- the return of the Wharncliffe
In another review of a knife from QSP with the same basic blade shape, I said that I will return to the subject with an ever more typical Wharncliffe. It was this knife, called "Pelican", I had in mind. In this case, you get a really striking blade of that variety attached to a very comfortable handle. That combination provides a good foundation for a sympathetic knife, at least for those who appreciate their long straight edges.
QSP 118-B Pelican
As is the case with the Locust, the Pelican can be had in a couple of different versions. This configuration has a gray handle and can be had with or without the two-toned blade. The alternative is a brown handle. This model is a step up in the model program compared with Locust as it has better steel.
Otherwise, as usual with flipper-knives from QSP, the knife comes equipped with ceramic bearings and detent-ball. The frame is weight-relieved and on the handle, you find QSPs interpretation of Micarta called Flax. It seems logical since it's variation of a linen Micarta.
A typical and quite impressive Wharncliffe-blade
Twitter version: I didn't know I was such an ornithologist. But this Pelican from QSP can breed in my neighborhood anytime.
Otherwise, as usual with flipper-knives from QSP, the knife comes equipped with ceramic bearings and detent-ball. The frame is weight-relieved and on the handle, you find QSPs interpretation of Micarta called Flax. It seems logical since it's variation of a linen Micarta.
Twitter version: I didn't know I was such an ornithologist. But this Pelican from QSP can breed in my neighborhood anytime.
Blade
This Pelican lives up to its name with a particularly striking beak. The blade on this knife is a generous Wharncliffe that measures 92 mm in length and is 29 mm high. The proportions and the way the back arches down towards the tip almost makes this blade looks a bit "Sheepsfooty". But unlike that blade shape, this has a pronounced tip. A tip that is both effective and strong.
In this version, the blade is also characterized by the two-tone finish. As mentioned earlier, the blade is also available with a semi-polished satin for those who prefer a slightly more traditional look on their knife.
The color is both found on the rounded spine of the blade and on the primary edge bevel. The blade has a saber grind that reaches about two-third of the height. That makes for a good cutter but still leaves plenty of material at the spine which gives a very strong blade.
Otherwise, it can be stated that QSP is starting to become good at labeling. A reduced version of their logo can be found on one side and on the other the steel grade. That text is also modest in size.
A Wharncliffe blade gives a long straight edge and a tip that is positioned low. The look
is enhanced by a distinct two-tone finish
There is not much to say about the blade steel used. It is, as far as I can tell, a well-treated piece of CPM S35VN. Quality steel from American Crucible. The factory edge was exemplary, even in height, symmetrical and sharp. The knife cut hair with ease and the initial paper cutting test was answered with a light hissing as the blade passed through the material.
The steel is the eminent S35VN
Put to work, this knife is more of a horse than a bird. A workhorse plain and simple. A blade with a long straight edge to work with as well as a comfortable handle is a nice symbiosis. But I can't agree with those who claim that straight edges are superior for EDC-tasks. Besides lacking the belly for sweeping cuts, they make it impossible to use more than the outer portion of the blade and the tip when cutting against flat surfaces, like cutting boards. That is especially true for flipper operated knives. In the long run that leads to uneven wear but, but above all you can't use all of that nice long edge.
In return, the advantage with straight edges is that the tip bites harder the longer the cuts are. The angle of the blade becomes more aggressive towards the end of the cut. Knives with a belly give longer edges to work with but don't have the same attack towards whatever you are cutting. That's why Stanley knives and the like have straight edges. In practice, that means that opening boxes and cutting tape is a breeze with this knife.
The blade shape also gives a tip that is easy to use since it is positioned low relative to the hand. Compared to the opposite, a "Trailing point", this tip is much easier to use in penetrating cuts, to drill in wood or just remove a splinter.
In this version, the blade is also characterized by the two-tone finish. As mentioned earlier, the blade is also available with a semi-polished satin for those who prefer a slightly more traditional look on their knife.
The color is both found on the rounded spine of the blade and on the primary edge bevel. The blade has a saber grind that reaches about two-third of the height. That makes for a good cutter but still leaves plenty of material at the spine which gives a very strong blade.
Otherwise, it can be stated that QSP is starting to become good at labeling. A reduced version of their logo can be found on one side and on the other the steel grade. That text is also modest in size.
is enhanced by a distinct two-tone finish
In return, the advantage with straight edges is that the tip bites harder the longer the cuts are. The angle of the blade becomes more aggressive towards the end of the cut. Knives with a belly give longer edges to work with but don't have the same attack towards whatever you are cutting. That's why Stanley knives and the like have straight edges. In practice, that means that opening boxes and cutting tape is a breeze with this knife.
