New Knife - Al Mar SERE Operator

- or there is a difference between Operator and Operator

Friends of order with a good memory probably feel that their fingers are itching and would like to point out that I have already presented a knife called the Al Mar SERE Operator 40. That is certainly completely correct, but look, it is not the same knife. The names are similar, and so is the knife, as they are based on the same basic model.

This particular numbered version came in a very special box

Just as the specifications differ slightly, so does the name. The correct name for this model is the Al Mar SERE Operator, or more accurately, the 4" Al Mar SERE Operator Knife. The latter is more of a  designation, I guess.

In addition to the knife, the box contained some other goodies.

There are a number of points on which these knives differ. In fact, there are so many that it is basically a different knife with similar characteristics. I therefore intend to present a comparison between them at a later date.

Simply put, it can be said that in addition to both knives having G10 in the grip, the materials are different, while all the dimensions have been changed. Overall, this knife is lighter and even more agile to handle than its predecessor. It can then be added that both models are slightly smaller than the original, which had a five-inch blade, which essentially makes them a "mini SERE".

Specifically, it means a knife that is quite modest in size with a blade length that the name suggests, four inches or just over ten centimetres. This gives a total length of 222 mm (8.75"). The blade has a material thickness of 3.3 mm (0.13"). The handle is also thin, smooth and lightweight, which gives the knife itself a weight of as low as 126g (4.5 oz).

The handle material is G10, which has a thin red line closest to the tang as decoration. Very stylish and alludes to Al Mars' black-red theme. 

The blade shape is Al Mar's classic "Talon" or, as most would identify it ", a quintessential spear-point". The steel used is the proven 154CM, which has been given a dark grey tumbled finish.

The knife is complemented by a Kydex sheath. It is noticeable that there is quality in it as well as it has just the right resistance to keep the knife in a firm grip while being easy to draw. In addition, the knife is completely silent when it is in the sheath. No rattle here!

The sheath has a swivel clip in spring steel that fits most belts. For the extra knowledgeable, this construction may reveal who manufactures this knife for Al Mar.

SERE Operator comes with a Kydex sheath equipped with TOPS's custom metal clip

I don't usually comment on how knives are packaged or how the boxes look, but in this case, it's something completely special! This particular copy happens to be a numbered edition (no. 10/500) and a press release variant and therefore comes in this very special box.

More specifically, it's an ammunition box where dimensions and specifications are written on the outside in the same way as if the contents were cartridges.

For once, the packaging doesn't feel exaggerated, as this knife really sparks. One of the things behind it is that, unlike the previous model, it is not made in China.

AL Mar SERE Operator made by TOPS Knives

Al Mar SERE Operator is instead made in the USA, more specifically in Idaho. That's where TOPS Knives is located, and they are the ones who are responsible for the manufacturing expertise in this case. For those who know their knives for outdoor use, military, police and other similar professional groups, there is hardly any need for an introduction. It can only be stated that they are of the absolute highest possible quality.

The same impression is immediately given by the SERE Operator. Especially since the restrained format paired with excellent balance gives a knife that literally radiates competence. This is underlined, as I said, by a build quality including the case that is of an exceptionally high level.

Therefore, it will be a true joy to carry, use and review this knife. SERE Operator invites to be carried and screams to be used.

Al Mar Knives

/ J - excited

Ny kniv - Al Mar SERE Operator

 - eller det är skillnad på Operator och Operator

Vän av ordning med gott minne känner nog att det kliar i fingrarna och vill gärna påpeka att jag redan presenterat en kniv vid namn Al Mar SERE Operator 40. Det är förvisso helt korrekt men se, det är inte samma kniv. Namnet är snarlikt liksom kniven då de baseras på samma grundmodell. 

Just det här numrerade exemplaret kom i en mycket speciell låda

Precis som specifikationerna skiljer sig något så gör även namnet det. Det korrekta namnet på den här modellen är Al Mar SERE Operator eller ännu mer exakt 4" Al Mar SERE Operator Knife. Det sistnämnda är dock mer av en beteckning. 

