UKPK or Caly 3

[cl0123]

The recent orange knife thread really caught my attention into this knife hobby. If I understood correctly, the UK Pen Knife is basically an orange Caly 3 without the lock. What exactly is a slip-lock on the UK Pen Knife? Does it mean it works just like an Swiss Army knife that holds the blade in place by spring tension only? So for around the same money, isn't the Caly 3 a safer knife functionally than the UK Pen Knife? Or, if I bought both, can I swap the covers so that I shall have an orange but safer knife?

With Aloha,

Clarence

 

[carrot]

You cannot swap the G-10 scales on the Caly3 with the UKPK. It is pinned construction, so it is possible but not very easy to take apart, and you'll need new pins. The UKPK and Caly3 use different scales, however. The UKPK's scales are much thicker, and shaped slightly differently.

The slipjoint action on the UKPK is stronger than your typical Swiss Army Knife, maybe on par with the Soldier-based ALOX models, but with less "snap" if that makes any sense. It has a half stop to make it safer in one handed closing.

I wouldn't consider the UKPK "less safe" -- there is a choil that your finger fits into, where your finger prevents the knife from closing on the rest of your hand. This is perfectly safe and the partial closing action should you overcome the slipjoint will remind you that you are not using a locking blade. Some people may consider this safer than a locking blade because you shouldn't assume a lock is not defeatable.

I like the Caly3, though, for its smoother action and full steel liners. The UKPK does not use liners for a reduction in weight, and the slipjoint (notch-joint?) prevents the UKPK from being as smooth to open and close.

In the end, you will have to pick between an orange slipjoint or a great locking folder. Both are excellent but the Caly3 is my preference.

 

[jag-engr]

Let me counter carrot's opinion in favor of the UKPK.

UKPK
+ lighter
+ larger thumbhole
+ S30V steel ~ better bite & better wearing (IMO)
+ Golden construction (made in Golden, CO)
+ deeper finger choil & steeper thumb ramps ~ better ergonomics
+ screw construction
+ choice of colors

Granted the UKPK does not have a lock, but it "locks" fairly well and, as carrot explained, it is highly unlikely that the knife could ever close on your fingers if you have your forefinger in the choil.

I have a UKPK, Caly3, custom wire clip Paramilitary, and a Lava. I find myself reaching for the UKPK 99% of the time. The only thing that I foresee displacing this knife is the Urban, if it ever comes out...

 

[Sgt. LED]

And here I went with the CF Caly3 with ZDP steel.

I could of had orange and left over cash! RATS

 

[Blue72]

how much harder is it to open a uk vs a caly

 

[Outdoors Fanatic]

Caly 3 hands down. Watch this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOkbelaWB1A&feature=related

 

[cl0123]

Thanks for replies. So the UKPK is a regulated version of the Caly3. Got it! Looks like there are going to be lots of new things to learn and to understand. The only thing I know for sure is getting a plain edge, as I have no idea nor the patience to work on serrated edges. I can sharpen kitchen knives and woodworking tools and so there will more reasons to use the waterstones.

New terminologies to conquer:
Steel: VG10, ZDP189
Before reading into it, I used think all I need to know to pick something that is carbon steel, instead of stainless steel, for easy sharpening. Looks like there is more materials sciences in it than I thought.

Handle materials: FRN, Carbon Fibre, G10
Again, all new vocabularies for me. That Kevin Wilkins orange G10 handle looks really good.

Locks: Axis lock, slip-joint, liner-lock
A lot more readings required.

Thanks again for the replies. Wish there is a one-stop shopping place for all of these, but I suppose there are quite a number of good dealers out there.

With Aloha,

Clarence

 

[Essexman]

UKPK = United Kingdom Pen Knife.

It was designed and made to meet the UK knife law, so that it can used as a EDC here in the UK. So that means non locking (hence slipjoint) and 3 inch or less cutting edge.
It's a very popular blade in the UK. Nice to see you guys in other parts of the world like it too.

 

[Styerman]

I want one , and a Urban too , if I get the chance . Since it cant be readily flipped open , it is good for juristictions that are on a " gravity knife " kick . It's also legal for EDC in Germany , where without a " good reason " you can have one handed opening or locking bu not both .

Chris\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

 

[kevin_d'marie]

too bad police officers aren't as educated as you guys.

I got my UKPK confiscated because it was "locking"

He said the clicking sounds were the sounds of the knife locking.

The worst day of my life... :[