Spyderco Penknife - Mini Review

[Hellz]

Some pictures and a quick review based on my first impressions of the New Spyderco Penknife I received this morning:
http://www.hellzteeth.com/reviews/Spyderco_penknife/penknife12.JPG

The Blade
http://www.hellzteeth.com/reviews/Spyderco_penknife/penknife2.JPG
It's definitely a Spyderco! The blade shape is a familiar looking site, with it's trademark opening hole and hump/thumb rest. The blade is broad and tapers to a strong point. This is one of my favourite blade shapes and is excellent for slicing cuts. The grind is flat (my favourite) and the edge has quite a shallow curve meaning that this will be an easy knife to sharpen.

http://www.hellzteeth.com/reviews/Spyderco_penknife/penknife3.JPG

The decision to make the blade from the S30V supersteel will obviously raise the price, but on holding and slicing with this penknife it is definitely worth it.
Part of the blade forms the choil, which, seeing as this is a slipjoint adds a better feeling of security. So that leads us onto the other end:


The Handle
http://www.hellzteeth.com/reviews/Spyderco_penknife/penknife4.JPG
For me, the ergonomics of the G10 handle work really well, but I have relatively small hands so I will be interested to see how users with big mits get on, but I am fairly confident that there is enough room on the handle to make this a comfortable knife for most hand sizes.

The neck of the Penknife seems quite narrow, and while this may not be as aesthetically pleasing, it makes the hand position very comfortable with your fingers falling naturally into the correct positions along the handle.
http://www.hellzteeth.com/reviews/Spyderco_penknife/penknife7.JPG
The narrow neck also means that with your thumb on the hump you have a considerably amount of control over the cutting. The thumb rest is deeply grooved to prevent slipping.

As I said above, the choil forms part of the grip, meaning that for the knife to close, you would have to move your finger out of the choil meaning that for the Penknife to close on your fingers you'd have to be holding it in a fairly strange grip...


The Mechanism
http://www.hellzteeth.com/reviews/Spyderco_penknife/penknife6.JPG
The slipjoint mechanism for the Spyderco Penknife is the very reason behind this knife, being what makes this knife legal to carry in the UK. I can't give you technical details, but I can tell you how well it works:

Opening: The Penknife can be opened easily with one hand and while the resistance is noticeable compared to my locking Spydercos doesn't make it an awkward opener. As the blade opens it seems to pass through two stages, first a small click as the blade passes 45º and then a substantial click as the slipjoint 'engages.'

Open: Once open the Penknife feels locked and I would be happy using it for fairly heavy cutting tasks. There is a very small amount of blade play, but I still consider the open Penknife as very solid.

Closing: After your fingers have blindly finished looking for a lock to disengage and you remember what you are holding, the Penknife closes easily. After a moment of firmer pressure upon the spine the knife then closes with the same amount of pressure (again with a quick stop at 45º, another safety feature?) as opening, coming to rest in the handle and being held firmly in place. Being a tip up carry this is definitely a good thing. Once closed the blade play is much more noticeable, but being closed I can't see it being a problem.



Pocket Clip
http://www.hellzteeth.com/reviews/Spyderco_penknife/penknife8.JPG
Pocket clips aren't usually that interesting: They either work well or not, but in this instance I am truly impressed. The Penknife sports a burnished bronze colour wire pocket clip for tip up carry and the best bit for me is that it is deep pocket carry. The wire clip is so near the butt of the Penknife that with it clipped to your pocket there is no knife showing, reducing unwanted attention or "is that a knife?" comments. It grips the pocket securely and can be swapped for left handed carry, making the Penknife truly ambidextrous.



Cutting
The edge straight out of the box was able to clean shave hairs from my forearm. It also glided through opening the rest of the mail that came along with the Penknife. As a test I rolled up a sheet of A4 printer paper into a tube (thanks to Mirage for this benchmark) and sliced it using the Penknife.
http://www.hellzteeth.com/reviews/Spyderco_penknife/penknife9.JPG
It worked... I foresee this knife as being a great little everyday cutter.



Overall
The knife is lightweight, has good ergonomics, top end materials, looks easy to maintain and... is LEGAL.
Well, this knife changes a few things for me. I can now carry a knife made by my favourite company everyday, with no nervous feeling, no guilt at breaking a law, a feeling of confidence in my EDC being what I needs it to be: Every Day Carry.

Congratuations Spyderco, I salute you.

Hellz :biggthump

[Danzo]

Excellent review Hellz. I'm looking forward to Tuesday!

