- an odd knife in more ways than one
Variant PE is the name of this creation. The question what is it a variant of? A justified thought as this knife from QSP is one-of-a-kind. The combination of being something of a "modern traditional" in that it is a "Swayback" at the same time as being trendy in having several different opening methods is unusual. Almost as rare is an all-metal handle combined with this type of lock.
Putting these different elements together gives you an oddball in the knife world.
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| QSP Variant PE |
It has been manufactured by two companies, making this knife no less odd.* The designer Jacob Lundquist is behind the Variant PE. Not to be confused with another knife maker with the same last name. He ensured that the model previously existed under the name Qvist Bladeworks Variant PE. By the way, "PE" stands for Production Edition. A series-produced version of his custom knife of the same name. He made it to variant PE3 before it was shut down. According to himself, he did not have the time and resources to continue but liked the model too much to let it die.
That's where QSP comes in. With big production muscles and a lot of know-how, they were the right partner.
As is often the case, there are several versions to choose from. This is the most luxurious one with a titanium handle but there are also versions in G10 and Micarta. All three materials are available in a couple of different colors.
Short Version: QSP Variant PE, an oddball in the knife world. A modern Swayback which is also a second interpretation of a custom knife
Blade
The blade shape is partially derived from the pattern that is the basis of this knife. They usually have Hawkbill, Wharncliffe, or like this one, a sheep's foot blade. In this case, you can add the prefix "modified" as the edge is not completely straight like on the archetype but slightly curved.
There is a small flat surface to make the blade a little more visually interesting. But what is most striking apart from the shape is, of course, the hole in the blade. Here, Lundquist has chosen an oval hole that is almost rectangular with rounded corners.
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| Variant PE also has a type of blade often found on Swaybacks, a Sheepsfoot |
The blade is 75mm long, 25mm high and 3mm thick. Together with an elegant shape on the blade spine, it gives a harmonious appearance. The finish is a well-executed stone wash. QSP's logo is so small that it has been relegated to the ricasso. On the other side, Lundquist's logo is found in the same small format along with the steel type.
Steel is one of QSP's staples these days. It is a Swedish 14C28N with a stated hardness of 59-61HRC. You can tell that QSP knows how to handle this steel because they get a lot out of it. The factory edge was more than acceptable and it actually holds its sharpness well. Maybe not in a class with the absolute best steels in that area, but that's not to be expected either. It is also resistant to rust as it turns out and quite easy to sharpen. In that area, this steel beats many others.
The rather thin blade is flat ground and ends with 0.3-0.4 mm steel behind the edge. A blade made to cut well.
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| The blade is discreetly marked, which contributes to a certain finesse |
This is quickly noticed when using the knife. In fact, the Variant PE is a really good EDC knife because of its slicyness. The slightly curved edge makes it easier when cutting against flat surfaces and since it is a Sheepsfoot that approaches a Wharncliffe in terms of proportions, it also has a capable tip.
This means that this knife can handle all everyday tasks perfectly as long as they don't include more powerful cuts, that is. Then the handle sets the limitations, or rather it controls how you hold the knife if you have to use some muscle.
But if you stick to packaging openings and materials such as tape, cardboard, thinner nylon straps, and the like, this is a practical little thing. If you absolutely want to use your pocket knife as a paring knife in the kitchen, that's fine too. However, it's damn unhygienic, so on second thought - don't.
It is, of course, possible to cut a thicker rope or a tree branch with this knife as well but if you do there are a couple of considerations that I will discuss below.
Handle
The first thing visible and the most significant thing about the whole knife is the shape of the handle. At first glance, the slightly bean-like creation may look as if it is upside down, which is close to the truth. Namely, this is a "swayback". It is one of many traditional knife patterns that exist and are found on, for example, pruning knives. Those knives are often used in reverse grip, hence the shape.
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| The slightly bean-shaped handle that is typical of a Swayback |
However, the unusualness of the Variant Pe does not end there. This version is certainly in titanium but it is not a frame lock with massive sides as you might think, but the titanium is actually only used as handle sides. Beneath these is a standard steel frame that is both weight-relieved and recessed in the sides. It is very nicely done and both that and the rest of the build quality and fit are excellent.
