- a successful transformation
It should be pointed out at the outset that I also appreciate the original from QSP. Their Canary is a "neck knife" or perhaps rather small fixed blade for EDC use that I previously reviewed here on the blog. Overall a very likable little knife. I want to stress the word small as it really is and actually grew a size when translated to folding knife format.
Anyway, it made me curious as to how that model would perform when it got a joint in the middle. Here are my impressions of the Canary Folder.
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| QSP Canary Folder |
In addition to me, QSP also seems to believe that it will be a success as the model is already available in ten different versions right from the start. This is the most luxurious variant as another option for handle material has been chosen. The others have been provided with sides in G10 in varying colors. I will return to what this splash of color is.
Not only that but just before I was about to wrap up this review, QSP revealed that they are also expanding the Canary family with a larger fixed-blade version! It also looks promising.
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| This is an excellent little pocket knife with a golden touch |
Short version: QSP Canary Folder, an orgy in everyday function!
Blade
The shape of the blade is of course recognizable from the original, everything else would be strange. However, some changes have been made. Above all, what was mentioned in the introduction has grown a size, from 63 mm to in this case 72 mm. The height is 24 mm and the thickness is the same as before, 3 mm.
The finish is a fairly glossy satin. All in all, a simple and straightforward blade as I sometimes put it. Usually, it's positive and so this time too.
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| The Canary Folder boasts the same simple drop point as its predecessor |
There is a difference between the original which has a high saber grind and this knife which boasts a full flat grind. That, in combination with a relatively thin blade stock, means that the knife has good basic properties. Especially as the blade measures 0.4mm behind the edge. The edge was more than decent from the factory as it arrived very sharp, reasonably symmetrical if not perfect, and straight.
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| The steel used is 14C28N from Sandvik |
All in all, that makes the blade an excellent tool for all kinds of small jobs. Sharp, FFG with some height gives decent geometry. The advantage of that is that the knife cuts relatively well even if it is not razor sharp.
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| A typical area of use, packaging opening at work |
Speaking of sharpness, the blade keeps its sharpness well, but the steel could be more durable. It's especially noticeable if you are cutting hard plastic and the like. Then you notice that this is not the hardest of materials. The blade steel is one of QSP's staple products in the form of Swedish 14C28N from Sandvik. In return, this knife responds very quickly to being stropped. With a few quick strokes sharpness is restored.
Handle
I almost wrote, "Canary Folder has handle in G10". That is true for all versions released so far, except for this one, which instead has material that is trendy at the moment. The knife manufacturers have found "Ultem". Simply put, it is the brand name for PEI (a variant of polymer plastic). It is very strong in different ways and light.* Another perhaps less important characteristic in the world of knives is that it can withstand very high heat without being deformed. In short, it is an excellent handle material, which in this design is semi-transparent as seen. The yellow color seems to go with the territory as I have seen several different products made by Ultem in the same shade.
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| The handle shape is simple and uncomplicated but works great |
In the handle sides, the same pattern with four holes that were on the original model is found. They actually serve a couple of purposes. On the one hand, they are a decorative element so the knife becomes visually more interesting and on the other hand, they make the knife lighter. Not least as the holes extend through both sides and frame on the presentation side. In addition, they strongly contribute to a better grip when using the knife. The fingertips have somewhere to rest.
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| Here you can clearly see that the material in the handle sides, Ultem, is semi-transparent. The color is greatly affected by how the light falls on the handle |
So does the slightly bumpy surface that the handle sides are provided with. Otherwise, it can be said of them that they are beveled around all edges. This applies to both the outside and the inside. Overall, Canary Folder feels well-crafted despite its simple form.
The handle is 95 mm long and basically the entire length can be used to grip around. It widens to a smaller finger guard at the front otherwise it's fairly straight except for a small bump in the middle and a hint of ducktail towards the end.
Speaking of ends, there is also a hole in the stern for a lanyard that swallows a normal paracord for those who wish to attach one to their knife.
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| The Canary Folder is larger than the original but still belongs to the smaller group of knives. Even so, the handle holds a full grip even if it's just barely |
A handle this simple can hardly go wrong. Or at least don't in this case. All the standard grips I usually try work not only well but excellently, whether it's a hammer grip, saber grip, reverse grip, the ice pick variant, or holding the knife in the pinch or with an index finger on the back of the blade.
Combined with neutral balance and low weight, the knife feels lively in the hand and is easy to work with. Then of course there are disadvantages, but they are linked more to the format than to the execution. A handle this thin can never be the most ergonomic for heavy work. Physics puts an end to that.
Opening and Lock
The Canary Folder opens with double-sided thumb studs. The way it is done is exemplary. The placement of them and the well-balanced resistance in the detent ball means that it is easy to both slow roll the blade and flick it out if desired.
