- the return of the Sheeps foot
Also in 2020, it's moden to mix new and old. The trend since a few years is definitely still a thing. More and more knive makers have realized this and so did QSP. But to be honest most of this knife is modern. It's mostly the blade shape and perhaps the classic lock back combined with two handed opening that reminds of old times.
This combination is found on this knife called Worker. It was released during the latter part of last year.
This combination is found on this knife called Worker. It was released during the latter part of last year.
QSP 128-C Worker
The knife is designed by Arthur Brehm who is a German Youtube profile and outdoor enthusiast. At first glance, this knife is somewhat reminiscent of a modern interpretation of an "Anchor messer" in my mind. Blade and handle shape have features therefrom, although Worker is not a copy in any way. The question then is whether this is a seaman's knife with clip or whether there is more to be found lurking under the surface?
Blade
It's not every day you get to present a genuine Sheep foot on a modern knife. A more commonly used cousin to this blade shape are Wharncliffes in different variations. A basic Wharncliffe has a back that slopes down to meet a straight edge. The Sheep foot does the same thing but with a much steeper angle and normally more rounded curve and first after having the spine of the blade running parallell with the edge. It gives a blade with a long straight edge but that basicall lacks a tip. Unless you consider a sharpened ninety degree corner a tip. But that is precisely why this blade shape once was developed, to avoid hurting animals with a sharp point.
A classic Sheeps foot. A blade shape more common on rescue knives today
This interpretation is 8,8 cm long and 2,2 cm high. The blade thickness is 3,5 mm. The finish is a semi-polished satin and the material used is Böhlers N690-steel. The look is very harmonious as it is reflected in the shape of the handle which gives overall elegant lines. There is a nail nick in the blade but it is somewhat redundant since the blade runs extremely smooth on ball bearings.
At some point there have been critique aiming at QSPs branding. At this knife it is subtle and well made. The logo can be found at the ricasso and on opposite side you will find Brehms signature and steel marking. Besides that the blade it sterile. Good!
At some point there have been critique aiming at QSPs branding. At this knife it is subtle and well made. The logo can be found at the ricasso and on opposite side you will find Brehms signature and steel marking. Besides that the blade it sterile. Good!
Close to nine centimeters om full flat ground Böhler N690 steel
Generally, this blade type is good for all tasks that require a blade that cuts well but does not penetrate. This is also why many sailor knives traditionally looked like this. So that they could cut off ropes and cords without accidentally sticking the knife through a sail. Today, they are usually found on knives aimed at rescue personnel and the like. They are even more common in the kitchen because Santokus is a variant on the same theme. And then you find it on this knife!
About that, I feel a bit indecisive. In my reviews I often talk about how much I appreciate a good tip on my EDC-knives. And that's why I don't consider Worker to be optimal for that role. But in return you get a lot of edge to work with without having to be as careful with where you have the end of the blade. Thus, a security aspect is added to the function. However, it is not a trait I feel is very important to me.
But what the shape also gives is that what remains of the "tip" is incredibly strong. This allows you to really use the entire edge of the blade without being afraid of damaging a thin tip. You can also use sawing movements without risking poking holes everywhere. That finesse is even more appreciated when using serrated edges like on rescue knives.
Not only the tip is strong but also the rest of the blade. Three and a half millimeters stock thickness on a blade that is not more than 2 cm high and full flat ground doesn't give the thinnest blade. In fact, it's about the same proportions as a Mora Bushcraft to give you an idea.
That contributes to make this, not the best knife for apples and fruits. That is not for any food really. The blade is sharp but the blade too wedgy for these kind of jobs. By the way, the factory got a pass for me. It was more than decent.
If you instead focus on the knife's name "Worker", you will also find it's strengths. This knife is more at home when you need to apply som force. I tested to shred some left over carpet and a few pieces of rubber to give the knife some challenges. Tasks that this knife takes seriously and handles with ease. It gets even better when you start cutting wood. Then a smile spread across my face. The handle is comfortable and the edge bites nicely. The whole knife feels nimble and you really feel where the edge is.
The same goes for rope of different kinds and thicknesses. As expected plastic containers, bottle and the like isn't this knife's forte. Sure, you can cut most stuff but then I miss a proper tip.
