QSP Quality Service Price Tactical Folder Liner Lock

Field test of the QSP ball bearing, liner locking D2 G10 folder

This company calling themselves QSP contacted me wanting to know if I wanted to review this knife of theirs. 

Simply labelled "QSP". I checked out the photos they sent me and it looked ok and also on paper sounded good. Why not eh?

Well, it was damn good!

Here are my specs:

Non-reversible pocket clip-works well.

HRC 58-60

G10 scales

Liner lock

Ball bearing mechanism, flipper folder.

D2 tool steel blade

Perfect lock up every time out of the box

BTW the knife was well presented in a good box featuring a magnetic catch. 

The brand name sounds somewhat tacky but certainly this model lived up to the name.

The knife came well oiled too.

Approximately 3.5mm thick blade, 215mm total open length and 95mm blade length.

There is a "Tip up" carry pocket clip which works just fine. it is not reversible.

Torx head bolts are used everywhere, no signs of corrosion on these fittings after a day of staying wet in the rain forest.

The QSP was very easy to flip open with the ball bearing mechanism.

There are nicely machined grooves in the G10 scales to aid grip in wet conditions. I felt that the handle was gripping anyway and not at all uncomfortable to use.

I gave the QSP a real dunking in this river. The D2 blade (which isn't corrosion resistant) held up well. It was easy to grip the G10 scaled handle with wet hands.

I couldn't fault this Chinese made knife (it is not branded made in China). Everything fitted together perfectly and the lockup was perfect, plus there was zero lateral play before and after working on tough materials in this jungle environment.

The blade was perfectly aligned in the centre of the liners too.

Immediately I wanted to test the edge retention of this coated (painted?) D2 blade by cutting into very dry seasoned Eucalyptus wood. I worked the wood very hard (and later wet huge palm fronds-dead). The blade really held an edge and there was no blunting whatsoever.

Retail cost about 40 US Dollars on Amazon.

Stay tuned for the full video field review of the QSP folder!

Extrema Ratio AMF Survival Knife Big and Versatile

 EXTREMA RATIO AMF SURVIVAL KNIFE
BIG AND VERSATILE

I could only show so much in the video review so now you can see more of the stuff which I was and am doing with the AMF Survival knife.

Also, I want to talk more in detail about the design of this blade and especially one simple feature which you may or may not even think about when looking for a good outdoors knife.

The importance** of having the cutting edge coming as close to the hilt/ricasso as possible. Here in this above example, there is no real choil but the blade finishes at the ricasso. This area on my knives I always keep as deadly sharp as possible along with the tip. If any regions could be "less sharp" it would be somewhere along the mid part of my blade.
The item in this image is the seed and husk from the world's biggest pine cone! The Bunya Pine, Araucaria bidwillii., which can easily weigh over 6Kg! These seeds are delicious eaten raw, boiled, BBQed etc. Now in order to extract such a seed you can not easily cut through the seed coat. It must be pierced (where a sharp and strong tip comes in handy) and then essentially busted apart to extract the tasty large seed.

I easily de-boned this leg with Just several strokes of the AMF knife. The knife can be easily pulled apart/stripped in order to clean it properly. Hot water no problems for the Forprene either as it can withstand temperatures up o 130C!

No coating on the blade of this Desert AMF makes it perfectly food safe too and very easy to wipe clean. The burnished finish also is not so reflective (if this is a feature/requirement for end use).

BBQ meat and tropical grown sweet potato cooked on the fire and cut up on a palm bract (lower part of the palm frond, which wraps around the trunk).

The Extrema Ratio AMF easily cut up the cooked meat too. needless to say the meat didn't last too long before it was readily gulped down!


