I have some questions about the UK Pen Knife.
As far as an everyday carry knife, how do you all rate this line?
I know it is a SlipIt, and does not lock, and is the blade in the 2-3 inch size range?
I received confusion messages because on one site it says the blades use the GIN stainless steel, and on another site it claimed the blade uses another blend of stainless steel.
Would this be an alright emergency pocket knife, and everyday penknife, for say chores such as opening letters, making sandwiches, cutting rope, etc?
Thank you all
:)
Questions about Spyderco UK Pen Knives
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SpyderEdgeForever
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- Joined: Mon Jul 23, 2012 6:53 pm
- Location: USA
The UKPKs come in different variations. Originally, they came with G-10 scales and a full-flat ground CPM-S30V blade.
The more economical "lightweight" variants originally came with hollow ground GIN-1 blades. However, that steel had to be imported into the USA since the UKPKs are being made in the Golden factory. Carpenter came up with a tweaked, USA made version of the GIN-1 steel and it is called CTS-BD1. That is what is now being used in the lightweight models.
The latest innovation is the split back spring which improves the spring's resistance against the blade tang to mitigate closing of the blade accidentally. This new feature can only be found on the CTS-BD1 blades. Of course there are two blade styles -- leaf and drop point.
This line would be very suitable for what you're looking for in an EDC knife.
The more economical "lightweight" variants originally came with hollow ground GIN-1 blades. However, that steel had to be imported into the USA since the UKPKs are being made in the Golden factory. Carpenter came up with a tweaked, USA made version of the GIN-1 steel and it is called CTS-BD1. That is what is now being used in the lightweight models.
The latest innovation is the split back spring which improves the spring's resistance against the blade tang to mitigate closing of the blade accidentally. This new feature can only be found on the CTS-BD1 blades. Of course there are two blade styles -- leaf and drop point.
This line would be very suitable for what you're looking for in an EDC knife.
"All your :spyder: are belong to us."
** WTC # 1032 1533 **
** WTC # 1032 1533 **
I'll throw in my two pennies:
I really like the FRN UKPK that I have. Mine is the original GIN-1 model with a plain edged leaf shaped blade. It helps that I am British and, therefore, restricted to non-locking blades for daily carry, but this knife sparked my love for Spyderco and has fueled all my subsequent Spyderco purchases. The main positives for me after almost two years of use are:
-Very light weight. At 1.9oz/54g you will very easily forget that you have anything in your pocket at all when you are carrying the FRN UKPK. The knife has absolutely no features that would contribute to increased weight, I don't see how this knife could be made any lighter to be honest.
-Great pocket clip. The knife carries very deep in the pocket, which I really prefer, in the tip up position. This makes the knife both easy to quickly deploy as well as keeping it out of view of those who might be freaked out by the idea of someone carrying a knife for daily tasks.
-High ergonomic and comfort levels. The shape of the scales fits my hand very well and most other users seem to feel the same. The texturing is nice and grippy without being uncomfortable or destructive to pockets and the jimping on the thumb-ramp and choil is by far the best I have ever seen or felt on a knife.
-The safest slipjoint knife I have owned. The combination of a half-stop and, more importantly, a 50/50 choil that almost totally prevents accidental closure of the knife during normal and sensible use make this knife as good as a locking blade in most daily tasks in my opinion.
-Quick to use. With no lock to have to deal with, you can quickly deploy the knife from your pocket, do your cutting and close and pocket the knife again in a very speedy and simple manner and all with one hand.
-Easy to sharpen and takes a good edge. I am no steel expert but I have found the steel to take a very good edge and also be easy to sharpen. This is ideal for an daily use knife in my books, as it is an easy knife to maintain and will be unlikely to be dulled very quickly since its tasks are likely to be light duty.
-Pleasing from a design point of view. I really enjoy the simplicity of the knife's design. It uses very few components, 8 in total (1 blade, 1 backspring, 1 pocket clip, 2 scales, 3 male-female screws) and the fit and finish is brilliant. I also like that it is made in Golden, CO.
-UK legal. This probably isn't a concern for you if you are from the US or another country but I have to note my huge respect and gratitude to Sal and Spyderco for producing both this knife and other knives that accommodate the restrictions placed on citizens of other countries and allow them to carry the best knives possible within these legal constraints.
-Fantastic value for money. You get a great daily use knife that is made in the US for an incredibly low price. This is a big deal to me, as it opens up the knife as an option to a large audience. IMHO, this knife is easily worth twice what it actually costs.
