- bird, fish, or somewhere in between?
Look, another Penguin, perhaps the reasonably knowledgeable knife enthusiast will exclaim upon seeing this knife from QSP. The model is called Swordfish. There are similarities, but it is not the same knife, and for those of you who are not quite as familiar with QSP's range, I will elaborate on the matter.
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| QSP Swordfish |
The fact is, however, that this knife at first glance shares many of the characteristics with said Pingvin, especially with the larger "Plus" model. But the materials are not the same, neither is the lock and the blade has a more aggressive shape in this case with a more pronounced tip.
A comparison between QSP Penguin Plus and Swordfish
The price point is another factor that differentiates the knife models. Here Swordfish are more in line with the smaller and simpler Penguins. Now we Swedes have to ignore the fact that the krona is crazily undervalued in relation to both the Euro and the Dollar, which of course has a strong influence in that area. The rest of the world can happily ignore that remark.
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| Swordfish has a characteristic blade that gives it some personality |
Short version: QSP Swordfish, is an excellent blue-collar worker for those looking for the combination of a pointed Wharncliffe blade and a button lock.
Blade
The shape of this blade feels familiar, but it's not that strange. It has to do with the straight edge as this is a Wharncliffe. This particular blade is characterized by a very distinct tip, which gives it a slightly aggressive look. This is achieved both by the angle of the blade but also by the very pronounced swedge.
The blade has a stone-washed finish and is very discreetly marked. QSP has reduced their logos considerably over time, which is nice. The logotype is found on the presentation side and the steel type is printed on the other side. There is no other marking.
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| The blade shape is a very pronounced and rather pointed Wharncliffe |
The blade is quite large as it is over nine centimeters long, 92 mm to be exact. The height is 28 mm and the thickness is 3 mm, which is not excessive compared to the other measurements. Especially not as the secondary bevel has a height of 20 mm.
It can also be added that the Swordfish measures approx. 0.6mm behind the edge. Together with the very nice factory edge, it gives a knife that cuts very well. The fact that the knife came really sharp is probably facilitated by the fact that a straight edge of this kind is among the easiest to sharpen. It may be worth keeping in the back of your mind when you have to resharpen knives yourself.
The steel used is1 4C28N from Sandvik. It's frequently occurring in QSP's lower range. Not an exclusive steel but one that is generally decent. Above all, it takes a keen edge and is also very resistant to corrosion. However, as in this case, it can be noted that it isn't the toughest steel available.
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| The steel is 14C28N, a very decent budget steel |
That's exactly what I got confirmed the other day when our freezer died. A new one had to be purchased and then there was a lot of cardboard to take care of. Swordfish proved to be not just good for the purpose but excellent. It eats this kind of material for breakfast. Unfortunately, I discovered that there were some serious staples in the heavy cardboard. They caused a couple of notches in the edge.
Otherwise, the Swordfish is an excellent knife to use. It cuts really well and the handle is comfortable. What can be objected to or highlighted is connected to the blade shape. A straight edge has both pros and cons, although some reviewers sing its praises. Mostly because they are good for what in English is called "utility cuts". In Swedish, we don't even have that expression. My objection is exactly the same because then you only use the tip, think of a Stanley knife. Very good for e.g. opening boxes and the like, but it wears on a small part of the edge. Sweeping cuts are also excluded due to the blade shape.
Handle
I'm not saying that the handle on the Swordfish is more worked than on the Penguin, but it is a more robust design. That combined with the fact that it is long gives a lot of room for all types of hands. The length is 11.5 cm and I measure the height and width at 2.7 cm and 1.2 cm respectively.
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| Swordfish boasts a spacious handle |
The material can be varied as the knife is available in both Micarta and, as here, G10. The latter provides significantly better traction. A feature I looked for in this particular knife because I wanted a more work-oriented knife. As can be seen, the G10 sides are two-tone and the surface itself is quite coarse. Not at the level of sandpaper, but still making for a secure grip.
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| Inside is a heavily lightened steel frame that strengthens the construction |
Swordfish is simply built around a steel frame. It is also significantly lightened to reduce the total weight and improve balance. The balance point is incidentally found at the first "ring" on the handle.
In hand, the sturdy handle provides a very good grip. The size is well-proportioned and fits most hands. In addition, the handle has a "beak" at the back which prevents the knife from sliding while the handle forms a finger guard at the front. The latter is enhanced by the flipper, of course. The handle has flat sides but the bevel and rounding are sufficient to provide a comfortable grip regardless of how the knife is held. I like the fact that the handle does not "tell" you how it should be held. This gives the user good opportunities to find something that fits. Overall, it's a fairly simple but well-functioning handle.
