Review Artisan Cutlery Revel

  

-  another Laconico design

It would be an exaggeration to say that I collect knives designed by Ray Laconico, but it so happens that I have a couple of them at the moment, of which this one from Artisan Cutlery, called Revel, is the latest!

I have also reviewed another model from Artisan's sister brand, CJRB, called Prado, which is also designed by the same person.

Artisan Cutlery Revel

Like many models from Artisan Cutlery, this one is also available in several different versions. In this configuration, the Revel comes with a metal handle and a slightly simpler steel, but it can also be had with an FRN handle with the same steel or a really nice S90V. The FRN versions are button locks and are also available in different colours and with or without black-coated blades.

Depending on budget and needs, there are different options to choose from.

Then, Revel has also been made in a couple of extremely luxurious editions featuring titanium handles and S90V or Magnacut. But they have been sold out for some time now.

Revel is another stylish knife signed by Ray Laconico

Short version: Artisan Cutlery Revel, A stylish and elegant knife that is both easy to carry and practical as an EDC knife

Blade

The blade is a quintessential Clip point, which in this case has proportions that make it reminiscent of a typical Bowie knife. Although in a smaller and folding version. Smaller in this case is still relatively substantial for a folding knife with a length of 90 mm. This should be put in relation to a height of 32 mm at most. The blade material is 3.2 mm thick.

The most distinctive feature of this knife is the distinctive clip-point blade.

The finish is a glossy satin, and the marking consists of the Artisan Cutlery logo on one side of the ricasso and on the opposite side, you will find the serial number and steel type. The Laconico name is also found on the blade. However, everything is sympathetically discreet and does not destroy the clean lines of the blade.

They are also reinforced by a pronounced false edge and a high sabre grind. The latter measures just over two centimetres in height. This causes the blade to narrow to about 0.6 mm behind the edge. A figure that, in my opinion, is too much for a folding knife and more suited to a large cleaver. Here, Artisan Cutlery could well rely more on the material and thin out the blades.

The blade is also distinguished by the fact that the beginning of the spine tends upwards and forms a thumb ramp with grooves for better grip. Then the blade hole is, of course, something that is obvious.

The steel used is AC's own AR-RPM9 steel, a steel that has proven to be viable. It is a typical all-round steel in the mid-segment, where you also find competitors such as 14C28N and N690. Not at all fussy, actually. It holds its sharpness fairly well and resists corrosion well. It is also very easy to sharpen, which is always nice.

The steel used is Artisan Cutlery's own AR-RPM9

As soon as you start using the Revel, you realise that this is a practical knife. A clip point blade is often good for many things, and that applies here as well. For more common EDC tasks such as cutting plastic straps, tape, rope and thinner string, cutting nylon straps around packages, etc., this blade works very well. In addition, there is something about the geometry that, despite the knife being thick behind the edge, makes it a veritable cardboard shredder.

The tip is also just as good as it looks. Sharp without being too flimsy. Then we come to the most positive surprise. Revel cuts very well in wood! That it does so in fresh branches may not be so strange. The factory edge gets approved; it is sharp and symmetrical. But that the knife would be so good for drier wood was surprising to me. The handle also helps by being long enough so that the little finger does not get an unpleasant amount of pressure when the knife wants to rotate in the hand when there is some force behind the cuts.

Even in lighter materials such as ordinary textiles, Revel is very workable. A lot of clothes are used for cleaning bicycles in a cyclist's household, and I make them out of worn-out clothes. 

Handle

The handle on this version is, as previously stated, made of titanium. In this case, this means two solid pieces that are just over three millimetres thick. No attempts have been made to lighten them. They are flat on the inside, which, on the other hand, makes cleaning easier. A detail that is also made easier by the completely open back. There is also a bolt with a hole in it for a lanyard. In order for it to be used, a thinner string must be used. There is no space for, for example, a standard 550 paracord.

The knife is held together by two spacers in addition to the pivot screw. The screw heads are actually T8s but really bad if I'm being honest. The grip for a tool is almost non-existent with a domed screw head and a very shallow groove. Do not disassemble this knife! The risk of you standing there with round screw heads is almost one hundred per cent!

In this version, Revel has a titanium handle

The length of the entire handle is 115 mm, of which the available space for the fingers is about 93 mm. However, this does not feel cramped at all as the finger guard is softly shaped and you can place half your index finger over it without any problems. At the back, the handle widens slightly to prevent you from slipping backwards when cutting with the knife.

The knife is open at the back, and there is also a mount for a very thin lanyard.

The titanium sides are designed so that the pattern that is there gives the impression of panels. It gives a little grip, but it is mainly the shape and the depression for the index finger that help to keep the knife in the hand. There are also some grooves on the base of the blade spine for a thumb, but they are more of an indexing nature than giving any real grip. Something that I am happy about, as there has been more and more discussion recently about how such depressions in knife blades affect the general durability.

