- another positive acquaintance
The first in this series of knives from QSP was the model "Shark" that was followed by a bird in the shape of a "Parrot". Now it's time for yet another animal-themed knife even if it is more of a mythical character this time. We are going to spend some time with the "Phoenix". A knife that got a modern twist with it's reversed tanto blade. It has also got some military clothing in green and some black on the blade. The question is whether there is some ash to raise from and if it's a golden bird we see?
QSP QS108B "Phoenix"
The Phoenix arose from the ashes but this knife doesn't have to. The former two knives reviewed by me were quite impressive of their own. But it must be said that this knife is a step up from the Parrot. The materials in the handle and frame are the same but in this case, they are considerably more elaborate, the blade steel is a notch up in the hierarchy and the Phoenix is equipped with bearings and a decorated pivot. Overall it is a more lavish knife in comparison.
Today's review object - a sturdy flipper knife from China
Twitter version: QSP Phoenix, perhaps not a golden bird but a very sturdy woodpecker
Blade
Reversed tanto, is what this style of blade usually is referred to. You all recognize the shape from the more well known Benchmade model 940 for instance. Basically, it is a clip point where the "clipped" portion of the blade is very straight and steep. Besides lowering the tip in relation to the handle it gives a stronger tip than most clip points. The sturdy tip can be found at the end of a 9,5 cm long blade. The blade thickness is 3,5 mm and it measures 2,6 cm in height.
"Reversed Tanto" is a viable option for most tasks except for them that craves a proper belly
The steel is D2 which paired with 440C appears to be the foundation for knives made by QSP. As far as I can tell they succeeded with hardening and tempering since the knife, in this case, keeps an edge fairly well.
The knife is flat ground to almost the entire height of the blade. The factory edge was decent, sharp, even and symmetric. But when it's time to give this knife a proper sharpening I will increase the angle and put a higher primary edge on it. As per usual for modern folding knives, this knife is a tad to thick behind the edge for my taste. That makes the Phoenix quite bad for paper cutting for instance.
That is not exactly a problem per se because this knife cuts well in most other materials. It eats corrugated paper and cardboard for breakfast. Details that aids, when you have to put some force on the knife, is the width of the handle and the fact that the edge reaches almost all the way to the handle. These traits are very useful when cutting wood and other harder materials. Wood is another substance that this knife is not too bad at by the way. The edge that wasn't too fond of paper cutting suddenly has a better bite to it. It is by no means a knife for wood carving but as a larger robust EDC-knife, the Phoenix is formidable. Here the rather powerful beak of this bird excel. The strong tip penetrates well which come in handy when massacring various kinds of packages.
The Blade-steel is D2 and it can chip rather easily sometimes, the one that can be found in the
middle of the edge was discovered during the photo shoot.
The looks on this version are highlighted by black coating on the flat parts. For me, it's a redundant feature and I could as well be without it. But I must admit that black goes well with green. The coating is of some simpler variety and it makes the knife look a bit cheap. But the Phoenix can also be had with a satin finished blade if you so prefer.
Handle
A couch, well used and comfortable. That was my first impression when I held this knife for the first time. The handle really sits well in hand and doesn't cause any problems at all. The Phoenix feels especially good in saber grip since the thumb founds its natural place on top of the knife. The "jimpings" found there are more of the tactile sort than actually providing enhanced traction. The knife functions equally good in a standard hammer grip. The clip can be felt a tad if you really put force behind the cuts. A well thought through detail is the length of the handle. With 12,5 cm it's long enough to keep the somewhat pointy end out of the palm of your hand. The size also helps in accommodating bigger hands.
One thing that really contributes to the good ergonomics is the heavy chamfering of the handle slabs. It makes for a more rounded handle with an oval cross-section. To make them more visually interesting and increase traction they have some longitudinal lines milled out. The material is G10 and the knife can be had in black, desert sand or like in this case, military green.
Soothing green. The G10-sides looks nice are very comfortable to hold
One thing that really contributes to the good ergonomics is the heavy chamfering of the handle slabs. It makes for a more rounded handle with an oval cross-section. To make them more visually interesting and increase traction they have some longitudinal lines milled out. The material is G10 and the knife can be had in black, desert sand or like in this case, military green.
The frame is rather sturdy but well rounded on the inside which increases grip comfort
The Phoenix is a sturdy knife, to say the least. The frame is distinguished by three things. Firstly it's rather stout with its 2 mm thickness. Secondly, it is heavily weight relieved. Here somebody really used their CNC or laser cutter and more or less attacked the poor steel. Another detail that elevates the overall impression is how well rounded all the edges are. It can be felt when the lock bar is released, but also when the fingers slide along the belly of the handle and when the finger lands on top of the knife after the opening motion. This is an extra important feature when the frame is this palpable. Straight corners may look distinct but they are an abomination in knife handles.
As can be seen here the frame is heavily skeletonized.
Other noteworthy details are that the bearings are ceramic and that the pivots-crew is D-shaped.
Other noteworthy details are that the bearings are ceramic and that the pivots-crew is D-shaped.