I lådan fanns utöver kniven en del andra godsaker

Det finns ett antal punkter på vilka de  här knivarna skiljer sig åt. Det är faktiskt så många att det i princip är en annan kniv med liknande egenskaper. Jag ämnar därför presentera en jämförelse dem emellan vid ett senare tillfälle. 

Enkelt uttryckt kan det sägas att förutom att båda knivarna har G10 i greppet så skiljer sig materialen åt samtidigt som alla mått är ändrade. Sammantaget är den här kniven lättare och ännu smidigare att hantera än sin föregångare. Sedan kan tilläggas att båda modellerna är något mindre än originalet som hade ett femtumsblad vilket egentligen gör dem till en "mini SERE". 

Konkret innebär det en kniv som är tämligen modest i storlek med en bladlängd som namnet skvallrar om på fyra tum eller strax över tio centimeter. Det ger en totallängd av 222 mm (8,75"). Bladet har en godstjocklek på 3,3 mm (0,13"). Handtaget är därtill tunt och smidigt samt lättat vilket ger en så låg vikt på själva kniven som 126g (4,5 oz). 

Handtagsmaterialet är G10 som har fått en tunn röd linje närmast tången som dekoration. Mycket snyggt och anspelar på Al Mars svart-röda tema. 

Bladformen är Al Mars klassiska "Talon" eller som de flesta skulle identifera den "en kvintessentiell spear-point". Stålet som använts är det beprövade 154CM som fått en mörkt grå tumlad finish. 

Kniven kompletteras med ett fodral i Kydex. Det märks att det är kvalitet även i det då det har precis rätt motstånd för att hålla kniven i ett bestämt grepp samtidigt som den är lätt att dra. Därtill är kniven helt tyst när den är i fodralet. Inget skrammel här inte!

Fodralet har ett vridbart clip i fjäderstål som passar de flesta bälten inklusive stridsselar om så tarvas. För den extra kunnige så kanske den konstruktionen avslöjar vem som tillverkar den här kniven åt Al Mar.

SERE Operator kommer med ett fodral i Kydex utrustat med TOPS sedvanliga metallclip

Sedan brukar jag inte kommentera hur knivar är förpackade eller hur lådorna ser ut men i det här fallet är det något helt extra! Just det här exemplaret råkar vara en numrerad utgåva (nr 10/500) samt en press-realease-variant och kommer därför i den här mycket speciella lådan. 

Närmare bestämt är det en ammunitionslåda där mått och specifikationer skrivits på utsidan på samma vis som den innehållet patroner. 

För en gång skull känns inte förpackningen överdriven då det verkligen slår gnistor om den här kniven. En av de saker som ligger bakom det är att den till skillnad från den tidigare modellen inte är tillverkad i Kina. 

AL Mar SERE Operator tillverkad av TOPS Knives

Al Mar SERE Operator är istället tillverkad i USA, närmare bestämt i Idaho. Där hittas nämligen TOPS Knives och det är de som står för tillverkningskompetensen i det här fallet. För de som kan sina knivar för friluftsbruk, militär och polis och andra liknande yrkesgrupper så behövs knappt någon introduktion. Det går bara konstatera att de håller absolut högsta möjliga kvalitet. 

Samma intryck får man direkt av SERE Operator. Särskilt som det återhållsamma formatet parat med utmärkt balans ger en kniv som formligen utstrålar kompetens. Det understryks som sagt av en byggkvalitet inklusive fodralet som håller exeptionellt hög nivå. 

Därför skall det bli en sann fröjd att bära, bruka och recensera den här kniven. SERE Operator inbjuder till att bäras och skriker efter att få bli använd. 

Al Mar Knives

/ J - exalterad

Review Shieldon Knives Scythe XL

  

-  a Pikal to go with your coffee?

