- Slim EDC knife with some interesting details
This is a relatively new folding knife from SRM. From what I can gather from their online catalog, they have been gaining momentum in releasing new models, and after some time, things have really taken off in that regard. Several of the knives also look very interesting.
When it comes to this model, the motto is that simple is often beautiful. Or possibly boring if you are not good enough. But my opinion is that whoever designed Qrick has succeeded in their task well in this case. The shape is simple yet effective, both in terms of practicality and appearance. Then there are a few details that stand out and make the knife a little more interesting than first glance suggests. So let's take a closer look at this little knife.
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| SRM 408L Qrick |
As I said, there is probably a design team behind this model. At least no one in particular is mentioned on the blade or the website. What they have done is a streamlined knife whose blade is completely hidden in the handle when the knife is folded. In addition, the opening method is also almost invisible. The two details are interesting in themselves.
To that can be added a surprise that awaits those who have only seen the knife from the presentation page. At least that applies to this version. It can be guessed from the introductory pictures!
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| A slim knife from SRM |
Short version: SRM 408L Qrick, A streamlined EDC knife that offers some nice details and a solid foundation. A good everyday companion at an affordable price!
Blade
The symmetry found in the handle is repeated in the slender blade. It is a drop point that approaches a small dagger blade in terms of form. In addition to the lines, the impression is reinforced by a narrow swedge that extends along most of the back. Closest to the handle are grooves for a better grip for the thumb or index finger, depending on the grip.
The blade is 82 mm long and 3.1 mm thick. In other words, a little larger or rather longer than one might first be led to believe. Much because it is at most 22 mm high. From there, it tapers off quickly.
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| Qrick comes with a sleek drop point with a swedge |
The finish is a nicely executed satin that stands out especially clearly as the blade, except for the false edge, is completely flat ground.
The marking has shrunk more and more over time from SRM's side, which, at least, I am grateful for. I am certainly not one of those who require completely sterile blades to be satisfied, but I prefer a tasteful and preferably smaller logo. On one side of this blade is the logo, and on the other is the model name, or rather, designation and steel type.
The steel used is Sandvik 14C28N, which I still call it, although the company has now merged. It is a budget steel with excellently balanced properties as long as it is properly hardened and heat-treated. In fact, I often find that it holds its own in competition even with slightly finer steel. In particular, it is easy to sharpen and rust-resistant.
However, the edge does not last quite as long as on more expensive steels, in my experience. But I would like to add that sometimes the treatment of the steel is actually more important than the exact ingredients. Within certain limits, of course. It does not matter how "fine" the steel is if the hardening is simply rubbish.
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| On the "back" of the blade, you find the steel type, 14C28N |
Such details do not miss a large and well-established company like SRM. They know how to handle their steel by now. Without being a metallurgist or even an expert in the field, I am generally very satisfied with my SRM knives as tools. This also applies to Qrick.
As I said, the blade is small and pointed, and that is a feature that I appreciate. Not least because, as a knife thrower, I often get small metal chips in my hands and fingers. This knife is excellent for removing them. In addition, there is a lot of packaging opening at work, and that is a task that my pocket knives are responsible for. SRM Qrick is excellent there, too. Penetration is good, and the materials I work with are plastic and cardboard of various thicknesses. But tape and string are also present. However, it is not about volumes and not about coarse materials.
This makes the Qrick work great because a couple of features I look for are that the knife is easy to pull and fold out to then make one or two quick cuts. But I want it to disappear again just as quickly. Not for "tactical" reasons but simply to be able to continue working.
The blade shape and the relatively thin material, in combination with a full flat grind, also transform this knife into an excellent paring knife in the kitchen when needed. Generally, I believe that folding knives are not suitable for various reasons, but in an emergency or in the forest, the Qrick works.
Overall, the Qrick is a good knife as long as you don't have to process meters of cardboard or wood carving. For that, it is, of course, too slim.
Handle
The exterior is not much to say about, as the general features are as simple as they can be. A slightly rounded box or square stick, or however you want to put it. The thing is that this basic shape always works. It's more about making sure that the details fit. In this case, the corners and edges are rounded and beveled as they should be. That the length fits a hand and that there is nothing pointed that can irritate.
Most of the details fit here like a glove. But of course, Qrick is not a big knife as I stated above.
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| The handle sides are made of G10 with a modest longitudinal pattern. A decorative collar is found around the pivot screw. |
The construction is also straightforward. Nothing fancy, but here you will find a lightened steel frame on which sides of G10 have been screwed in two points in addition to the pivot screw, which is, of course, adjustable. The screws used are of size T6. Around the pivot screw, you will find a small decorative collar in a contrasting color, and on the head itself, you will find the SRM logo again.
The sides are medium coarseness, if I may put it that way. They provide grip, but it is not as extreme as it can sometimes be with this material. Along them runs a linear pattern.
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| The back is half open, the rest is covered by a two-tone back spacer in which the clip is also attached. |
More unique than the pattern, however, is the color. The green seen on the presentation side is not extreme, but the signal orange on the other side is all the more noticeable. Yes, the knife has two different colors depending on which side you look at. That was the surprise.
