EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – Up until about nine months ago, I had never heard of QSP Knife.
Now, I am a new fan and convert to this brand that seems to fly a bit under the radar, even among knife lovers.
QSP is a Chinese company that has a reputation for making high-quality knives that range from budget-friendly on up the price scale.
A QSP Canary with black G10 handle, blacked-out blade and glyde lock. Displayed on a Junkin Genius hank. Photo by Dave Burge/KTSM
For some people, doing business with a Chinese company is a non-starter, but I challenge you to go through your home and I bet you will find lots of items you didn’t know were made in China.
Anyway, I recently picked up QSP Canary with black G10 handles (woven fiberglass and epoxy resin), blacked-out blade and what the company calls a glyde lock (basically what other companies call a crossbar lock).
It is the second generation of the Canary, a small, folding pocket knife that practically disappears in your pocket when using the included clip.
The original Canary came with a frame lock, hearkening back to a more traditional pocket knife.
Let’s run through a few numbers on the Canary – the blade is 2.84 inches long, closed length is 3.74 inches and when open, the knife is just a bit over 6.5 inches.
It weighs less than 3 ounces and has a reversible pocket clip.
One feature that is a big new for me – the handle has what are often called “speed holes” where material is cut out to give the handle a lighter weight and feel in hand.
So far, I am really impressed. The blade came razor sharp from the factory, the fit and finish is impeccable from what I can tell and its moving parts are all operating smoothly.
Overall, it seems like a nice little EDC-type pocket carry.
I got mine during a Christmas giveaway on YouTube channel Big Red EDC. I am a regular participant on the channel’s “Saturday Knife Live” event most weeks.
QSP Canary with black G10 handle, blacked-out blade and glyde lock. Displayed on Junkin Genius hank. Photo by Dave Burge/KTSM
Recently, I came home after covering the Dec. 14 mayoral runoff election here in El Paso and jumped on the livestream. They were going into a series of giveaways to celebrate Christmas a little bit early. I was tuned in for less than 5 minutes and correctly picked the winning number in the numbers game (Read: I am thinking of a number between X and Y).
It took a while to show up at the house here in El Paso because of the Christmas rush, but I have been carrying it around for a few days and it seems perfect for most light EDC tasks around the house and office.
I first heard about QSP through some videos Big Red EDC made but never had my hands on one of their creations until now.
QSP was established in 2017 after doing more than a decade of manufacturing for other knife companies.
It offers its own designs along the entire price spectrum — budget, mid-range and high end — with the goal of providing “Quality, Service, Price.”
It is known for doing the manufacturing work for Finch Knife Company, which makes knives that are meant to be more than just a blade but an extension of the user’s personality. I have just one Finch. They tend to be out of my price range, but they are exquisite.
QSP also does the manufacturing work for C. Risner Cutlery’s original and exclusive knives.
In addition, QSP has a U.S. representative who is responsible for providing customer service stateside.
Here is a link to QSP’s website and a link to QSP’s YouTube channel. The Canary I am carrying around is currently listed for $52 on the QSP website.
Here is a link to C. Risner Cutlery, which also has a nice selection of QSP. Some are on sale right now.
Here is a link to Big Red EDC’s YouTube channel. Big Red, I consider to be my foremost mentor in this EDC journey.
In addition, I am often asked about the hanks I display my gear on. They are made by Junkin Genius. Here is a link.
Here are some other YouTube channels on EDC gear that I find to be informative and fun.
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