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QSP Penguin Review
- Pros: Premium D2 blade steel at a budget price point. Eye-catching denim micarta handles (also available in brown). Smooth, satisfying action with multiple deployment methods. Slim, discreet deep-carry clip for comfortable EDC. Rock-solid build quality with excellent fit and finish. Proven performance as a reliable, durable beater knife. Exceptional value for the price tag.
- Cons: Clip screws protrude slightly on the inside of the scales. Might be too small for extra-large hands. D2 steel can be prone to corrosion without proper care. Not a true drop-shut action (but still very smooth). Denim Micarta may not be to everyone's aesthetic taste.
Greetings, knife enthusiasts, and welcome back! In this QSP Penguin review, we're checking out this budget blade that caught me totally off-guard. This thing came out of nowhere and impressed the hell out of me.
Let's find out why!
Key Takeaways
- It's got D2 steel, slick denim micarta scales, and a unique sheepsfoot/Wharncliffe blade shape.
- The action is ridiculously smooth, with snappy deployment and drop-shut closure.
- It carries like a dream, practically disappearing in the pocket with a sleek deep-carry clip.
- Build quality is bizarrely good for the price, with perfect centering, solid lockup, and no blade play.
- After a week of hard use, the Penguin is holding up like a champ and shrugging off everything I throw at it.
- If you're looking for a budget-beater that punches way above its weight, I can't recommend the Penguin enough.
Surprising Specs & Measurements
Let’s kick off my QSP Penguin review. The Penguin is packing some solid specs:
| Specification | Value |
| Overall Length | 7.125" |
| Blade Length | 3.125" |
| Weight | 3.17 oz. |
| Cutting Edge | 2.875" |
| Blade Width | 0.88" |
| Blade Thickness | 0.12" |
| Blade Material | D2 |
| Blade Style | Sheepsfoot-Wharncliffe hybrid |
| Blade Grind | Flat |
| Finish | Satin |
| Edge Type | Plain |
| Handle Length | 4.00" |
| Handle Width | 1.00" |
| Handle Thickness | 0.46" |
| Handle Material | Micarta |
| Color | Blue |
| Frame/Liner | Steel |
| User | Right Hand, Left Hand |
| Pocket Clip | Tip-Up |
| Knife Type | Manual |
| Opener | Thumb Stud |
| Lock Type | Liner Lock |
| Country of Origin | China |
Getting D2 steel and micarta handles at this price point? Color me impressed!
Sleek Looks
I gotta say, I'm really digging the blade shape on this guy. It's a bit unique, and the flat grind looks ready to slice. But holy cow, the star of the show is that blue jean micarta! I've always wanted a knife with denim scales, and these do not disappoint. It's also available in brown micarta, if blue isn't your thing.
Unbelievable Action
Guys, I cannot get over how ridiculously smooth this knife is. No, it's not a guillotine drop-shut, but a quick shake snaps it closed with no problem. Those bronze washers are doing work!
Deployment is just as satisfying—spidey flicks, thumb flicks, index flicks—this thing has you covered. I've handled $100+ knives with worse action.
Carries Like a Dream
In the pocket, the Penguin practically disappears. It's super slender, and that deep carry clip keeps it tucked away—nice and discreet. Props to QSP for getting the clip right: it sits nearly flush with the scales.
The ergos are on point, too. I can get a four-finger grip with no problem, and the jimping keeps things locked in.
Bizarrely Good Build
I had to do a double-take when I saw the price tag because this thing is built solid. Blade centering? Dead on. Lockup? Rock solid. Play? Nada.
I even took it apart (because I have a problem), and the internals were pristine. My only nitpick is that the clip screws stick out a hair on the inside, but I'm really grasping at straws here.
Putting it to Work
I've been beating on this thing for a week now, and it's holding up like a champ. Cardboard? No sweat. Nasty tape gunk? Bring it on. The Penguin slices, dices, and keeps on ticking.
It's the perfect beater knife. At this price, I don't even care if I scuff it up. But so far, it's shrugging off everything I throw at it. The D2 cleans up easily, too—you'd never know I used and abused this thing.
Video Review
The Verdict
Look, I know I sound like I'm gushing in this QSP Penguin review, but I can't help it. The Penguin is the budget knife I never knew I needed. It's got the right size, the right look, the right materials, and the right price—it ticks all my boxes.
If you're looking for a budget beater that punches way above its weight, I can't recommend the Penguin enough. I have a feeling this is just the beginning for QSP—they've got my attention now!
Lemme know what you think. Has anyone else snagged a Penguin yet? I wanna hear your take!
