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QSP Canary
- Pros: Affordable price point at around $62, Cr8Mo2VSi steel offers better performance than D2, Comfortable burlap Micarta handle with removable scales, Lightweight design with weight-reducing holes, Versatile Kydex sheath for pocket or belt carry, Better corrosion resistance than D2 in improvised test, Well-suited for hunting, camping, and outdoor tasks.
- Cons: Not the sliciest blade due to stock thickness, Lacks secondary retention on the sheath, May not offer the same handle space as larger fixed blades like the ESEE Laser Strike, Cr8Mo2VSi steel is relatively unknown compared to more common options, Some may prefer the look and feel of leather sheaths over Kydex.
One of the most common questions I get under my YouTube videos: “Hey man, why don’t you make videos on more affordable knives?”
I get it. While I love high-end boutique knives with premium materials like M390 steel and titanium just as much as the next guy, I understand that not everyone can drop a lot of cash on their knife collection. This is especially true if they’re investing in Patriot NFTs or their kids’ welding school tuition like the rest of us. It’s important to showcase a range of options at different price points and for those just starting out or looking to add an affordable, well-crafted fixed blade to their collection.
The Canary ticks a lot of boxes in terms of design, materials, and overall value, making it a worthy contender in the budget-friendly fixed blade category.
Before we get into my full QSP Canary review, let’s dig into the specs first.
Key Takeaways
- The QSP Canary is an affordable fixed-blade knife with prices starting at $62.
- It features a drop point blade made from Cr8Mo2VSi steel, which offers improved performance over D2.
- The burlap Micarta handle is comfortable and features removable scales and weight-reducing holes.
- The Kydex sheath is versatile and can be set up for left or right carry, but lacks secondary retention.
- In comparison to other popular fixed blades, the Canary holds its own in terms of size and functionality.
- The Canary is a well-made, affordable option for those looking to try a new steel or start with a smaller fixed blade.
QSP Canary Highlights
With prices starting at around $62, the Canary’s a compelling option for those looking for a budget-friendly fixed blade. Sure, there are cheaper alternatives like Rough Rider, or not buying any knives at all ever, I’ve always been impressed with QSP’s offerings. The official channel knife the Stump Lifter, for example, was an exceptionally produced knife and it was made by QSP.
It’s worth noting that the Canary isn’t just a single knife but rather a line of knives. In addition to the larger fixed-blade version I’m reviewing here, there’s also a folder and a stylish neck knife available. Neck knives are especially helpful if you don’t like people starting conversations with you. All three variations share some common features, like a neutral drop-point blade, a comfortable grip with a slight bump in the middle, and distinctly circular style holes in the handle.
Blade and Cr8Mo2VSi Steel
The QSP Canary features a flat ground drop point blade with a stonewashed finish, a sharp edge, and a sharpening choil. The blade steel is Cr8Mo2VSi, which was new to me when I first encountered this knife. However, after doing some of my own internet research, I found that most of the online information about this steel is related to the Canary itself or product pages from steel suppliers.
According to QSP, Cr8Mo2VSi is similar to DC53 steel. Both of these steels are considered improvements over the more common D2 tool steel. So, what makes Cr8Mo2VSi and DC53 better than D2? Here you go:
- They can be heat-treated to a higher HRC (hardness) while maintaining toughness.
- They are less likely to chip than D2, even at higher hardness levels.
- They offer better edge retention compared to D2.
- They are easier to machine than regular tool steels, which is a plus for knife manufacturers.
One thing I didn’t find explicitly mentioned in my research was how Cr8Mo2VSi and DC53 compare to D2 in terms of corrosion resistance. To get a sense of this, I decided to conduct my own research via an improvised corrosion test with the Canary. Spoiler alert: it performed better than I would expect from D2 steel! You can tell how much better by the exclamation point at the end of the last sentence.
It’s worth noting that Cr8Mo2VSi and DC53 are still relatively unknown in the knife world compared to more popular steels like D2, 154CM, or S35VN. However, based on the available information and my initial testing, it seems like a promising steel that could offer a noticeable upgrade over D2, especially in terms of edge retention and toughness.