:biggthump

Danzo

[lemoneyewash]

Nice review Hellz. :)

[Martyn]

Excellnet Review Hellz. I've stuck it up on the CMS.
http://www.britishblades.com/
Well done. :biggthump

Cant wait to get mine now.

[Wightknight]

A really useful review. Excellent pictures.

Many thanks.

Paul

[Alick]

Hellz, :You_Rock_

:thanks:

Alick

[trojanargus]

Good review :approve:

Don't believe I'll buy one, but good for those that want it :biggthump

[Yog]

Nice review mate, it helps the wait ....... a bit, ....... almost :D

[Hellz]

I've stuck it up on the CMS.
http://www.britishblades.com/

Cor, cheers Guv :D

I've carried the Penknife over the weekend and have to say it's a strange feeling. I was doing a spot of shopping in Tesco's this afternoon and kept thinking to myself "hee hee... my knife is legal..." :wink:

Hellz

[Stuart Ackerman]

" No, Dear, it isn't a new knife... I just modified my Endura a bit.... Really ! "

Okay, I've worked out my excuse, now for the funds...
Damn you BB, I now HAVE to buy another Spyderco!
Good review, Hellz, when you get tired of it, can I have it?

Stuart

[Ophidian]

Good review Hellz!

I’m sure it is great to have a perfectly legal knife in your pocket. I have just ordered a limited edition Case Doctors knife as a perfectly legal EDC which I believe will be a totally non-threatening folder that even your Granny would love to own……. :)

Which brings me on to an issue of the Spyderco Penknife that no one seems to have mentioned yet.

It is still a somewhat evil looking knife to those sheeple who may see it…… “So What” I hear you say, but what happens when the criminal fraternity realize that here is a fast opening, effective “weapon” that they can legally carry and just stick two fingers up to the law……. It may just become the latest gangster accessory…… :mad:

Next thing you know there will be a total ban on the possession of any knife in public. :mad:

[mattsteel]

Stop teasing!





Nice review......cheers :biggthump

[Hellz]

It is still a somewhat evil looking knife to those sheeple who may see it…… “So What” I hear you say, but what happens when the criminal fraternity realize that here is a fast opening, effective “weapon” that they can legally carry and just stick two fingers up to the law……. It may just become the latest gangster accessory…… :mad:

I know what you mean, it doesn't look legal, people that I have shown it to were very surprised when I told them it was legal to carry. However, I'm not normally prone to waving a knife around in front of people so the look isn't really an issue for me, people won't see it, people won't get upset by it.

As for the criminal fraternity... let's just hope they'll balk at paying over £50 for a knife. :rolleyes:

Hellz

[Ophidian]

Hellz, I agree with you.

I just hope such a great little knife is not misused and brings unwanted attention to sub-3” slip-joints…….

After all, if it where not for the misuse of knifes by previous generations we would all probably be carrying automatics, not just because they are cool, but they are a really useful way of opening a knife with one hand. :approve:

[Hellz]

I just hope such a great little knife is not misused and brings unwanted attention to sub-3” slip-joints…….
Absolutely. But for now I'm not letting anything spoil the pleasure of carrying my new Spyderco, so I'm concentrating on getting the rest of my xmas shopping done, getting some yummies in the pantry and the lights up outside. All with the Penknife in tow of course :wink:

Hellz

[Martyn]

It is still a somewhat evil looking knife to those sheeple who may see it…… “So What” I hear you say, but what happens when the criminal fraternity realize that here is a fast opening, effective “weapon” that they can legally carry and just stick two fingers up to the law……. It may just become the latest gangster accessory…… :mad:

Next thing you know there will be a total ban on the possession of any knife in public. :mad:

Nahhh mate, no chance. There is no way to differentiate between a Spyderco Penknife and a Victorinox or case doctors knife. You cant write "looks worrying" into law. If you ban one, you ban em all and that wont happen. Too many judges and politicians carry a little swiss army knife. It'd reach too far into the common population. Lets not get paranoid. There is an awful lot for them to look at before they look at this category. :240:

I think Ross once said he looked through the confiscated weapons drawyer at work and there wasn't one decent blade amongst em.

[Ross]

Thats right Martyn, all kitchen knives and Ebay crap.

[Anarcus]

Sorry but thats an incomplete review.
Now I'm going to have to have one.
Just to check how well it slices plastic, you know, the type they make credit cards from.