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| The handle is really comfortable |
Opening and Lock
As you can see, Swordfish can be opened using a number of different methods. Most obvious are, of course, the double-sided thumb studs. Just as quickly, it can be noted that the knife also has a flipper. In addition, you can of course also add a decent two-handed opening for those who are not in a hurry. Then the lock type itself contributes another way to get the blade out. If the lock is released, the blade swings freely and can be flicked or slowly swung out depending on the user's preference.
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| This knife can be opened in several different ways |
So a lot to choose from. Happily, it can be stated that all methods work just as well. It is the lock itself that holds the blade in place in the retracted position and is responsible for the detent when the knife is to be opened. Therefore, it must be done well. And it is in this case. Both flipper and thumb studs give the blade lightning speed. Everything is, of course, facilitated by the fact that the knife has fine ceramic ball bearings.
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| This is what a button or plunge lock looks like in a close-up |
Lock, it is at this point that QSP with Swordfish joins a prevailing trend among pocket knife manufacturers. It is to provide more and more models with a "button" or "plunge lock". In addition to the bonus that it provides an extra way to open the knife, it is correctly executed with a very good lock construction. However, the margins of error are not large. But on this specimen, everything works as it should. The blade is held in place without play in any direction in either the open or closed position.
Another advantage of this type of lock is that they are exceptionally easy to access and release. Find the button with your thumb and press and it's done.
To Carry
"Not much to argue about" is a good summary under this heading, but it might be a bit short, right? By that, I just mean that the Swordfish is good to carry around without being exceptional in any way. It's big, but light. It has a coarse surface but is not overly sandpapery.
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| This knife offers an excellent interpretation of a wire clip |
As mentioned, the knife measures eleven and a half centimeters when folded and is 12 mm thick. It gives some volume in the pocket, but then you must bring out the old formula of blade length/carrying comfort. If you want a bigger blade, some sacrifices have to be made. Having said that, this knife is not overly thick or tall so it is still relatively easy to carry.
The weight is, for the size, a relatively low 125 grams.
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| Not much of the knife is visible where it sits in the pocket |
What really elevates the knife is the clip. Not only is it a wire clip, it's a really good one. This means that it is not so thin that it moves sideways, something I am almost allergic to. The clip is also removable and the attachment is recessed in the handle sides, which gives more space for fabric. It is also of the "deep ride" variety, meaning the knife sits deep in the pocket, which is both more discreet and makes the knife sit more securely. Even the appearance of the clip means that it looks less like a knife and more like a pen if you know what I mean.
At the same time, the clip is not mounted so far back with an excessively large bend that it affects how the knife feels in the hand. Now it's made easier by the fact that the handle is so big, so you have to have really big paws if you're going to get discomfort from this clip.
To Conclude
At first, I wasn't sure if I "needed"* a Swordfish. By that, I mean that this knife that I mentioned in the introduction is not far from the already existing Penguin. A model of which I have several different versions.
But it can be stated that, in my opinion, there are enough differences for Swordfish to deserve its existence. But I'd say it's more for those who don't already have those knives but are looking for a mix of them. Let me explain. The size is close to a Penguin Plus while the materials are more similar to an original Penguin. In addition, the price is in the region of the latter knife, which is another decisive factor.**
The icing on the cake, however, is the lock, which not only sets this knife apart from its relatives but also adds something.
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| The Swordfish is a solid knife that works well as a substantial EDC knife |
Then I actually see Swordfish more as more of a "blue-collar worker" with a steel that is easier to sharpen and in this version a handle with better traction. My experience is also that if a knife is not quite as exclusive, it tends to be used a little harder. And it must be said that this is a very practical knife for most tasks other than skinning something or cutting against flat surfaces. As I said, straight edges have both their merits and shortcomings.
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| The QSP Swordfish doesn't make a fool of itself in the great outdoors either |
On the plus side, it can also be added that Swordfish, like most things that QSP produces, is very well-built. This applies to both how the materials are used and how they are put together. So if you like the aesthetics and the benefits of a Wharncliffe blade and appreciate a knife with many opening methods, I would definitely recommend this knife. For those who want a slightly more sophisticated look, it is also available with Micarta handles.
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| QSP Knife |
Specification:
Length Overall: 206 mm
Length Folded: 115 mm
Weight: 125 g
Blade Length: 92 mm
Blade Thickness: 3 mm
Blade Steel: Sandvik 14C28N
Handle: G10
Lock: Button Lock
Produced by QSP, made in China
/ J - out fishing
* As you know, everything is relative. Given the number of knives I own, I never ever "need" more. However, it becomes difficult to review knives without using them.
** The Swordfish MSRP on QSP's website is $69.20 at the time of writing. It's not even half of what the Penguin Plus costs, it can be found from $175 and up.
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