One for the road

Paul 883215 · #1

I think it may be time to stop aquiring knives for awhile. Well maybe I can get just one more...

I have 4 Spydies in my regular EDC rotation (M2,CF M2, Pac Salt, and a Tenacious) and love them all. I would like to add a more discreet knife to the mix. The four that I'm considering, but, have some questions about are the Meerkat, UKPK drop point, Sage 2, and the Leafstorm.

The Meerkat looks to have a great clip (very discreet) and is a fantastic value. How is the phantom lock and more to the point is there any blade play? Do you find the blade a little small for some tasks?

The UKPK has everything that I'm looking for... except a lock. Don't get me wrong, I like slip joints, but, I think I might like a locking knife better. Do you UKPK owners sometimes miss the lock?

The Sage 2 is the front runner. The only question I have is how does the titanium scales wear compared to aluminum?

For me, the Leafstorm is high on the WOW factor, but, how does it fit in your hand? Do you find when choking up on the knife you finger is a little to close to the blade? If I get this knife, I will be taking off the clip and carrying it my watch pocket or loose in my pocket.

I'm sure that any of these blades would be terrific to own and if I had the money I'd order all 4 without hesitation. The fact of the matter is I can not justify buying ANY more knives for a while. My plan will be to save my pennies and purchase one more. Good luck to that.

Thank you for you replies in advance,

Paul

demtek9 · #2

If the UKPK has everything you are looking for except the lock, then try the Caly3 in g10/vg10 or CF/ZDP-189. I think that model is the locking UKPK.

Paul 883215 · #3

I'm sorry, I should have put more info in my first post. I am looking for something without a back lock or black scales.

Paul

ChapmanPreferred · #4

Edit: Michael Walker Sprint run, buy or pre order immediately.

2cha · #5

I have a leafstorm. I saw one of the designer's custom knives at a knife show, handled it briefly, and bought the leafstorm as soon as it came out--sooner actually. I don't regret the purchase. I think the knife is beautiful and very well constructed. It has a lot of steel in a little package. The size and greenish scales are about perfect for EDC where one wants to use the knife in non knife lovin' company. One the other hand, it is by far the least comfortable spyderco I have to use. I'd really try and hold one before purchasing if I were you. The UKPK has great ergonomics. If you don't think that you'll ever have to stab anything from an awkward or moving position (self-defense), then the back-lock is in my opinion unnecessary. I've become so accustomed to locking knives that it feels a little strange to not have a lock, but for most uses, I just don't think it matters. What I don't like about UKPK is that the G10 scales are also the frame for the knife. The blade pivot is inserted through holes drilled in the G10. This makes the knife lighter, but still creeps me out. I don't have any taiwanese knives--just a personal thing, the quality of spyderco's taiwanese knives is off the charts--if I did, I would carry the Sage--beyond a doubt. Titanium does scratch easily as compared to steel, but not as nearly as bad as untreated aluminum. Difference is that every aluminum knife is anodized, painted or otherwise coated while the Sage is not. I have Ti handled knives and don't mind the scratches. By all accounts, the Sage is a seriously awesome knife!!

Paul 883215 · #6

2cha wrote:What I don't like about UKPK is that the G10 scales are also the frame for the knife. The blade pivot is inserted through holes drilled in the G10. This makes the knife lighter, but still creeps me out.

2cha,

I didn't know that about the UKPK. I'm looking at my Pac Salt right now and it has no liners, but, still seems strong to me. I don't think I'd have a problem with that.

Paul

zombie · #7

how bout a cricket, I've been thinking about getting one. I held one at a local shop and it seemed plenty comfortable in my medium sized hand and it's quite thin profiled.

Paul 883215 · #8

zombie wrote:how bout a cricket, I've been thinking about getting one. I held one at a local shop and it seemed plenty comfortable in my medium sized hand and it's quite thin profiled.

The Cricket is not for me. the serrated model looks like it would cut like a beast but I think that my clumsy a** would break that tip off in a week.

2cha · #9

Paul 883215 wrote:2cha,

I didn't know that about the IKPK. I'm looking at my Pac Salt right now and it has no liners, but, still seems strong to me. I don't think I'd have a problem with that.

Paul

When I took another look over your EDC list I noticed the Salt. Both knives scales included but w/o clip are the same width(?--measuring backspacer/spring and scales) though I would have sworn that the UK was slimmer. At any rate, the green UKPK is high on my list to acquire,...

DMgangl · #10

I would honestly give the Cricket a try. I have used one for over a year and it is tough enough to perform and has out performed several 3" folders. The tip is stronger then you think, and you wouldn't have a problem as long as you treat it like a knife.

As for the knives you listed I have a Meerkat and it is an awesome little knife. The blade has no play on mine. The blade is is a great cutter. It would work for most every day tasks but for big tasks you'll want a larger knife.

DM

D1omedes · #11

If you're looking for a light to medium use EDC, I would highly recommend the UKPK. I had serious doubts about using a slip joint knife but the ergonomics and edge geometry of the UKPK changed that. It fits my hand like a glove and its FFG and S30V steel makes it a wicked slicer. The G10 is very grippy and the lightweight/wire clip make it very appealing for carry around NKP.

If you want a hard-use folder, then you should look elsewhere. The UKPK's lack of a lock and overall design necessitates the use of the finger choil. Plus, if you needed to apply heavy pressure to a knife, a lock is really a must IMO.

Paul 883215 · #12

DMgangl,

The problem that I have with the tips of knives is I seem to drop my knives more than I should. I try very hard to be carefull, but, it still happens more than I would like. I've broken the tips of a few knives in the past (no spydies yet, knock on wood) so now I really try to pick knives with a strong tip.

D1omedes,

I am usually carrying one of my M2's and I'm kind of looking for a change of pace. I've used slip joints since I was a boy and I still use them. I'm just having a hard time wrapping my mind around having a slip joint Spyderco when I could have a locking one.

THE PUNISHER · #13

the nu caly in cf is a super knife,it is the sharpest in my edc carry small sleek but packs a punch............