UKPK lightweight, Gin-1, etc.

[James Y]

I've been considering a UK Pen Knife Lightweight (drop point), and have a question on the Gin-1 steel. I only ever had one knife in this steel, which also went by the name G-2, in an old Benchmade Panther back in the '90s, and so my experience with it is very small.

How does it compare to other steels (such as VG-10, H1, 154CM, etc.), and also, how is it as far as corrosion resistance? I ask the latter because the knife would likely just be dropped down in my pocket, rather than clipped to it. Actually, corrosion resistance is my main concern, because I know it's a pretty good steel since, if I'm correct, it was Spyderco's first(?) steel in their clipit line.

I thought I also read somewhere (can't find where) that the Gin-1 steel in these models will be replaced with another steel. If that is so, and anyone knows which steel that is, are there any details about that one as well?
Thanks.
Jim

 

[The Deacon]

I've been considering a UK Pen Knife Lightweight (drop point), and have a question on the Gin-1 steel. I only ever had one knife in this steel, which also went by the name G-2, in an old Benchmade Panther back in the '90s, and so my experience with it is very small.

How does it compare to other steels (such as VG-10, H1, 154CM, etc.), and also, how is it as far as corrosion resistance? I ask the latter because the knife would likely just be dropped down in my pocket, rather than clipped to it. Actually, corrosion resistance is my main concern, because I know it's a pretty good steel since, if I'm correct, it was Spyderco's first(?) steel in their clipit line.

I thought I also read somewhere (can't find where) that the Gin-1 steel in these models will be replaced with another steel. If that is so, and anyone knows which steel that is, are there any details about that one as well?
Thanks.
Jim

Plan, as I understand it, is to replace it with a Carpenter steel that has approximately the same formula, so the change will be mostly the lettering on the blade and the country of origin of the steel. GIN-1 was one of the first high performance stainless steels. Over the past 30 years it has been eclipsed by a lot of newer ones, but is still a very decent steel. Not everyone needs, or is willing to pay for, the latest and greatest super steel.

Paul

My Personal Website ---- Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting ---- Kiwimania ---- Spydiewiki
Dead horses beaten, sacred cows tipped, chimeras hunted when time permits.
WTC # 1458 - 1504 - 1508 - Never Forget, Never Forgive!
It's easy to grin when your ship comes in and good fortune and fame are your lot, but the man worthwhile is the man who can smile with his shorts twisted up in a knot. - Morey Amsterdam

 

[Hitzy]

Composition looks close to AUS10 and VG1 that Cold Steel uses. I just had one show up today and it's my first GIN-1 blade. Overall I think I like the lightweight version better then my UKPK.... Nice little knife for <$40.