Hopefully my opinions help you with your decision. As may be clear, I love the UKPK FRN. For your described needs i think it would be ideal if you are not totally hung up on having a locking knife. You can also read my original review of the knife from the beginning of 2011 over at EDCforums here. I'd also be happy to answer any other questions you have about the knife.
I really like the FRN UKPK that I have. Mine is the original GIN-1 model with a plain edged leaf shaped blade. It helps that I am British and, therefore, restricted to non-locking blades for daily carry, but this knife sparked my love for Spyderco and has fueled all my subsequent Spyderco purchases. The main positives for me after almost two years of use are:
-Very light weight. At 1.9oz/54g you will very easily forget that you have anything in your pocket at all when you are carrying the FRN UKPK. The knife has absolutely no features that would contribute to increased weight, I don't see how this knife could be made any lighter to be honest.
-Great pocket clip. The knife carries very deep in the pocket, which I really prefer, in the tip up position. This makes the knife both easy to quickly deploy as well as keeping it out of view of those who might be freaked out by the idea of someone carrying a knife for daily tasks.
-High ergonomic and comfort levels. The shape of the scales fits my hand very well and most other users seem to feel the same. The texturing is nice and grippy without being uncomfortable or destructive to pockets and the jimping on the thumb-ramp and choil is by far the best I have ever seen or felt on a knife.
-The safest slipjoint knife I have owned. The combination of a half-stop and, more importantly, a 50/50 choil that almost totally prevents accidental closure of the knife during normal and sensible use make this knife as good as a locking blade in most daily tasks in my opinion.
-Quick to use. With no lock to have to deal with, you can quickly deploy the knife from your pocket, do your cutting and close and pocket the knife again in a very speedy and simple manner and all with one hand.
-Easy to sharpen and takes a good edge. I am no steel expert but I have found the steel to take a very good edge and also be easy to sharpen. This is ideal for an daily use knife in my books, as it is an easy knife to maintain and will be unlikely to be dulled very quickly since its tasks are likely to be light duty.
-Pleasing from a design point of view. I really enjoy the simplicity of the knife's design. It uses very few components, 8 in total (1 blade, 1 backspring, 1 pocket clip, 2 scales, 3 male-female screws) and the fit and finish is brilliant. I also like that it is made in Golden, CO.
-UK legal. This probably isn't a concern for you if you are from the US or another country but I have to note my huge respect and gratitude to Sal and Spyderco for producing both this knife and other knives that accommodate the restrictions placed on citizens of other countries and allow them to carry the best knives possible within these legal constraints.
-Fantastic value for money. You get a great daily use knife that is made in the US for an incredibly low price. This is a big deal to me, as it opens up the knife as an option to a large audience. IMHO, this knife is easily worth twice what it actually costs.
Hopefully my opinions help you with your decision. As may be clear, I love the UKPK FRN. For your described needs i think it would be ideal if you are not totally hung up on having a locking knife. You can also read my original review of the knife from the beginning of 2011 over at EDCforums here. I'd also be happy to answer any other questions you have about the knife.
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vaisforlovers
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- Posts: 445
- Joined: Sun Jan 08, 2012 8:10 pm
- Location: Nebraska
First off, I have 3 UKPKs and love them. Two are in S30V, one with CTS-BD1. Both steels more than meet my needs for EDC.
In response to your questions:would it be a good emergency pocket knife, and everyday penknife, for say chores such as opening letters, making sandwiches, cutting rope, etc?
I'm stealing from others on this forum by saying the best emergency pocket knife is the one you have on you. Almost any chore has some tool or a different knife that will work better than the knife you have on you, but only marginally so. Have I ever wished for a different knife while carrying my UK? Not really, I make it work with what I have. Have I ever needed a different knife. No. It always did the job I asked of it. An emergency, by definition is a situation for which poses risk to life, health, or property. In that situation, I'd love to have the correct tool, (say a fixed blade, gun, or prybar, depending on the emergency) but a good enough tool is better than none. The likliood that a UKPK will live up to 99.9% of my daily needs is quite high.
As for everyday chores, like the one you mentioned, the UKPK will work fabulously, in any steel variant. Good luck with the UKPK quest. I'm about to get another myself!
James
In response to your questions:would it be a good emergency pocket knife, and everyday penknife, for say chores such as opening letters, making sandwiches, cutting rope, etc?