Survival Knives

Mr Mors Kochanski, whoever doesn't know this name regardless of what country you come from, has yet to learn from what this guys has to say about "survival knives"(at least while he is still alive-at the time of this article he is indeed still alive).
Polish/Canadian born Kochanski made/makes, a living from teaching and instructing no BS survival skills to government bodies, and the public. Some may laugh, but those who do are clearly not listening to what he has to say or simply think they know it all, or are of course the typical "armchair survivalist" spruiking  about this that and the other and essentially talking loud and saying nothing. Why to I even mention this guys name here? Well for one thing, about what he says about knife edges. Put here in my words: You want to maximise your cutting edge for several reasons:
1) Simply that, you have more cutting surface.

2)Having the cutting surface as close to the hilt/ricasso as possible, allows better ergonomics in knife usage, whether that knife has a long or short blade, as power will be decreased due to leverage effects the further the object is away from your hand. That's physics and at least in this universe, can not be undone at present!

3) Knives that place a finger choil next to the hilt only extend this "Levering effect" and hence educe the deliverable power to whatever one is trying to cut or carve. Now fact is, if you design a knife with a choil, this only necessitates the need to use the choil in order, once again, to be able to place the hands as close to the blade as possible. 

No matter how good the choil is, our fingers are now dangerously close to the cutting edge, instead of being behind a guard. Now if that choil is not so comfortable and it will be like this especially if milled with acute angles, basically necessitate the use of gloves, just one further extra piece of equipment needed in order to use that knife in an effective way as possible. You loose your gloves??? Or you simply don't have any? Then what?? OR slip and cut your finger, becoming possibly an instant LIABILITY!

From a manufacturing point of view, placing a choil means less work to: hand sharpen edges; no need for a guard/s (ie less material required for the blade);  Milled material is sold as scrap;

Choils can of course be milled in order to place a greater weight distribution towards the tip of the knife, so that knife, if hefty enough could be used to chop with. Having a choil in this case I believe is secondary to the primary aim of this type of design. 

Even if you haven't been to Australia or even have a desire to come here, I would highly recommend the reading of tis book by A. B. and J. W. Cribb published in 175 by Collins and then in 1976 by Fontana, if you are serious about survival.

No need for a finger choil to be present on the AMF Survival knife. 

These days many manufacturers tend to over state the blade lengths or rather we have become complacent when we read about blade lengths and too many definitions of where the blade starts from. So we have then manufacturers stating the actual "cutting surface".  The Extrema Ratio AMF Survival knife definitely is sporting a good 8 inches of "cutting surface" LOL!

Extrema Ratio AMF Survival Knife Field Review

Hi so here is my first field review of the Extrema Ratio AMF survival knife. A top performer bashing it about in the Australian bush and rain forest. The AMF sports a classic blade geometry with a sturdy feel to it. See what you think!

Bohler N690 corrosion Resistance in the Field

N690 Corrosion Resistance in the Field
Extrema Ratio AMF Survival Knife

Wet all day in a hot humid rainforest environment, submerged for approximately 2 hours while exploring tannin stained freshwater pools, the Extrema Ratio AMF shows negligible signs of corrosion.

Recently I took a knife labeled as a "Survival knife" from the manufacturer diving into warm tannin stained (Acidic) tropical waters for about just over 2 hours.

This knife is not a specific diving knife but I figured if you're going to call your product a "Survival Knife" then you had better be making a good product and if it's a survival knife then it needs to be not afraid of water! 

I was not disappointed when I disassembled the knife at the end of the day. A burnishing, anti-glare finish had been applied to the entire blade surface. This is simply a physical finish. There is a trade off with corrosion resistance in stainless knife alloys; the higher the HRC the lower the corrosion resistance as the the amount of soluble Chromium present will be less than in equivalent alloyed steel at a lower HRC's. This knife was HRC58. Not too hard not too soft. Just right.

You can see some very slight staining on the blade, there was no pitting evident. The tang had been wet all day but no evidence of staining or pitting. The knife had been used to cut up many different jungle plants all of which contain sap of various acidity and very sticky too. The knife was used for diving in a fast flowing highly oxygenated river, stained with tannins (very acidic) for approximately 2 hours. There was no corrosion present in the small black threaded nut at the end of the tang either. For all other stainless fixtures (not made from N690) there was no evidence of corrosion. 