The blade shape also gives a tip that is easy to use since it is positioned low relative to the hand. Compared to the opposite, a "Trailing point", this tip is much easier to use in penetrating cuts, to drill in wood or just remove a splinter.
Handle
Pelican has been given a steel frame that is weight relieved. It both gives better balance and reduces total weight. On the outside, you find screwed on sides of Flax. In this case, the material is gray. Initially light gray but over time the material darkens from the moisture from the hands. Micarta is thus a living material that develops a nice patina after a while.
The handle length is generous with its 12 cm, of which the grip length is 10,5 cm. The shape is simple and all edges and corners are well rounded.
The handle material, called Flax, quickly develops a patina
The back of the blade spine has some symbolic notches for increased traction. On this knife, there is no "traction plan". It is the material itself that gives needed friction and above all, it is the shape of the handle that contributes to a really good grip.
The generous width of the handle is a contributing factor to why
this is an ergonomic handle
In hand, the Pelican is really sympathetic. The long handle gives plenty of room for the entire hand. When it's combined with a rather generous width it gives a lot of contact area against your hand and thereby good comfort. That is enhanced by vaulted and chamfered sides and by the material itself. And the absence of finger grooves and the like make the handle fit most hands. It also aids in shifting grip.
All grips work but especially the most common like a hammer grip or a saber grip is excellent
One detail to note is how the handle swells at the back. That shape helps to fill the hand. Furthermore, a small flat surface gives the little finger somewhere to rest. Such details raise the overall impression. The Flax-material felt relatively warm in our chilly November rain climate. Or rather, it gets warmer more quickly than metal. Flax also provides better traction than metal handles since it has texture and pores. It is also what causes it to change its appearance over time.
The way the lanyard hole is integrated into the handle is very good. It doesn't ruin the looks or get in the way for the placement of the clip. Something that is highly appreciated.
The handle length is generous with its 12 cm, of which the grip length is 10,5 cm. The shape is simple and all edges and corners are well rounded.
this is an ergonomic handle
All grips work but especially the most common like a hammer grip or a saber grip is excellent
The way the lanyard hole is integrated into the handle is very good. It doesn't ruin the looks or get in the way for the placement of the clip. Something that is highly appreciated.
Opening and Lock
As can be seen, Pelican opens with a flipper tab. This particular variant is capable without being exceptionally good. The angles work and the shape makes it comfortable to use. There is also no big risk of slipping while trying to open your knife. The blade can be opened both by pushing straight down or pulling back on the flipper tab. But when using a light switch-motion one must be determined otherwise you can fail to open the blade all the way. The reason is pure physics. The flipper tab is not perfectly placed and the blade is wide, long and relatively thick which gives a lot of mass to accelerate.
Something that facilitates opening is that the blade runs on ball bearings, although I had actually preferred a pair of well-made phosphor-bronze bushings on this kind of knife.
The flipper tab is easy to use if you are determined that is
The lock is a liner lock of that type that QSP previously had some problems with on a couple of models. However, that is nothing that was present in this specimen. The lock gives confidence in that is feels solid and there is no blade play in any direction. Nor does the lock bar slide under negative pressure. Something that I have tested more than usual given the circumstances.
I've actually spine-whacked this knife, something that I usually don't do while testing knives since I consider it abuse. That is, I hit the back of the blade against a piece of wood to see if the lock would fail. It didn't! Then I can clarify that the knives released at the end of November 2019 and onwards have the lock geometry overhauled by QSP. This applies both to this model and the previously mentioned Locust.
A well functioning lock but not that easy to access
The lock bar has been made accessible by a small recess in the opposite handle side. It's fortunate since the lock bar otherwise sits deep in the handle and is not that easy to reach. But that is actually a rather clever solution for a knife that might be used a bit "harder". A well-known problem with liner locks is otherwise that they actually can disengage it the knife twists in your hand. The same idea of how to prevent this can be found in other knives such as Spyderco's Bradley Folders.
To shut the Pelican beak is a two-stage affair since this blade lack detent-ramp. When the resistance from the detent ball is passed the blade slides into place with two light shakes.
Something that facilitates opening is that the blade runs on ball bearings, although I had actually preferred a pair of well-made phosphor-bronze bushings on this kind of knife.
