QSPPenguin Pocket Knife,D2 blade,Various Handle Option (OD green micarta handle)

High value in such a cheap knife. Mine came super sharp out of the box. Cuts through cardboard like a dream. The micarta is on the rougher side, so take that into consideration. Perfect EDC size knife. Strong pocket clip. The only complaint I have is the pocket clip is curved out at the end and could be bothersome. But even with that, still we'll worth the money for this knife! You can always take the pocket clip off, if it bothers you that much.

Bought this because I wanted a small straight blade and reviewers raved about the quality of the QSP knives. They were right!I've resisted the urge to buy cheap Chinese knives because my experiences with other Chinese made products have not been good. As of late, QSP (and others) have changed my opinion. I don't like supporting China but the quality vs. price over American made is impossible to ignore.We own two Spyderco knives (PM3 & Dragonfly) and the lockup, blade centering, and balance is not perfect (balance is actually horrible). This QSP Penguin is absolutely perfect in every way...lockup, blade centering, silky smooth operation, product design/quality materials, extremely sharp edge, etc.But what about the fancy steels?...Lol. That's all they are. 99% of the people who pay a premium for "premium" steel will never experience the benefit. D2 steel has been around since WW2 and is an exceptional knife steel for just about everyone. And D2 is inexpensive which keeps costs reasonable. Don't fall for the fancy steel propaganda. It'll just cost you money.The biggest takeaway from this review should be this: Chinese manufacturers like QSP, CRJB, CRKT, CIVIVI, Ganzo, and others are producing very high quality knives in the $25-$50 range. Many of these knives are as good or better than the American made knives costing $150 or more.I have no interest in buying another $150+ knife. Yes, I don't like supporting China but I also don't like supporting American companies who overcharge and under deliver. The American companies must pick up their game...increase quality and decrease price. If they don't do that, people will continue to leave them.Great job QSP!

Given the price, it’s hard to give the QSP Penguin anything less than 5 stars, so that’s what I’ve done. The quality of the build and the materials all suggest a much more expensive knife, so my one point of dissatisfaction seems almost too small to notice. Still, I'm going to have to get it out of the way before I can continue with what is sure to be a gushingly positive review; The blade is visibly off-center. It doesn’t seem to interfere with the knife’s performance, so I’ve decided to do my best to ignore the issue.Moving on to all the great attributes on this Penguin. The factory edge is very sharp. I easily removed a 1x2 inch strip of hair from my arm within minutes of opening the box. The action is pleasantly smooth and satisfying with no break-in time. I’ve read some complaints about the large thumb-studs, but I personally like them. They’re easy to snag with the meaty part of my thumb to open the knife. I find the micarta handle to be both comfortable and grippy. The liner lock is secure and there is no play I could detect when the blade is locked up. The reversible pocket clip is well designed and easy to use. And finally, the sheepsfoot blade shape is really cool, almost gentlemanly.All in all, an outstanding buy and a knife I'm happy to carry around.

Review on red micarta handle version.I did not expect to like this knife as much as I do. The blade configuration is a new style for me and it is a lot bulkier/heavier than my usual EDC. After a few weeks of use I'll list a few pros and cons.Pro: Drop point tip works for everything you would use a utility razor blade tip for which comes up a lot.Con: I can't use the tip to clean under my finger nails.Pro: The straight blade keeps it edge fairly well and sharpening requires just a few strokes if you perform regular maintenance.Con: The straight edge doesn't seem to slice through cardboard as easily as a curved edge.Pro: The red micarta handle makes it easier to spot when you set it down. Texture is fairly smooth and handle grip feels firm in hand.Con: Handle is a bit boxy so might create hot spots after extended use but that is only a guess on my part so maybe not a fair observation. Comfortable (larger) grip means it takes up more room in the pocket. The micarta will pick up slight stains.Like I said, I'm used to carrying a smaller knife but have to say this knife is growing on me. As a work tool I find it is very versatile and solidly built. I will definitely buy from this company again.

The QSP Penguin is an awesome little knife. I have the denim micarta with satin blade and also denim with black blade... both D2. The work smoothly, have nice grip even for the smallish size. The D2 blades are super sharp, and slicey. The liner lock doesnt fully contact the blade ramp, but i have not had any issues and locks solidly. I wish it was just a quarter inch longer in the grip length, and it would be perfect for my hands. But i love it.anyway. The grip is a little thicker than i expected, but it is still comfortable. It would be even better if the micarta was contoured a bit.. but then this knife couldn't be sold for less than $30 on sale so i'll take it as-is. Great knife!