QSP Emu QS164-A2 14C28N Blade Black Micarta Handle Glyde Lock Folding Knife

The QSP Emu QS164-A2 is a versatile folding knife engineered for everyday carry and outdoor use. Its 14C28N stainless steel blade delivers excellent corrosion resistance and easy maintenance, ideal for wet environments and frequent use. The clip-point design provides precision cutting, while the ceramic ball bearing mechanism ensures smooth, reliable deployment. Featuring a black micarta handle for superior grip and durability, the Glyde lock securely holds the blade during operation. At 7.75 inches open and 4.50 inches closed, it balances portability with functionality. The reversible stainless steel clip accommodates both left and right-handed carry. With a hardness of 59-61 HRC and weighing just 111 grams, this knife combines lightweight design with dependable performance for camping, hiking, and tactical applications.

14C28N Blade Introduction

14C28N is a high-value budget-to-midrange stainless steel that excels in corrosion resistance and ease of sharpening, making it a low-maintenance workhorse for EDC and wet environments, but it falls short of premium steels in edge retention and requires more frequent touch-ups when cutting highly abrasive materials like cardboard.

SPECIFICATIONS

Category :  POCKET KNIFE
Mechanism :  Glyde lock
Name: Emu

Blade: 14C28N
Handle: black micarta
Lock: Glyde lock

Mechanism: ceramic ball bearing
Overall: 7.75''(196mm)
Closed: 4.50''(114mm)

Blade: 3.25''(82mm)
Blade thickness: +/-3.0mm 
Blade shape: Clip point

Reversible stainless steel clip
HRC: 59-61 ( blade with coating will be around 1-2HRC less )
Net weight: +/-111g( 3.92oz )

QSP Emu QS164 Black Micarta Glyde Lock Folding Knife Overview

The QSP Emu QS164 is a versatile folding knife engineered for everyday carry and outdoor use. The 14C28N stainless steel clip-point blade measures 3.25 inches and delivers excellent corrosion resistance and easy maintenance — ideal for wet environments and frequent users. The Black Micarta handle provides a durable, grippy surface that develops a personal patina with use. The proprietary Glyde lock with a ceramic ball bearing ensures smooth, secure one-handed deployment. At 7.75 inches open and 4.50 inches closed, the Emu balances full four-finger grip with pocketable carry, and the reversible stainless steel clip supports both left- and right-handed users. Weighing 111 grams (3.92oz), this is a versatile workhorse for EDC, camping, hiking, and tactical applications. Browse the full QSP catalog and folding knife collection at EDCMALL.

14C28N Steel & Glyde Lock — Selling Points

The Emu runs on 14C28N stainless steel hardened to 59-61 HRC for dependable edge retention and corrosion resistance. The bead-blast finish hides daily wear while the clip-point geometry handles piercing and slicing tasks with ease. The proprietary Glyde lock uses a ceramic ball bearing system for ultra-smooth deployment and a positive lock-up under load — engineered to feel like a higher-end framelock at a fraction of the price.

Core Selling Points

• 14C28N stainless clip-point blade with 59-61 HRC hardness
• Smooth Glyde lock with ceramic ball bearing deployment
• 3.25-inch blade, 7.75-inch open, 4.50-inch closed
• Durable Black Micarta handle scales with contoured grip
• Reversible stainless steel pocket clip for ambidextrous carry
• Lightweight 111-gram (3.92oz) carry weight
• Built for everyday carry, camping, hiking, and tactical use
• Excellent value-to-performance ratio for first-time folder buyers

Use-Case Scenarios

• Everyday Carry: Slip into a pocket for daily package duty, envelope cutting, and food prep.
• Camping & Hiking: Reliable slicer for food, cordage, and general camp chores.
• Tactical Utility: Clip-point tip handles piercing and detail cuts under load.
• Office & Workshop: Discreet carry for routine cutting tasks around the home or shop.
• Beginner-Friendly Folder: Affordable price point for first-time knife owners upgrading to a premium-feeling lock.

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a Glyde lock?
A: The Glyde lock is QSP's proprietary button-and-ball-bearing lock that combines the ease of a button lock with the positive lock-up of a crossbar mechanism.

Q: Is 14C28N stainless?
A: Yes, 14C28N is a corrosion-resistant Swedish stainless steel — ideal for wet environments and daily carry.

Q: Is the Emu ambidextrous?
A: Yes, the reversible pocket clip supports both left- and right-handed carry.

Q: How is Micarta maintained?
A: Micarta requires no special care — it develops a personal patina with hand oils and use. Mild soap and water refresh the surface if needed.

Steel Comparison — 14C28N vs Common EDC Steels

Who Should Buy / Who Should Skip

Who Should Buy:

• EDC enthusiasts seeking a smooth-bearing folder under $75
• Collectors of QSP knives and proprietary-lock designs
• First-time folder buyers wanting premium lock feel at entry-level price
• Left-handed users who need ambidextrous clip and lock

Who Should Skip:

• Buyers needing premium powder-steel edge retention (consider S35VN or M390)
• Users preferring frame-lock construction for heavier cutting tasks
• Those needing a deep-carry clip profile for formal-wear carry
• Anyone wanting a fully assembled ceramic-bearing action — Emu ships tuned for production

Care & Maintenance

• Wipe the 14C28N blade dry after exposure to moisture or sweat.
• Apply a drop of lightweight oil to the pivot and lock mechanism monthly.
• Clean Micarta handle with mild soap and a soft brush; dry thoroughly.
• Strop the blade weekly on leather to maintain a working edge.
• Check the reversible pocket clip screws every six months for tightness.
• Avoid dishwasher or harsh solvents on handle or blade.
• Inspect the Glyde lock spring tension quarterly; replace if engagement feels loose.
• Do not disassemble the ceramic ball bearing — return to QSP for service.
• Store in a dry pouch away from other metal objects to prevent scratches.