UKPK in GIN-1

spydie fanatic

spydie fanatic

Joined
Nov 5, 2009
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I must admit I'm impressed with the level of out-the-box sharpness of the ukpk I got today; It was the cheaper model made with GIN-1. I've never had a knife with this steel before, but I believe its also known as G2 and was one of the first steels spyderco used.

Only on my zdp caly cf, zdp dragonfly2 and a few others were they this sharp...:thumbup: I've had at least 3 spydies in vg10 which lacked impressiveness factor, but this one was like omg sharp :D
 
Yup, just shows you the importance of edge geometry. From my experience, US made spyderco's have awesomely even and low angled edge bevels. My FRN UKPK is the same way.

BTW, I think that Gin-1 was THE first steel they used on the Worker. I could be wrong though.

My experience with Gin-1 is good as well. It takes a really nice polish and I like it better than the 8cr13 used on China spydies. I usually strop it after use, and the most I've needed to do is a quick touch-up on the fine stones on my Sharpmaker.
 
I too had a similar experience with my FRN UKPK with combo edge it was quite possibly one of the sharpest factory edges I've felt.
 
mine came very sharp as well! Highly impressed, and a good contrast to the out of the box sharpness of the persistence and the meadowlark.

Does anybody know if the characteristics of Gin 1 will allow it to have pretty good edge retention? On the Spyderco charts its hardness appears to be harder than AUS8 but not as hard as VG10.
 
I want an FRN UKPK, but I want to wait for the ones that have stiffer "locks" and BD-1 steel to start rolling off the line.
 
when is the UKPK going to have the "stiffer spring" or lockback would be nice, what can you tell me about this other steel you speak of ?
 
Last edited:
technician1 said:
when is the UKPK going to have the "stiffer spring" or lockback would be nice, what can you tell me about this other steel you speak of ?
Click to expand...

Carpenter CTS BD1

Nominal Analysis
0.90 C, 0.60 Mn, 0.37 Si, 15.75 Cr, 0.30 Mo, 0.10 V

A vacuum-melted stainless steel containing certain metal additions that offer enhanced blade retention properties. The alloy composition is finely balanced to offer performance with an ability to be processed into finished form easily. This alloy is now available in Strip product form.

http://www.cartech.com/ssalloysprod.aspx?id=3706

Pretty close element-wise to Gin-1. Adds a little bit of vanadium.
 
BD-1 is an american made version of Gin-1. The stiffer lockup was unveiled at the shot show. I dont know really when either are supposed to be out. I'm hoping Sal can tell us.
 
mentaculus said:
Yup, just shows you the importance of edge geometry. From my experience, US made spyderco's have awesomely even and low angled edge bevels. My FRN UKPK is the same way.
Click to expand...

Agreed, all my Spydercos came with the BEST factory edges on them, by far. I just got my own FRN UKPK in the mail today (plain edge leaf-shape blade in maroon) and I am astounded by its sharpness. I was cutting down thin cardboard food boxes for recycling, and it would effortlessly push-cut through the material. It probably doesn't hurt that I absolutely love hollow-ground blades too.
 
Glad this thread was started. I was just looking at the UK Pen knife as well as the Urban models because I own only a few slip-joints. I was curious about the Gin-1 steel in the UK Pens myself.

Good info.
 
The G10 s3ov models have quite a bit more resistance compared to the frn GIN-1 models. The new ones (not yet out) are suppose to have more resistance than both of these models. I don't think the amount of resistance between the two is a problem if you're use to using a slip-joint. I've always used a locking folder, but I've gotten use to the two by handling them. I can't really believe the GIN-1 model is the same steel as what was referred to G2 used in the first delicas/enduras, its held up very well and I haven't had to sharpen it yet.
 
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