I'm stealing from others on this forum by saying the best emergency pocket knife is the one you have on you. Almost any chore has some tool or a different knife that will work better than the knife you have on you, but only marginally so. Have I ever wished for a different knife while carrying my UK? Not really, I make it work with what I have. Have I ever needed a different knife. No. It always did the job I asked of it. An emergency, by definition is a situation for which poses risk to life, health, or property. In that situation, I'd love to have the correct tool, (say a fixed blade, gun, or prybar, depending on the emergency) but a good enough tool is better than none. The likliood that a UKPK will live up to 99.9% of my daily needs is quite high.
As for everyday chores, like the one you mentioned, the UKPK will work fabulously, in any steel variant. Good luck with the UKPK quest. I'm about to get another myself!
James
"The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself" John Stewart Mill
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Bladekeeper
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- Joined: Fri Sep 07, 2012 7:24 pm
I don't own one but here in the uk they are really rated highly the pou you give is probably bread and butter for this knife , and it's capable of much more .
There is also a few blade shape variations too so to sum up I'd say this from what I've read and others have told me is a very good knife .
In the uk it's a culture thing carrying a knife people see one and get all silly despite the vast majority of knife related injuries/stabbings being carried out with kitchen knives.
A bit ot but you get my point hopefully.
There is also a few blade shape variations too so to sum up I'd say this from what I've read and others have told me is a very good knife .
In the uk it's a culture thing carrying a knife people see one and get all silly despite the vast majority of knife related injuries/stabbings being carried out with kitchen knives.
A bit ot but you get my point hopefully.
TC32 I, too, am a fan of the UKPK havingvarious G-10 and FRN versions. I've been pretty vocal about the spring pressure on the ealy FRNs being less than I'd prefer but now I have a split spring version and it's just fine as an EDC knife.
Now, I have a question for you. The UKPK is considerably larger and, perhaps, more agressive looking, than what we think of as a traditional pen knife (a knife that's perhaps 3" to 3-1/2" long closed and having two relatively small blades). I'm contemplating a trip to the UK. My question is: even though the UKPK meets the letter of the law, does its relatively large size (in comparison with "pen" knives) create concern among the authorities? Would they be more likely to frown on a UKPK than a Swiss Army knife or a smaller pen knife? I would very much like to carry one of my UKPKs on the trip and not have to switch to a smaller knife. What are your thoughts? Thank you.
Now, I have a question for you. The UKPK is considerably larger and, perhaps, more agressive looking, than what we think of as a traditional pen knife (a knife that's perhaps 3" to 3-1/2" long closed and having two relatively small blades). I'm contemplating a trip to the UK. My question is: even though the UKPK meets the letter of the law, does its relatively large size (in comparison with "pen" knives) create concern among the authorities? Would they be more likely to frown on a UKPK than a Swiss Army knife or a smaller pen knife? I would very much like to carry one of my UKPKs on the trip and not have to switch to a smaller knife. What are your thoughts? Thank you.
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Bladekeeper
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- Joined: Fri Sep 07, 2012 7:24 pm
The answer is no if stopped by the law and your carrying it then providing your not waving it about it's legal to carry .
If visiting certain Places you may have to hand it in to security and collect on the way out .
The interpretation is down to individual officers but ultimately if you're carrying it and not using it in a undesired way you will be fine.
There are a few threads on British blades regarding this topic well worth going over and reading them .
If visiting certain Places you may have to hand it in to security and collect on the way out .
The interpretation is down to individual officers but ultimately if you're carrying it and not using it in a undesired way you will be fine.
There are a few threads on British blades regarding this topic well worth going over and reading them .
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Bladekeeper
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There was a recent incident here were a member of the public phoned police stating a guy was wielding a samurai sword in a street, the police raced to the street and somehow mistook a 80+ year old blindman with a stick as the swordsman and tazerd him.
So be on your guard if you have a walking stick your age won't help ��
So be on your guard if you have a walking stick your age won't help ��
This is kind of a tricky question to answer, not least of all because it really depends on the sort of police officer you are dealing with if you are stopped and searched. That said, the chances of you actually being stopped and searched are likely to be very low provided you look respectable and aren't hanging around any shady areas in a shady way. I've lived in the UK my whole life and have yet to be stopped and searched, something that I hope will continue for the rest of my days.buckthorn wrote:TC32 I, too, am a fan of the UKPK havingvarious G-10 and FRN versions. I've been pretty vocal about the spring pressure on the ealy FRNs being less than I'd prefer but now I have a split spring version and it's just fine as an EDC knife.
Now, I have a question for you. The UKPK is considerably larger and, perhaps, more agressive looking, than what we think of as a traditional pen knife (a knife that's perhaps 3" to 3-1/2" long closed and having two relatively small blades). I'm contemplating a trip to the UK. My question is: even though the UKPK meets the letter of the law, does its relatively large size (in comparison with "pen" knives) create concern among the authorities? Would they be more likely to frown on a UKPK than a Swiss Army knife or a smaller pen knife? I would very much like to carry one of my UKPKs on the trip and not have to switch to a smaller knife. What are your thoughts? Thank you.
