G10 UKPK getting the axe

[jzmtl]

All G10 variety of UKPK are being discontinued this year, people who want one may want to take note, as they won't be available for long and some retailers has began to discount them.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Thanks for the heads up mate

[gunga]

What do you guys think of the UKPK?

I just got a CF one in the mail.  Still deciding if I like it.  WIll likely sell my Delica 4 because of it, but te carbon fibre handles are a bit slippery.

[Fisting_Chili]

are you talking about this one?
http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=243

Already listed as discontinued.  What kind of discounted prices are you seeing?
Thanks

[gunga]

I got that off a forum, but with carbon fibre handles.  Not G10.

[cerbera147]

are you talking about this one?
http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=243

Already listed as discontinued.  What kind of discounted prices are you seeing?
Thanks

That's the original black G10 UKPK 

They discontinued the most recent UKPK's; Foliage Green and Safety Orange. They have now replaced them with the more expensive Carbon Fibre [$184.85] and Titanium scales [$259.95] 

http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=598

http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=635

I totally adore the UKPK. I have a black and an orange one. Being nice and legal over here these are my go to knife on a daily basis 

However, even if a locking blade was legal to carry I can still see the benefits of these SLIPIT's 

I had an FRN UKPK prior to getting the G10 models but moved it on. I might get the latest Black FRN one; I'm guessing Spyderco are hoping to see more sales from these models.
It is very unlikely I will get one of their new 'luxury' UKPK's 

http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=655

I got that off a forum, but with carbon fibre handles.  Not G10.

I know a lot of people have been modding with Carbon Fibre for some time. Any pics?

[gunga]

I don't have my camera with me, but I can try posting pix tomorrow.  Can you let me know why you think slip-its have advantages?

It's this one.

http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=598

ALso, I know this is basically a non-locking Cay 3 right?  How does the Caly 3 feel vs the Caly Jr?  I'm trying to decide if I like this or if I should try and get a Caly 3 G10 (hard to find).

The CF scales are classy, but a bit smooth for my taste.  I've heard of people doing a light texturing with some fine sandpaper.

[nuphoria]

That's exactly why I like the G10 - grip is excellent, even when wet and muddy. I suppose the newer FRN ones are selling fairly well, but they are not quite as lovely.

[AimlessWanderer]

I'm expecting a black G10 one coming in the next few days (a small part of a recent late night drunken spendfest). Always fancied trying one but wasn't prepared to spend UK prices on the UK penknife  ... I'm not surprised they're moving to cheapo versions for the general user and luxury versions for the real enthusiast. The G10 was stuck somewhere between the two in my opinion. I got this one at a reasonable price considering it's in mint condition (apparently)

I don't have my camera with me, but I can try posting pix tomorrow.  Can you let me know why you think slip-its have advantages?

It's this one.

http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=598

ALso, I know this is basically a non-locking Cay 3 right?  How does the Caly 3 feel vs the Caly Jr?  I'm trying to decide if I like this or if I should try and get a Caly 3 G10 (hard to find).

The CF scales are classy, but a bit smooth for my taste.  I've heard of people doing a light texturing with some fine sandpaper.

The Slipits most obvious benefit is UK legalities - it was it's whole reason for being. For me though, I grew up with non-locking blades and find locks tiresome and unnecessary. If I'm trying to do something which is not safe to do with a non-locking blade, I won't use ANY type of folding blade. All my large mutlitools are of course locking blades, and everytime I use them it goes something like ...

1   open blade
2   use blade
3   try to fold blade
4   swear at blade 
5   frustratedly fiddle with lock
6   swear at lock 
7   close blade
8   wonder why tool makers dont trust us
9   swear at blade 

I often carry a Byrd Wings Slipit (and nearly always have a SAK), and the process is much shorter

1   Open blade
2   use blade
3   close blade
4   

Each to their own though, we all expect different things from our gear   

[enki_ck]

This is strange. Especialy as they are planing to release a G10 Byrd slipit, the Byrd Tern this year. (btw, I'm definitely getting that one)

http://spydercollector.wordpress.com/2011/03/08/spyderco-2011-prototype-%E2%80%93-byrd-%E2%80%9Ctern%E2%80%9D-slipit/

[cerbera147]

I like the SLIPIT's as it is real simple technology; no fancy locking systems just the power of the back spring. For that reason the plus for me is the ease of closing it 

I also have a Spyderco Persistence with a liner lock. I personally find the UKPK easier to close, perhaps it is just me

Nauturally there are clear legal advantages to the SLIPIT's. Also when travelling as the UKPK should be ok in most countries 

On a side note I read that Spyderco have changed the steel in the FRN UKPK's.
"Carpenter Technology Corporation CTS-BD1 blade steel is now used in the UK Penknife FRN model. The high strength, American made alloy steel, is an improved version of Japanese GIN-1 steel which was initially used for the blade steel in this model"

DaveK did a good comparison of the G10 model vs the FRN model. When I got my G10 and compared it the FRN there is marked difference but then it is half the price. Still a shame they discontinued the regular G10 models
http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,21947.0.html

Edit: definitely getting one of those Tern's 

[ryan1835]

so no matter where you had a ukpk with me you couldn't get arrested for it?

[cerbera147]

so no matter where you had a ukpk with me you couldn't get arrested for it?

Probably not. I wouldn't have it with me on a Saturday night down the pub or at a football match. It's all in context really.

The main points are it does not lock and has a cutting length of 3" or less  Technically the same as a SAK even if the UKPK does look a bit 'meaner'.

Start waving it around like a loon and you're on your own 

[ryan1835]

i know that bit and i certainly wouldnt wave one about like a loon just curious really

[Sparky415]

 

[cerbera147]

i know that bit and i certainly wouldnt wave one about like a loon just curious really

I know Ryan  Just clarifying for others 

Suppose nothing is safe from possible seizure and / or arrest but I think carrying the UKPK gives peace mind compared to a locking knife or multitool.

I remember when I first looked into the UKPK's. If you Google Spyderco UKPK the link below is the first result 

IIRC, the guy was a doorman arrested for 'work related incident'. Once he was in the cop car he remembered he had the UKPK on him. Not quite the same as the headline might imply  The story ended with the UKPK going to the incinerator as an 'offensive weapon' 

http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?13843-Arrested-with-my-Spyderco-UKPK