The Scythe XL  from  Shieldon Knives has an appearance that differs from most. It belongs to a type of knife called Pikal or P'kal. A type of knife that, like karambits, originated in Southeast Asia and over time developed into knives for self-defense*. This makes it a rare guest here on the blog and perhaps even more so in most people's pockets.

What is typical of the model is that the edge is intended to be turned upwards. Then they are often curved, as in this case, which makes them look even more peculiar when compared to more traditional pocket knives.

One of the questions that arises is whether they have any reason to exist outside of the relatively obscure intended area of ​​use and collecting. Some of that I intend to answer here.

Shieldon Knives Scythe XL

Scythe is a collaboration between American DC Blades, who designed the knife, and Shieldon Knives, who produces it.

The model can be found in two of the categories that Shieldon has chosen to divide its range into on the website. Something I find a bit strange. First, it is found in their mid-range segment called "Crusader". Or rather, that is where this version is placed. With this steel and handle material. But Scythe is also found among the alchemists, which are the more exclusive knives. That version has a titanium handle and a blade in S35VN. Below them are the simplest knives that have to be content with being bards.

Then it gets quite confusing when they call the middle group "High End" and the top group "Premium". They are usually expressions that are more or less synonymous, and if an analogy is to be made to the Hi-Fi world, it can't be more than "High End". That's kind of what the premium category is.

Scythe is not a discreet knife, no matter how you look at it

Short version: Shieldon Knives Scythe XL, a small knife with plenty of attitude!

Blade

The blade type is, if not unique, then very unusual. The fact that the knife type itself is called Pikal or P'kal was mentioned in the introduction. What this means in concrete terms is a knife with a blade that is actually a hawkbill, but with a very distinct angle between the handle and blade. This gives it a typical appearance, and this is, of course, also reflected in the properties.

The blade shape is basically a hawkbill

But what makes a Pikal unique is that it is meant to be turned upside down. That is, with the edge facing up. In this case, the angle of the flipper reveals that it is also meant to be used as a thumb ramp. 

The knife looks quite different when you turn it over.

This is what distinguishes this type of knife. If the knife is held with the edge like a regular knife, it practically means that the edge of the curved blade ends up higher than usual, and the same applies to the tip. It points downwards compared to a regular knife, at the same time as it is found above the intended center line of the knife. This means that it does not grip rope as well as a regular hawkbill, but on the other hand, you can more easily stab with the knife, if desired.

The tip of this type of blade, and also the Scythe, is very thin. This makes it extremely sharp and provides extreme penetration, but it comes at the expense of durability. To put it bluntly, this is not a particularly good tip for opening packages in the long run. However, it cuts excellently in meat. You can draw your own conclusions from that. Not because it can't open boxes, because it more than can, but because it doesn't hold up to it in the long run. Unless you want to sharpen it over time, of course. Then just keep going.

This is even though the steel is a 154CM, which is certainly not particularly exclusive but robust and well-known. By the latter, I mean that it is no secret how it should be hardened and heat-treated to get the most out of it. Here Shieldon keeps the hardness down to 58-60 HRC, which is a good idea as you don't want the blade to break.

The steel is relatively rust-resistant, but here it has been reinforced with a black titanium nitride surface. The finer variants with a black blade instead have a DLC-treated blade, if I understand correctly.

This tip is no joke!

The blade is quite small; despite the fact that the knife has been given the XL suffix, it measures just under three inches or 74 mm. I would think the reason has to do with certain jurisdictions in the world. Many countries and areas draw the line at 75 mm. The height of the blade is at most 22, and the thickness is a full 4 mm. It is relatively large, but a strong spine is needed as the blade is otherwise very slender. Then that thickness is not maintained as the blade has a strong swedge that thins out and improves on an already very good penetration ability.

