Spyderco UK Penknife

Reviewed 02/21/2010 by exparrot

-Price Paid: N/A
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for 3 months

Comments:

The Spyderco United Kingdom Pen Knife (UKPK) is a phenomenal cutting tool.

The quality, like all of my premium Spydercos, is first rate. The UKPK's G10 handles are perfectly finished with excellent checkering that provides a great purchase, but it is not overly aggressive to the point where it would tear the pocket. My example also had perfect blade centering, a very smooth action, perfectly flush back spring, and an extremely sharp factory edge. No complaints whatsoever with the quality or the materials.

I have carried this knife quite regularly for several months and I remain impressed with the non-locking notch-joint mechanism. It operates smoothly, and it is surprisingly secure. I am very satisfied with the amount of force it takes to fold the knife closed. It requires more force than most other slip joints, but not so much force that it is difficult to disengage the blade. I have never had the blade fold during use, not even while slicing thick cardboard. The deep choil ensures that even if the blade does fold, the hand will be spared from cuts.

Typical of Spyderco, the UKPK has phenomenal ergonomics and cutting performance. The handle is perfectly shaped, and the jimped thumb ramp and large choil ensure an extremely comfortable and secure grip.

The full flat ground CPM-S30V blade has extraordinary slicing ability, and the steel is phenomenal, with great edge retention and corrosion resistance.

Finally, the pocket clip is strong, and the knife carries light and inconspicuously due to the high mounted clip.

Overall, this is a sublime cutting tool. While I initially though that I would dislike the lack of a lock, it has turned out to be a non-issue for normal EDC tasks. This is is a great choice not only for areas with strict blade laws but also for those who want a premium quality pocket knife that is simple and extremely functional. It is an exceptional choice for office use or EDC in an urban environment.

Reviewed 02/16/2010 by SteelSnob

-Price Paid: N/A
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for Greater than 1 year

Comments:

Well I've had the UKPK for a long time now and I must say it has turned out to be one of the most impressive knives I own. That means a lot because I have a lot of nice knives like Sebs, XM18,Galyean Pro Series, Customs etc. What Spyderco did with heat treat of the S30V brings the best of it, I do tasks with it regularly that rolls and chips edges on all the other knives I own. Eventhough it's a slipjoint the way it's designed unless you're doing something really careless you won't get hurt. The Choil prevents closure and it has a halfstop also. The wire pocketclip is awesome and works well no matter what the thickness of the pockets I'm wearing is. The blade shape with the full flat grind and leaf shaped blade makes this styles bar none the best slicer/cutter on the market that I've seen. The g10 is just the right texture as to be grippy enough but no so rough that it will damage your pants. And you get Spydercos CS which is pretty good. The opening hole(Spyder hole) is IMO the best opening device on any knive. The ergos are off the charts with deep choil and stuff. This is one of my favorite users. If I could I would love to have a locking version but to be honest a lock has never once been needed.