Field Strip of the Extrema Ratio A.M.F Knife

The Parts of the Extrema Ratio AMF Knife

Ok so Extrema Ratio indicate that the AMF is field strippable. What does this mean? Well it means if you have access to a 3mm Allen key wrench otherwise known as an Allen Key, commonly used for socket head bolts, you will be able to disassemble the AMF Knife in the field or of course at home in order to clean it if it gets submerged in salt water or any kind of fluid.

Here are the pictures, they are self explanatory I believe.

A 3mm Allen wrench is required to disassemble the Extrema Ratio AMF Knife

Once the stainless steel socket bolt has been removed, all the parts can be stripped from the tang.

The front guard is not symmetrical and can not be put on incorrectly (why it has been milled out in the centre, I do not know. I would have thought that hilt of the blade should have sat slightly recessed within this thick guard, but this is not the case. If it is milled because of a weight saving, then little weight is saved like this. BTW the black marks are from oil present from manufacturing and assembling (I cleaned it off).

The Allen bolt screws into (what appears to be a hardened) a female thread nut, which is retained within the end of the knife tang by friction. One must be careful not to loose this part, should it come lose, otherwise it will be very difficult (but not impossible) to keep the handle on. Ordinarily however, no outwards pressure is directed towards this bolt and fixture.

One thing I noted was that I felt based upon the machining workmanship of all of my other Extrema Ratio knives, the AMF's front guard could have been made with slightly better tolerances. It's not a huge big deal but still, this is purely based upon all of my (and it is extensive) experience with Extrema Ratio edged products.

The tip of the tang protrudes slightly above the Forprene grip, this then slots into the rear guard preventing the rear guard from twisting/rotating. The Socket head bolt sits shy of the butt cap in order to avoid damage to the head of the bolt if you strike the pommel onto hard surfaces.

The Tang of the Extrema Ratio AMF isn't full width but of course this would make the knife incredibly heavy and it would not be practical to put a handle on such a large knife with a full width tang. The tang however, is very very beefy and as you can see has not been milled out like on some "full width tang" knives whereby lightening the knife but at the same time weakening it's construction.

Stainless fixing hardware on the Extrema Ratio AMF.

Hi all I forgot to say something about all the parts and what they are made out of. Well placing a Neodymium magnet next to ALL parts EXCEPT the blade results in very little attraction- they are magnetic but exhibit poor attraction to powerful magnets. This is an indication of a low magnetic stainless steel grade. I asked Extrema Ratio and they did tell me that the fixing parts including the guards and pommel were of a Stainless grade. My guess is low low magnetic 300 series? Anyway the blade of course is strongly magnetic since it's N690.

EXTREMA RATIO AMF SURVIVAL KNIFE WOW!

Extrema Ratio AMF Survival Knife

What to say? I loved the 80's, everything about it. Including the cutlery from that era. Yes, I saw the Rambo movies and who didn't like, or want a damn RAMBO knife? Anyone who says they didn't isn't being honest with themselves. That movie set the scene for the romanticised lifestyle which is probably inherent in many of us, and dating back to our primeval existence on this planet with our pre-occupation about survival (knives and tools). This survival lifestyle has all but been lost by our civilized ways with the exceptions of those whose existence still depends on survival from the land and sea by their own hands free of mechanisation. For the rest of us, if we are lucky enough, we will never encounter a situation whereby our lives depend upon surviving from the land or sea or disaster*. Of course we can be challenged by disasters* whether man made or natural and become either voluntarily or involuntarily involved in such survival situations. Now many would like to think (romanticise- in reality, far from romantic) themselves in some sort of survival situation, where carrying a big knife is going to save the day. Of course if one has been truly involved in real survival situation as those mentioned above (with few exceptions of course), we know that these situations rarely involve the use of a knife big or small.
Now I digress....