The titanium, which is available in both gray and black, is of course quite smooth. If a better grip is desired, there are, as I said, other materials with higher friction. The advantage of more polished surfaces is that they slide more easily up and down out of pockets and wear less on fabric.
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| The knife is modern and typical with an open back |
The handle of the Variant PE is 10.2 cm long and 2.9-2.5 cm high. The width is 1.1 cm. That's enough for a fairly comfortable four-finger grip. Especially as the rear end is softly shaped. Then the space in front of the finger recess is wide enough to be able to slip the index finger there if desired.
The exterior shape is elegant and that impression is enhanced by the clean look achieved by having only one screw in addition to the pivot screw visible on the handle. Yes, if you disregard the clip, of course, but there they have chosen to have a plate to make the outside smoother on the side that is not used. The size of the screws is the now almost standardized T8 in the pivot screw and T6 for the rest.
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| The handle becomes more comfortable if you turn it over |
Then we come to that thing with the shape. I still want to turn these types of knives upside down. Then suddenly the curved underside of the handle follows the inside of the hand in a much more appealing way. In some grips, it certainly fills the hand better, but it feels awkward.
In a hammer grip, the knife is therefore perceived as almost good. That is, the knife fills the hand and all the fingers find their place, but the area in contact with the little finger feels sharp, I can add that there is a reason why finger recesses usually do not have an angular shape. The appearance is appealing but creates corners that are sometimes perceived as hard.
Then there was the clip that ended up against the hand in a sad way. All this is enhanced if the knife is held in a saber grip with a thumb on the blade. Then the index finger presses against the two rear corners of the finger recess and the clip is felt even more.
Interestingly, all these disadvantages disappear if you turn the knife upside down.
Opening and Lock
Variant Pe can be opened in several different ways. Two hands are often an option, but that is not what the knife is aimed at. Primarily, it is intended as either a "front flipper" or to be opened using a blade hole. The flipper function itself is barely visible when the knife is closed and not at all when the knife is open.
To facilitate opening, the blade runs on ceramic ball bearings. This, of course, gives a very smooth action and gives an easier-to-open knife.
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| The flipper tab is almost hidden in the handle when the knife is closed |
The front flipper also works well. Once learned to handle it should be added. It is not entirely intuitive but almost requires you to put the knife on its side in your hand and then pull your thumb around the very front end of the knife. When you do so, the flick becomes effective and the blade flies out with some speed.
But to accomplish that, QSP has given the knife quite a hard detent, or at least this is true for this example. So hard that it actually happens that I misfire when I try to open the knife.
Then we come to opening method number two. It's always a balancing act to have more than one, but QSP usually manages that. Here I am more doubtful about it. QSP has not succeeded quite as well as usual.
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| This blade hole is not one of my favorites |
However, the objections are found more at the design level than in the implementation phase. By that, I mean that the shape of the blade hole and its placement combined with the handle thickness creates problems. The hole is found near the handle and is quite narrow. When paired with a fairly full handle, it is not easy to access the hole with the thumb. Then the angle of the finger becomes such that it makes the opening movement difficult. It becomes extra tricky because of the great resistance from the detent ball, which requires you to apply pressure for it to release.
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| Variant PE has something as unusual as a combination of a liner lock and titanium handle |
An unusual detail found on this version of the Variant Pe is the choice of lock. Most knives with metal handles, especially those made of titanium, usually have a frame lock. It is in the nature of things as they usually lack a frame. But that is not the case here as described above. Therefore, part of the frame can be used as a liner lock.
The lock is very solid. Something that partly explains the substantial tension in the detent ball. But it also means that the lock bar is very reliable. The geometry is mastered by QSP and the material is easy to work with. The result is a strong lock.
That is also a factor when you want to disengage it. Certainly, the lock bar is easily accessible. The really substantial finger groove takes care of that. But the lock bar strength and the fact that it feels a bit sharp make the whole thing somewhat less pleasant. Not bad by any means but also not quite up to the standard I'm used to from this company.
To Carry
Variant PE is a really nice acquaintance when it comes to carrying it in a pocket. Softly rounded shapes paired with smooth sides in metal provide a knife that easily slides into place. It is almost as easy to pull as well. Possibly somewhat more difficult as it is a knife that embodies the expression "deep carry". None of the knife is visible when it is in a pants pocket.
