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Bestech QUQU Knife Review
- Pros: Unique, symmetrical design inspired by bugs. Comfortable handle with nice milling pattern. Good 14C28N blade steel for the price. Fidget-friendly button lock. Very light at 1.55 oz. Simple but functional pocket clip.
- Cons: Dagger blade shape isn't great for everyday cutting tasks. Blade is a little thick behind the edge. False edge is left untouched, missing opportunity for jimping. Button lock is the only deployment method. Blade centering might be slightly off. Not as versatile as some other fifth pocket knives. Might be considered a gravity knife in some jurisdictions.
Today, kicking of things with a Bestech QUQU review. We're taking an in-depth look at this rather unique fifth pocket knife.
This little blade brings some interesting design choices to the table, so let's dive in and see what it's all about.
Key Takeaways
- The Bestech QUQU is a unique fifth pocket knife with a bug-inspired design.
- It's got a single-edge dagger blade, which is pretty rare for a small knife like this.
- The blade is 14C28N steel, which is never a bad thing to see on a budget knife.
- It's got a button lock that's also the only deployment method.
- The handle feels pretty good in hand, with a solid three-finger grip.
- It might be considered a gravity knife in some places, so be aware of that.
- Compared to something like the Civivi Baby Banter, it's not as good for everyday use.
- It's an okay little pocket knife, but it doesn't really knock my socks off.
Specs Breakdown
To kick off this Bestech QUQU review, let's break down the key specifications of this unique fifth pocket knife:
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 5.47 inches |
| Blade Length | 2.2 inches |
| Weight | 1.55 oz |
| Blade Thickness | 0.118 inches |
| Blade Material | 14C28N |
| Blade Shape | Single-edge dagger |
| Grind | Flat |
| Handle Length | 3.27 inches |
| Handle Material | G10 (aluminum and Micarta options available) |
| Lock Type | Button lock |
| Carry | Right-hand, tip-up only |
The Bug-Inspired Design Story
Here's where the QUQU gets interesting. This knife was designed by a young girl named Gogo, who's only about 8 or 9 years old. She drew inspiration from her love of bugs, creating the initial concept. Knife designer Ostap Hel then stepped in to help refine the design, making it more knife-friendly while keeping the bug-like aesthetic.
The result? A symmetrical knife that looks a bit like a beetle or cricket. It's a pretty cool backstory, and you can definitely see the insect influence in the final product
Blade Analysis: A Dagger in Disguise
The blade on the QUQU is where things get a bit... quirky. We've got a single-edge dagger blade, which is something you rarely see on small fifth pocket knives. While it looks cool, there are some trade-offs:
- The blade thickens up quickly behind the edge, which isn't great for slicing.
- The false edge is left completely untouched. I would've liked to see some jimping or at least chamfering here.
- Due to the full false edge, the tip isn't quite as needle-like as you'd expect from a dagger.
Now, the 14C28N steel is a solid choice for a budget knife. But I can't help but wonder if a more traditional blade shape might have been more practical for everyday use.
Handle Ergonomics: Better Than the Blade
Now, the handle here is actually a lot better than the blade. I do think the handle feels pretty good in hand. You've got a solid three-finger grip, which could be considered a four-finger grip for some people. I mean, technically, it is, but when holding it a certain way, my finger is also right on this button. So if I squeeze, then I'm technically opening the blade, which I don't think I want to do. I want to hold it in a different spot.
It would also be a little nicer if the blade or the button were moved, but then you take away from the symmetry. So yeah, you kind of run into a lot of little quirks with this knife in terms of how it's designed. The rest of the handle has some nice milling to mimic something like a bug's wings or something. But yeah, it looks pretty good.
We've got a really nice pocket clip here. Very simple, but it works great. It's a nice clip that doesn't bother the hand or anything, so it's nice and functional there. Overall, the handle is definitely more successful than the blade, in my opinion. It's comfortable, looks good, and does what it needs to do without any major issues.
The Button Lock Conundrum
Here's where I've got mixed feelings. The QUQU uses a button lock for both locking and deployment. It's fidgety and fun to play with, but...
I'm not a huge fan of knives where the button lock is the only deployment method. It would've been nice to see a top flipper or something else to give users more options.
Also, this might technically classify as a gravity knife in some places, so be aware of that if you're considering picking one up.
Size Comparison: How Does It Stack Up?
When it comes to fifth pocket knives, I've got to bring up one of my all-time favorites: the Civivi Baby Banter. These two are actually a perfect size comparison in terms of length. Let's break it down:
Civivi Baby Banter
Now, the Baby Banter has a more traditional blade shape that's better for everyday tasks. It's got multiple deployment options, which I prefer over the QUQU's button-lock-only design.
Overall, the Baby Banter is just a more practical, versatile knife for everyday carry. As a matter of fact, in my opinion, only one knife beats it—if you've read my best fifth pocket knives of all time article.
So yeah, while they're similar in size, the Baby Banter definitely comes out on top in terms of functionality.
But if you're looking for something different and don't mind sacrificing some practicality, the QUQU might be worth checking out. It's more of a conversation piece, really.
Video Review
Final Thoughts on the Bestech QUQU
All right, so let's wrap up this Bestech QUQU review. What we've got here is a knife that's more about interesting design than pure functionality. It's got some cool points, no doubt. The bug-inspired aesthetics are unique and eye-catching, and it's definitely a great conversation starter. Plus, that button lock is pretty fun to fidget with if you're into that sort of thing.
But it's also got some drawbacks we can't ignore. That dagger blade, while cool-looking, isn't really ideal for everyday tasks. And the limited deployment options might frustrate some users who are used to more traditional knives. Price-wise, it's okay for a Bestech, but I wouldn't call it a screaming deal or anything.
So, here's the bottom line: if you're into unique designs and don't mind sacrificing some practicality, the QUQU might be right up your alley. It's definitely different, and sometimes that's exactly what people are looking for in a knife. But if you're in the market for a workhorse fifth pocket knife, something you're going to use day in and day out for all sorts of tasks, there are probably better options out there.
But hey, it's also pretty cool that it's the first design from a very young girl who will hopefully continue to love knives as much as she does now and go after her dreams. So there's that to consider, too.
What do you think about the Bestech QUQU? Does its quirky design appeal to you, or would you stick with something more traditional? Let me know what you think. I hope this review has been helpful, and until next time, take care.