By the way, the "sawback" on the RAMBO knife was NOT a saw at all but a series of wire cutting notches- that was made evident in the movie, where Sylvester Stallone used the knife to cut some wire. 

Gerber Legendary Blades in the USA brought out their  "Survival knife" in the 80's. I saw my first one over 17 years ago in a Tokyo camping shop, of which it took centrepiece under the glass at the front desk. For some reason, I never bought one (no, it's not because I thought they were crap- but at the time money was indeed "an object" for a poor post doctoral scientist!) but always lusted after one. Several versions were made, even one with wire cutter notches on the spine, just like the first RAMBO knife. Those Gerber (serial numbered) knives have now become collectors items.

Here Comes Extrema Ratio!

Now zoom fast forward to 2017/2018 and Extrema Ratio in Italy, with inspiration from that survival cutlery era of the 80s, has produced the A.M.F or ADVANCED MULTI-FUNCTION knife.

Ok, so Extrema Ratio are calling this AMF a "survival knife" and have it listed in their section encompassing their knives suitable for Survival scenarios, hence "Multifunction" applications!

Let me quickly say this, based upon my other articles I have written regarding what is a survival knife and personal experiences involving "survival" (and here I'm not talking about lounge-chair situations but the real McCoy) encounters), I can definitely say that the Extrema Ratio AMF suits this description. To summarise first, and then talk in more detail about the AMF.

Is the AMF a "Survival knife" according to my definition?

Use in very Cold weather or sub zero temperatures? YES, there is no exposed tang for one to freeze to the palm of their hand. Very hot conditions, same applies, no exposed tang at high temperature.

Extrema Ratio AMF here seen in the "tropics" later this year in the opposite environment

Minimal fixing hardware? Yes just one bolt  (3mm hex head driver) which sits (protected) below the butt. (strictly speaking, there are 5 parts that result from removing the 3 mm Allen bolt). See the next blog.

Big simple blade design at 8.25" LONG! 6.3mm thick! It's no butter knife!

Extrema Ration AMF spine (the fruits are from the tropical Pandanus palm-not a palm at all).

Survival food and "Survival knife"

Big grippy, all weather handle, made from Forprene to help reduce impact shocks to user's hand.


The Extrema Ratio AMF has a classic clip point (in this case a straight clip point) blade geometry (easy to maintain at HRC 58). The blade thickness is full width until about 2cm from the tip, yielding very good penetrating power. If you love big knives and big knives with functional blades, along with that "retro" look, then you are going to love this AMF knife too.  We have a slight departure from the usual Forprene grips seen on many of Extrema Ratio's knives, whereby there isn't a full encirclement of the tang closest to the hilt. In the case of the Extrema Ratio AMF knife, the tang is fully enclosed by the handle. The handle tapers towards the rear, and is less "angular" than their regular handle grips and is clearly bigger in circumference; it's a very solid grip, so wild swinging (and I'm not talking about crazy party action here) of this blade isn't likely to part company with one's hand.

The Extrema Ration AMF knife at home in the tropics

Generous Forprene grip

Functionality

The Extrema Ratio AMF Knife 

Laser etched model and serial numbered to allow exact tracing of individual models

has a very functional blade design. It has a good tip, perfect for gutting and filleting fish, piercing an animals hide for hunting. The Extrema Ratio AMF knife has a slender geometry but "beefy" cross section, yielding a knife which is quite capable for all camp duties, whether light or heavy.

Slimy wet hands are not going to slip onto this blade with the forward guard.

Can you feed yourself with this blade?

Food preparation with the AMF knife in camp or the hut* is no problem.

I almost always take onions camping/hiking (they don't easily perish or squash). A good source of sulfur, plus onions can turn any bland meal into something great. Having a knife that can actually cut things up as apposed to mashing them and making a huge mess, is an essential item for camping trips.