While the Canary’s blade may not be the thinnest or sliciest out there due to its stock thickness, it still offers a good balance of toughness and cutting performance. The drop point shape and stonewashed finish give it a classic, versatile look that should work well for a variety of outdoor uses, everyday cutting tasks, and social media photos.
Improvised Corrosion Test
As I mentioned earlier, I didn’t find any specific information about the corrosion resistance of Cr8Mo2VSi steel during my initial research. Since this is an important factor for many knife nuts, especially those who plan to use their knives outdoors in humid environments, I decided to conduct a quick-n-dirty corrosion test with the QSP Canary.
Now, I want to be clear that this wasn’t a super scientific test by any means. I am not a scientist, I do not know any scientists, and have not conversed recently with any scientists. I am so terrible at it, that I didn’t have a D2 blade on hand to compare directly, and I didn’t use any fancy science equipment or precise measurements. Instead, as a low effort individual, I simply left the Canary outside on my stump during a rainy day. My plan was to let it sit out there for a few hours, getting wet in the rain, and then bring it inside to see how it fared overnight.
As luck would have it, the weather played along perfectly. It rained for a good portion of the day, so the Canary got a nice, long soak and most importantly got a dousing from my extremely corrosive spit. In the evening, I brought the knife under my porch while it was still wet. The next morning, I checked on the knife to assess the damage.
I have to admit: the Canary looked pretty darn good! And I say that as someone who doesn’t cuss often. There was some minor spotting on the blade, but nothing like staining or rust I would expect to see on a D2 blade after a similar amount of exposure to the elements and/or my spit.. Keep in mind that D2 is known to be more susceptible to corrosion than modern super steels, and is referred to colloquially as a semi-stainless, so this was a promising sign for the Cr8Mo2VSi.
If you’re planning to use your Canary (or any other knife) in dank moldy envirnoments like Foorida, I still recommend taking proper care of it by cleaning and drying the blade after use and applying a light coat of oil to prevent rust. However, it’s good to know that the Cr8Mo2VSi steel seems to have an edge (zing!) on D2 when it comes to corrosion resistance, making it a solid choice for outdoor use and EDC in more challenging environments like Missouri.
Handle Ergonomics
When it comes to fixed-blade knives, handle design, how cool it looks when you reverse grip it, and comfort are crucial factors to consider. After all, a knife with poor ergonomics can be fatiguing to use for extended periods. Fortunately, the QSP Canary’s handle is a strong point in its design.
Burlap Micarta and Texture
The Canary’s handle is made from burlap Micarta, a composite material made from fabric and resin that is known for its durability and texture. The burlap Micarta on this knife has a slight roughness to it, which gives you a secure grip without being overly aggressive or abrasive. I found the texture to be quite pleasant in the hand, offering a nice balance of traction and comfort.
Weight-Reducing Holes
One of the standout features of the Canary’s handle is the presence of holes along its length. These holes serve a couple of purposes. First and foremost, they help to reduce the overall weight of the knife, making it more nimble and easy to carry. Secondly, they add a bit of visual interest to the design. And thirdly, I joked once that you could use the holes for twirling the knife like a majorette, but I wouldn’t recommend using that again because no one found it funny.
Size and Shape
In terms of size and shape, I found the Canary’s handle to be very accommodating. It’s not a small knife by any means, but it’s also not so large that it feels unwieldy or cumbersome. The handle provided plenty of room for my medium-sized hands, and I was able to get a full, four-finger grip without any issues. There’s a slight swell or bump in the middle of the handle that fills the palm nicely, and the overall shape is neutral enough to work well with a variety of grip styles.
Smooth Spine and Choil
One thing I appreciated about the Canary’s handle is the lack of jimping or aggressive texture on the spine or choil. While some folks might prefer to have jimping for added control, and a little bit of the good kind of hurt, I find that it can sometimes be uncomfortable or even painful during extended use. The smooth spine on the Canary allows for a variety of grips without any hot spots or discomfort.