About that, I feel a bit indecisive. In my reviews I often talk about how much I appreciate a good tip on my EDC-knives. And that's why I don't consider Worker to be optimal for that role. But in return you get a lot of edge to work with without having to be as careful with where you have the end of the blade. Thus, a security aspect is added to the function. However, it is not a trait I feel is very important to me.
But what the shape also gives is that what remains of the "tip" is incredibly strong. This allows you to really use the entire edge of the blade without being afraid of damaging a thin tip. You can also use sawing movements without risking poking holes everywhere. That finesse is even more appreciated when using serrated edges like on rescue knives.
Not only the tip is strong but also the rest of the blade. Three and a half millimeters stock thickness on a blade that is not more than 2 cm high and full flat ground doesn't give the thinnest blade. In fact, it's about the same proportions as a Mora Bushcraft to give you an idea.
That contributes to make this, not the best knife for apples and fruits. That is not for any food really. The blade is sharp but the blade too wedgy for these kind of jobs. By the way, the factory got a pass for me. It was more than decent.
If you instead focus on the knife's name "Worker", you will also find it's strengths. This knife is more at home when you need to apply som force. I tested to shred some left over carpet and a few pieces of rubber to give the knife some challenges. Tasks that this knife takes seriously and handles with ease. It gets even better when you start cutting wood. Then a smile spread across my face. The handle is comfortable and the edge bites nicely. The whole knife feels nimble and you really feel where the edge is.
The same goes for rope of different kinds and thicknesses. As expected plastic containers, bottle and the like isn't this knife's forte. Sure, you can cut most stuff but then I miss a proper tip.
Handle
One sligthly unusual thing about Worker is that it is fairly solid. That is, the frame isn't weight relieved despite being of steel. It gives a strong knife for sure but it also affects the balance. But it's not too bad after all. The point of balance is found just behind the bolster. So a little handle heavy but not much.
The bolster is by the way made of steel as well since they are an integral part of the frame. The scales are made of wood but can also be had in classic jigged bone colored green. Otherwise, the knife is also available in more robust and modern materials such as G10 and a G10 / carbon fiber laminate.
The bolster is by the way made of steel as well since they are an integral part of the frame. The scales are made of wood but can also be had in classic jigged bone colored green. Otherwise, the knife is also available in more robust and modern materials such as G10 and a G10 / carbon fiber laminate.
Frame and bolster made of brushed steel and screwed sides of wood
The wood is snake wood which belongs to the family Mulberry plants and is often used for violin bows and such. It is a very hard wood from parts of central America and it's known for its deep red color and dramatic grains. It is sure good looking and on this particular knife the fitting between the bolser and sides are close to perfect.
Good but not as good is the fitting between the frame and the lock bar at the back. It's decent but a little light can be seen through the knife if it's held to a light source. A classic test to see how well made a lock back is. One less good thing, the inside of the frame on this knife was almost sharp. I felt like I hade to fix it with some sandpaper. It should have been done from the factory.
Good but not as good is the fitting between the frame and the lock bar at the back. It's decent but a little light can be seen through the knife if it's held to a light source. A classic test to see how well made a lock back is. One less good thing, the inside of the frame on this knife was almost sharp. I felt like I hade to fix it with some sandpaper. It should have been done from the factory.
The lock back means that a closed construction. With that
follows a big advantage, increased contact area against your hand
Otherwise, both bolsters and sides are elegantly vaulted. The knife is a screwed construction for the ones who like to dissassemble their sharp objects every now and then. But a warning is in place. This is a lock back and one equipped with ball bearings at that so the effort requried to get the knife back together is a bit higher than usual.
The Worker feels good in hand when you hold it. The ergonomics when cutting with the knife is also enjoyable. Mr. Brehm has diligently chosen to stick to the simplest possible shape.
The advantage of such an approach is that less that can go wrong. Because of this, all grips works. The ever so gentle curve in the handle combined with a small palm swell makes the knife stay in hand. But it must be said that wood in this polished version is a bit slippery so if you want more of a "hard use"-knife and feel the need of more traction I would recommend going for the G10 version instead.
