- a bird that hm, flies, higher than its predecessor?
Previously, I have both presented and reviewed the "original penguin" from QSP here on the blog. Now it's time for another bird in the family. The question that arises is whether there are enough differences between the two to warrant another review? In fact, I think it does despite some obvious similarities.
QSP's motto is, after all, "Better Knife, Better Life", which may seem a bit far-fetched, but as a knife enthusiast, I am inclined to agree. If so, life is on its way to new heights because this knife is better than its predecessor on several levels! Place on stage for QSP Penguin Ti.
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| QSP Penguin Ti |
Then it remains to answer what is different between this version and the previous one and what are improvements. It is quite obvious that the material in the handle has been replaced. It is easy to see. From the beginning, it was Micarta in a couple of variants and here it is metal. But it is not the only material that has changed shape. The same applies to the blade which in Penguin's childhood was D2 while here a stainless steel is found.
Furthermore, the lock has been overhauled. This knife has a frame lock instead of a liner lock. It depends, of course, on the handle material. When they were tuning the knife, the spring clip was also replaced with milled ditto in the same material as the handle. All in all, there are quite a lot of changes.
Then it remains to answer which I or maybe you prefer.
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| A bird in a robot suit, titanium in the handle, a frame lock, and new blade steel are in this version |
Twitter version: QSP Penguin Ti, a more exclusive relative of the original Penguin with the same function but with some improved details and thus ergonomics
Blade
The blade shape is identical to the original Penguin and something else would have surprised me as it is the same model. This means a fairly classic sheepsfoot with a completely straight edge and a rather steeply sloping back towards the tip.
The length of the blade is 78 mm to a height of 22 mm. The blade stock is, as before, 3 mm thick. The finish is a stone wash but the knife can also be had in a two-tone satin for those who prefer it. However, it hides scratches less well.
The marking is discreet with a reduced QSP logo on the presentation side and on the opposite side, only the steel type can be read.
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| Blade shape and geometry are the same as before. |
What is written there is one of the differences between this model and the older version. Here the steel is stainless 154CM from American Crucible. Whether it is indeed a step up or possibly a sideways one compared to the D2 used before is a question open to debate. To be honest, I haven't had any bad luck with stains on the old steel that is only "semi-stainless". But I have encountered rust with other knives with the same material.
Purely in terms of performance, I have not noticed any differences between the knives, I must confess. Reportedly, this steel is pretty hard with a stated HRC of 59-61.
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| Here you can see another change, this blade is made of stainless steel 154CM |
Thus, this knife behaves in the same way when used and it can be summed up by the fact that the Penguin is still a damn good knife for everyday use. The only thing that can be debated is the effectiveness of the straight edge. On the one hand, you get a long edge to work with but on the other hand, it is more difficult to cut against flat surfaces such as cutting boards, a stump in the woods, and so on. In the same way, you cannot make sweeping cuts in the same way with a straight edge that has no belly. But it's on the other hand it's easy to use the tip in the same way as a Stanley knife.
What kind of edge you prefer is of course personal but also depends on the chores that are most frequent for you.
Handle
Under this heading is found the second area which is markedly different from its predecessor and which is the most easily discernible. The shape is still a straight stick with a slightly angular expression. The front part of the handle forms into a finger guard and at the back there is a "beak" that prevents the fingers from slipping.
The handle is cm long, 10.5 mm wide and 2.25 cm high. So far everything is the same and familiar.
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| Apart from the material, the handle is almost the same. A small recess is made to facilitate access to the lock bar |
But the difference in how the knife is constructed is big and the main reason for that is spelled titanium. In this case, it has then been both blasted and stone-washed to get the look it has. That is a sober gray surface. Or possibly boring if you prefer more colorful shades. For those who think so, there are many variations of Penguins to choose from these days.
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| The construction is simple and consists of two pieces of titanium |
The entry of titanium has also affected the way the knife is constructed. It is still open in the back and held together by two screws in addition to the pivot screw. The spacers are also nicely hourglass-shaped. The difference, however, is that this knife consists of two solid, non-weight-relieved sides of titanium instead of a steel frame with added sides.
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| The handle is simple in form but works well, especially as the clip is better than its predecessor |
In hand, the knife is still very good without being perfect. But the ergonomics are better on this version. The clip found here feels less against the hand when using the knife, which is a marked improvement compared to before, when that was the biggest objection I had.
Otherwise, it can be said that all fingers fit, even if with my width of fingers I have to place the little finger a little above the "beak" when I hold the knife in a hammer grip. But in return, it is flat and well-shaped for that purpose so it doesn't annoy me.
Opening and Lock
If the handle provided a visual clue to the difference between this evolved birdie and the older hen, you get a tactile one when you open the knife. The thumb studs remain and are of the same type and design. That is, somewhat pointed, sticks out a bit, and is easy to find. The only objection I have to them is that they rise a measly millimeter too much outside the sides. But in return, it makes them extremely easy to find with your thumb.