Removable Scales
It’s also worth noting that the Canary’s handle scales are removable, which is a nice touch. This allows for easy cleaning and maintenance, as well as the potential for customization down the road. You could swap out the scales for different colors or materials if you wanted to change up the look or feel of the knife. No word if QSP will ever offer handle scales to purchase separately.
Kydex Sheath
The QSP Canary comes equipped with a Kydex sheath that offers a range of carry options. Kydex is a thermoplastic material known for its durability, weather resistance, and ability to hold its shape over time.
Pocket and Belt Carry Options
The Canary’s sheath is designed to handle both pocket and belt carry. It comes with a sturdy belt loop attachment that allows you to carry the knife securely on your hip. The loop is wide enough to fit most standard belts, and the Kydex construction means it won’t flop around or lose its shape like some soft leather sheaths.
If you prefer to carry your knife in your pocket, the Canary’s sheath has you covered there too. The sheath is compact enough to slip into a larger pocket, and the Kydex material is smooth and not too bulky, so it won’t be too obtrusive or uncomfortable.
Retention and Security
One thing to note about the Canary’s sheath is that it doesn’t have any sort of secondary retention strap or mechanism. This means that the knife is held in place solely by the friction fit between the blade and the Kydex.
In my experience, the retention on this sheath is quite good – the knife snaps in securely and doesn’t feel like it’s going to fall out accidentally. However, if you’re planning on doing a lot of running, jumping, or whatever else with the knife, you might want to reconsider your life choices and add a secondary retention strap for that kind of nonsense.
Ambidextrous Carry
Another cool feature of the Canary’s sheath is that it can be easily converted for left or right-handed carry. The belt loop attachment is removable and can be swapped to either side of the sheath, depending on your preference. This is a great option for southpaws or anyone who likes to switch up their carry style from time to time.
Kydex vs. Leather and My Personal Preference
When it comes to Kydex versus leather sheaths, there are pros and cons to each.
Leather is often seen as more traditional and aesthetically pleasing, and it can mold to the shape of the knife over time for a custom fit. However, leather is also more susceptible to moisture damage and can hold onto water, which can lead to rust or corrosion on the blade.
Kydex, on the other hand, is virtually impervious to moisture and won’t retain water like leather can. This makes it a great choice for outdoor use or wet environments. Kydex is also generally lighter and more compact than leather, which can be a plus for everyday carry.
Personally, I still prefer leather sheaths, though. I don’t mind a bit of spotting or staining because I make sure to check my blades regularly. If they’re wet, I wipe them down and make sure they’re dry before putting them back in the sheath. And if there’s any plant goo or sap stuck to the blade from wood processing or whatnot, I clean that off too. It’s just part of maintaining your tools, you know?
But hey, I can definitely see the appeal of Kydex, especially for folks who are really hard on their gear or spend a lot of time in wet conditions. And I gotta say, QSP did a bang-up job with this sheath design. It’s lightweight, durable, and versatile as heck. Plus, the fact that you can swap it for left or right-hand carry is pretty darn cool.
Knife Comparisons
To give you a better sense of how the QSP Canary stacks up against some other popular fixed-blade knives, I decided to compare it to a few models from my collection. Keep in mind that these comparisons are based on my personal experiences and observations, and your mileage may vary.
ESEE Laser Strike
First up, let’s take a look at the ESEE Laser Strike. This is a larger knife than the Canary, with a longer blade and a more substantial handle. The Laser Strike also features a full-tang construction and a Micarta handle, but the scales are not removable like they are on the Canary.
One neat feature of the Laser Strike is the inclusion of a hidden ferro rod in the handle, which could come in handy for starting fires in a survival situation. However, the Laser Strike is also significantly more expensive than the Canary, with a price tag that puts it more in the mid-range category.
