QSP Elk QS173-A1 Stonewashed 14C28N Blade Glow-in-the-Dark Micarta Handle Glyde Lock Folding Knife

The QSP Elk QS173-A1 is a premium folding knife engineered for everyday carry and tactical applications. Featuring a stonewashed 14C28N blade with a drop point design, this knife delivers exceptional edge retention and corrosion resistance. The blade achieves a hardness of 59-61 HRC, ensuring durability through demanding use. The glow-in-the-dark Micarta handle provides superior grip and visibility in low-light conditions, while the innovative Glyde lock mechanism offers secure blade deployment and reliable one-handed operation. Ceramic ball bearings enable smooth, effortless opening with minimal friction. At 7.68 inches fully extended and 4.57 inches closed, the Elk balances portability with functional blade length. The 3.11-inch blade with 3.5mm thickness strikes the perfect equilibrium between cutting performance and lightweight design. Weighing just 127 grams, it won't burden your pocket or pack. The reversible stainless steel pocket clip accommodates both left and right-handed carry preferences. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, professional, or collector, the QSP Elk combines precision engineering with practical design. This is a knife built to perform when it matters most.

SPECIFICATIONS

Category :  POCKET KNIFE
Mechanism :  Ceramic ball bearings
Name: Elk

Blade: 14C28N
Handle:  Glow-in-the-Dark Micarta
Lock: Glyde lock

Mechanism: Ceramic ball bearings
Overall: 7.68''(195mm)
Closed: 4.57''(116mm)

Blade: 3.11''(79mm)
Blade thickness: +/- 3.5mm ( finished product )
Blade shape: Drop point

HRC: 59-61 ( Coated blade < Silver blade, may HRC1-2 less）
Reversible stainless steel pocket clip
Net weight: +/-127g (4.48oz)

QSP Elk - Product Overview

The QSP Elk QS173-A1 is a mid-size EDC folder built around a stonewashed 14C28N drop-point blade and a glow-in-the-dark Micarta handle. QSP's Glyde lock provides secure blade retention with smooth one-handed operation, and ceramic ball bearings make deployment effortless. At 7.68"/195mm open, 3.11"/79mm of blade and 4.48 oz, the Elk is a versatile daily cutter. See more QSP knives and folding knives at EDCMALL.

QSP Elk - 14C28N Blade Selling Points

14C28N is Sandvik's nitrogen-alloyed stainless tuned for razor blades and premium EDC folders. It runs 59-61 HRC, resists corrosion in wet pockets and sharpens back to life in minutes. For a sub-$100 folder that sees daily use, that balance of easy maintenance and reliable performance is hard to beat.

QSP Elk - Core Selling Points

• 3.11"/79mm 14C28N drop-point blade hardened to 59-61 HRC.
• Stonewashed finish reduces glare and hides wear marks.
• glow-in-the-dark Micarta handle for a secure grip in any condition.
• Glyde lock mechanism for confident one-handed opening and closing.
• Ceramic ball bearings for smooth, responsive blade deployment.
• 7.68"/195mm open / 4.57" closed with a reversible stainless steel pocket clip.
• 4.48 oz / 127 g - easy to carry all day.
• Clean, modern Scandinavian design language.

QSP Elk - Where It Earns Its Pocket Time

• Daily carry - opens boxes, breaks down packaging and handles food prep.
• Outdoor weekends - slices rope, whittles tent stakes and preps camp food.
• Worksite utility - the easy-sharpening 14C28N edge is quick to restore.
• Low-light use - the glow-in-the-dark handle options stay visible in a dark bag.
• Budget-conscious collection - premium features at a mid-tier price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Glyde lock?

It is QSP's bar-style lock that provides secure blade retention and smooth one-handed operation.

Is the pocket clip reversible?

Yes. The stainless steel clip can be mounted for left or right-hand tip-up carry.

How does 14C28N compare to D2?

14C28N is more corrosion resistant and easier to sharpen; D2 holds an edge longer but needs oiling.

What does HRC 59-61 mean in use?

It is a practical hardness range that balances edge stability, toughness and ease of sharpening.

QSP Elk - Steel Comparison Table

Steel	Typical HRC	Edge Retention	Corrosion Resistance	Toughness	Sharpening Ease
14C28N (this knife)	59-61	Good	Excellent	Good	Very Easy
Nitro-V	58-60	Good	Very Good	Very Good	Very Easy
D2	58-61	Very Good	Fair (oil it)	Good	Moderate
8Cr13MoV	57-59	Fair	Good	Good	Very Easy

Glossary of Key Terms

14C28N
A Sandvik nitrogen-alloyed martensitic stainless at 59-61 HRC. Excellent corrosion resistance, very easy sharpening and a fine, stable edge - the best value stainless in EDC.

Liner Lock
A spring bar inside the handle that snaps behind the blade tang on opening; press it sideways with your thumb to fold the knife.

G-mascus
Kansept and Tenable's layered G10 composite where dyed sheets are pressed and milled so the surface reveals a topographic or camo pattern.

Fuller Groove
A shallow channel milled down the blade flat. It removes weight, stiffens the blade and adds a tactile index point during cutting.

Ceramic Ball Bearing
Pivot bearings made of ceramic that stay smooth and cannot corrode, keeping the flipper action consistent.

Deep Carry Clip
A low-ride pocket clip that lets the knife disappear into the pocket with only the very top showing.

QSP Elk - Who Should Buy / Who Should Skip

Who Should Buy

• EDC users who want a capable folder without a premium price tag.
• Fans of Micarta handles and easy-sharpening stainless steels.
• Left-handed carriers who need a reversible clip and ambidextrous lock.
• Anyone looking for a reliable beater that still looks good.

Who Should Skip

• Collectors who demand premium powder-metallurgy steels.
• Users who need a larger blade for heavy outdoor chores.
• People who prefer crossbar or frame locks over bar-style locks.
• Shoppers looking for the absolute cheapest knife available.

QSP Elk - Care & Maintenance

1. Wipe the blade dry after every use - moisture left at the pivot migrates into the lock face overnight.
2. Add one drop of quality knife oil to the pivot and lock contact points monthly, then work the action to spread it.
3. Blow pocket lint out of the handle with compressed air before oiling so grit never grinds inside the pivot.
4. Wash with warm water and mild dish soap when it gets grimy, then dry completely before it goes back in the pocket.
5. Touch the edge up on a 1000/3000 grit stone system; stropping on leather keeps a working edge alive for weeks.
6. Never put the knife in the dishwasher - heat and detergent wreck handles, bearings and edge geometry.
7. Do not pry, twist or use the tip as a screwdriver; even 60 HRC steel chips under hard lateral load.
8. Store it dry with a vapor tab; for long-term storage, coat the blade with a light film of mineral oil.
9. Re-tighten pocket clip and body screws periodically with the correct Torx driver, not a worn flathead.