* I personally wouldn't bring the AMF out in a hut unless I was the only one there. It might start scaring off other campers.

Extrema Ratio AMF Knife and Scabbard Construction and Specifications

N690 (N Six Nine Zero) Cobalt stainless tool steel, hardened to 58HRC.
I measured the following on my model.
Blade length 8.25 inches or 210mm
Blade only weight (484 grams or 17.1Oz.) It's meant to be pack carried as there is no "real" belt loop, however one can use the plastic straps or insert a belt within the loop of material directly behind the knife handle. 

I wouldn't advise inserting a belt within the plastic loops as I think this would damage them over time (I have no evidence to support this, it's merely conjecture and applies to my way of outdoor activities. The AMF knife is clearly meant for pack carrying due to it's large size.

Blade and scabbard weight: triple 6 (666 grams or 23.5 Oz.)
Blade Flat grind.
Forprene grip (Extrema Ratio's Desert version- A.M.F. Desert), virtually unbreakable and resistant to many commonly encountered chemicals.
High denier nylon multi-mounting Molle compatible carry system. (see below).
550 Paracord supplied.
Optional survival kit (You know I don't think much of these and do not own one).

Malice straps made in Italy by the following company
http://www.2mplasticbuckles.com/products/military-buckles/

The website says that the malice straps are made from GTR (Ground Tire Rubber) but They look to me to be made from polypropylene. Anyway they are made in Italy by 2M.

Removable plastic (Malice clips) straps to anchor this huge knife to your pack or any Molle compatible system. I'm not sure how strong or how long these types of plastic retention clips would last. That is how many times can they be opened and closed or how they are against nylon (your tactical belt) or leather belt; rubbing against them. Like I said this AMF knife is clearly meant to be strapped to a pack. (Initial testing in the field by me shows this knife carries very high on the waist, therefore it's better left strapped to gear).

Internal rigid plastic sheet to protect the scabbard. Tough non abrasive "foam rubber" inserts, also do not dull blade edge from repeated insertion and removals.

2 models of the Extrema Ratio AMF are available at present, this model Desert, non-reflective (Burnished) blade finish and the Mil-C-13924 Spec black oxide finish.
Quality finish as expected from Extrema Ratio, right down to the stitching (super thick thread) of the scabbard.

There are 2 guards present, both are made from very thick steel. I like the rear guard as it serves to protect your fingers should you use the AMF knife to bash something open, such as oysters, cracking open crabs, smashing hardened glass etc.

The rear guard

What's in a name??? 

So what's with this A.M.F. business??? What the heck does "Advanced Multifunction" mean???
Well I guess it can mean anything you like, as the naming of knives has no bearing whatsoever on their functionality and or intended purposes. It simply depends on how useful (or not) one thinks it could be to them in a particular environment or for a particular purpose. I use knives on both hemispheres, so I look for attributes that are suitable in both  arid to tropical and alpine regions in the knives i choose to take out with me. However, I want a knife that I can prepare food with and also do the harder tasks (it at all necessary). It has to have a good point and be easily multi-carried and must must be comfortable to use.
So I guess we can say,  "Advanced", as the AMF is constructed from advanced modern materials, such as Forprene and high speed stainless Cobalt enriched tool steel N690 (compared with the 80's survival cutlery-where N690 simply wasn't in existence for cutlery) the, "A"  for advanced is justified. How about Multi-Function? Without spelling it out, Extrema Ratio are suggesting both civilian and military applications, end of story. What those scenarios might entail is entirely up to the individual and or the situations they find themselves in. Now whether the AMF is a "Survival" knife, well as I stated earlier on, I think this knife would certainly fit that bill for me as a sturdy dependable design in tough situations. Let's put this to the test in the coming weeks and months. Stick around!


Life time warranty against manufacturing defects.
6 years on carry system.
Made in Italy.


Stay tuned for the field review on BushCampingTools.