Nice review and excelent pics. Thanks :D

[Yog]

Anyone who has one notice that the half stops and full stop aren't perfectly flat like they are on a normal slipjoint, but have a slight lip to them. What's the betting there is a small notch on the underside of the main spring ? ;)

A really elegent way of keeping the "lock" pressure without having a really strong spring that would stiffen up the whole action :biggthump

[scalpel]

Anyone who has one notice that the half stops and full stop aren't perfectly flat like they are on a normal slipjoint, but have a slight lip to them. What's the betting there is a small notch on the underside of the main spring ? ;)

A really elegent way of keeping the "lock" pressure without having a really strong spring that would stiffen up the whole action :biggthump

Yog, does that basically make it a locking knife with a weak "lock" that doesn't require a release button or mechanism, other than pressure ie. a secure slipjoint? Either way it is legal and I love it.

Aidan

[soa]

I love it. Positive click open. I find it easiest to close by sweeping it shut on my leg ("Kids! Don't try this at home.").

Not sure about the feel of the clip flexing as I open it, by the deep pocket carry is perfect. I can't beleive how good this knife is. [Even though, as a previous EDCarrier of Al Mar SERE2K or BM710 it feels small, it is very capable and comfortaable to hold]

[Hellz]

Another mention for the pocket clip as I now have a pic: It's very low profile, a big plus for todays climate.
http://hellzteeth.com/reviews/Spyderco_penknife/penknife13.JPG

[Martyn]

Another pic of interest.....

http://www.britishblades.com/pics/spknife/sbits.jpg

...yup, fully strippable. :biggthump

Goes back together nice 'n easy too. Word of warning though, you do need proper torx drivers. ...oh, and dissasembly invalidates your warranty according to the box.

http://www.f-gear.co.jp/maniac_zyuku/images/torx.jpg

[ZDP-189]

Yes, but you were on the design team.

[Martyn]

Yes, but you were on the design team.

Good point. Dissasembly is obviously in the interests of R&D. :rolleye11

[tomtom]

Can i just as a quit OT question here.. is this knife now going to be made as part of the spydraco range.. or is it a limited run.. its not a case of "get 'em while their hot" is it??

[sal]

Thank ytou Martyn.

Disassembly was one of the things we wanted simple. This is a new method of fastening for us, but it seems to work well. I don't know that it's been done before.

Hi Tomtom, I guess that depends on sales. If they sell ok, we'll keep making them. If they don't sell well, you probably won't have any trouble getting one cuz there'll be lots around.

We cut 1000 blades. We put 500 together.

sal

[Martyn]

Thank ytou Martyn.

Disassembly was one of the things we wanted simple. This is a new method of fastening for us, but it seems to work well. I don't know that it's been done before.

Hi Tomtom, I guess that depends on sales. If they sell ok, we'll keep making them. If they don't sell well, you probably won't have any trouble getting one cuz there'll be lots around.

We cut 1000 blades. We put 500 together.

sal

I woukld guess a couple of hundred have been sold already. Though I dont think that's a true test of the market as many of those will be folks involved in the design, or people waiting for it's release. When the frenzy dies down, will probably be a better time to judge sales. I doubt you'll have difficulty moving those 500 pieces though.

[The General]

Is this one of the first Spyderco knives with Phosphered bronze washers?

[sal]

Hi General.

I believe just about all of the SS knives coming in from Seki have already converted. It takes a while as parts are made long in advance. USA production is still converting.

The thickness of the washer was an issue. We like thin washers. They make for thinner knives. But the thinner the washer, the more precise parts must be.

sal

[bleken]

is it only available in the uk?

[sal]

Hi Bleken,

Welcome to the British Blade forum.

Yes, at this time, the UK Penknife is only available in the UK.

sal

[bleken]

tnx Sal
bummer though

[Martyn]

tnx Sal
bummer though
There is no reason why you cant buy one from Heinnie Haynes (http://www.heinnie.com/), you wont pay extra tax or duty because you're in the EEC, though you will obviously have to pay international shipping charges.

[richslaney]

I got mine on Christmas Eve.....Lucky me.

I love it. It's light, just the right size, sturdy, sharp.... etc,etc.

The action and blade design are superb. I love the way part of the grip uses the blades choil, and that the blade has a natural stop at about 90 degrees to the handle. Therefore one hand closing is a dream, simply push the blade part closed with your thumb against the serrated area near the blade hole. Then when the blunt area of blade choil touches your first finger, shift your fingers out of the way, reposition your grip, continue pressure through the 90 degree resistance zone and click.... Knife shut.

