There are some knife models that become invincible. One of those that comes to mind is the Buck 110 Folding Hunter. It’s been in production for over 50 years and has forever changed the course of folding knife design.
There are few if any other designs that can come close – and this article is not to suggest that a QSP Knife, specifically the Penguin, is going to rival it.
Just that it’s a popular folding utility knife that’s not going anywhere soon and will enjoy prolonged popularity for the foreseeable future.
About the Blade Steel and Profile
To home in on the two main selling points of the Penguin, we’re going to look at the blade steel and profile, which all in all probably result in the greatest value here.
First, the Penguin is made with D2 steel. This is a high carbon tool steel that’s actually fairly common in modern knives.
This alloy contains quite a lot of carbon – between 1.4% and 1.6% – giving it considerably more than other relatively comparable alloys in the 10XX echelon. For instance, given a chemistry of 1.5%, D2 would have three times the carbon of, say, 1045, and nearly three times that of 1055.
This results in an alloy that can take an incredible heat treatment, making it very hard. This trait gives it excellent edge retention, but interestingly, the alloy is fairly workable, so it isn’t necessarily a beast to resharpen.
It’s a little harder to work with than some softer steels, but it isn’t like some of those crazy high-end alloys like S90V which are effectively impossible to resharpen because of how hard they are.
D2 also has a fair concentration of molybdenum and carbide-forming vanadium with good carbide distribution, which gives it the ability to take a very sharp edge in the first place. You can make it shaving sharp with little more than a 1000 grit stone.
It’s wear-resistant, too, thanks to its high carbon, molybdenum and vanadium content. The one potential mark against it is that with only 11% to 13% chromium, it barely qualifies as corrosion resistant.
It’s better than 1095, though. Just make sure you protect it from chronically humid environments and saltwater exposure, and never put it away wet, and more than likely you won’t have a problem.
The other great thing about this QSP Knife is the blade profile. It’s a very in-your-face, aggressively downturned sheepsfoot. Sort of like a pocket cleaver but with a more specialized profile.
This gives it an extremely tough point, which makes it great for cutting, chiseling, draw-cutting, and other hard work. It’s a little light to be used as a chopper but you could try.
Arguably one of the best things about this type of blade profile (which in the spirit of fairness must be admitted is not exclusive to QSP) is that it is so tough. Not that you should abuse it, but with such a stout tip, you might be able to get away with it.
These two things – steel and blade profile – are easily the biggest selling points of the knife. Everything else checks out too though. It has a smooth bearing mechanism, thumb studs, solid ergonomics, and you can get your choice of scales, though micarta and titanium are both available.
Where to Learn More About This QSP Knife
While this QSP Knife is almost definitely going to be a top seller in their catalog for as long as it’s in production, if you’re interested in what else the brand has to offer, check out a much broader assortment over at White Mountain Knives. They carry a wide inventory of QSP Knives, along with many other top brands, with some exclusives in their catalog. Visit their website and get in touch with them directly if you have any questions.