It there is any negatives or rather input, it is that the bolster could be even more rounded or beveled on the top. But then agian, it is difficult when the handle is not wider than this. And by virtue of its width, it might be appropriate to point out that all knives that say they are aimed at heavier tasks should avoid open frames. Simply because it gives less contact area between knife and hand. Here a
a closed back is advantageously chosen instead.
The Worker feels good in hand when you hold it. The ergonomics when cutting with the knife is also enjoyable. Mr. Brehm has diligently chosen to stick to the simplest possible shape.
The advantage of such an approach is that less that can go wrong. Because of this, all grips works. The ever so gentle curve in the handle combined with a small palm swell makes the knife stay in hand. But it must be said that wood in this polished version is a bit slippery so if you want more of a "hard use"-knife and feel the need of more traction I would recommend going for the G10 version instead.
It there is any negatives or rather input, it is that the bolster could be even more rounded or beveled on the top. But then agian, it is difficult when the handle is not wider than this. And by virtue of its width, it might be appropriate to point out that all knives that say they are aimed at heavier tasks should avoid open frames. Simply because it gives less contact area between knife and hand. Here a
a closed back is advantageously chosen instead.
Opening and Lock
Worker is something as unusual as a two-handed knife that easily can be opened with one hand. The nail nick and the absence of flippers / thumb studs / disks are of course a clue to how it is supposed to be operated. But since the blade is so smooth to open and quite a bit of blade is protruding from the handle, the thumb can be placed against the nick and then you can slow rolll the knife open.
Of couse, the knife can be opened with two hands as well.
Often when it comes to tradtional knives terms like "walk and talk" are used. On this knife the walk gets 9/10. It can hardly be much smoother on a back lock knife. "Pull" or rather the detent is also real light on this one. In fact, with a hefty wrist snap, you can gravity open this knife.
Of couse, the knife can be opened with two hands as well.
Often when it comes to tradtional knives terms like "walk and talk" are used. On this knife the walk gets 9/10. It can hardly be much smoother on a back lock knife. "Pull" or rather the detent is also real light on this one. In fact, with a hefty wrist snap, you can gravity open this knife.
The formost use of the nail nick is when the knife is one hand manoeuvred
Whether ball bearings should be a thing or not on folding knives or not can be discussed, especially on one named Worker. But in this case, as mentioned, it provides an alternative way to open the knife which can be beneficial. But from a practical point of view, a couple of robust phosfor bronze washers would have been better. It's much less chans of dirt making a mess of your knife the simpler the construction is.
That being said, the tolerances are so fine in today's ball bearings that you almost have to drop the knife in the sand for it to start making funny noices. And if you do, any folding knife starts to protest, bearings or not.
That being said, the tolerances are so fine in today's ball bearings that you almost have to drop the knife in the sand for it to start making funny noices. And if you do, any folding knife starts to protest, bearings or not.
A back lock with long lever and light tension
The lock is a well-made back lock that is characterized by a fairly low spring tension. It both makes for smooth action but also for a lock that is very easy to disengage. It's good to know because it makes the knife a bit aggressive, if I put it that way. If the pressure of the lock bar is removed the blade falls freely and very quickly. And if the blade is facing down, the knife will bite you. This means that this knife must be handles with some care or else there might be blood.
To Carry
This knife can be carried in a couple of different ways. Worker comes with a clip but as a supplement a simple but well-sewn leather sheath in included in the package. By all means, it fits the style of knife but is not what I prefer.
A simple but effective spring clip that allows the knife to ride deep in pocket
Then the knife is not so heavy with its 121 g that it cannot be carried loosely in a pocket either. By the way, it can be noted that the knife weighs exactly what the specification says. The round shapes also mean that it is not too much in the way.
The spring steel clip have a well balanced tension. It also lets the knife sit deep in a pocket which, in addition to being discreet, also reduces the risk of the knife being dropped. Something that is especially important for a forest to be used outdoors.
The clip can not be moved but is mounted in a right handed, tip-up configuration.
But left-handed, do not fear! As with all two-handed knives, it does not really matter, because the only thing that happens if you change the knife to the other side is that it sits in the pocket with the blade spine facing forward instead of backwards Of course, you can still pull the knife and open it with your free hand. And the lock is completely ambidextrous too.
