- a platform to build on
Today's review object feels like a natural development of QSPs more budget-friendly offerings. Among them, you find knives like the earlier reviewed Parrot. A knife I appreciated for its straight forward approach. But there is no doubt in my mind that it is made for competing with other somewhat simpler knives like the Ka-Bar Dozier or the OKC RAT2.
This knife is, according to me, a step above and a more advanced knife in some ways. Perhaps not so much in materials as in design.
This knife is, according to me, a step above and a more advanced knife in some ways. Perhaps not so much in materials as in design.
QSP 112-A Piglet
Piglet is a knife from a to me unknown inhouse-designer working for QSP. But the person concerned succeded. That I can tell you without revealing too much in advance.
What we have before us is, how shall I put it, a very sound knife. The materials are well chosen and machined to create an affordable knife with some finesse and great potential as a platform. It seems QSP thinks so too since this model besides this basic version also can be had in a limited edition with Damascus blade combined with a handle with Raffir Noble scales. In that implementation, it's definitely not a budget knife anymore I might add.
What we have before us is, how shall I put it, a very sound knife. The materials are well chosen and machined to create an affordable knife with some finesse and great potential as a platform. It seems QSP thinks so too since this model besides this basic version also can be had in a limited edition with Damascus blade combined with a handle with Raffir Noble scales. In that implementation, it's definitely not a budget knife anymore I might add.
Better knife, Better life, that's what QSP claims and who am I to disagree?
Twitter version: QSP - Piglet with potential
Blade
If the mother of all knife-blades is a "straight" one I guess the father must be "drop points". This is a good example of such a blade. Piglet offers a blade length of slightly under eight centimeters with a height of 2,6 centimeters and a blade thickness of around three millimeters. Nothing out of the ordinary.
The blade finish is a satin, no more no less. There are no extra elements added in order to make the blade look special on this version. And that is not needed. What makes this blade look good is the well-balanced proportions. They are enhanced by the sweeping plunge line which mirrors the shape of the blade and also the knife as a whole.
The blade finish is a satin, no more no less. There are no extra elements added in order to make the blade look special on this version. And that is not needed. What makes this blade look good is the well-balanced proportions. They are enhanced by the sweeping plunge line which mirrors the shape of the blade and also the knife as a whole.
The blade is a basic drop point
The material, Sandvik 14C28N is one of my favorites among so-called "budget steels". I put that expression within citation marks. I'm not particularly fond of that categorization since there is a danger in using such terms casually. But given the price level, it's not one of the more exclusive steels. However, as I see it, it's very well-balanced in terms of taking and holding an edge versus toughness and corrosion resistance. 14C28N is not super steel by any means and can't compete with them in the edge holding department. But a property it shares with more expensive materials such as CPM S30V and S35VN is that it's developed as dedicated knife steel and, not for any other industrial cutting tasks. It makes for a bigger body of knowledge when it comes to usage in this context. That increases the chance of success for knifemakers. More exotic and thereby less used steel is more of a gamble.
The factory edge on this specimen was decent without being extraordinary good. Centered and fairly consistent and sharp enough to shave hair but not entirely without pressure, if you know what I mean. The existing sharpening notch is almost correct executed. A couple of more millimeters and it would have kept clear of the plunge line entirely. As is there is an ever so slight slope towards the heal of the blade.
Piglet is otherwise rather thin behind the edge. Something that is helpful when you cut into materials like double-walled cardboard and other materials that isn't as flexible as thinner paper.
The factory edge on this specimen was decent without being extraordinary good. Centered and fairly consistent and sharp enough to shave hair but not entirely without pressure, if you know what I mean. The existing sharpening notch is almost correct executed. A couple of more millimeters and it would have kept clear of the plunge line entirely. As is there is an ever so slight slope towards the heal of the blade.
Piglet is otherwise rather thin behind the edge. Something that is helpful when you cut into materials like double-walled cardboard and other materials that isn't as flexible as thinner paper.
A flat ground blade in Sandvik 14C28N
The blade shape gives this knife away just by looking at it. Piglet is a user with a broad assortment of tasks in mind. A similar shape can be found on many competent small fixed blade knives as well. Think Fallkniven VM1 just to name one. The shape is well proven and works for most smaller jobs.