The Blade also does an awesome job of resisting opening in your pocket.

Sal, you've done an awesome job of the slip joint action. I wouldn't have believed the spyderco style blade and hole, one handed opening design would work as a slip joint. But it does, and to be honest with this knife I don't even miss a lock.
For me you've made the impossible. A really useable, strong, one hand opening / closing EDC pocket knife without a lock, but without making the user feel 'hard done too'.

Awesome. I love mine to pieces...

One word of warning though people. The pocket clip is prone to snagging in things due to it's open profile (wire not solid clip).
I though I'd lost mine the other day. I took off my Goretex jacket, then later went to use the knife which was clipped inside my top jeans pocket and it was missing. I looked everywhere and was gutted.
Later I went to put my jacket back on and low and behold, found my UK Pen-Knife swinging from the elasticated hem tensioner on my jacket.... What a flippin relief.
But, please be warned. These knives are very light and could easily be lost.

I just can't wait for my Wood Handles, Damascus Bladed and bolstered knife from Shing.

[The General]

Having a fiddle with the Penknife, but my Torx set does not seem to fit well. The nearest is a T8, but it feels a little small... I can see the heads stripping out after very gentle working...

These are quality drivers as well. :O

[bagman]

Wayne - I used a quality T8 to swap the clip over to the correct side ;) yesterday and I also thought it did not fit quite right?

[soa]

Wayne - I used a quality T8 to swap the clip over to the correct side ;)

Hey baggy, is it true what I heard?

That lefthanders are in general more gauche than sinister...
:lol:

[bagman]

Hey baggy, is it true what I heard?

That lefthanders are in general more gauche than sinister...
:lol:

:P

certainly more handsome :D

[NonSequitur]

Wayne - I used a quality T8 to swap the clip over to the correct side ;) yesterday and I also thought it did not fit quite right?

Same here. The T8 isn't a snug fit, feels a little to loose.

BTW, I noticed one of the screws on the pivot was *very* loose when I got the knife. So loose I could turn the screw with my fingernail. Did anyone have the same problem?

And what would you do now? Use Loctite to make sure I don't lose the screw?

Other than that it's a fantastic knife. It's so good I can easily see it becoming my EDC even though I can legally carry almost any knife over here ... :D

Hermann

[Ophidian]

I’ve now joined the ranks of the Spyderco Penknife owners. This is the first Spyderco that I have ever bought. I have played with the passaround Dodo and Military (really liked the Military) and then the Pride….this “Penknife” is far better than the pride, it fits my hand great, is comfortable to use and looks very good as well.

About the only thing I would say is (and it might just be this particular knife) I would like a stronger back spring, up-rated by say %30….. other than that I am Very pleased with it.

Well done Sal!

[ZDP-189]

Agreed about the additional strength. My Laguiole is perfect in this regards.

In any case, I'm looking for another to have as an EDC, because my Design Team knife is hidden away for safekeeping.

[The General]

My work mate has a full tool kit and he has a T9 which seemed slightly too large, but a much better fit.

May I suggest a T8.5? :lol:

[vanman]

Thanks for the advice Martyn. I received mine today. 1 day
to arrive in Belgium. Heinnie does a great job. :D

[Ophidian]

Oh, Just to add this knife indexes perfectly in the dark…you know at all times where the edge is. Tested in bed before I went to sleep…..purely in the interests of scientific research of course. :)

[The General]

Sal, what Torx drivers do the Spyderco crew use and can I buy a set? :D

[sal]

Hi General. They should be a standard torx size set.

We are currently looking into the size variation mentioned here.

thanx for the input.

sal

[Schlaegel]

I got mine today after ordering last Sunday online at Heinnies and it overfills my expactations . It lies perfect in my middle-class hand with shape and wight and I think the rough G-10 will help in wet surroundings, for example in the kitchen !
The resistance of the slipjoint when you close it is perfect, not to hard and not to soft. And there is no broken edge at the Spyderco hole (as in BM AFCK,etc) , so the thump fits very good to open. And the clip is so nice to have the UK Pen Knife in my shirt-pocket so cheeples think that's my mont blanc pen.

Stefan

[Anarcus]

And the clip is so nice to have the UK Pen Knife in my shirt-pocket - cheaples think, that's my mont blanc.

Stefan

Are we allowed to call that t#t up carry :D

[Schlaegel]

"Are we allowed to call that t#t up carry" ??????

