In the Philippine Visayan dialect, the literal translation of the word Pikal means to rip. In the U.S. the term Pikal remains relatively new but a company called Shivworks is making headway in its introduction to the American market. Its English definition is twofold: It is a rising martial arts genre and the name of a Spyderco knife designed to accompany this art form. As a self-defense platform, Pikal is carried out holding a knife in reverse grip with the sharpened edge facing inward toward the user. Pikal’s objective is not flowing drills with your opponent but rapidly and effectively striking and surprising.

The Spyderco C103 P’Kal, offers features specific to this activity but these same features also translate well for everyday carry. The CPM S30V PlainEdge blade curves to a point. When held with the tip facing downward it feels natural and comfortable making pulling, downward cuts.

Protruding from the top of the blade’s spine is a removable Emerson Opening feature. The device popularized and patented by Ernest Emerson of Emerson Knives, functions by catching the back of a pant’s pocket when drawing the knife, opening blade in the same motion. Spyderco’s P’Kal is designed for reverse grip use with a formidable choil on top of the handle that holds the little finger when gripping, affording better dexterity and control.

Spyderco’s patented Ball Bearing Lock® sits above and behind the blade. The ball bearing component is housed in a plastic cover that’s accessible for both left and right hand opening. P’Kal clips in a pocket with a steel wire clip and carries tip-up. A training version is also available and highly recommended.

Made in Golden, Colorado U.S.A Earth