Ukpk?

The UKPK has become one of my favorite EDC knife. I have a Caly3 in G10 and one in Carbon Fiber but I prefer the Orange UKPK. The slip joint back spring is very srong and should not close under normal use. It also has a half stop which is found on some slip joints and was done on a lot of older slip joints. BTW, years ago I carried traditional slip joints but in the seventies started carrying Buck and Gerber lock backs. I actually prefer a single blade knife as I find multi blade knives to be a little uncomfortable with use as the back of the closed blades dig into my hand. The ease with which the UKPK can be opened and closed is addictive and has made me reevaluate whether I need a lock on a folder. Along with the excellent steel S30V and outstanding edge geometry makes this one sharp cutter! And the fine ergonomics of the knife as with most Spydercos make it a fine EDC. Once you see what a Spyderco knife is about it spoils you for other knives. BTW, I have more knives by many companies so I have tried most of them. Sal and his gang has come up with a real winner.

RKH
 
The UK Pen Knife was originally conceived of and designed by a group of forumites on the British Blade forums. New British laws made it legally inconvenient to carry a locking knife.

We worked together for quite a while to come up with the UK. A legal one hand opening folder with exceptional steel and a good turn of safe high performance.

The same group also helped develop the smaller "Urban" model, the byrd brand "wings 70mm" model and the small Spyderco "bug" model.....all non-lockers.

They also created the name of the genre, "Slipits", which are "clip-carry, one-hand-open, non-locking-folders".

As it turned out, Slipits are convenient, safe and easy to use because of their simplicity and design, and legal to carry almost anywhere.

Dekz said:
Maybe Spyderco should make a knife that doesn't have the opening hole, that way you guys would have to open it with two hands. A whole other niche market could develop! :barf:
Click to expand...

We are actually working on several models with a very small hole for Germany, which has passed new laws that prohibit one hand openers that lock open (must be two handed lockers or one hand non-lockers).

We are developing those models with the help of the German forumites on Messer.

This is a big world with many countries, each with a different set of ever-changing laws on knives. We at Spyderco try to service these customer's needs and desires.

sal
 
Sal Glesser said:
This is a big world with many countries, each with a different set of ever-changing laws on knives. We at Spyderco try to service these customer's needs and desires.

sal
Click to expand...

I just want to clarify that I have absolutely nothing against the UK pen knife. I think it's awesome that Spyderco offers a quality modern knife with excellent steel to those that live in the UK. I just don't understand why it would appeal to anybody that doesn't have those legal limitations.
 
Sal Glesser said:
We are actually working on several models with a very small hole for Germany, which has passed new laws that prohibit one hand openers that lock open (must be two handed lockers or one hand non-lockers).

We are developing those models with the help of the German forumites on Messer.

This is a big world with many countries, each with a different set of ever-changing laws on knives. We at Spyderco try to service these customer's needs and desires.

sal
Click to expand...

Would simply LOVE to see Spyderco apply its material and design knowhow to a "traditional" slipjoint.

Even the best production slipjoint makers today could use some sharp competition from the folks in Golden.

A knife sleek and reasonably priced with, say, VG-10 or S30V; beautifully machined and razor sharp out of the box.

Hope the wait is short! :thumbup:::)
 
5.56 said:
Dekz, you need to read post #17 again:cool:
Click to expand...

And you need to read post #14 again :p

There are many other knives out there that offer all the features of the UKPK but have the added bonus of a lock. And probably for less money. If you really REALLY want an Orange knife that would limit your options considerably, but I've already conceded that point :D
 
Dekz said:
And you need to read post #14 again :p

There are many other knives out there that offer all the features of the UKPK but have the added bonus of a lock.
Click to expand...

The UKPK is designed specifically to be a one handed opening knife that does not lock. :cool:
 
Well, it is a "feature" in places where carrying a knife that locks is illegal.

Such as the UK.

(But now, I understand now what the disagreement was about. :))
 
Dekz said:
There are many other knives out there that offer all the features of the UKPK but have the added bonus of a lock.
Click to expand...

Like what?

I haven't come across any others with the combination of light weight, excellent deep carry clip, great blade shape and grind, S30V or better, wonderful ergonomics etc. The closest competitor for me was the CF Caly 3, but I like the rough G10 of the UKPK along with the lighter weight and deeper choil.

I've EDC'd a UKPK for over a year and the lack of a lock never stopped me from doing anything I'd do with my Military, Delica and so forth. The finger choil design pretty much makes the lock matter a non-issue. In fact I've come to like the lack of a lock, especially during times when I'm frequently opening and closing my knife, because the process is more streamlined without having to fool around with unlocking it. If they released a locking version that was the same handle, blade steel and weight, I wouldn't feel compelled to buy it.

All my experiences are with a black UKPK with a polished pivot area. I handled a Foliage Green model and the slipjoint felt so stiff and robust compared to my black one that it felt more like a locking folder than anything else.

The UKPK is the best EDC knife for me I'm aware of for it's size, but I'm always keeping my eyes open for something better. I wouldn't mind seeing the UKPK with S90V.

For larger folders, I keep going back and forth between the Military, Police 3, ATR and Manix series. Leaning towards the carbon fiber Millies.
 
Last edited:
Ya' know, if one looks at knives from a historical prospective, a slip-joint is a feature.

Note that the back-spring keeps the blade in the open position in the common slip-joint. Now, remember that these knives were preceded by "friction" folders.
 
The reason I chose the UK over the Caly besides the blade steel was the absence of the lock. The Uk's simplicity is a BIG Feature in my book.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top