The finish overall gets approved as the edges and corners are sanded and rounded as they should be.

The Revel has a very comfortable handle. It's a little too thin to be extremely ergonomic.

In the hand, the Revel is comfortable in a relatively neutral way. It is not an ergonomic muscle package, but the index finger finds its place, and so does the rest of the hand. Then the relatively simple shape means that the two basic grips, sabre and hammer grip, work excellently.

The same can be said about reverse grips; nothing annoying there either. In general, the clip also stays out of the way despite being of the "deep ride" type. This is appreciated as they sometimes cause chafing due to their location far back on the handle.

Opening and Lock

This is an easy-to-open knife, provided you appreciate Spyderco's invention of the blade hole, of course. The alternative is to open the knife with two hands, which is, of course, possible.

The opening method is clearly visible from the hole in the blade

The blade hole is easy to access and comfortable to use as it is bevelled sympathetically. Much more and it would have become slippery. It is always a trade-off.

The fine ceramic ball bearings mean that this knife's blade has a tendency to fly out quickly. This is especially true if you use a so-called "Spydie flick" with your index finger on the back of the knife.

Then the blade is quite heavy, depending on the shape and thickness, so the detent can be overcome with a flick of the wrist for those who want to provoke their knife and open it that way.

A small disadvantage with the crispy opening and the heavy blade in combination is that the pivot screw has a tendency to unthread itself. You either have to adjust it at regular intervals or provide it with a little thread locking to keep it in place. After a while, otherwise the opening becomes too easy, and the blade starts to point away from the locking side. With a properly adjusted pivot, the blade is otherwise centred.

Here you will find a classic frame lock with associated lock bar reinforcement and overtravel stop 

The lock found on this knife is a frame lock with the usual accessories. This means a steel-reinforced lock bar and an overtravel stop. 

The function is very good with a lock that always engages and a lock bar that is easy to reach. The lock bar is also quite soft, which makes the lock easy to release. However, not so easy that it slips under incorrect load, i.e. pressure or light blows to the blade spine.

I also do not experience any play in the blade with the lock in place. However, this applies as long as the pivot screw has not unthreaded itself, of course.

To Carry

Revel is not too bad to carry in a pocket. With its 114 grams, as measured by me, it is not intimidating for its size. It is also just over eleven centimetres long, as mentioned above. This should be paired with a height of at most 35 mm and a thickness of only just over a centimetre.

Overall, a thin and light knife, especially if you compare it to the length of the available edge.

The clip is simple and of the spring steel type

The sides of the handle are flat, which also doesn't pose any obstacle when the knife is stored in a pocket. The pattern on the titanium does not affect how the knife feels when pulled or put away.

This is what Revel looks like in a pocket

The clip on the Revel is of the simplest kind, and here it is noticeable that this is actually a "hotter" version of a simpler model. That is, the titanium itself is an upgraded luxury detail.

Here you will find a spring steel clip directly picked from the manufacturer's shelf, and it is also found on other models. However, this does not mean that it is bad, just that it is nothing special and may look a little boring. A plus, however, is that its shiny polished finish is repeated in both screws and blades.

The function is good with some remarks. The ramp is small but generally does not pose a problem, although, as usual, I have comments on the tips pointing outwards. They can both chafe and feel sharp if you hit your hand on them. The springiness in the clip is good, and the space underneath, well, adequate, no more. Especially not as a couple of millimetres at the back edge is stolen by the fact that the clip is not recessed into the handle side. Another slightly cost-saving measure. Machining time is money.

To Conclude

Revel is another stylish and practical knife from Ray Laconico's pen or perhaps a CAD program. All the lines are as they should be, and what made me choose this knife was the stylish blade. It is shiny, nice and is a clip point that gives Bowie knife vibes. Just right in my opinion.

Then I like the purity of Laconico's design language in general. A few custom knives from him would not be unwelcome, but that is beyond my financial muscles. Instead, I have to rely on Artisan Cutlery, among others. In general, I have come to like their way of making knives in terms of production quality. Both fit and finish are usually good.

This is also the case, although with a few small exceptions.

Revel is a sympathetic EDC knife as it is both practical and easy to carry.

It's about a few small details, but they annoy me a little, I have to admit. One such thing is the quality of the screws. They are simply not good in this case. The screw heads are far too shallow. Enough said about that. Although the next detail is also about screws, it is the pivot screw itself. The problem with it unthreading itself is certainly quite easy to fix, but it assumes that you have Loc Tite or similar at home.

Then there was the grind. A sabre grind is what it is, but in this embodiment, I think it is far too thick behind the edge. What tasks should be performed with a folding knife that requires it to be 0.6 mm thick behind the edge? Now, it can also be fixed by grinding or rather, completely reprofiling the edge. It is too much work for me.