The clip can not be moved but is mounted in a right handed, tip-up configuration.
But left-handed, do not fear! As with all two-handed knives, it does not really matter, because the only thing that happens if you change the knife to the other side is that it sits in the pocket with the blade spine facing forward instead of backwards Of course, you can still pull the knife and open it with your free hand. And the lock is completely ambidextrous too.
To Conclude
Perhaps I chose the wrong material going for wood scales on this knife. It was done for purely aesthetic reasons and I still think the knife look damned good. And to some extent, it flirts with historical knives with this same look that had handles of natural materials such as wood, horns or bones.
But what it does is trick the eye a bti or rather play with the notion of what kind of knife it is. This is actually a knife that deserves its name, this is a Worker.
But what it does is trick the eye a bti or rather play with the notion of what kind of knife it is. This is actually a knife that deserves its name, this is a Worker.
A good looking knife that live up to its name, Worker
The first detail that gives it away is that there are no concessons in order to make it more fidget friendly. What's that you might wonder. Well, tragically enough, that factor is often a big part in designing modern folding knives today. In this area the manufacturers are listen ing to what I refer to as the "the loud few"*.
Here, the designer Brehm has instead focused on a combination of function and legality. That is, he has tried to accommodate those countries where you cannot have knives that have both locks and can be opened one-handed. Something that applies in his native Germany for example. The result was a two-handed knife with a sturdy back lock. Not the latest on the market but well proven and functioning.
A thing that, at least to me, tells that this knife is not primarely intended as an EDC-knife is the format. It is a little too big with its almost nine centimeters of blade which is also a little too thick for being the perfect fruit cutter. But above all, Worker lacks a proper tip. It means that you have to add a small secondary EDC-knife like a SAK or the similar to properly manage all the small tasks at hand.
But instead we have a proper worker bee. The heavier, the better as long as we are talkning about cutting and not prying of course. After all, it is a foldning knife. But that makes Worker grows with the tasks. It made me glad to find out that I was able to whittle and carve wood with this knife.
Here, the designer Brehm has instead focused on a combination of function and legality. That is, he has tried to accommodate those countries where you cannot have knives that have both locks and can be opened one-handed. Something that applies in his native Germany for example. The result was a two-handed knife with a sturdy back lock. Not the latest on the market but well proven and functioning.
A thing that, at least to me, tells that this knife is not primarely intended as an EDC-knife is the format. It is a little too big with its almost nine centimeters of blade which is also a little too thick for being the perfect fruit cutter. But above all, Worker lacks a proper tip. It means that you have to add a small secondary EDC-knife like a SAK or the similar to properly manage all the small tasks at hand.
But instead we have a proper worker bee. The heavier, the better as long as we are talkning about cutting and not prying of course. After all, it is a foldning knife. But that makes Worker grows with the tasks. It made me glad to find out that I was able to whittle and carve wood with this knife.
QSP Worker, a knife for the mushroom season and other outdoor acitivites. Beware, these mushrooms are just an illustration
All in all, I believe that Arthur Brehm and QSP succeeded in their intention to create a "Worker". This knife has some personality in a time when a lot is streamlined and not least titanium gray. At several points it deviates from the prevailing norm. What has been borrowed from modern trends are the ceramic ball bearings that provide a smooth action and of course the clip which today is considered by many to be a necessity.
The form is a flirtation with seaman's knives from the past and with that comes both pros and cons.
For me, for the reasons stated above, this is not the optimal EDC-knife. Instead, I see it as a good companion for camping or why not for those who work outdoors? The price is around € 85 at the time of writing.
The form is a flirtation with seaman's knives from the past and with that comes both pros and cons.
For me, for the reasons stated above, this is not the optimal EDC-knife. Instead, I see it as a good companion for camping or why not for those who work outdoors? The price is around € 85 at the time of writing.
Specification:
Length open: 196 mm
Length folded: 108 mm
Weight: 121 g (weighed by me)
Blade length: 88 mm
Blade thickness: 3,5 mm
Blade steel: Böhler/Uddeholm N690
Handle: Snake wood scales on steel frame
Lock: Back lock
Produced by: QSP, made in China
/ J - keep on workin'
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