QSP Hawk Review: 14C28N Steel and Best Budget EDC Value

QSP: China's Answer to Premium Value

QSP Knife Co. is a Chinese manufacturer that has built a strong reputation in the knife enthusiast community by using premium materials — Sandvik 14C28N, M390, S35VN — in well-designed, well-made folders at prices below American and European equivalents. The Hawk is their entry-level flagship: a 3.22-inch drop point folder in 14C28N steel with G10 handles and a flipper deployment, retailing at approximately $50–$60.

Specs

• Blade length: 3.22 inches
• Blade thickness: 0.12 inches
• Steel: Sandvik 14C28N
• Hardness: 58–60 HRC
• Handle: G10 (multiple color options)
• Lock: Liner lock
• Deployment: Flipper tab with ball bearing pivot
• Clip: Tip-up pocket clip (reversible)
• Weight: 2.82 oz

14C28N: Sandvik's Optimal Budget Steel

Sandvik 14C28N is a Swedish stainless steel developed specifically for knife applications. It improves on the older 13C26 (razor blade steel) with increased chromium for better corrosion resistance and adjusted carbon content for improved hardness potential. At 58–60 HRC, it outperforms 420-series and 8Cr13MoV (the typical Chinese budget steels) substantially:

• Edge retention: Significantly better than 8Cr13MoV — holds a working edge 2–3x longer under comparable use
• Sharpenability: Easy — responds quickly on ceramic rods, pull-through sharpeners, and whetstones
• Corrosion resistance: Very good — suitable for outdoor and kitchen use without special maintenance
• Toughness: Good — not prone to chipping under reasonable EDC use

14C28N is the steel that Kershaw uses in many of their popular EDC folders (Blur 14C28N, Leek, Cryo) — the same steel in the QSP Hawk at roughly half the price.

Build Quality and Fit & Finish

The QSP Hawk's fit and finish exceeds expectations at $50. The G10 handle scales are evenly finished, the pivot was properly tuned out of the box, and blade play was absent in our test unit. The flipper deployment is smooth and positive — the ball bearing pivot provides a fluid, almost effortless deployment once the flipper is engaged. For a budget folder, the deployment action rivals knives costing twice as much.

The liner lock engages solidly at approximately 50% of the liner width — a good lockup position that indicates the lock is designed with longevity in mind (as the lock face wears, it still maintains engagement). No blade play in any direction when locked open.

Carry and Ergonomics

At 2.82 oz, the Hawk is a light carry. The tip-up pocket clip positions the knife deep in the pocket — good for office environments where discretion matters. The G10 handle provides secure grip without being aggressively textured. The 3.22-inch blade length is at the legal limit for many urban jurisdictions — verify your local laws before purchasing.

QSP Hawk vs Kershaw Blur 14C28N

Both knives use the same steel. The Hawk is lighter, has a smoother ball-bearing deployment, and costs about the same. The Blur has SpeedSafe (faster) deployment, a larger blade, and Kershaw's American brand reputation. Both are excellent choices at their price points.