That said, the Revel doesn't cut badly, just not as well as I would like. But there is no risk of the edge chipping. It holds up well, and in combination with a comfortable handle.

Something that can also be discussed is whether or not there should be titanium on this specific model. On that point, Artisan Cutlery cater to different tastes, and I happened to choose this version. As I said, the model is available in other materials and more exclusive steels for those who prefer it.

Artisan Cutlery Revel is also sturdy enough to work in the woods if you feel like it

Overall, it can be concluded that the impressions of Revel are that this knife is a result of another successful collaboration between Artisan Cutlery and Ray Laconico. They have done it before, and I believe it will happen again.

Revel is both a stylish and not least easy-to-carry knife and is an excellent platform for those looking for a good EDC knife. Then, not least, the low weight combined with the fact that it cuts well in wood means that it is not unsuitable for outdoor activities either. There are options, and the simplest ones have a target price of $ 45, and this version ends up around $ 90.

Artisan Cutlery

Specifikations:

Length Overall 205 mm

Length Folded 115 mm

Weight: 114 g, weighed by me, stated 113 g

Blade Length: 90 mm

Blade Thickness: 3,2 mm

Blade Steel: AR-RPM9

Handle: Titanium

Lock: Frame Lock

Produced by Artisan Cutlery, made in China

/ J - positive

#knivesandbikes #aliaspostmortem #knivigtvarre 

New Knife - Lionsteel Q4ttro

This knife has apparently been named Q4ttro, which should be spelt in that modern way that is a word, a bit of a pun and a logo, all at once. But it's not just trendy, it actually says something about the knife itself. Something I'll come back to.

But that's getting ahead of the curve. In fact, we're going to start over ten years ago, more specifically in 2015. That year, Lionsteel released a knife called T.R.E, where the name stood for "Three Rapid Exchange" and referred to the three opening methods. It wasn't just the quantity but also the way you could approach them that gave it the "Overall Knife of the Year" award at the Shot Show that year. I've previously reviewed T.R.E, although the version I have, strangely enough, lacks the system that gave the knife its name.

However, this is where Q4ttro comes into play. Five ants are more than four elephants, and four are more than three, although that pun only works in Swedish.* But overall, this knife is larger than its predecessor, and it has another way to open the knife!

Lionsteel Q4ttro

Lionsteel's most hired designer, "Molletta" or Michele Pensato, as he is called, has, of course, also designed this model. If you are at all familiar with his work, it is difficult not to see his design language in the lines. If you don't believe me, you can take a look at the picture below.

The same can be said about typical features that can be linked to Lionsteel as a brand. For example, the rounded blade spine and the micro pattern on the titanium surfaces, as well as the way the lock bar is cut out, can be attributed to this. These are details that often recur.

Five examples of knives designed by Molletta

It can be said straight away that the Q4ttro is very similar to the T.R.E in several respects, although of course there are substantial differences, there would be little point in the knife. The first and biggest, excuse the pun, is of course the size. This knife is simply one size larger. Incidentally, that is something I really appreciate, as it was one of the few objections to the original.

The Q4ttro is 200 mm long in the open position, and the blade consists of an 84 mm long and 3.8 mm thick piece of CPM Magnacut. The predecessor had M390 in the blade, which is also very nice, but theoretically, this is a step up, and I can immediately reveal that the factory edge on this specimen is very good.

The shape is a drop point with a distinct partial false edge and a thin blade hole. The finish is an appealing glossy satin.  

 

A knife characterised by Molletta's lines, four opening methods and fine materials

The model is a frame lock where the lock side is made of titanium, regardless of the variant. The presentation side is available in several different versions. The options are G10, carbon fibre, Micarta or, as here, titanium with an insert of "fat carbon fibre". The titanium is also available in three different anodised versions. This is the bronze variant.

Thanks to the neat format and material, the Q4ttro weighs in at a low 92g, which is also very well balanced, it can be said.

In addition, the package includes ceramic ball bearings, a "floating back spacer", also in titanium. The clip is also made of the same material. So all in all, a very exclusive knife. Especially since it has been added by Lionsteel's "R.E.F.", they like acronyms, but it stands for a technology that allows you to remove the flipper tab if you don't want it in place. For this purpose, small Allen keys are included. 

Then, of course, I must not forget what the whole point of the name, the rest of the opening methods, is. Lionsteel wanted to go big and include them all: First, the knife can be opened with two hands, made easier by a nail notch/opening in the blade. It also acts as method number two, as it can be used as a blade hole à la Spyderco. Even with a flick of the index finger on the back of the blade works, but it does not go smoothly.

In addition to that, there is not one but TWO flipper functions. Both the classic one on the back of the handle that I was talking about, but which, in this case, has been joined by another fin to act as a front flipper. The latter may not be perfect or stylish. Et voila, a whole four opening methods and from that follows the name of the knife.