Want to learn more about the ESEE Laser Strike? See how it holds up in my review of the best survival knives on Amazon
Demko Armiger 4
Moving on to the Demko Armiger 4, we have a knife that’s more similar in size and style to the Canary. The Armiger 4 features a drop point blade and a G10 handle with a similar shape and contour to the Canary. However, the Armiger 4’s handle is not removable, which could be a drawback for some users. The Armiger 4 also has a slightly thinner blade stock than the Canary, which could make it a bit more slicey but perhaps less suited for heavy-duty tasks.
Great Eastern Cutlery H40
Next, we have the Great Eastern Cutlery H40. This is a smaller knife than the Canary, with a compact handle and a slender blade. The H40 features a traditional wood handle and a 1095 carbon steel blade, which gives it a classic look and feel.
Interestingly, despite its smaller size, the H40 doesn’t feel as small in the hand as you might expect. It has a very comfortable and ergonomic grip that allows for precise control and maneuverability. The downside of the H40 is that it doesn’t come with a sheath, so you’ll need to purchase one separately or make your own.
Vangedal Rover
Last up: the Vangedal Rover. This is a custom knife that I reviewed on my channel way back in the day, and it’s still one of my favorites. The Rover has a simple, classic design with a drop point blade and a contoured handle made from layered paper Micarta.
Like the Canary, the Rover is a mid-sized knife that’s well-suited for a variety of everyday tasks. It’s also incredibly lightweight and easy to carry, thanks to the skeletonized tang construction. Of course, being a custom knife, the Rover is in a completely different price category than the Canary, but it’s still interesting to see how they compare in terms of design and functionality.
Choosing a Fixed Blade
When it comes to picking out a fixed blade these days, it’s really a personal choice. My advice? Just go with what looks cool to you and feels good in your hand. Don’t overthink it too much or get bogged down by what everyone else says you should buy. Unless you think giving in to peer pressure can help your social standing.
In the case of my little QSP Canary review here, I think the knife ticks a lot of boxes. The Cr8Mo2VSi steel is a nice upgrade from the usual D2, and the burlap Micarta handle is both comfy and tough. The fact that you can remove the scales for easy cleaning is a big plus in my book, as I am extremely gross.
Sure, the Canary might not be the sliciest knife out there due to the blade stock thickness, but it’s more than capable of handling your typical camping and hunting tasks. And let’s be real, if you’re trying to baton through a tree trunk with this thing, you might want to reevaluate your life choices. Please don’t continue down this dark path.
A Great Entry Point or Addition
If you’re just getting into fixed blades, the Canary is a great place to start, and may god have mercy on your soul. It’s not so big that it’s intimidating, but it’s also not a flimsy little toy that you’ll be ashamed to show your friends in a gas station parking lot on a Thursday evening. Plus, the price point is really attractive for what you’re getting.
For the more seasoned knife nuts, the Canary is still worth checking out. It may not be some groundbreaking, revolutionary design, but it’s a solid performer that could make a nice addition to your collection. And hey, if you’re a steel nerd like me, the Cr8Mo2VSi is definitely an intriguing option to check out.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, only you or middling articles you happen across on the internet can decide what fixed blade is right for you. What works for me might be totally different from what works for you, and that’s okay even if we can no longer be friends. But if you’re in the market for a well-rounded, affordable fixed blade with some upgrades over the basics, I think the QSP Canary is definitely worth a look. It may not be the end-all-be-all of fixed blade knives named oddly after a bird, but it punches way above its weight class in terms of bang for your buck.
Video Review
Final Thoughts
Alright, folks. That’s all I’ve got on my Cr8Mo2VSi corrosion test and QSP Canary review. Just know that choosing a fixed blade is largely a matter of personal preference and one of the most important decisions no one else but you will care about. Aesthetics and in-hand feel are key factors. The Canary is a sharp, well-crafted knife with steel that outperforms D2. It’s appealing for those wanting to try a new steel or seeking a compact fixed blade.
Though not the sliciest due to blade stock thickness, it’s best for hunting and camping tasks. That and the removable scales simplify cleaning off squirrel guts. All in all, this QSP Canary is a compelling, affordable fixed blade worthy of your consideration.