Occasionally I stated that some knives behave the way they look. That really applies in this case. Piglet is a knife that works in most materials and in a way you can expect from a well-made pocket knife. Especially nice was to discover that it works more than decent in woodcutting and carving, both fresh and dried wood. That certainly makes life easier when you bring your knife out on camping and hiking adventures. At least in these parts of the world you must be able to handle wood. A fun fact, about 70% of Sweden's land area is covered in forests.
The tip is more of a precision tool than a pry bar on this knife. The flat ground makes it less strong than say on a typical scandi-grind knife. But in return, you get a blade that is significantly better at field cooking and other cutting tasks which is favored by less steep angles.
Occasionally I stated that some knives behave the way they look. That really applies in this case. Piglet is a knife that works in most materials and in a way you can expect from a well-made pocket knife. Especially nice was to discover that it works more than decent in woodcutting and carving, both fresh and dried wood. That certainly makes life easier when you bring your knife out on camping and hiking adventures. At least in these parts of the world you must be able to handle wood. A fun fact, about 70% of Sweden's land area is covered in forests.
The tip is more of a precision tool than a pry bar on this knife. The flat ground makes it less strong than say on a typical scandi-grind knife. But in return, you get a blade that is significantly better at field cooking and other cutting tasks which is favored by less steep angles.
Handle
If you look at this handle you are struck by one of few and the most obvious decorative element on this knife. That is the two-colored G10. Piglet can be had in this beige/black version or in green/black if you so prefer. And then, of course, you have the before mentioned limited edition with Raffir Noble for those who like a little more bling in their life.
The other palpable attribute is the overall rounded shape of this handle. It feels as it looks, round and soft. Perhaps it feels the way a Piglet looks? Food for thought.
The ergonomics on this knife is excellent. Besides sweeping lines that is achieved by chamfering and softening all edges on the frame. But the foremost secret behind the comfortable grip is the vaulted sides. The G10-sides are heavily 3-D shaped and that is not too common in a price class where slab sides dominate. Time is money and each moment, like shaping G10, costs in terms of production time.
The other palpable attribute is the overall rounded shape of this handle. It feels as it looks, round and soft. Perhaps it feels the way a Piglet looks? Food for thought.
The ergonomics on this knife is excellent. Besides sweeping lines that is achieved by chamfering and softening all edges on the frame. But the foremost secret behind the comfortable grip is the vaulted sides. The G10-sides are heavily 3-D shaped and that is not too common in a price class where slab sides dominate. Time is money and each moment, like shaping G10, costs in terms of production time.
The well-shaped handle has sides in two-colored G10
The base of this knife is a well-made steel frame insofar that it's properly weight relieved and rounded. The open construction is held together with two screws beside the pivot. The size of screws is for this size of knife rather standardized T6. So far my experience with hardware from QSP is positive. But I wouldn't mind a size bigger screw heads. If you are going to take your knife apart it's always better with somewhat sturdier dimensions to avoid stripping the screws. That is especially true for a user like the Piglet.
The frame is standing proud over the sides and is very well
chamfered and polished
The blade runs on phosphor bronze washers and the frame is, as can be seen, heavily
weight relieved
The liners stand proud and letterbox the scales. I know there are different opinions about that way of making handles but it for sure makes the handle more rounded. Personally, I don't mind but I've heard that some simply put think it looks ugly.
Ergonomics are as said good and most grips work really well even if hammer- and saber grips are favored. Pinch grips, for instance, doesn't feel completely natural with thumb studs in general and the same goes for this knife.
A thing I like is that the somewhat wider handle makes for less pressure against your hand and your little finger while cutting. Especially when you are applying some force in a hammer grip, think as in cutting wood. The Piglet also works just fine in reversed grip with the edge facing towards you. Something that can be useful when carving for instance. The rounded handle fit at least my hand very well and the clip is hardly noticeable. I write hardly as it actually can be felt if you really squeeze the handle. The tip is pointing outwards too much to be totally anonymous. That can be bettered.