Are all those methods needed? It can perhaps be discussed, but it gives many choices and is definitely a concept. But more about that and much more in the upcoming review of this knife.

However, it can already be revealed that there are several positive areas to highlight, such as build quality, material choice, size, blade shape, balance and overall appearance. At first inspection, the Lionsteel Q4ttro is also pleasant to hold. There is, therefore, a very good foundation for an excellent EDC knife in the somewhat more exclusive school. 

Lionsteel 

/ J - on a lion hunt

* It is a reference to a very well-known children's program in Sweden from the 70s called "Five ants are more than four elephants", which taught kids how to read and count.

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

New Knife - Two Sun TS492

Some knives look good in pictures. The TS492 from Two Sun is one of them. Now it looks pretty good in real life, too. As usual with knives from this brand, the precision in manufacturing is very high. Sometimes it's more than that. I've rarely bought something from them that hasn't been good.

A knife that is an orgy of titanium and carbon fiber

The designer behind this knife is called Utilizator and has done a good job. As far as a few details, I might add. The knife is very attractive in a semi-brutal way, which is what attracted me to place a bid on eBay.

But the handle doesn't really fit human hands. At least not those with normal proportions. It's too big, especially the indentation for the index finger. No matter how you grip the knife, it's only almost right. It's possible to partially compensate for that, but more on that another time.

Two Sun TS492

The materials used are titanium, which is found in both the bolster, frame, back spacer, and clip. On the outside, there are sides in high-quality carbon fiber that are put in place with very high precision. The whole knife exudes a good finish otherwise.

This applies to the lock, which is a frame lock, or perhaps it should be called a "bolster lock" as not the entire lock bar is visible. The opening also feels solid. The blade runs on ball bearings and can be opened both via oversized thumb studs and a front flipper.

The steel used is a recent classic, if you can put it that way, it is 14C28N. Not the most luxurious, but passable. The length of the blade is 94 mm with a thickness of 3.7 mm. The total length of the knife is 219 mm. In other words, it is not completely small. Especially not as the handle is 16 mm thick.

This makes it noticeable in a pocket. Especially since it weighs in at 160 grams. But overall, it's a nice acquaintance. The TS492 feels very solid and is well built, and offers a lot of material for the money.

/ J - squinting at the suns

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

New Knife - Ferramonster Glideman

 Ferramonster Knife or FMK is a relatively new brand on the market. Or rather, they have existed as an OEM manufacturer since 2004 according to the website but have now also started releasing knives under their own name. A path that is not entirely uncommon regarding new knife brands. As a company, you accumulate knowledge and experience along the way, which you are eager to translate into your products.

FMK - Ferramonster Knives, a new brand on the market

Currently, Ferramonster has three models available on the website. They are the Urban Grip, Aurora Rays, and this one called Glideman. From what I understand, they are all the result of "in-house" design. Some men and possibly women have sat in their chambers and designed these creations. They have done it with flying colors, it must be said.

Ferramonster Glideman

The Glideman is currently available in four versions. The materials are common, with titanium handles and blades made of fine M390 steel. What sets them apart is the titanium's appearance, and one of the versions comes with a blackened blade for those who prefer it.

Apart from those materials, there are not many others found in this knife. A little ceramic is found in the ball bearings and another small piece of steel is found in the lock bar reinforcement. I mention this because the Glideman is unusual in that not only are the handle sides, the clip, and the back spacer made of 6ALV titanium but the screws too!

It is one of several details that reveal that the manufacturers have put time and effort into their product. In addition to the material in the screws, the care for the details also shines through when it comes to their size, the finely worked (in) sides of the handle, and the fact that several of the small "traps" that can be encountered as a new manufacturer have been avoided. I will return to what I mean by that at a later time. But I can reveal that it is nicely done. 

Glideman is a very well-built knife made from only top-notch materials

Overall, the first impressions speak of a very well-built and solid little knife. Glideman not only looks exclusive, it feels so in the hand. This applies to how the knife feels to open and close but also to the fact that it feels light and well-balanced but at the same time solid. In addition, I can reveal that it is really nice to hold even though I had some concerns about it.

But I will have reason to return to that and much more in the upcoming review.

Ferramonster Knives

/ J - testing news

* A knife I spontaneously want to place in the same category as, for example, the Vox-designed MKM Isonzo. The similarities are found partly in the choice of materials but also in certain common details such as a distinctive "forward choil" and the design of the lanyard bolt incorporated into the back spacer. But they are certainly not portrait-like and the Glideman is larger.

#knivesandbikes #knivigtvarre

Review QSP Variant PE

  

-  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.

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.

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.

    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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The clip is a simple spring steel clip

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

 

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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