At the back, you can find a backspacer that covers around half of the handle length. The handle is open enough that you can easily clean your knife by blowing compressed air through it if need be. Even if I for one claims that it is as easy to clean a folding knife with closed back. But that is the topic for another text. The backspacer is also made out of G10 and has a gear pattern.
In the stern, the Phoenix got a lanyard hole. Here it is elongated which is in harmony with the rest of the lines of the knife. It's actually almost hard to detect at first glance and that is highly appreciated by yours truly who is not the greatest fan of lanyards when not being at sea.
In the stern, the Phoenix got a lanyard hole. Here it is elongated which is in harmony with the rest of the lines of the knife. It's actually almost hard to detect at first glance and that is highly appreciated by yours truly who is not the greatest fan of lanyards when not being at sea.
Opening and lock
The Phoenix proves that even budget knives can be speedy. It's all about good geometry and yes, perhaps about some solid bearings too. This knife offers both. The bearings, as well as the detent ball, are made out of some sort of ceramic material. Phoenix also has a very proud fin that sticks out quite a bit. The result is, however, a flipper-knife that is almost opened intuitively. You can't misfire this knife since it doesn't matter from which angle you hit the flipper. Button- or light switch opening, both work equally well. The knife can be turned sideways or upside down, it opens anyway.
The flipper tab is very good for opening the knife. As a consequence, it is not as good in the pocket
The Phoenix also comes equipped with a very secure lock. The "no-nonsense" kind, a kind I really appreciate on a knife made for actual work. This sort is of course not viewed as luxurious as its cousin the titanium frame lock. But when a liner lock is made this beefy and the entire lock bar is in contact with the blade it is basically as strong and you eliminate many of the problems associated with its relative.
A powerful liner lock which inspires confidence
The recess in the opposite handle side makes for easy access of the lockbar
To disengage the lock is as easy as it should be. The access is facilitated by a recess in the opposite handle slab and the lock bar itself has some jimpings to prevent slippage. But not the kind that eats fingers for breakfast, good. No negatives there either.
To carry
Well, I guess a knife must have some drawbacks or at least areas where it doesn't shine. But the Phoenix isn't that bad. It's just a rather voluminous knife equipped with a flipper, that's all. With that, I mean that an ergonomic handle also brings some negatives. One of them is that this handle is 1,5 cm thick. The weight is kept reasonably respectable at 144 g thanks to the weight relieved inside and the heavy chamfering. Less material contributes to less weight simply put. But no matter how you look at it this knife ain't no featherweight.
A good clip that would have been even better with counter sunk screw heads
And then, of course, this knife is a flipper and that damned flipper tab is protruding. It can't be denied and the result is that you either have to dedicate an entire pocket to the knife or let it scuff anything in the vicinity. Or at least attack your hand every time it picks up the keys that the knife share room with. It's all in the nature of the flipper and this knife is no exception.
The clip itself is good. It isn't remarkable in any way not negatively nor positively. It's there and it's functioning. The knife rides rather deep but some handle is showing for the ones that prefer to have some extra material to hold on to. When doing so the extra screw heads on the opposite side helps with traction. It's the screws holding the plate that covers the unused holes for the clip. It can thus be shifted from right to the left side.
To conclude
QSP is a brand going from clarity to clarity. The knives I tested from them thus far not only shows good quality but also sound design. They bring to the table simple, straightforward knives with an excellent function at a surprisingly decent price. If they continue like this the other Chinese manufacturers and brands like Kershaw have to watch out. For now, they stay in the lower price segments. Something I actually really appreciates. The question is if the market really needs more "TFFs" aiming for the top. Some other brands from the big country in the east I've been testing as of late have been a bit too trendy and focused more on making good looking and contemporary knives that proper cutting tools I believe.
The Phoenix doesn't make a fool of itself aesthetically either
Phoenix deviates significantly from that phenomenon and we are instead given a practical knife in the larger EDC-knives category. It may not offer vanity or luxury but instead, it shows that with an ergonomic handle, a good blade shape, and really good "action" you go a long way. Especially since it is combined with good quality control and a solid build from the base up.
The material used and the construction isn't extreme in any way but purposeful and gives you: weight relieved steel frame, ceramic bearings, a flipper, vaulted G10 sides, and a blade in D2-steel. A solid mix aiming at good performance.
The material used and the construction isn't extreme in any way but purposeful and gives you: weight relieved steel frame, ceramic bearings, a flipper, vaulted G10 sides, and a blade in D2-steel. A solid mix aiming at good performance.
QSP Phoenix is an excellent EDC-knife in the medium to big category
This model can, therefore, be highly recommended for the ones who are looking for a solid knife that can be used and used quite hard. And that for a price that doesn't break the bank. If you like your flippers with reversed tanto blades, buy it!
QSPs product page can be found here!
Specification:
Length overall: 220 mm
Length folded: 125 mm
Weight: 144 g
Blade length: 95 mm
Blade thickness: mm
Blade Steel: D2
Handle: G10 on a steel frame
Lock: liner lock
Produced by: QSP, made in China
/ J - the birdwatcher
#knivesandbikes #aliaspostmortem #knivigtvarre
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