Hi Anarcus, please help me what this means.
Stefan

[Anarcus]

"Are we allowed to call that t#t up carry" ??????

Hi Anarcus, please help me what this means.
Stefan


Hi Stefan
I'm sorry if it wasn't too clear.
usualy people refer to Tip up or Tip down carry in a trouser pocket.
With it being in your shirt pocket it is therefore near your breast (chest) slang English is (I'm going to get moderated) bluetit just read the blue bit.
It wasn't very funny anyway and I hope I have not caused too mutch confusion or any offence :)
All the best
Tim

[Anarcus]

Teach me to be a clever.... won't it :D

[Schlaegel]

Hi Tim,
first I am really not offended ! I read instead of t#t the word t#p, that means I did not look proper.
I feel with you, it is the "hell" to explain a joke - specially to a foreigner, thanks for your kindness.
Anyway is it unusual in GB to carry a knife in the shirt-pocket ;-)) ? I specially bought the UK Pen because I am going to visit my daughter in Malvern in March (she is a teacher at the college). Last year I picked up my other daughter in Hull and had two small linerlock folders in my pockets without knowing that this was illegal.
Is it really even illegal to have the very small Spyderco D'Alton Holder Toad, because the blade is lockable ?

Kind regards
Stefan

[Andy]

just remember that if the collage has people under 16 in it you can't take the penknife there (unless you have a good reason)

[Schlaegel]

Thank's Andy, there are pupils under 16 in the college ! So I better leave the UK Pen in my hotel. Can I take a pride with me, because it is smaller and slipjoint as well ??
Stefan

[Danzo]

Hi Tim,
first I am really not offended ! I read instead of t#t the word t#p, that means I did not look proper.
I feel with you, it is the "hell" to explain a joke - specially to a foreigner, thanks for your kindness.
Anyway is it unusual in GB to carry a knife in the shirt-pocket ;-)) ? I specially bought the UK Pen because I am going to visit my daughter in Malvern in March (she is a teacher at the college). Last year I picked up my other daughter in Hull and had two small linerlock folders in my pockets without knowing that this was illegal.
Is it really even illegal to have the very small Spyderco D'Alton Holder Toad, because the blade is lockable ?

Kind regards
Stefan

Hi Stefan

A folder with a lock is not illegal in Britain, but the law says you must have a good reason for carrying the knife. This must be more than just that you like to have a knife in your pocket. But if you are here as a tourist or visitor it would probably be OK to have a small locking folder. You can explain that you have it on you because you are away from home and need it for all the small jobs that at home you would use a strong knife for. Remember that you are very, very unlikely to be stopped by a Police officer and even if that was to happen you will not be searched unless you were doing something wrong. Just be polite and helpful and you will have no problem.

Danzo

[Yog]

Anyway is it unusual in GB to carry a knife in the shirt-pocket ;-)) ?
Hi Stefan, hope you have a good trip over here.

Yes, it is unusual to have a knife clipped to a shirt pocket over here. If it was a sub 3" slipjoint it wouldn't be illigal, but I would advise against it as it might mean you having to explain yourself to people not so familiar with our laws.

Other than that, follow Danzo's advice and have a good time over here. :)

[Schlaegel]

Thank you very much for your advises and help Danzo and Yog and thank you for your good wishes for my journey to GB. I like to travel in GB. First time was 1964, I was hitch-hiking with some german friends from London-Luton to Wales
and met all over friendly drivers and people. This very good impressions are still in my heart and I feel the same today,
not only to welsh people ;-) . Later I was in Scotland and in Cornwall as well.

By the way, Yog, I still remember your computer graphic blueprints of the UK Pen knife just January 2003. When I saw the pictures first, I thought you really had made knives with wooden scales, I liked the wharncliffe one. May be Spyderco will really make them in the future.

Stefan

[Anarcus]

Stefan
I had the great honour last year of being the only English person at a party of about 70 in Berlin.
I speak no German but what a time, German hospitality is 2nd to none.
This "Isen Apfen" (am I right Island Monkey is your slang for us Brits) wishes you a great time over here.
:biggthump
Tim

[Danzo]

Thank you very much for your advises and help Danzo and Yog and thank you for your good wishes for my journey to GB. I like to travel in GB. First time was 1964, I was hitch-hiking with some german friends from London-Luton to Wales
and met all over friendly drivers and people. This very good impressions are still in my heart and I feel the same today,
not only to welsh people ;-) . Later I was in Scotland and in Cornwall as well.

