QSP knives are made in Yangjiang, in Guangdong province, China, the city where most of the world's budget and mid-range folding knives are manufactured. QSP stands for Quality, Service, Price, and the company runs its own factory rather than contracting, which is why its fit and finish is consistent across a line that starts under $60. This guide covers where and how QSP knives are made and what that means for quality.
Yangjiang
Yangjiang has made knives for centuries and today produces a large share of the world's folding knives, including OEM work for brands that put other countries on the box. QSP is a Yangjiang company making knives under its own name.
Own factory
QSP designs and manufactures in-house, which lets it control heat treatment, grinds and bearing pivots at a price contract manufacturing cannot match. It is the reason a $65 Peregrine has a hardness spec printed on the listing.
Steels
QSP sources Sandvik 14C28N from Sweden, Nitro-V from the U.S., and Chinese 10Cr15MoV and D2, and says which is on each knife.
What it means for you
A QSP is not a knockoff; it is a Chinese brand competing on its own quality. The Penguin, Coyote and Elk are as well made as knives at twice the price.
Frequently asked questions
Where are QSP knives made?
Yangjiang, Guangdong, China, in QSP's own factory.
What does QSP stand for?
Quality, Service, Price.
Are QSP knives good quality?
Yes. Consistent fit, real steels, bearing pivots.
Does QSP make knives for other brands?
QSP does OEM work as well as its own line.
Is Yangjiang a good knife-making city?
It is the center of the world's folding knife production.
The bottom line
Made in Yangjiang by QSP itself. Buy a Penguin and judge the factory by the knife.
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