The knife can then be opened both slowly and nimbly, and it is also possible to flip out the blade with the middle finger for those who prefer a little finger gymnastics.
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| Penguin opens with double-sided thumb studs |
As usual, the resistance is well balanced and the action itself is silky smooth thanks to the fine ceramic ball bearings QSP uses. Or rather, the ones found here, as the original Penguin has phosphor bronze bearings.
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| The frame lock is sturdy and well made |
The lock is also a consequence of the choice of handle material. Of course, you can make liner locks or use other types of locks on a titanium knife as well. The simplest and most natural, however, is what is found here in the form of a frame lock, or RIL "Reeve Integral Lock" as it is actually called.
This version is excellent. It has the now almost mandatory additions to the lock bar in the form of an overtravel stop and a steel insert. They extend the life of the knife while preventing "lock stick" and the lock bar from being bent out of position by mistake.
The function is almost perfect and the lock holds the blade in a firm grip and is easy to release. It may be objected that the edge which forms the surface against which the thumb pushes may feel a little sharp.
To Carry
Penguins are and have always been streamlined creatures. This also applies to this knife when it is put in the pocket. As I said, the thumb studs could have been a little lower, but otherwise, the Penguin is excellent in the pocket.
Part of that can be attributed to the outer dimensions, about a decimeter in length are easily hidden but above all the knife is not excessively thick at around a centimeter. The weight is not exaggerated either. Despite the fact that the titanium has not received any pockets on the inside, the knife still weighs under hundred grams, more precisely 95 g.
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| The addition of a titanium clip is rarely a practical upgrade but in this case, it is |
The smooth surface found on the outside of the handle offers no resistance either when the knife is going down or out of pocket. In the same way, the space under the clip is not rough, so it also gives a sympathetic feeling when the knife is tucked away.
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| Here you can see that all the space under the clip is available |
The clip has been upgraded to this version. To follow the theme of the knife, it received a milled titanium clip instead of a steel spring clip. Functionally, they are rarely an upgrade, but in this case, it happens to be so. Mostly due to the fact that this clip's nicely beveled rear edge feels significantly less against the hand than the previous tall rear end.
Then the clip has been made thin enough to have good tension. Something that early versions of this type of clip were not always known for. They could almost be compared to a hook instead. But not here. Then the clip attaches with only one screw and which is found at the back end of the clip. This means that the space below can be used to the maximum for the fabric to be accommodated there. However, the clip is not extremely high, so the trousers/jacket must not be too thick. The same can be said about the ramp, which works well but is not excessively large.
A disadvantage for those who are left-handed is that the clip cannot be shifted to the other side, which was possible on the older knife.
To Conclude
Penguin is a knife model that can in many ways represent QSP's journey and development as a knife brand. When I reviewed the first of the models, I compared it to another, even earlier, and simpler knife from QSP, the Parrot. Both knives were fine but something had happened between the two. The same can be said for this knife although to some extent it runs alongside rather than in front of the Jurassic-Penguin as they reside in two different price categories. And without saying too much, I can reveal that a review of a version of this model that I think is even better is coming soon.
But back to Penguin Ti. It is also really good!
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| Penguin Ti is a really likable everyday companion |
The answer to the question of whether it is possible to tell the difference between the "Jurassic penguin" and its grayer robot-like cousin can be summed up in the fact that the blade steel, bearings, handle material, lock type and clip are new. Thus, there are quite large differences between the knives as I believe that all things that are part of a folding knife have been touched. At the same time, not as the dimensions are almost identical, including the weight, where the all-metal knife weighs only a couple of grams more.
Both dimensions and weight are quite "just right", not too much and not too little for an EDC knife in my opinion. Since then, the various upgrades have transformed this bird from a simple to a more advanced knife. You can feel it not least in the handling, the Penguin Ti has a smoother action and is easier to both open and fold. The clip is also better and that in turn improves the ergonomics.
Overall, the changes that have been made have been for the better in my opinion. The choice of steel can be debated but is not bad by any means. But developments have also meant that the price is different. Where the Penguin was a pure "budget knife" with a target price of just under $40 from QSP, that sum has tripled for the titanium version to $121. Thus, this version of the Penguin can rather be counted as a "middle-class knife", although such boundaries are difficult to draw.
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| Penguin Ti is a more luxurious edition for those who prefer titanium to G10 in the handle |
Overall, I'd say the Penguin Ti is not only an improvement over its older relative but also from a broader perspective. With this upgraded version, QSP has raised the level and thus created a serious competitor in the class. This is a very good and well-built knife!
Specifications:
Length Overall: 180 mm
Length Folded: 102 mm
Weight: 97 g (weighed by me)
Blade Length: 78 mm
Blade Thickness: 3 mm
Blade Steel: 154 CM, HRC 59-61
Handle: Titanium
Lock: Frame Lock
Produced by: QSP, made in China
/ J - birdwatcher
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