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Spyderco UK Penknife C94PBK – CTS BD1N

The Classic – Legal, Lightweight, and Always Within Reach

The Spyderco UK Penknife C94PBK is not a new knife. It is a classic—one of the very few one-handed knives on the market that complies with German §42a regulations and is therefore completely legal to carry in Germany. For years, it has been our best-selling knife at Knife Lounge, and for good reason.

Legal to Carry – In Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom

Spyderco originally developed the UK Penknife for the British market, where one-handed locking knives are prohibited in public. The solution is elegant: the C94PBK opens one-handed thanks to the Spyderhole, but it does not lock. A strong backspring (slipjoint mechanism) keeps the blade in position—the same principle used in a traditional Swiss Army knife. This makes the UKPK compliant with German §42a regulations and legal to carry without any special reason.

Which UK Penknife Is Right for You?

The UKPK is available with different blade steels. Here's our honest assessment as knife enthusiasts:

Model Steel Edge Retention Corrosion Resistance Ease of Sharpening Price
C94PBK (this model) CTS BD1N ★★★☆☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★★
C94PYL – Salt Yellow CPM Magnacut ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★☆ €€

In short: the C94PBK is the ideal entry point—affordable, reliable, and easy to sharpen. If you want better edge retention and maximum corrosion resistance, the Magnacut version is the way to go.

CTS BD1N – Corrosion Resistant and Easy to Sharpen

As an owner-operated knife shop based in Hamburg, we particularly recommend the C94PBK as an introduction to the world of high-quality EDC knives. CTS BD1N steel offers excellent corrosion resistance, takes a keen edge, and can be sharpened easily with simple tools—a ceramic rod or a basic sharpening stone is all you need.

48 Grams – The Invisible Companion

At just 48 grams with a blade length of 7.4 cm (2.91"), the C94PBK virtually disappears in your pocket. The black FRN (Fiber Reinforced Nylon) handle scales are built without steel liners, making the knife lightweight, sturdy, and comfortable in hand. The characteristic slipjoint click during opening and half-stop provides clear tactile feedback. The finger choil at the base of the blade offers additional protection for your index finger.

The wire clip can be mounted on either side, making the knife suitable for left-handed users as well.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Spyderco UK Penknife C94PBK

Is the UK Penknife C94PBK legal to carry in Germany?

Yes, completely. The UKPK does not lock—the blade is held open by a backspring (slipjoint mechanism). This meets the requirements of §42a of the German Weapons Act and allows the knife to be carried without restrictions. It is one of the very few one-handed knives that fulfills these requirements.

What is the difference between the C94PBK and the Salt versions?

The C94PBK features a CTS BD1N blade—corrosion resistant, easy to sharpen, and offering solid everyday performance. The Salt versions (for example, the C94PYL with Magnacut) provide significantly better edge retention and even greater corrosion resistance, but come at a higher price. The C94PBK is the ideal starting point.

What does §42a compliant mean?

Section 42a of the German Weapons Act prohibits carrying one-handed knives in public—unless the knife does not lock. The UKPK falls precisely under this exception: it can be opened one-handed but has no locking mechanism. Therefore, it is legal to carry.

Is the UKPK suitable for left-handed users?

Yes. The wire clip can be installed on either side, and the Spyderhole can be operated comfortably with either hand.

How do I sharpen CTS BD1N steel?

CTS BD1N is one of the easiest corrosion-resistant steels to sharpen. A simple ceramic rod or a sharpening stone in the 600–1000 grit range is perfectly sufficient. This is a clear advantage over Magnacut—the knife can be touched up easily for everyday use without requiring specialized sharpening equipment.

Where does the name “UK Penknife” come from?

The UKPK was originally developed for the British market, where one-handed locking knives are prohibited. UK stands for United Kingdom, and Penknife refers to the traditional non-locking pocket knife. Today, it is considered a classic throughout Europe.

