Caly 3 vs UKPK..which do you like more?

[Crocodilo]

I own and love these three, ordered by personal preference:
1st. UKPK drop point in FG. Lightweight, simple, my favorite steel (S30V), screws.
2nd. G10 Caly 3 SE. Lock and TEETH! Solid, but with a touch of vertical blade play that doesn't affect safety nor function.
3rd. CF Caly 3. More of a gentleman's knife. Lovely item, but slippery handles, and a blade that scratches easily.

[Jay_Ev]

Even though the implication seems to be that you are either incompetent, inept, or otherwise lacking in aptitude if you need a locking folder, I prefer a locking folder. I do know how to use a knife, thank you but will readily admit that my skills must not be up to par with the slip joint brigade if I require the peace of mind a locking folder provides.

[Sherpa]

I go for the UKPK.

Because...... I like it better :D

[Sam Vimes]

Even though the implication seems to be that you are either incompetent, inept, or otherwise lacking in aptitude if you need a locking folder, I prefer a locking folder.

If you've got that impression from me then you are reading me wrong. There are things I'd do with a locking folder that I wouldn't do with a slip-joint. There are also plenty of things that I'd tackle with a UKPK that I wouldn't with a SAK. If I tried to do those certain things with a SAK or UKPK and ended up bitten I'd count that as me being stupid. The bottom line is that for certain tasks a locker is far more sensible. Next rung down would be a Spyderco Slippit. Way below a Slippit comes a SAK which I'm not comfortable using for much more than cutting the odd bit of string, parcel tape or opening envelopes.

[D1omedes]

UKPK.

I really like the elegant simplicity of the thing.

If I really HAVE to HAVE a lock, I've got plenty of locking folders that I'd pick over the Caly 3 anyway. As locking folders go, it's pretty diminutive.

But 95% of my life requires nothing more than a UKPK, so it's perfect. Not having a lock has yet to be an issue. And were some situation arise that would demand a lock, I'm not sure the Caly 3 would be the best choice.

Lot of talk about "the extra safety" of the Caly 3 over the UKPK; what the heck are you guys doing with these things that mandate the lock? It's not like they leap out of your hand and intentionally try to close themselves on your fingers.

And yes, I am completely put off by pinned construction, so there's that. I just like to be able to take things apart. Plus pins allow no adjustment should the assembly loosen up over time. (Yes, it can happen.)

Of course to each his/her own. I've personally never purchased a Caly 3 and don't see that changing anytime soon.

Wow, I agree with everything you just said. :D :p

I love my UKPK and find it to be my most carried knife. Like David, I've taken it to very thick cardboard and it performed perfectly. As long as you pay attention with what you're doing, there shouldn't be an issue with the UKPK.

That said, if the Caly 4 (which I hope releases within a year or two) has screw construction and a deeper choil, then perhaps I would consider a purchase. It's just hard to justify spending extra for lesser-grade steel. A lock does offer peace of mind but it's definitely not a deal-breaker for me.

[mwebb524]

I own both. I go back and forth. I had the UK first, so lately I've been carrying the Caly more because it's new :) . The good points of the UK have been stated several times already, simplicity of design, weight, steel, colors. The angles of the UK are more defined (thumb ramp, choil), which I appreciate. While liners may or may not add functionality, those on the Caly do look cool. Both models are excellent, plenty knife for everything I use a knife for, including camping utility work. I will stand with the group that says get both and appreciate the good points of each model :D .

[DMgangl]

I have to say for me the Caly 3 is better for one simple reason. TEETH! 90% or more of my cutting is done with a serrated blade. I know there is the Rescue model but I like having a point on my knife and I already have a Rescue 93mm.

I wouldn't mind a Wharnie Urban for a little big knife. I don't mind that these knives don't have a lock. My Grandfather and Father carry small SAK and Case style knives. For opening small packages and cutting paper items you don't need a lock. But teeth are a must for most of my chores.

DM

[BuffaloBill]

i like the choil on the ukpk better. and find myself missing it because my ukpk was my daily carry for about 8 monthes

[nathan310]

I love the UK Pen Knife. Never needed a lock for anything I do. I still decided to get a zdp caly3 to try out. It should be here in a few days.

[Pneumothorax]

I just got my Caly 3 CF since I didnt want it to disappear - and the price was so good. I have both now. Here's one situation where I used both... :p . I was at a tradeshow and had to have knives to cut down boxes and tape and carpet and stuff for my booth. I work at a small startup company, so I get to do all the setup and teardown. Anyway, I had an engineer from the company helping and i figured he'd need a knife, so I brought the UKPK for him to use and the Caly for me to use. The orange blade and no lock was so he wouldnt get intimidated (many folks dont know how to use locks...). Anyhow, we each had a knife...at the end, he says, "that's a nice knife"...I tell him its a Spyderco. He says "weird name". I ended the conversation by saying that since he's a mechanical engineer, he should look at Spyderco if he is ever going to buy a knife...