QSP Hawk Review: The Undisputed King of Budget EDC?
In the crowded world of Every Day Carry (EDC) knives, standing out is a monumental task. You have the aggressive tactical options like Smith & Wesson dominating the law enforcement market, and ultra-cheap beaters like M-Tech flooding the gas stations. But somewhere in the middle lies the “sweet spot”—knives that offer premium materials, impeccable build quality, and a gentleman’s aesthetic without breaking the bank. Enter the QSP Hawk.
QSP, which stands for Quality, Service, Price, has rapidly transitioned from an obscure OEM manufacturer to a household name in the knife community. While their “Penguin” model often steals the spotlight with its sheepsfoot utility, the QSP Hawk is the more refined, versatile, and—dare I say—stylish sibling. Whether you are looking for a reliable slicer in 14C28N steel or a dress knife with Verawood handles, the Hawk promises to deliver.
In this comprehensive review, we will dissect the QSP Hawk to see if it truly lives up to the hype. We’ll compare it against industry titans, test its cutting geometry, and determine if it belongs in your pocket.
QSP Hawk Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Blade Length | 3.25 inches (82mm) |
| Overall Length | 7.35 inches (187mm) |
| Blade Material | 14C28N Sandvik (Standard) / S35VN (Premium) |
| Handle Material | Micarta, Verawood, or Carbon Fiber |
| Locking Mechanism | Liner Lock |
| Pivot System | Ceramic Ball Bearings |
| Weight | ~3.5 oz (100g) |
| Price | $50 – $100 depending on materials |
Blade Performance: 14C28N vs. The World
The heart of the QSP Hawk is its drop-point blade. Unlike the aggressive styling of a SOG-TAC XR, the Hawk features a graceful, high flat grind that screams slicing efficiency. The standard model comes in Sandvik 14C28N steel. For those uninitiated in metallurgy, 14C28N is arguably the best budget steel on the market today. It offers significantly better corrosion resistance than D2 and is far easier to sharpen.
If you live in humid environments or use your knife for food prep, 14C28N is a lifesaver. It rivals the rust-proof nature of knives like the Spyderco Caribbean in practical daily use, though it isn’t salt-water proof. During our cardboard cut tests, the Hawk held a working edge for an impressive duration, slicing through double-walled corrugated cardboard with minimal drag, thanks to the thin blade stock behind the edge.
The Premium Option: S35VN
For those who demand longer edge retention, QSP offers a “Pro” version in CPM-S35VN. This places the Hawk in direct competition with higher-end production knives. However, for 90% of users, the standard 14C28N is the sweet spot of price and performance.
Handle Ergonomics and Aesthetics
The QSP Hawk isn’t just a tool; it’s a looker. The handle options are where this knife truly shines compared to the utilitarian Ka-Bar Dozier. You can choose between:
- Verawood: A dense, aromatic wood that turns green with age and exposure to light. It gives the knife a warm, classic gentleman’s folder vibe.
- Micarta: For those who need grip. If you are using this knife with wet hands, the linen Micarta offers excellent traction.
- Carbon Fiber: The “Carbon Fiber” on the budget models is often a laminate over G10, but it looks sleek and modern, fitting well in an office environment.
The handle shape is neutral, accommodating various grip styles. It lacks the forced finger grooves that can make some knives uncomfortable for larger hands. The edges are chamfered (rounded off), so there are no hotspots, even when gripping tightly for feather sticking or whittling.
Action and Lockup
If you are coming from an assisted opening knife like the Kershaw Blur, you might be worried about a manual flipper. Don’t be. The QSP Hawk runs on ceramic ball bearings. The detent is dialed in perfectly—not too hard, not too soft. A light pressure on the flipper tab sends the blade flying out with a satisfying thwack.
Furthermore, the Hawk features dual thumb studs. This allows for the “Spydie-flick” (using your middle finger to flick the blade open), adding a high fidget factor that you won’t find in slip-joint knives like the Victorinox Cadet.
