Knife review QSP Copperhead

-  Copperhead, a sharp way to succéss

The fourth knife. It sounds like the title of a movie or perhaps a detective story. But in this case, it's the order of my meetings with QSP as a brand. Today's chapter has got the subtitle "Copperhead". I really don't know why. There is a classical knife pattern with that name but those knives have a profile that reminds om said snake. Here it is a bit more unclear why the knife is named the way it is. Anyhow, let's find out if there is any bite in this beast!

QSP QS109-A "Copperhead"

The Copperhead got me hooked from the very beginning just watching pictures online. What lured me in was the slightly curved back of the handle that promised good ergonomics and the blade shape which oozed practicality. Additionally, it has a nice pair of thumb studs instead of a flipper tab. I'm odd that way but I actually prefer that opening method for a couple of reasons. I also happen to think that this knife looks good. The knife thus has a couple of things going for it. If you add material and price to the equation you got an interesting piece of cutlery. In my eyes, knives should either be practical or so "fun" that they have other more diffuse advantages. 

A profile that caught my eye

Twitter version: QSP Copperhead, a snake that might bite you

Blade

Here we go again. Less is often more and quite often also the right way to go. That is definitely true for the blade of this knife. A drop point with such a subtle downward curve that it is close to what is usually referred to as a "straight" blade shape. The grind is flat to about three-quarters of the height of the blade. The knife doesn't have any swedge or the like but the back is a bit chamfered and rounded off towards the handle. One nice detail that is there for looks only is the contrast between the stone washed flats and the satin of the grinds. On the presentation side, the flaming QSP logo can be found and on the opposite the blade steel. 

 A blade shape that offers a strong tip, a belly and some straight edge to work with

The steel choice is one of my favorites in the more budget-friendly category of knives, steel from my parts of the world - Sandvik 14C28N. Many might be familiar with this steel since it's a development of the classic 12C27 that can be found in most Mora knives and basically every modern French cutlery in existence. The 14C-steel was developed in cooperation with Kershaw. Its general benefits are ease of sharpening, corrosion resistance and that it gets really sharp and holds that edge for a decent amount of time. Sure, there are better steels out there but I think the steel snobbery when it comes to modern folding knives have gone way too far. Anyway, I prefer this over the Chinese 8Cr13MoV since that steel in my experience are very prone to rust despite being "stainless".

QSP has been generous with the steel in this case. The Copperhead has a proper blade. The length is a tad bit over nine centimeters, it is 28 millimeters high and the thickness is 3 millimeters. The blade has a very small ricasso and the edge extends almost all the way to the handle. That gives a very good edge to blade length ratio but most importantly good control close to the handle.

The steel is Swedish as you can see and the blade has 
a sharpening choil to facilitate future sharpening

The latter is extra important when you have to put some force behind cuts. As in kindling some wood for a fire. That was noticeable the other day when I went out in the woods to grill a few hot dogs with my bonus son and on such occasions, a proper fire is a necessity. Both for some live coal and because it's cozy. Since it was knife testing time the Copperhead acted as a stand-in for my go to Mora Companion. It did so with flying colors. It feels strong and secure and the edge angle bites in wood surprisingly well. The knife is sturdy and the rather wide handle enable you to bear down on the knife. Relatively that is, it's still a folder so when some more gnarly pieces were processed I changed to my Karesuandokniven Oraka. A knife with a shorter blade than the Copperhead despite being a fixed blade. The handle of that knife is about the same length but there is a significant difference.

The handle on that knife is much more rounded. A property that is important when it comes to using knives harder. Most handles on folders are too squarish in profile for that kind of tasks which creates hot spots. That goes for the Copperhead as well.

When it comes to most other tasks this snake is at home. Ok, it's not a kitchen knife that must be said once and for all. But as a larger all-rounder and EDC-knife, it is excellent. The usual cardboard-killing is handled with panache and the same goes for rags and other softer materials. The nice action also makes small tasks enjoyable. You pull the knife, open the blade, remove the annoying clothing label on the new t-shirt and let the knife disappear again.