Piglet is well balanced without being perfect. The point of balance is found at the back end of the finger choil. That combined with a weight of just around 100 grams makes for a knife that feels lively in hand.
Ergonomics are as said good and most grips work really well even if hammer- and saber grips are favored. Pinch grips, for instance, doesn't feel completely natural with thumb studs in general and the same goes for this knife.
A thing I like is that the somewhat wider handle makes for less pressure against your hand and your little finger while cutting. Especially when you are applying some force in a hammer grip, think as in cutting wood. The Piglet also works just fine in reversed grip with the edge facing towards you. Something that can be useful when carving for instance. The rounded handle fit at least my hand very well and the clip is hardly noticeable. I write hardly as it actually can be felt if you really squeeze the handle. The tip is pointing outwards too much to be totally anonymous. That can be bettered.
Piglet is well balanced without being perfect. The point of balance is found at the back end of the finger choil. That combined with a weight of just around 100 grams makes for a knife that feels lively in hand.
Opening and lock
By now you have to include thumb studs when talking about basic ways of opening a folding knife. Not as classic as two-handed slip joints but that is just a matter of time. That's my way of saying that the method is simple, it works and it won't go away.
The thumb studs are well placed, accessible and mostly out of the way when the knife is used
The thumb studs work especially well on this knife. How the studs are positioned and the good accessibility enables both finger flicking as well as a calm and quiet opening of the blade. That is an option I want to see. Too me it is important since Piglet is a knife I see in an everyday context were you not always want to demonstrate to the whole world that you got a knife in your hand. Discretion can be a virtue. Especially in these times when so many unfortenately perceive a tool as a weapon.
The shape of the studs is soft enough to not bite your thumb in a CRK-fashion. These pyramids are more rounded.
The shape of the studs is soft enough to not bite your thumb in a CRK-fashion. These pyramids are more rounded.
The lock does what it is supposed to
Safety is provided by a liner lock in steel. Usually, that is a very reliable way of constructing a lock. That is true for Piglet too even if I have some negative to say about the execution. It may have to do with the very rounded and polished surfaces.
The access is exemplary with a recess on the opposite side and a chamfered lock bar. No objections there. The same goes for the function itself. The lock never fails to engage and don't slip under negative pressure. Thus, there is no risk of the knife closing on you while in normal use.
But I've heard others talking about a little vertical play in the blade and it's true for this knife as well. There is, though a very minor, play in the blade. Not so much that is felt during use, luckily enough since that's something I can't stand. It can only be felt by holding the knife firmly and provoke the tip. But for the connoisseur that can be an issue. I solved it by disassemble the knife and increase the lock bar tension just a notch.
The access is exemplary with a recess on the opposite side and a chamfered lock bar. No objections there. The same goes for the function itself. The lock never fails to engage and don't slip under negative pressure. Thus, there is no risk of the knife closing on you while in normal use.
But I've heard others talking about a little vertical play in the blade and it's true for this knife as well. There is, though a very minor, play in the blade. Not so much that is felt during use, luckily enough since that's something I can't stand. It can only be felt by holding the knife firmly and provoke the tip. But for the connoisseur that can be an issue. I solved it by disassemble the knife and increase the lock bar tension just a notch.
To Carry
In a pocket, Piglet is both very likable and very visible. One thing positive, the other not so much. As mentioned it doesn't weigh much and the entire knife is rounded when closed. So far so good.
But the clip isn't the best I've ever used. Partly because of the placement which is a result of the tapered handle. When you to that add a lanyard hole the result is a clip that shows pretty much knife. And it is really shiny. These two details, unfortunately, scream "knife".
Then the deadly sin of angling the tip of the clip slightly outward is committed. It shall be parallel with the handle to be less of a nuisance for the surroundings, cathing things, scratching car doors, etc. Back to the drawing board!
Left-handed people or the ones who just want to carry their knife that way will have a hard time since the position of the clip can't be altered. This knife is carried tip-up, right side only.
Then the deadly sin of angling the tip of the clip slightly outward is committed. It shall be parallel with the handle to be less of a nuisance for the surroundings, cathing things, scratching car doors, etc. Back to the drawing board!