The back spacer, which extends about half the length of the knife, is two-colored to match the sides. The rest of the back is otherwise open.
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| Qrick is very light and well-balanced. This makes it nimble in the hand. |
The handle is 10.9 cm long, about 2.4 cm high, and 1.1 cm thick. Or loosely translated "small". But it works, and it doesn't really favor any grips, even though the classic saber grip is preferable. At least I do in this case.
Since the shape is so toned down, the entire handle can be used to hold around, which means that even slightly larger hands can handle Qrick.
Opening and Lock
Qrick opens with one of the smallest front flippers I have in my collection. Despite being practically invisible, it actually works very well. For obvious reasons, it can only be activated by pulling backwards, as there is simply nothing to push down on. A bit educational, so to speak.
The rounded front edge and the grooves on the blade spine and extending around the "corner" of the blade mean that it flies out when you slide your index finger over them.
It is possible to miss the opening at some point if your index finger is not pressed enough against the handle spine to get the right grip, but it is not a problem, more of a habit. Most of the time, you don't have to think at all, just slide your finger over the knife and the blade is there!
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| The knife opens using a minimal front flipper |
To enable the very discreet flipper to work this well, the knife has, in addition to steel ball bearings, a fairly weak "detent". In fact, you can flick the blade out without using the flipper if you wish. But the resistance is not so weak that it is dangerous. It requires a fairly strong flick of the wrist to succeed. It has never been opened by mistake in a pocket. The fact that the blade is hidden and that there is nothing protruding contributes to safety.
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| A simple but good liner lock |
The lock is a fairly simple and fairly thin liner lock. But given the other dimensions of the knife, I don't see it as a problem. This knife is neither for chopping, stabbing, nor working hard with, and the lock is sufficient. Especially since it locks effectively every time the knife is opened.
The blade is held firmly in place without movement in any direction. Since the lock bar is not that coarse, the lock is also easy to release. Something quite unique is that the lock bar is also heavily drilled out. This is not common.
Access is facilitated by a recess in the G10 sides. They are not large but sufficient, especially since there are some grooves for better grip on the lock bar as well.
To Carry
This knife is one of the absolute best when it comes to carrying in a pocket. A not entirely unimportant detail for an EDC knife, since that is where it is most of the time.
As mentioned earlier, this is a small and slim handle. The neat format, the materials, a slim and flat-ground blade combined with a heavily relieved inside, means that the scales stop at 73g. That is not much for a knife with an eight-centimeter blade.
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| The clip is SRM's unique Ambi Clip |
Since the sides aren't extremely rough and the knife lacks a traditional flipper, the Qrick is a streamlined seal in your pocket. It glides into place like said animal glides through water. Although the analogy may be lame, as seals tend to be plumper in shape.
Either way, it's very easy to both draw and stow this knife.
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| The knife is not only virtually invisible in your pocket, it is also not felt at all |
Especially since it boasts an SRM Ambi Clip. You can think what you want about the looks. I personally think they are mostly quite neutral, but they work great. The tension is good, the ramp is enough to reach over most normal trouser pocket fabric, and last but not least, they come with a surprise for those who don't know.
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| The clip is removed by squeezing it together while pushing it backwards. |
The thing is that they can be removed or moved from the right to the left side without tools. Just pinch the clip and pull it straight back. The movement releases two lugs that hold the clip in place, and then you can do whatever you want with it. A very practical and well-functioning solution.
To Conclude
It is only worth noting that SRM continues to produce good EDC knives in the budget class. Some slightly nicer models with titanium handles have been released, but they often follow a recipe with G10 or Micarta in the handle and 14C28N, VG10, or now 10Cr steel in the blade. The locks are either their interpretation of a cross-bar lock called Ambi Lock or, as here, a liner lock.
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| Qrick is a good EDC knife |
This is a knife for those who like small, discreet knives with a bit of a dagger vibe. The blade is certainly a drop point, but it leans towards a spear point, and it is completely hidden in the handle when the knife is folded. It gives a distinctive look.
But there is more to the plus side than that. Small details like the decorative collar, the clever clip, and the discreet flipper tab give a more luxurious feel. Then it is a bit interesting that the sides have two different colors, which is matched by the two-color back spacer. In addition, the knife is very well built. Everything that should be rounded is there, and the lock works excellently.
In practical terms, the blade shape paired with the steel and a full flat grind is also very viable in an EDC context. As long as you stay away from the toughest tasks, that is. Then there are other knives in the SRM range to browse. After all, Qrick is a thin and sleek knife.
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| SRM Qrick is an excellent little knife to take with you on various excursions |
However, it is robust enough to handle the majority of small knife jobs you might encounter in your daily life. So if you like this type of look and want to add a bit of originality with the two-tone sides, SRM's 408L Qrick is a clear option.
Especially since the price tag is not a deterrent, in Europe, this knife costs from 39€
Specifications:
Length Overall: 190 mm
Length Folded: 109 mm
Weight: 73 g (weighed by me, stated 73g)
Blade Length: 82 mm
Blade Thickness: 3,1 mm
Blade Steel: 14C28N, HRC
Handle: G10, two colored
Lock: Liner lock
Produced by: SRM, made in China
/ J - Better a light knife than a light wallet
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