I have mostly used it for two different things. First, pure testing like cutting meat, and then purely practical to remove splinters, peel out skewers, etc. Of course, with a proper cleaning in between. But for that kind of small stuff, that knife is absolutely fantastic, even though it was hardly intended as a scalpel.

Otherwise, the knife's strengths are found in the same areas as all curved blades, i.e., mainly cutting string, rope, and twine, but also cutting thinner things like a branch, a cable tie, etc. The curved edge bites harder the further into the cut you get, if you put it that way. The exact opposite of a skinning blade.

Handle

The handle shape can probably be called dogbone, as it is a little thinner in the middle and swells both front and back. The fact that the handle is so symmetrical is not surprising since the basic idea is that you should be able to turn it over to get the edge up, as mentioned. But it is also possible to hold the knife on the "right" keel, and not least in a reverse grip with both the edge forward and backward.

To achieve all these grip options, the handle needs to be fairly neutral but still provide a really firm grip. This has been achieved partly by giving the knife substantial finger protection. If the edge is down, it is the blade itself that forms a substantial thumb ramp. It is reinforced by a set of excellent grooves. When the knife is turned over, the flipper fin fulfills the same function. 

The handle is of the "dog bone" type

This handle is quite expensive in terms of processing time. Inside, you will find a frame that is recessed into the handle sides. The latter are not made of any exclusive material but G10. But here they have worked quite hard and given a very distinctive pattern in the style that was previously often called "rock pattern". It gives a very solid grip.

Something that is reinforced by a really thorny back consisting of a protruding back-spacer of black steel.

Scythe has a very distinctive back spacer with a pronounced pattern

The handle is not huge, but with a length of 105 mm, a height of 18-23 mm, and a thickness of 13 mm, it provides a solid four-finger grip. Especially since it is possible to use the entire handle, and the backward-tilting flipper tab gives space instead of stealing space, which is more common.

The knife is assembled at only two points: the pivot screw, which is, of course, adjustable, and an attachment point towards the rear end. Incidentally, it is also the screw that holds the clip in place. An advantage is that they have chosen to keep everything in size T8. This is appreciated because it is more durable than smaller dimensions and because one size of key is enough to adjust or disassemble the knife.

The knife is quite small with good balance. The Scythe can be gripped and used like a regular knife, but...

...it's when you turn it over that you get the explanation for the shape

As described, the Scythe is a knife that can be held in almost any way. On the right keel, the clip can rub a little against the hand in a hammer grip (in the right hand), but disappears completely when the thumb is placed in the right place for a saber grip. If the knife is turned the other way, the clip disappears completely in both grips, and the handle is really comfortable. Especially since the rounded back end fits well in the hand.

This detail also becomes clear when you spin the knife to a reverse grip. Even there, the clip is felt against the hand when the knife is held "wrong" with the edge backwards. However, it is still possible to use the knife well. But when you turn it with the edge down, forwards, the handle becomes really comfortable again. Or as comfortable as a handle with this much grip can be. A polished wood or bone handle is, of course, softer against the skin.

Opening and Lock

If we ignore the fact that the Scythe can be opened really quickly with a two-handed grip thanks to the blade sticking out as much as it does, this is a knife that is mainly flipper-operated.

The flipper tab is strongly angled, which is partly connected to the blade shape and the short movement needed. However, it primarily provides an additional thumb ramp when the knife is spun, as previously mentioned. It is also equipped with a solid pattern for better grip. This makes it very difficult to slip with your finger.

The flipper tab on this knife leans significantly backward

It doesn't matter how you use the flipper; push or pull is just as quick. The blade speed is even faster thanks to ceramic ball bearings. The shape, or rather the angle, provides another bonus. If you turn the knife upside down, the flipper is used with the index finger on the underside instead of the top. 

The lock is a liner lock that is easy to disengage

The lock consists of a so-called nested liner lock, meaning that the lock bar is recessed into the handle side. The material is steel and the function is good. It is easy to release the lock when needed, and it locks every time the knife is opened, no matter how slowly or quickly it happens.