Left-handed people or the ones who just want to carry their knife that way will have a hard time since the position of the clip can't be altered. This knife is carried tip-up, right side only.
I certainly wouldn't mind a bit more discreet carry.
The very shiny clip is quite visible
Otherwise, the function itself is there. Spring tension is good and the space beneath it is adequate. The Piglet doesn't want to escape and lure it from its hide-out is easy. Similarly, the Piglet is well trained when it's prompted to disappear back to the sty after the chores are done.
To Conclude
Piglet doesn't really stand out in a crowd. Be it literally or figuratively. It's a rather streamlined design and not remarkable in that way. The strength of the knife is instead found in several minor details done right. That affects the end result that feels solid, but not astonishing. In 2019 there are a lot of good knives to chose from so it is not easy to get excited. But it's still a smart designed and well-built knife that is a good value.
An example of choices made is the use of thumb studs instead of flipper opening. They may not be as flashy as say a spring-loaded disappearing flipper tab. But a good option in this context. Thumb studs are not complicated and they just work. Especially if they have the right shape and are placed correctly. That is what characterizes this model. Details that are right for the purpose and price range.
An example of choices made is the use of thumb studs instead of flipper opening. They may not be as flashy as say a spring-loaded disappearing flipper tab. But a good option in this context. Thumb studs are not complicated and they just work. Especially if they have the right shape and are placed correctly. That is what characterizes this model. Details that are right for the purpose and price range.
This applies not least to the blade shape. The Piglet is not a collectors knife and therefore requires a functional blade. Much more so than knives that mainly are made to look good and being flicked sitting in front of the TV. Therefore QSP went with a harmonious drop point.
The steel is also well-chosen. I for one prefer 14C28N over the now so popular D2 on budget knives. Simply because it gives good performance while being stainless which D2 is not. The Sandvik steel, therefore, requires less maintenance. Hot summer days with the knife in pockets near the body and some salty bath in the sea are not D2-steel's best friends.
Latte colored knife. If you so wish it can also be had in green or in a luxury version with Raffir Noble scales
Then the list goes on with more care of details. The steel frame is weight relieved instead of solid. QSP uses phosphor bronze instead of nylon for bushings. The double-sided pivot screw is D-shaped in order not to spin freely. Furthermore, the sides are made out of G10 and not FRN and they are not slab-sided but 3-D shaped for increased comfort. The spacers in the handle are shaped, not straight and they are also screwed from two sides instead of one.
Foremost simplicity is in focus but not even this most basic model lacks visual interest. In this case, the two-toned G10 gives something for the eye. They could have chosen monochrome but they didn't.
Foremost simplicity is in focus but not even this most basic model lacks visual interest. In this case, the two-toned G10 gives something for the eye. They could have chosen monochrome but they didn't.
Piglet, an excellent little workhorse that with its sweeping lines don't look too bad either
What Piglet perhaps lacks in this configuration is a bit of "wow-factor". But that isn't the kind of knife this is anyway. We are instead talking about a sturdy pocket companion in the middle- to the smaller format. A little workhorse that can do some prolonged cutting if need be. That's the reason you get more of a "this is going to work"-feeling rather than "wow" when you grip the knife. That is, by the way, an impression that grows over time carrying and using the Piglet. I must say I prefer this development to the contrary. A knife that you initially likes but then seldom use. This knife does what it's supposed to do and it does it well.
Piglet is a reliable everyday companion that I highly recommend for the ones looking for a utilitarian knife that is both well made and cost relatively little. It is simply put, worth its price.
Piglet is a reliable everyday companion that I highly recommend for the ones looking for a utilitarian knife that is both well made and cost relatively little. It is simply put, worth its price.
Specification:
Length Open: 181 mm
Length Folded: 102 mm
Weight: 100 g
Blade Length: 79 mm
Blade thickness: 3,2 mm
Blade Steel: Sandvik 14C28N
Handle: G10 on a steel frame
Lock: Liner lock
Produced by: QSP, made in China
/ J - the pig herder
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