Head-to-Head Comparison
How does the QSP Hawk stack up against the competition? We compared it with the Civivi Elementum and the QSP Penguin.
| Feature | QSP Hawk | Civivi Elementum | QSP Penguin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blade Shape | Drop Point (Versatile) | Drop Point (Simple) | Sheepsfoot (Utility) |
| Steel (Base Model) | 14C28N (Stainless) | D2 (Semi-Stainless) | D2 (Semi-Stainless) |
| Deployment | Flipper + Thumb Studs | Flipper Only | Thumb Studs Only |
| Action | Bearings (Smooth) | Bearings (Smooth) | Washers (Smooth but stiff) |
| Handle Length | 4.125″ (Full Grip) | 3.5″ (Compact) | 4.00″ (Full Grip) |
| Best For | All-Round EDC | Compact Carry | Heavy Draw Cuts |
While the Civivi Elementum is often cited as the king of budget knives, the QSP Hawk wins in versatility. The addition of thumb studs and the superior corrosion resistance of 14C28N steel make it a better choice for users who might encounter moisture or food acids.
Recommended Products
Ready to pick up a QSP Hawk or one of its competitors? Check out these options directly from Amazon.
QSP Hawk 14C28N
The star of the show. Features Sandvik 14C28N steel and ceramic ball bearings.
Check Price on Amazon
QSP Penguin
The utility master. D2 Tool steel with a sheepsfoot blade for heavy cutting tasks.
Check Price on Amazon
Civivi Elementum
The compact rival. Known for its incredibly snappy action and minimalist design.
Check Price on Amazon
KPL Knife Oil
Keep your QSP Hawk running smooth with high-quality pivot lubricant.
Check Price on AmazonField Test: The User Experience
Carrying the QSP Hawk feels different than carrying a heavy-duty fixed blade like the ESEE JG3 or Fallkniven S1. It disappears in the pocket thanks to the deep-carry clip. However, when you pull it out, it commands respect.
In our testing, we used the Hawk for a week of exclusive carry. It opened mail, broke down recycling, sliced apples for lunch, and even whittled a tent peg during a camping trip. The liner lock is solid—there was zero blade play in any direction. The only critique? The clip screws are not recessed on some models, which can snag on thick denim pockets. It’s a minor gripe, but one worth noting if you wear heavy work pants.
For those interested in seeing the knife in action, check out this detailed video review:
Pros and Cons
Why You Should Buy It
- 14C28N Steel: Superior corrosion resistance and ease of sharpening compared to D2.
- Multiple Deployment: Flipper tab and thumb studs offer fidget-friendly action.
- Classy Aesthetics: The Verawood and Carbon Fiber options look much more expensive than they are.
- Ergonomics: Full four-finger grip with chamfered edges.
Points to Consider
- Pocket Clip: Not reversible for left-handed carry.
- Hardware: Clip screws aren’t always flush, potentially snagging pockets.
- Liner Access: Some users with large fingers might find the liner lock release slightly tight.
Conclusion: Is the QSP Hawk Worth It?
The QSP Hawk sits in a fascinating position. It offers the refined looks of a Blue Ridge Knives classic but with modern materials and manufacturing precision. It is significantly more capable than a gas-station knife and competes toe-to-toe with knives double its price.
If you are looking for a first “real” knife, or you want to upgrade from a budget beater to something you can wear with a suit or jeans, the QSP Hawk is an outstanding choice. It balances the “gentleman” and “tactical” worlds perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The QSP Hawk is a manual folding knife with a blade length of approximately 3.25 inches. In most US states and many countries, this is legal for everyday carry. However, it does have a locking mechanism (Liner Lock), which may be restricted in places like the UK or parts of Europe without “good reason.” Always check your local knife laws.
14C28N is a Swedish stainless steel designed specifically for knives. It is much more stainless (rust-resistant) than D2, which is a semi-stainless tool steel. While D2 might hold an edge slightly longer in abrasive cutting, 14C28N is tougher (less prone to chipping) and much easier to sharpen to a razor edge.
The QSP Hawk is primarily designed for right-handed users. The liner lock and the pocket clip (which is not reversible) are set up for right-hand carry. However, the dual thumb studs and flipper tab allow for left-handed deployment if you are comfortable manipulating a right-handed liner lock.
Yes, the QSP Hawk is constructed with Torx screws (usually T8 for the pivot and T6 for body screws). It can be easily disassembled for cleaning and lubrication. Be careful with the ceramic ball bearings in the pivot so you don’t lose them during maintenance.
Verawood is naturally oily and very dense, making it resistant to water and rot. Over time, it will darken and turn a deeper green upon exposure to UV light. You can occasionally treat it with mineral oil or wood wax to maintain its luster, but it is generally very low maintenance compared to other woods.