Blade length: 7,4
Blade material: CTS BD-1N
Blade thickness: 2,0
Designer: Sal Glesser
Handle Material: FRN, Plastic
Knife type: Classic pocket knives
Lefthand suitable: Yes
Legal to carry in Germany: Yes
Locking Mechanism: Without locking
Made in: USA
Opening: Thumb Hole
Overall Length: 17,5
Weight: 48

13 of 13 reviews

Average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars


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1 - 10 of 13 reviews

16 April 2023 16:04

Review with rating of 5 out of 5 stars

War mein erster Einkauf und alles war Perfekt

Ein ganz dickes Lob an euch, Lieferung ging schnell, alles bestens. Ganz besonders hab ich mich ja über die persönlich geschriebene Karte gefreut von der Ela. Ganz Herzlichen Dank dafür. Aber auch das Messer ist große Klasse. LG, Martin

Our feedback: Danke Martin :)

27 January 2022 18:16

Review with rating of 5 out of 5 stars

Ideales EDC

Für Deutschland das ideale EDC. Unfassbar scharf, ultra leicht, stört kein bisschen in der Hosentasche, weil angenehm flach. Die Verarbeitung ist einwandfrei und das Preis-Leistungs-Verhältnis ist hier auf jeden Fall sehr gut ausgewogen. Klare Kaufempfehlung!

19 January 2022 17:11

Review with rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars

passt

nettes konformes Messer ohne Arretierung, taktiler Wohlgenuß - Clip wirkt leider billig. M.E. sollte er schwarz brüniert sein, damit er nicht so auffällt außen an der Hose. Und gerne keine Drahtschlaufe sondern was Flaches . Kaufablauf und Versand ist Spitze.

15 January 2022 14:51

Review with rating of 5 out of 5 stars

Begeistert vom Messer und Shop.

Erste Bestellung bei ASW und 100% zufrieden. Was das Messer betrifft gilt das selbige, erstes Spyderco und total begeistert. Super EDC.

18 December 2021 17:00

Review with rating of 5 out of 5 stars

taschenfreundlicher Schneidteufel

Das UK PK verlässt meine Tasche nur für einen Einsatz, sonst wohnt es dort dauerhaft. Es schneidet top, die Klingengröße ist groß genug um damit zu arbeiten, lässt aber Mitmenschen nicht vor Entsetzen nach Luft schnappen. Es ist einhändig gut zu bedienen, Angst vor ungewolltem Einklappen ist unbegründet. Ich liebe es.

30 November 2021 21:11

Review with rating of 5 out of 5 stars

scharf, spitz, handlich, günstig

das ideale Messer, um Amazon-Pakete zu öffnen, oder Pappkartons für den Papiermüll zu verkleinern.

2 February 2021 15:31

Review with rating of 5 out of 5 stars

Top in jeder Beziehung

Auch dieses Spyderco ist keine Schönheit, liegt aber super schön in der Hand und öffnet sich fantastisch. Das UKPK ist mein erstes Messer von ASW und ich war begeistert. Schnell, persönliche Karte und ein Aufkleber dabei. So ist mein Messer etwas ganz besonderes. Vielen Dank!

28 April 2020 09:34

Review with rating of 5 out of 5 stars

TOP SHOP - TOP Messer

meine erste Bestellung bei der ASW und mein erstes Spyderco und mit beidem voll ins schwarze getroffen!!! ASW, Ihr seid die besten! :-) Das Messer liegt wirklich super in der Hand, die Klinge is Rasiermesserscharf und die Verarbeitung tadellos. Ein richtiges Arbeitstier und das auch noch 42a konform. TOP!

25 March 2020 15:08

Review with rating of 5 out of 5 stars

Altonaer- Silberwerkstatt .... For Ever

Super tolles Team und tolles Messer kann ich nur weiter empfehlen.... weiter so LG Kostas

Our feedback: Vielen lieben Dank und ganz liebe Grüße vom ganzen Team :) 

2 March 2020 16:08

Review with rating of 5 out of 5 stars

erstklassiger Service, schnelle Lieferung,

Service Top, Lieferung sehr schnell. Persönliche Karte und ein guddy, das find ich schon erste Klasse, weiter so, Danke !

Warning / Safety Notice:

Risk of cuts: The most common hazard when using knives is the risk of cuts. Sharp blades can easily penetrate skin and tissue.

Blade slippage: Improper handling or applying excessive force may cause the knife to slip, leading to uncontrolled movements and potential injury.

Injuries from falling knives: Knives should never be left unsecured or placed near the edge of tables or work surfaces, as they may fall and cause injury.

Dull blades: Dull knives pose a higher risk of injury, as they require more force and are more likely to slip. Knives should therefore be sharpened regularly and properly.

Improper use: Using a knife for purposes other than its intended use (e.g. as a prying tool) can damage the blade and may result in accidents.

Information on the manufacturer (information obligations under the GPSR Product Safety Regulation)
Spyderco
Spyderco Way 820
80403 Golden, USA
Details of the responsible person (information obligations under the GPSR Product Safety Regulation)
Heinr. Böker Baumwerk GmbH
Schützenstr. 30
42659 Solingen, Deutschland
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