By the way, Yog, I still remember your computer graphic blueprints of the UK Pen knife just January 2003. When I saw the pictures first, I thought you really had made knives with wooden scales, I liked the wharncliffe one. May be Spyderco will really make them in the future.

Stefan

Stefan, if your trip allows you to stop in Nottingham I would very much like to invite you to dinner at my house and to have a drink with you in one of our very old pubs.

Danzo

[Schlaegel]

Hi Tim,
this is the first time (!) that I hear the word Island-Monkey (in German: Insel-Affe ) as a slangword for British people - and I am grown up in Berlin (West at this time, long time ago). May be they meant the monkeys on Gibraltar ????;-)) . I am glad to hear that you felt comfortable in Berlin - will you come back ?
Thank you for your good wishes for my trip to GB.

Best wishes
Stefan

[Schlaegel]

Stefan, if your trip allows you to stop in Nottingham I would very much like to invite you to dinner at my house and to have a drink with you in one of our very old pubs.

Danzo

Hi Danzo,
I don't have the detailed plans of my daughter in Malvern for my stay from around March 20th to April 10th and I don't know how long to drive by British Rail to Nottingham.
Anyway thank you very much for your invitation. Even if it would not work out I feel very honoured and it confirms again my mind of you Brits.

Best wishes
Stefan

[Danzo]

Well, if you have more details later maybe we can get together.

:D

Danzo

[Ophidian]

My Sister is over here staying with me at the moment and her (German) Husband told his mates that she was going to Monkey Island…..apparently it is a fairly common expression.

[AGREATSCOT]

Good review Hellz!

I’m sure it is great to have a perfectly legal knife in your pocket. I have just ordered a limited edition Case Doctors knife as a perfectly legal EDC which I believe will be a totally non-threatening folder that even your Granny would love to own……. :)

Which brings me on to an issue of the Spyderco Penknife that no one seems to have mentioned yet.

It is still a somewhat evil looking knife to those sheeple who may see it…… “So What” I hear you say, but what happens when the criminal fraternity realize that here is a fast opening, effective “weapon” that they can legally carry and just stick two fingers up to the law……. It may just become the latest gangster accessory…… :mad:

Next thing you know there will be a total ban on the possession of any knife in public. :mad:

Just a note from the US to complement you on the Case doctors knife choice. It is one of my favorite 'pocket riders' for general use. Of course clipped to my pocket is a small Sebenza for the city and a large for the woods. An advantage to 'Cafifornia living' I won't go into the disadvantages... :O

Will the Spyderco 'Pen knife' be on sale in the US?

[adamm]

Hi guys. This is my first post on this forum. I've just bought my first Spyderco and it's a UK pen knife. I bought it based purely on the long development discussion and the reviews and couldn't be happier. I have to say that Heinnie Haynes have the best customer service of any company I have ever dealt with bar none. The knife was purchased online yesterday afternoon and arrived at work this morning. To top it all I was kept up to date with each stage of the shipping process with polite professional emails and the whole experience was a pleasure.

Back to the knife. Razor sharp out of the box, comfy to hold and operate and it has a solid feel that inspires confidence. Up until now my edc has been a Leatherman of one kind or another (brief interlude for a huge Gerber - toooooo heavy and bulky) and most recently a wave. I recently realised that 99.9% of the time all I ever used was the plain blade so perhaps the multitools should live in the car/toolbox and come out when needed (thus decreasing the risk of trouser failure and the risk of people asking me to start jobs I have no idea of how to finish), so the search was on for something light, functional and strong. I hate cheap and nasty kit be it shoes, water proofs, telephones whatever. Cheap and nasty always lets you down when it matters most (whatever Proton drivers say). The scope for buying the wrong folding knife seems to be vast and hopefully I've made the right choice with the penknife. In any case my choice was heavily influenced by you guys and the fact that Sal is humble enough and smart enough to listen and interact with his customers. I think I've wittered on for long enough but two questions:-

1. This knife is incredibly sharp (which obviously is good) but I always thought that this type of grind was a bad idea on a do everything, go everywhere knife?

2. Still fancy something hefty and posh for use camping and outdoors in general is the Buck Alpha Hunter folder any good? Any ideas?

Thanks.

[Stuart Ackerman]

And the UKPK is still my most EDC-ed knife...

[fluffy]

if only I could find mine (again)

[TallNHairyDave]

Whoa. Zombie thread has arisen from the dead.

I'm now on my third UKPKs... and it's once again my most carried EDC...