Bear in mind that the knife that the government, police and majority of the public would most like you to carry is no knife at all. However, the UKPK is totally within the laws of the land, so you can be comfortable carrying it in that knowledge. Just know that an overzealous cop may well try to prove otherwise. It is important that you study up a little on the laws surrounding knife carry in the UK, the most important of which are the section 139 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 and the Offensive Weapons Act 1996. You can read all about how these work over at the [http://www.britishblades.com/forums/sho ... AQ]British Blades Forum Law FAQ thread[/url].
As for how I handle the situation, I do not hesitate to carry my UKPK when I am in rural areas or in most parts of the UK. The chances of being searched outside a major urban area are even lower than I mentioned before. When in London, where I spend most of my time due to work, I carry a Spyderco Squeak daily. It's just more obviously legal and less noticeable when in use. As for a Swiss Army Knife, these are probably the 'safest' carry option if stopped and searched, as they are almost always recognised as a harmless tool rather than something that could be misconstrued as a weapon.
Really it's down to being sensible, discrete and knowing the law precisely. The last part I can't labour enough, know the law and be confident in your knowledge, as it will save you from being pressured by authorities into conceding that you have done something wrong. If you do get into trouble over what is definitely a legal carry knife, DO NOT accept a 'caution'. This is the same as admitting that you are guilty of the offence you are accused with and is a regularly used tactic by less honourable officers of the law.
Please contact me if you have any other questions about the UK (not just knife related), I'd be happy to try to help.
TC32 Thanks for the thorough and thoughtful explanation. I'm sure I could survive (emotionally) with an SAK but I'd rather be carrying the UKPK-I simply enjoy it more! I tried to get onto the British Blades site last night but it seems one has to first register. After trying three or four times and having my submission "rejected" for different reasons each time, I gave up. It shouldn't be that difficult so I'll try again, carefully following the directions for each step!
I live in the US and still love carrying my UKPK. Atlanta has quirky knife laws. I live and spend most of my time outside of Atlanta, but for about another week I work inside the perimeter. So I got a UKPK just to be safe.
The chances of the laws being used against you in the US are RARE, but why take a chance.
That said, I love the knife. Nothing wrong with it at all... And (as others have stated) its the safest slip joint I own. GReat feel, great edge.
The chances of the laws being used against you in the US are RARE, but why take a chance.
That said, I love the knife. Nothing wrong with it at all... And (as others have stated) its the safest slip joint I own. GReat feel, great edge.
I would rather spend THOUSANDS of dollars THAN have a felony on my record. I would rather carry the appropriate tool for the laws than risk having to spend the money.
Some knife owners tend to disregard the fine print. It works out like 99.whatever% of the time. I just don't personally want to flirt with that fraction of a percent.
Edit: A slight tweak to the meaning... :p
Some knife owners tend to disregard the fine print. It works out like 99.whatever% of the time. I just don't personally want to flirt with that fraction of a percent.
Edit: A slight tweak to the meaning... :p
I've had a blue, drop point, BD1 UKPK for about four months. I carry it every day in my back pocket. I like the wire clip as it rides low and looks like a pen. I also carry a PM2 should the need arise but my UKPK is my go to knife to open boxes and envelopes, cut off tags, string, zip ties and what have you.
It wasn't terribly sharp from the factory but I sharpened it and since have just had to run it on the strop from time to time to get it hair shaving sharp again. It will degrade rather quickly with heavy use but the strop brings it back to a usable level quickly.
I love the look of it and it feels even better in the hand.
The biggest downside is the lack of a lock but like others have said the choil and relatively stiff slip joint make it difficult to injure yourself. The Caly 3 has an identical handle along with a locking blade. I'd like to get one some day but with the UKPK at about a third of the Caly's price it's hard to go wrong with it.
It wasn't terribly sharp from the factory but I sharpened it and since have just had to run it on the strop from time to time to get it hair shaving sharp again. It will degrade rather quickly with heavy use but the strop brings it back to a usable level quickly.
I love the look of it and it feels even better in the hand.
The biggest downside is the lack of a lock but like others have said the choil and relatively stiff slip joint make it difficult to injure yourself. The Caly 3 has an identical handle along with a locking blade. I'd like to get one some day but with the UKPK at about a third of the Caly's price it's hard to go wrong with it.