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| The thumb studs on this knife work great |
Then, of course, the smooth running is facilitated by the fact that this knife, like many others from QSP, has been equipped with ceramic ball bearings.
The studs themselves are barrel-shaped, which is one of the standard variants. They have the advantage that they do not feel sharp against the thumb. Then they are well positioned in such a way that they not only facilitate the opening of the blade but also so that they are out of the way when cutting with the knife. Well done QSP!
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| A liner lock provides safety |
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| The lock is easy to access as the lock bar rises slightly above the handle |
The lock is just as straightforward. QSP uses a liner lock and it's a technique they've mastered to perfection by now. More concretely, this means that the blade is held in place without play in any direction and that the lock is also very easy to disengage. It is also possible to point out that the lock works every time the knife is opened and that I have not had it slip at all. Not even with some moderately hard "spine whack" tests, that is, hitting the back of the blade.
The lock bar is easy to reach as it has been given a little pattern for better traction and rises slightly above the sides of the handle. The opposite side is also slightly recessed, which further increases access.
To Carry
Oh yes! This is one way of summarizing the characteristics of how this knife feels in the pocket. It doesn't really get that much better. The dimensions are discreet and then it is mainly the thickness that I think of. It is under 11 mm. When it is then combined with a thin blade and a light handle material, the end result is also light, more precisely 79 g.
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| The shiny steel clip is of the "deep carry" type and can be repositioned if the knife is to be carried on the left side |
Then all edges and corners are rounded as they should be. There is nothing sharp or angular to be irritated by. In addition, a handle material that does not cause any problem with excessive friction even if there is some resistance. In this case, it mostly contributes to the knife sitting a little more securely in the pocket.
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| The clip is recognizable from other knives from QSP |
The rather shiny steel clip is what mostly ensures that the knife stays there. It's one of QSP's standard clips but it's not a bad thing in this case. Good tension, plenty of space underneath, and a shape that makes the knife sit deep in the pocket. The mount is recessed into the side of the handle and although the screws don't have flat heads they don't stick out much. A small luxurious bonus is that the opposite side has a metal plate which means that there is not a big hole in the handle when the clip is not there.
Overall a very good clip. Especially as the tip, which certainly is a bit pointy, does not feel at all against the hand when the knife is used.
To Conclude
QSP is a company that appears to be in the "zone" at the moment. By that I mean, of course, that they have released several knives which are partly really capable but which have also reached many people and thus seem to sell well. This is one of them!
The short summary is that Canary Folder is an unusually successful transfer from one format to another. In addition, a little unusual as it is usually folding knives that turn into fixed blades.
In addition, there is something about the format itself that appeals to me. This is especially evident when compared to knives such as Cold Steel Hold Out III, Benchmade Bugout, and SRM 255. They are all thin and light and thus disappear in your pocket. In addition, they offer a lot of cutting strength to their size. But if the price is taken into consideration, one of these knives quickly disappears in the backwater compared to the other three.
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| It is with this type of knives Canary Folder can be compared. Lightweight "EDC" knives |
The blade of the Canary Folder is simple and straightforward. But the nice proportions and the fact that it's practical still make it quite attractive, albeit in a quiet way if you can put it that way. The rest of the knife is also a sympathetic acquaintance.
For the simple reason that the handle matches the blade in terms of function and appearance. It gives a pleasing harmony. But there is one area that elevates the knife above many others, not least in this price category, and that is how it feels to open. Handling this knife is a pure joy.
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| Increasing the size and turning the model into a folding knife was a stroke of genius. The result is a really good and affordable pocket knife |
Then I have already claimed that it is excellent in the pocket. You can't ask for much more from a pocket knife. There are always objections and one such is, of course, that it is not an exclusive knife, even if it feels well-made. The materials are not extraordinary and it is not full of exotic details. In return, it is reflected in the price. Seeing it makes you happy again.
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| Canary Folder is as likable as it looks. As the material in this design is something of a watershed, it can be pointed out that it is available in many other versions as well |
Thus, provided that it is not a luxurious status item you are looking for but a competent folding knife, this is a particularly viable alternative. In fact, I can't think of anything negative at all. Of course, there are limitations, but they are tied to the format, not design, execution, or materials.
Especially when the price is currently around SEK 650 in Europe. Yes, or less if you don't choose this version with Ultem grips.
Specification:
Length Overall: 167 mm
Length Folded: 95 mm
Weight: 69 g (weighed by me, stated 69g)
Blade Length: 72 mm
Blade Thickness: 3 mm
Blade Steel: Sandvik 14C28N, HRC 59-61
Handle: Ultem
Lock: Liner Lock
Produced by: QSP, made in China
/ J - likes his birds
* Due to its excellent properties, including the fact that it is not particularly prone to mechanical fatigue, it is used in the space industry, among other things.
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