Even better is that it keeps the blade in place. You may feel a very small tendency to move up and down if the blade is pressed hard. However, there is no tendency for the lock bar to slide under negative load. This is always important for safety, but especially here, when pressure can come from any direction depending on how the knife is held.

To Carry

The Scythe is a light knife. The scales stop at around 90 g. But it makes an unusually large footprint in the pocket for being so small. As previously mentioned, the length is only just over a decimeter, but in return, it is thicker and even more so with the clip.

But mostly it is a bit bulgy when it comes to height.

Scythe comes with a wire clip

There is quite a bit of blade sticking out, and on the other side is a flipper that is only 6.5 mm high, but it is still there. In total, it gives a height of 36 mm plus the extra 6,5, which gives a total height that can match a Spyderco knife. And that's not a compliment. 

An example of a very well-functioning clip

The clip on this knife is a delight and could serve as a model for many manufacturers. It is a wire clip that really works. The advantages are that they are discreet and have good tension when the material and thickness are right.

Apart from its pocket height, the Scythe is very discreet to carry

It is indeed only attached with one screw, but in return, it is recessed in the handle side, so the clip does not move sideways despite that. It is also reversible for those who want to carry the knife on the left side for one reason or another.

The knife is quite easy to pull and put away. It is a "deep carry" clip, but the knife is still accessible. What makes it a little more cumbersome to put away is the rough pattern that grips the fabric, not impossibly hard but quite firmly. But at least you won't lose your knife. 

To Conclude

There is no getting away from the fact that this is a very special knife. The same can be said about the karambits I have previously reviewed here on the blog. Their actual area of ​​use is hardly compatible with Swedish emergency protection legislation. Now, don't get the idea that you are not allowed to carry this knife for that reason. I have received such comments before. Scythe can, of course, be used to the same extent as a Mora knife. That is to say, not in a pub, but it is excellent if you want to cut a rope for your fishing net out on the lake. That is, more or less, how you should think as a Swede. It is actually not the appearance that determines whether the knife is allowed or not, but the situation.

However, the appearance is quite striking as it is extreme with a strongly curved and pointed blade that can also be held upside down. That was mostly why I chose the color combination black and red, by the way. The knife is not discreet in any case, so why go all the way, I thought. 

A knife that is not discreet at all

Regardless of what you think of this aesthetic, it can be said that Shieldon Knives has managed to build a really solid little knife. Despite its light weight, it gives a well-built impression. Something that is reinforced by the fact that it fits like a glove in most grips.

Scythe XL is not as large as the name suggests; the total length is 180 mm

In fact, for a Pikal, the Shieldon Scythe isn't as bad for practical tasks as one might think. If you don't care too much about the tip, it's great for splitting cardboard and relatively good for cutting rope and string.

This is a knife for those who want something special that can also be used (well, kind of) in everyday life. 

Shieldon Knives

Specifikcations:

Length Open: 180 mm

Length Folded: 105 mm

Weight: 90 g

Blade Length: 74 mm

Blade Thickness: 4 mm

Blade Steel: 154CM

Handle: G10

Lock: Liner Lock

Produced by: Shieldon Knives, made in China

/ J - looking east

* As I already wrote in the presentation, "self-defense with a knife" is a concept I am not at all a fan of. That is the subject of another blog post. But to describe what I mean in a simplified way, it can be stated that there will be enormous problems for the person who pulls the knife, regardless of the situation. This applies both physically when it happens and not least afterwards. The risk of getting injured yourself or seriously harming someone else is always imminent.

The likelihood that the person with the knife will either be considered the attacker or at least the one who did not choose to de-escalate the situation in a strict legal sense is imminent. Unlike action movies, such situations end up in court, where every action is scrutinized. This means that you can most likely expect serious consequences even after incidents.

