Urban Leaf... a few questions about this model...

DHart · #1

Among those of us who can have and carry knives with locks, is the Urban a popular model? Or only primarily among those who are not legally able to have locking knives?

The size and design of the Urban is very appealing to me, but all of my SPydercos and other folding knives have locks (which I like). So I'm wondering how much I might like the Urban Leaf. I am definitely attracted to it for size, materials, and design... just not sure how much I would like not having a lock. Is this a minor point? My use would not be heavy duty by any means... mostly typical daily use like opening packages and what not... certainly no challenge for a non-locking knife.

So what's the scoop on the Urban? And is there a Spyderco model which is practically the same (materials, size, shape) which does have a lock?

So far, the Spydercos I have are a Sage 1, G10 Dragonfly, Persistence, Cat. I think I want an Urban Leaf!

Kuolema · #2

The lack of a lock is not as big an issue as most think it is. Unless you're going to be using it for extremely hard use tasks, there's no real worry about it. If possible, try visiting a local knife store and handling one (or any of the Spyderco slipjoints) and feel just how much force it takes to open the knife. It's not as if it's going to close and slice off your finger if you're using it responsibly and for what it's designed for (no prying or using it as a crowbar!), but that should go without saying.

I've handled one a few times and I can safely say it's a solid knife that feels great when open. For the typical EDC tasks it's perfectly suitable and more than safe in regards to its lock-less nature, and I cannot see any way it could close when properly used. It's a very well designed slipjoint, and the materials are top notch.

If you're really weary of it, try and handle one first, if you still feel like it's going to fail because of its lack of a lock, then keep shopping. I've found the biggest issue with slipjoints is purely psychological. In reality, they're just as safe (WHEN USED RESPONSIBLY AND WITH DUE CARE AND ATTENTION [ as should be exhibited when using ANY KNIFE]) as any locking knife.

Gibsoniam · #3

The orange wharncliff Urban has been my EDC of choice for over a year. I also have a cricket, delica 4, leafstorm and Manix 2.

The size of the handle, the coloring, and the blade shape are very NKP friendly. I can speak from having carried a green FRN UKPK for a while that the green and leaf shape are also nkp friendly.

I've never missed or regretted not having a lock. The notch that holds the blade open is quite strong and requires a good deal of downward force to break through. Most of my cutting chores or opening letters, packages, DVD wrapping, string/thread, apples. You know, basic stuff that mostfolks do with Swiss Arm knives. In my opinion, the finger choil makes urbans and ukpks vastly superioir in safety to SAK knives.

Also, since it is a notch joint, I've never felt queasy about dropping it in my pocket. I've had liner locks, ball locks and some back locks open and bite me while riding loose in my pocket.

I say try one! They're perfect edc size!

Pneumothorax · #4

I cant directly comment on Urban since I dont have one, but do have UKPK/Orange. I have no issue rotating it in my EDC duty. First, most of my usual needs dont require a lock (if I think I will need one that day, I carry a lock). Second, the materials and fit and finish and clean look of the slipits are fantastic. There is something I really like about the clean, clean look of the spine with just G10 scales and the steel spine. Its worth a hard look. And if youre like me, you can always make up a reason to get it. For me, it was my first CPM-S30V steel, my first orange scaled knife and my first Golden made knife...

Mr Blonde · #5

I like the Urban a lot, and definitely don't miss the lock in this model. You could also hold off until the FRN slipits come out, they should be more affordable. After one of those, you can always move up to the 'NASA variants'.

Wouter

DHart · #6

Thanks for the input... thinking about leaf vs. wharncliff.... hmmmm. Among all my knives, I don't have even one wharncliff... perhaps that would be a good way to go.

As for the Spyderco FRN handles, I know they're excellent performing and low cost handles that many people really like, but I just can't bring myself to like them as compared to G10 or CF... I think it's the looks. So with Sypdercos, I pay the extra money and go with either G10 or CF models.

EDITED to add... Mr. Blonde... I just had a look at the new design for the FRN handle on the UKPK you photographed in Amsterdam and must say that I think it's an improvement to my eye as far as looks go... they look a little more like the G10 scales... nice move, Spyderco!

Any idea when the new FRN handle models will be available?

quattrokid73 · #7

The Warncliffe is what I'm EDCing right now. If you don't have a wharnie in your collection, this is the best one that Spyderco makes. It's like a giant Xacto knife. You'll love it.

(secretly I want the leaf one as well, but I'll save leaf blade for my first UKPK)

DHart · #8

Wouter.. very nice video and website you have (Sypdercollector) thanks for sharing that!

tomoto · #9

I've handled the urban at my local spydie store and just like everyone said.. it is an extremely solid knife. When I felt the opening and closing action, the crispness of it, I actually had this thought come up: '' Why have a lock when you have something as beautiful as this!" :p

Mr Blonde wrote:.... After one of those, you can always move up to the 'NASA variants'.

Wouter

NASA variants ? :D Does this refer to the G10 Models or is this something else? :eek:

Gibsoniam · #10

tomoto wrote:NASA variants ? :D Does this refer to the G10 Models or is this something else? :eek:

Along with the FRN UKPKs, there are also a Carbon Fiber handled and Titanium handled versions. Wouter has pics on his site (see his sig line for a link).

gull wing · #11

It's mu Sunday knife :D .

Jazz · #12

It's a cool little - yet big jackknife. Just carry it and a locking blade if you must. I like both. Maybe this'll help...

- best wishes, Jazz.

yowzer · #13

DHart wrote: I am definitely attracted to it for size, materials, and design... just not sure how much I would like not having a lock. Is this a minor point? My use would not be heavy duty by any means... mostly typical daily use like opening packages and what not... certainly no challenge for a non-locking knife.

Yup, minor point. Locks are, IMO, overrated. People got by just fine for hundreds of years with non-locking folding knives. Many still do; non-locking Swiss Army knives are probably the most popular pocket knives in the world.

Dirty little secret: Not only was the knife I threw into my pocket today a slipjoint, it wasn't even a Spyderco one. No fingers were accidently removed or sliced open.

Buckles · #14

i just got this one yesterday

DHart · #15

Buckles wrote:i just got this one yesterday

Buckles... is that a UKPK? I found a new UKPK w/leaf-shaped blade, sage-green G10 scales for $75 including shipping today and felt it was a good enough deal to be irresistible... should be here Monday or Tuesday.

Buckles · #16

DHart wrote:Buckles... is that a UKPK? I found a new UKPK w/leaf-shaped blade, sage-green G10 scales for $75 including shipping today and felt it was a good enough deal to be irresistible... should be here Monday or Tuesday.

yep sure is. paid $37 on the auction site the other day. couldnt pass up the good deal

VADER1313 · #17

I have one, it's a work of art. Very cool knife! Leaf FG version.

DHart · #18

Buckles wrote:yep sure is. paid $37 on the auction site the other day. couldnt pass up the good deal

$37!!! Steal, my friend. Good going.

Buckles · #19

DHart wrote:$37!!! Steal, my friend. Good going.

i almost felt bad for winning it........almost.

ChrisR · #20

Buckles wrote:i almost felt bad for winning it........almost.

You could always PayPal him a bit extra to easy your conscience

But I wouldn't ... nice catch :D