I've actually spine-whacked this knife, something that I usually don't do while testing knives since I consider it abuse. That is, I hit the back of the blade against a piece of wood to see if the lock would fail. It didn't! Then I can clarify that the knives released at the end of November 2019 and onwards have the lock geometry overhauled by QSP. This applies both to this model and the previously mentioned Locust.
To shut the Pelican beak is a two-stage affair since this blade lack detent-ramp. When the resistance from the detent ball is passed the blade slides into place with two light shakes.
To Carry
It would not be telling the truth if I said that this knife is a dream to carry in a pocket. That is a prize you have to pay for a certain blade length, as I use to say. Also, the handle is fairly generous, both in length and width. The weight is just under 130 g which is decent for this size of a knife but hardly featherweight. But above all, it's the volume that is noticeable. Twelve centimeters in length, 3,8cm in height and 1,5 cm in width give it away. It's a large chubby knife!
The titanium clip works without being perfect
The clip is a slight departure from the purely practical and a glance at the more luxury. That means a sculpted clip in titanium with a dash of color. The function is decent without winning any awards for the best clip on the market. It springs but could have had slightly better tension. But above all, it needs a somewhat more raised ramp to allow thicker fabrics.
In return, the knife stays where it supposed to and it's easy to draw. Another good thing is that it is out of the way when using the knife. No hotspots here. That is due to the low position on the handle and a very chamfered back of the clip.
The anodization makes the clip fit a pair of jeans very well
Then, of course, part of the handle is visible when this bird is nesting in the pocket. This being a narrow clip requires the screws to be in tandem and that makes the knife ride higher than it would otherwise.
In return, the knife stays where it supposed to and it's easy to draw. Another good thing is that it is out of the way when using the knife. No hotspots here. That is due to the low position on the handle and a very chamfered back of the clip.
To Conclude
Of all QSP's larger folding knives, Pelican is my favorite so far. Copperhead is another good candidate but loses the internal battle due to materials used. That category is won by the bird with better blade steel and more luxurious materials in both handle and clip. Flax, ceramic bearings, milled titanium clip, and S35VN-steel don't make a fool of itself.
A knife for those who like straight edges
To use an analogy, nothing spared when it comes to ingredients for this stew. But more important than them is how they are cooked. The recipe for a successful handle may look like this: Take one part heavily lightened steel frame, two parts well treated Flax/linen micarta. Stir with a good amount of comfort and spice with some width and you got yourself a tasty dish with good ergonomics.
Not only does it feel good it but it also looks nice and what better, it matches the spicy blade.
In Pelican, QSP has managed to achieve a knife with a rather distinct appearance that is matched by corresponding performance. Furthermore, build quality and precision are in par with the materials.
The blade is appealing with its simple yet uncompromising form. It is a Wharncliffe and a proud one at that.
QSP Pelican, a powerful EDC-blade
Pelicans, together with Condors, are the world's biggest flying birds. This rather generous knife from QSP has therefore been given a suitable name. It is large without being huge which gives a good EDC-knife for those who want a lot of capacity.
A Pelican, by the way, is not impossible to get into a pocket, but as everyone understands, birds are not always comfortable with being stowed away. They like to nest a little bit more freely.
But apart from that, I have mostly good to say about this knife. Although practical, it was actually the looks of the blade that initially spoke to me. So if you feel attracted to hefty Wharncliffes with associated features, consider a QSP Pelican.
Specification:
Length overall: 212 mm
Length, folded: 120 mm
Weight: 127 g
Blade Length: 92 mm
Blade thickness: mm
Blade Steel: CPM S35VN
Handle: Flax
Lock: Liner Lock
Produced by: QSP, made in China
/ J - the bird catcher
Not only does it feel good it but it also looks nice and what better, it matches the spicy blade.
In Pelican, QSP has managed to achieve a knife with a rather distinct appearance that is matched by corresponding performance. Furthermore, build quality and precision are in par with the materials.
The blade is appealing with its simple yet uncompromising form. It is a Wharncliffe and a proud one at that.
A Pelican, by the way, is not impossible to get into a pocket, but as everyone understands, birds are not always comfortable with being stowed away. They like to nest a little bit more freely.
But apart from that, I have mostly good to say about this knife. Although practical, it was actually the looks of the blade that initially spoke to me. So if you feel attracted to hefty Wharncliffes with associated features, consider a QSP Pelican.
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