Also heavier tasks such as dealing with our cracked garden hose, trim a few bushes and manhandle an old piece of carpet it dealt with ease. The tip is by the way strong enough to withstand some prying. Which can be of certain interest if something is going to be picked out of wherever it's hiding, especially from a piece of wood. In this case a tip from an older throwing knife that was buried in a chopping block used as a target.

Handle

The hefty steel frame of the Copperhead looks like framework on the inside which makes for a lighter knife. The pattern seems to be about the same as in the earlier reviewed Phoenix so it seems to be something that QSP is aiming for. I believe that it is a necessity in this case since the knife is no flyweight anyway. Furthermore, it is extra important in this case because it gives Copperhead a very neutral point of balance. If such a big knife is back heavy it might feel clumsy. Now, the knife is perceived as relatively nimble especially in relation to size.

It was the shape of the handle that attracted me from the beginning. An arched back, plenty of space 
and vaulted sides made out of G10 promised good ergonomics

The handle slabs are made of quite elaborated pieces of G10. The surface has two distinct textures which give the illusion of bolsters. That is done by giving the front and back ends some milled grooves which also adds traction. Between these areas, the material is smoother but instead has been rounded off by heavy chamfering at the top and bottom. That shape together with the arched back is the features that give the knife its good ergonomics.

Thankfully the strong steel frame has been skeletonized as can be seen here

In hand, the Copperhead is pure joy. The ample handle fills the hand well and the simple shape doesn't favor or discredit any particular grip. To increase traction there are some "jimpings" every here and there. Some at the frame where your pinky rests, on the back of the blade, some on the lock arm and the backspacer has some gear pattern. The grooves have been kept civilized in this case, they don't attack your hand but just aids in getting a more secure grip.

The length of the handle accommodate space for the entire hand and at least my fingers are long enough so that my fingertips rest in the chamfered area on the handle when they reach around. The shape of the handle forms a minor finger guard and a "beak at the back that prevents from slipping. 

In fact, there are no real hotspots or uncomfortable details on this knife. Or almost none is more honest. The clip, which in general can create issues do stay put or rather hides in the palm of the hand without causing any particular trouble. But the knife is a liner lock and sometimes that results in a somewhat sharp handle slab because of how thin it has to be where it meets the lock bar. That is the case here as well. That is something I'm going to fix with a bit of sandpaper. It will, of course, remain thin but I will round it a bit more. Another detail is the "beak" of the handle that can be felt if you hold the knife in reverse grip, as in whittling towards you. Otherwise a very comfortable handle. 

Opening and lock 

Copperhead is opened via thumb studs and by no other means could be emphasized. The strong detent makes two-handed opening virtually impossible. It also makes this knife feel almost like a flipper when opened. When the detent let go of the blade it really propels out. It is almost hard to open this knife with a slow roll. Especially since it is running on bearings. To be true I personally would have preferred bushings on such a sturdy knife. But the ceramic ball bearings works just fine. 

Thanks to the heavy chamfering of the handle and good shape the thumb studs are easily accessible. 
They are placed a little too far out on the blade though

From a functional standpoint, the thumb studs are good to go. They are long enough to offer a solid grip but short enough not to extend outside the handle. The shape is also decent, they look like something in between a classic pyramid shape and more barrel-shaped versions.

But they could be placed closer to the handle. They are a bit far out on the blade, not that they cause any real problems by being in the cutting path but still. This is a critique on a detailed level though. Most times that is where you end up when the overall impressions are good. 

Here you can see the lock up but also how thin the G10 is at the lock side 
and furthermore, how well rounded all the steel parts are on this knife

The liner lock matches the rest of the knife in that it is plenty strong and simplistic. Actually, this knife feels even sturdier than the previous presented Phoenix. Copperhead is totally rigid sideways and there is no sign of blade play in any direction. Not even if you apply negative pressure on the blade or if it is provoked sideways as in loosening the blade from wood it causes any problems. The latter is a rather important quality in a larger folding I think. Especially here in Scandinavia where we seem to be rather keen on cutting and carving wood. Perhaps because most of us don't live in really big cities and nature, therefore, is always present and that influences how many of us use our knives.

