily undercover law enforcement. It's not a high volume model. It's expensive and with the added cost of a trainer, even more so. We make them in our Golden, Colorado facility. No corners are cut.
We feel it is an important model to have available for our finest.
sal
The interest in a Spyderco Pikal folder was requested by a forumite on this forum
The P'kal model took years to deveop and refine. We wanted to have the speed and reliability of a fixed blade with the convenient carry of a folder.
An undercover law enforcement professional known on the forums as "Southnarc" created the fixed blade version with a custom knifemaker, Trace Rinaldi. He also is a trainer in both gun and Pikal.
Using the fixed blade model as a design concept, we made dozens of models before a final design was reached. Eric Glesser designed the ball bearing lock concept using a smaller ball and a "cage" for releasing the ball. This permited the use of a very strong and reliable, self adjusting lock in a smaller space.
It was a truly collaborative effort with quite a few experts in their field.
Functionally, it's very effective. We recommend training with a trainer, which we also produce.
The market for this model is primarily undercover law enforcement. It's not a high volume model. It's expensive and with the added cost of a trainer, even more so. We make them in our Golden, Colorado facility. No corners are cut.
We feel it is an important model to have available for our finest.
sal
- Joined
- Oct 3, 1998
- Messages
- 4,842
If the specialized design appeals to you, then I can't recommend the P'kal highly enough. Among the best production values I've seen in a production folder, and the meticulousness with which the team went through the design decisions shows everywhere. And if you're carrying it and just need to do some utility cutting, it works fine that way.
- Joined
- Oct 3, 1998
- Messages
- 1,774
Sal Glesser
Moderator
- Joined
- Dec 27, 1998
- Messages
- 11,745
Thanx Joe.
Your were involved in this project closely from the beginning. Appreciate your input.
sal
Your were involved in this project closely from the beginning. Appreciate your input.
sal
- Joined
- Oct 3, 1998
- Messages
- 4,842
No thanks required from either of you, but you're welcome anyway! In fact, this thread sent me back to my P'kal, which I'm carrying again as we speak. It just sings for this usage.