Ukpk Owners.... How Do You Like Them ?

338375

338375

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Nov 4, 2006
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I really like the looks of the UKPK but have never been able to handle one..
Those that have them, how do like like it? Also what are your thoughts on this style of knife being a slipjoint (unless I read incorrectly). What was the reasoning behind this, for legalities in the U.K?
 
Yes, it was designed for the UK market, where locking folders are severely restricted. It is in reality a notchjoint. When it is open, it has enough resistance to feel almost locked open. It takes more force to start closing than any other slipjoint I have ever handled (and I own a couple hundred).

My only complaint is that I bought one before the Caly 3 came out, and now I see no need to buy the Caly. I prefer S30V to VG-10, and I am old school enough that the lack of a lock is not an issue. Unlined G-10 is plenty strong for a light to medium duty slicer, which this definitely is.

Oh, by the way...

I REALLY like mine!
 
I have both. They are great knives. I like S30V better than VG 10 too. I wish I could trade blades and put the UKPK blade in my Caly 3.
I prefer my Caly 3 simply because I need a lock to protect me from accidentally cutting myself. The UKPK just closes halfway when you push the blade, it does not slam shut so I do use it without great worry..
 
Here, in Europe, there are only a few traditional knives equipped with a locking blade system. Before the American manufacturers offer lockback folders (with, per example the Buck 110), there were only specific models (Opinel... ect), which allow to secure the blade with a strong mechanism. Peoples are used to work with slipjoint folders or fixed blade knives (per example the French Laguiole, the Swiss army knife, the German Nicker or the Puukko).

So in many European countries, we are not allowed to carry a folding knife if it is possible to lock the blade open. It is the case in England, in France, in Germany, in Belgium… so the peoples, who want to carry a modern knife, with modern features (one hand opening blade, clip, high-tech steel and design) do it illegally. Indeed, there was no non-locking knife available with the improvements invented by Spyderco.

Thanks to Sal Glesser I can now put in my pocket a totally law friendly knife. I agree, the policemen don't arrest me often, but I prefer to follow strictly the rules. Here, in France, the sanctions will not be harsh, but it is not the same point of view in England, where you risk to be jailed. :mad:

Since the UKPK figures in the general 2007 Spyderco catalogue, I guess it becomes a standard product. I hope it will be easier to find. I also hope the new T-mag, will be only the second "non-locking" Spyderco knife of a long serie ! Can you imagine ? Nobody but Spyderco offers modern knives European peoples are allowed to carry. As is usual, Spyderco is the leader for new concepts ! :thumbup:

If the first UKPK quality is to be within the law, its ergonomics, fit and finish are incredible. The S30V blade is very sharp and holds the edge very well. The handle is a little bit longer than the blade length requires (that remind me the CQC7). It allows a strength grip and the thumb-serrated ridge a precise blade control.
Concerning the slip joint system, you don't have to be worried. The spring holds the blade open solidly. In addition, the blade will be stopped when it is half closed because of a second groove in the blade tang. Finally, the choil allow the put the index forward the blade pivot, so if the blade close itself accidentally, the edge will not be in contact with the finger.

I really like my Penknife, and I was ordering one for my sister this afternoon. Thank again Sal Glesser and Spyderco for this wonderful knife and to pay heed to European knife users. ;)
 
This is what I was hoping to hear.. Its great that Spyderco makes a knife so those in other countries can carry a quality knife leagally...
 
I have both the Caly 3 and the UKPK, and prefer the UKPK. The lack of a lock is a non issue with me as this is not a heavy use knife by any means. Although very very similar, the Caly 3 is not just a UKPK with a lock added. They are slightly different in feel, weight especially with the Caly 3 having stainless liners and the lock added. To me the UKPK fits the hand better than the Caly 3 and just feels more lively and controllable. I have to say that the wire clip on both is great though. :thumbup:
 
louky said:
So in many European countries, we are not allowed to carry a folding knife if it is possible to lock the blade open. It is the case in England, in France, in Germany, in Belgium… so the peoples, who want to carry a modern knife, with modern features (one hand opening blade, clip, high-tech steel and design) do it illegally.
Click to expand...

Not true for Germany. Other than balisongs and automatics (depending on the size and bladeshape), carrying a locking blade is not illegal.
 
richardallen said:
Not true for Germany. Other than balisongs and automatics (depending on the size and bladeshape), carrying a locking blade is not illegal.
Click to expand...
I mean in urban area. In France, we are allowed to carry fixed blades and locking folders for hunting or hiking.

I just read a complete article concerning the European knife laws in the French magazine "La passion des couteaux" ("The knives passion"). They write German citizen are not allowed to carry locking folders in the city.
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Can you tell us more ?

smwink.gif
 
In Belgium almost nobody carries a knife, so I checked the law.
Automatics, balisongs and throwers are forbidden.
All the rest is legal, seize is no concern.
The thing is you need a "legal reason" to carry a knife and nobody knows what this "legal reason" is.
So cops can always do what they want and nobody dares to carry a knife.
I gues this is typically for Belgium.
In all my life I have never seen someone carry a fixed blade.
 
I like mine - and carry it periodically. Its also ideal for Federal Govt buildings...(for those of us that work in one). Though lockblades may be legal, the UKPK being under 3 AND a slipjoint gives me that extra layer of NOT being hassled.
 
Put it this way, it was always a pleasure to vary my daily carry. I got a UKPK as soon as they were released, and there have only been a couple days since where I have carried anything else to work.

These days it is only evenings and weekend my other knives get a run out.;)
 
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