The lock is a breeze to disengage. I found that especially important when doing "EDC-based" tasks when you pull the knife, making a quick cut or two and then put it away again. In those situations, you don't want to fipple with a lock bar that is hard to reach or too powerful. 

To Carry

Copperhead is a chubby little thing, there is no polite way to say it and that, of course, makes it less than optimal to carry. The handle length is just shy of twelve centimeters and the thickness is 1,5 centimeters. Add to that a weight around 150 grams which is borderline heavy. Not over the limit since it is an overall large knife and offers a 9 cm blade as "payment" for the actual weight. A part of the equation that must always be taken into consideration. But all in all, this is a knife that demands its space there in the right front pocket of your jeans.

A strong clip that shows some knife and unfortunately has a tip that rebelliously points outwards

The back is as said before slightly arched and there are no protruding parts, read "flipper tabs", which combined with the rather slick G10 makes the knife slide in place rather effortless. There is nothing with teeth that gnarl on your pockets either a k a jimpings.

And this is how it looks in a pocket

I must admit that the clip is not one of my favorites. From a functional perspective, it is okay, the knife can both be put away and pulled and there is no risk of losing it. Good tension, a length that is about right paired with the weight of the knife ensures that.

But I like my knives riding a little deeper. The lip of the clip is also a tad too small for my liking and it could be less pointy. Make the tip more parallel to the handle and increase the height of the clip slightly and you get rid of that pointy feeling and make it easier for the clip to handle thicker fabrics at the same time. 

To Conclude

Maybe it's understandable that Copperhead is a knife that speaks to me since the overall design language actually feels quite familiar. Take a second look at the profile, remove the thumb studs and make it a fixed blade and what do you get? You end up with one piece of Scandinavian hunting or outdoors knife instead. This from a modern Chinese folding knife. Such things just make you happy!

QSP Copperhead, a Chinese craving a Swedish Cinnamon bun. An Asian with almost Scandinavian features

Is it better than the by me previously reviewed Phoenix? Perhaps, it depends, is the somewhat inconclusive answer. To me, this knife is in some ways more appealing. Personally, I actually prefer 14C28N over D2 as blade steel, the handle is a tad more comfortable and I'm also one of few it seems that actually choose thumb studs over flippers given the choice. But that is just my preferences and the knives are basically equally good. They are both solid offerings.

But the knife collector looking for something that makes a strong statement and offers exciting details or new technical solutions may pass on this one. That is something of the dilemma when it comes to modern folding knives. No matter actual color they can feel a bit beige so to speak, they are seldom unique enough. That and the overly thick behind the edge-problem speaks against them in general. To be frank it feels like knives had more uniqueness back in the days. Just take a look at the rich and varied range of regional knives from both Italy and France as an example, they often offer both practicality and personality.

From a practical standpoint, a modern folder is preferable in all other respects though. That goes for Copperhead as well which is a really well thought through concept, maybe except for the bearings but that is up for debate, both in regards to material and design. 

Sure, Copperhead makes for a good EDC-knife but I almost prefer it in the woods

That also means that the target audience for this knife is basically the same as for the earlier reviewed knives from QSP. The ones looking for a sturdy partner for various cutting tasks in your everyday life. The differences can mainly be found in Copperheads more traditional blade shape which gives that belly you don't get with the Phoenix and of course, that this is not a flipper knife. Otherwise, the quality is the same and the Copperhead is a really sturdy and well-built knife. It can be used for hard work and doesn't make a fool of itself around the campfire either. It is a big and serious folding knife capable of most things. If that is what you're looking for at a reasonable price this is a candidate to consider.

QSP product homepage

Specification:

Length Overall: 210 mm
Length Folded: 118 mm
Weight: 151 g
Blade Length: 92 mm
Blade thickness: mm
Blade Steel: 14C28N
Handle: G10 on a steel frame
Lock: Linerlock

Produced by: QSP, made in China


/ J - the snake charmer

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