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| The clip is a simple spring steel clip |
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| The attachment is nicely done with a recess in the side of the handle, which means that the entire space under the clip can be used |
The handle length is 102 mm, and the weight is also not a deterrent at 113 grams. But best of all, they chose to hide the flipper tab well. This means that there really is nothing pointy on this knife. This also applies if you put your hand in your pocket to pick up something else. I often keep my car keys there, for example. Something that is also made possible by the fact that the knife is not too large.
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| The clip is of the deep carry type, whereupon the knife disappears completely into the pocket |
The way to attach the clip is nicely done and something I like. One of the things I appreciate is that they provided the handle with a cover plate for the holes and the recess on the unused side.
The milled groove and the tandem placement of the screws mean that the clip cannot move laterally and that the space available under the clip for fabric can be used to the maximum. There is nothing for fabric edges to catch.
The clip itself is not that exciting but suits the clean look of the knife. It is one of QSP's standard spring steel clips. It is polished which makes it contrast slightly against the titanium gray of the handle while matching the look of the screws and the semi-gloss blade.
The tension is decent and this is a good clip in general. Like the tip not protruding and that the ramp works. But then there was the placement. Good for hiding the knife in your pocket. Not good at all when it comes to being comfortable while in the hand. Again, the knife is much better if you turn it around because the back end of the clip doesn't poke into the hand but ends up behind the fingers and the whole experience is better.
To Conclude
From what I can tell, this version follows the original fairly faithfully in form. Then, of course, the custom knives are both handmade and made of more exclusive materials. But the very essence of the knife seems to remain.
It makes for a knife that is beautiful to look at. Variant PE is elegant and with a flowing design language which includes a soft rounded handle that is mirrored by the shape of the blade. Then this becomes partly a "modern traditional" as Swaybacks are an old form of folding knife.
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| Here you see the Variant PE side by side with a more traditional Swayback. A pruning knife that originally had a more pronounced Hawkbill blade but was worn down by years of cutting into sacks of pellets. In the picture on the far right, you can see how they are actually intended to be gripped |
With the shape comes both advantages and disadvantages. The appearance is, of course, a detail that should not be underestimated. It is probably mostly the reason why some Swaybacks have attracted attention in the knife world in recent years. But from a purely practical perspective, I don't know if they have much to add beyond the areas in which they excel. So if you know that you often prune berry bushes, graft apple trees, and engage in general gardening work with your pocket knife, this is the model for you. For everyone else, there are better patterns.
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| Variant PE, an EDC knife with its own look and a blade that cuts really well |
That said, the QSP Variant PE is an interesting knife. Looks aside, it's a well-built knife. In this version, it also becomes the odd bird I mentioned at the beginning. With more common modern materials in the sides such as G10, the construction does not stand out at all. But with titanium sides, it becomes more rare. Then it can be added that for those who devote themselves to putting custom handles on folding knives, it is a significantly more frequently occurring combination.
Things that show that it is well built are partly how it is put together but also details such as the nice cover plate over the holes for the clip mount, the centered blade, the nice blade finish, and the good factory edge.
Then the QSP Variant PE is not an impractical knife. However, one should keep in mind that it is best for lighter chores and those that don't last too long. Namely, the blade geometry is good and the steel is adequate.
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| QSP Variant PE is an elegant pocket knife with some personality |
But at the end of the day, the QSP Variant PE is a knife you buy because you think it's elegant and you're looking for a shape that has something of its own. If a knife can be said to have personality, it is found here. A legacy from the custom original, one must assume. The other features are part of the deal.
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| QSP Knife |
Specifications:
Length Overall: 177 mm
Length Folded: 102 mm
Weight:113 g
Blade Length: 75 mm
Blade Thickness: 3 mm
Blade Steel: 14C28N
Handle: Titanium
Lock: Liner lock
Produced by: QSP, made in China
/ J - trying to get over his aversion to Swaybacks
* Which is now approaching three depending on how you look at it. Together with Kizer, Lundquist has released "Banish". A knife with exactly the same theme, although it is smaller and comes with a Button lock.
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