Just to mention, I´m very happy with all the Spyderco-SlipIts, which are (not only in the UK) also legal in Germany. Would, of course, appreciate premium-versions (sprint runs) of the UKPK or the Urban.
Are they? Yes. Maybe.
However, the administrative court VG Wiesbaden (Urt. v. 08.02.2016, Az.: 6 K 1456/15.WI) declared that the Böker Griploc is a "Einhandmesser" in terms of § 42a Abs. 1 Nr. 3 WaffG. They implied that nearly all knives that allow single handed opening can be regarded as "Einhandmesser" and that there is no need for a locking mechanism.
The second headnote of the verdict:
"Auf eine „Arretierung“ für die Beurteilung eines Messers als Einhandmesser kommt es nicht an. Entscheidend ist vielmehr, dass durch die Technik des Messers – hier Umfassen des Griffes ein Rückklappen der Klinge nicht mehr möglich ist und damit ein Einklappen des Messers bei normalem Gebrauch verhindert wird."
(rough) translation:
"A locking one hand opening knife [in terms of § 42a Abs. 1 Nr. 3 WaffG] doesn't need to have a locking mechanism that snaps in. It is sufficient that the design of the knife prevents folding the knife in normal use - here by putting your hand around the knife's grip and thereby preventing the blade to fold back."
Now we all know that the Böker Griploc has a rather advanced mechanical system that works like a temporal lock whereas the Spyderco slip joints are held open by the force of the spring and mainly by your index finger. However the VG Wiesbaden also says that:
"So erscheint es dem Gericht auch zweifelhaft, ob der Gesetzgeber nicht auch Rasiermesser, wie sie von Barbieren benutzt werden, unter die Definition des § 42a Abs. 1 Ziffer 3 1. Alternative WaffG fallen lassen wollte, wenn das Messer durch eine entsprechende Handumschließung, in dem Fall Festhaltung durch Daumen, "feststellbar" ist."
The court thinks that even razor knifes are "Einhandmesser" in terms of the law because they can be "locked" by holding them open with your thumb. The same would apply for Spyderco's slip joints and ultimately any knife that can be opened with one hand and that allows you to hold the blade open by it's design.
Now this is only one verdict of a lower administrative court but it shows a trend and will be considered in future trials. It backs up those who said that the Spyderco slip joint knives are "Einhandmesser" in the past.
I won't risk this kind of trouble and thus I would appreciate it if Spyderco asks for a "Feststellungsbescheid" or - better yet - releases a two hand opening locking folder.
I would suggest a not too heavy (max 100g) knife with a blade length of at least about 7cm. That could fill a gap that we have between the light knives with tiny blades and the big but heavy knives we have in the two hand opening category in Germany today.