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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes. The wire clip can be installed on either side, and the Spyderhole can be operated comfortably with either hand.
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.
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 |
2 - 10 of 13 reviews
13 February 2020 16:53
Messer zu einem guten Preis
Schneller Versand, anbei lagen ein paar Schmeckewöhlerchen. Vielen Dank Grüße in den Norden
29 January 2020 18:27
Tolles Messer, toller Shop!
Das UKPK ist mein erstes Spyderco und ich bin total begeistert. Fingermulde, Daumenauflage, das Klacken, die Leichtigkeit, die Handlage, Verarbeitung, Schärfe out of the Box. Für die Preispolitik von Spyderco gibts allerdings nur 8 Punkte. Für ASW würde ich 12 Punkte vergeben :-)
6 April 2019 14:12
Mein fazit steht unten
Grottenhässlicher griff der aber sehr gut in der hand liegt. Messer ist leicht und führig. Gut mit einer hand zu öffnen und zu schliessen und vor allem in deutschland zu tragen erlaubt. Alles in allem sehr zu empfehlen
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.