The only time it works is in endless "What if?" scenarios; let's not go there!

#knivesandbikes #aliaspostmortem #knivigtvarre 

Ny kniv - Shieldon Scythe XL

Nu skall vi för ett ögonblick dyka in i den värld som befolkas av märkliga tecknade figurer. Eller åtminstone ett knivmärke som tagit namn efter Pokémons, nämligen Shieldon.

Och apropå märkliga ter sig troligen den här kniven en smula annorlunda för de flesta. Modellen kallas Scythe XL. Just tilläget extra large kan alltid diskuteras då det här är en rätt liten kniv. Den mäter endast 18 cm utfälld varav av bladet står för under tre tum. Men den är större än sin föregångare och det är i det ljuset namnet skall betraktas.  

Shieldon Schythe XL

Den här knivmodellen är hämtat ur Shieldons "Crusader"-serie vilket är deras mellansegment även kallat High End på hemsidan. Den enklaste serien går under namnet "Bard" och den jag skulle vilja kalla High End heter "Alchemist" och räknas istället som Premium. Det blir lite komplicerat det där. Särskilt för mig som associerar ett par av begreppen till stereo-världen. Där och inom många andra områden kommer man inte högre än "High End", det är det finaste man kan ha.  I vilket fall som helst är det här en kniv ur mellangruppen. 

Bladet är egentligen en Hawkbill fastsatt i en till synes märklig vinkel

Det mest uppenbara som ger Shieldon Schythe dess speciella utseende är att det är en Pikal eller P'kal. En knivtyp som likt karambits har sitt ursprung i sydostasien och som över tid utvecklats till knivar för självförsvar*. Det är det sistnämnda som gör att den inte är den mest förekommande bladtypen på marknaden. Det som är typiskt för modellen är att eggen är tänkt att vara vänd uppåt. Sedan är de ofta krökta som i det här fallet vilket får dem att se än mer besynnerliga ut.  

Fast egentligen är det bara en "Hawkbill" fäst i en "konstig" vinkel och därför kan den förstås användas på samma vis. 

Bladstålet som används är amerikanskt i form av 154CM och handtaget är gjort av kraftigt mönstrad G10. Bladet är som sagt endast 74 mm vilket säkerligen inte är en slump då det finns jurisdiktioner i världen som sätter stopp vid tre tum. Det ger sammantaget en mycket lätt kniv på 89 g. För säkerheten står en liner lock och bladet fälls ut med en flipperfena.  

Som Shieldon Schythe XL egentligen är tänkt att hållas med eggen uppåt

De första intrycken är tydliga. Först är att den ser hyperaggressiv ut. Både bladform och vinkel på spetsen bidrar till det. Sedan kan snabbt konstateras att den här kniven inte rör sig ur handen alls. Det är som att hålla en liten ilsk igelkott. Därefter noteras att det verkar vara en mycket välbyggd gynnare. Trots att kniven är lätt har den en full stålram försänkt i handtagssidorna och samtliga skruvar är i sammanhanget tilltagna T8or. Överlag känns kniven tämligen gedigen för att vara så lätt. 

Jag ser fram emot att testa den här något udda kniven som för övrigt är ett samarbete mellan Shieldon Knives och amerikanska DC Blades. 

Shieldon Knives

/ J - uppochned

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

* Ett koncept jag för övrigt inte alls är en vän av. Men det är ämnet för en annan blogg som jag brukar säga.  Men för att förenklat beskriva vad jag menar så kan det konstateras att det lär blir oerhörda problem för den som drar kniven oavsett situation. Det gäller både rent fysiskt när det sker och inte minst efteråt. Sannolikheten för att det är personen med kniv som antingen räknas som angripare eller åtminstone den som inte valde att deeskalera situationen i juridisk mening är överhängande. Till skillnad från action-filmer så hamnar dylika situationer i domstol. 

Review QSP Penguin Ti

  

-  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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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. 

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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