QSP built their name in the EDC world with solid pocket knives. Now they’ve entered the kitchen knife world. The question is, can QSP a brand known for folders and outdoor fixed blades actually make good kitchen knives?
The short answer: yes, and surprisingly well. In this hands-on QSP kitchen knives review, I will dive into every kitchen knife lineup from the QSP Mulan series. From the versatile Gyuto to the precision-focused Kiritsuke, I have tested them all to see if QSP’s first attempt can truly compete with established kitchen knife brands.
First Impressions of the QSP Kitchen Knives
Right out of the box, the QSP kitchen knives felt natural in my hands there was no gimmick or over the top design decisions that would hinder it’s performance.
It makes sense that every knife felt good in my hands after I noticed:
✅ They all share the same handle design
✅ The fit and finish is clean
✅ The choil and spine are nicely rounded
✅ The balance point is right where it should be
What really stood out were the measurements. These aren’t rough cuts, they are intentional. The spine thickness across the lineup isn’t random, it’s tuned to how each knife is meant to behave. Some taper for agility.
Others keep their spine thick for power.
You get two versions across the lineup:
14C28N Steel + Ebony Wood
Damascus Steel + Desert Ironwood
Both with a Rockwell rating around 58–60 HRC, which is solid for general use.
Shared Traits, Subtle Differences
Despite having the same ergonomic handle and balance, the knives don’t behave the same. that realization didn’t hit me until I’d used them for a while.
Especially with the:
- QSP Gyuto 14C28N Steel – Mulan Series
- QSP Harpoon Chef’s Knife 14C28N Steel – Mulan Series
- QSP Kiritsuke 14C28N Steel – Mulan Series
At first? They felt similar.
But each one has a different rhythm on the board, and that rhythm is shaped by the blade profile.
Let’s break that down, knife by knife.
QSP Knife Lineup – Full Breakdown
Kiritsuke: Precise & Clean
- Best For: Precision slicing, up-and-down cutting motion
- Spine: 2.2mm at the heel and tapers to 2.1mm towards the middle
- Weight: ~174g
- Feel: Agile, clean, controlled
This one’s great for people who value precision and don’t rely on a rocking cut.
Gyuto: Fluid & Familiar
- Best For: Rocking cuts, everyday versatility
- Spine: 2.2mm at the heel and tapers to 2.1mm towards the middle
- Weight: ~166g
- Feel: Smooth, balanced, slightly lighter than Kiritsuke
It’s the go-to if you love a Western-style chef’s knife feel. The taper gives it a slight nimbleness without sacrificing control. Ideal for those that prefer rocking cuts as their primary cutting style.
Harpoon Chef’s Knife: Bold & Grounded
- Best For: Heavier prep, bold style lovers
- Spine: Constant 2.2mm (no taper)
- Weight: ~179g
- Feel: Grounded, solid, slightly aggressive
The harpoon’s front is more for the aesthetics than having actual purpose, but the un-tapered spine and Harpoon shape gives this knife a bold feel and look. In terms of blade profile it sits right in the middle between the QSP Gyuto and Kiritsuke, meaning it has a lesser rounded profile than the Gyuto but also less straigth than the Kiritsuke.
Santoku: Compact & Capable
- Best For: Up-down chopping, light tip work
- Spine: Constant 2.2mm
- Weight: ~173g
- Feel: Stable, balanced, curve-friendly
With its shorter profile and subtle belly, it balances chopping and light rocking. A great all-rounder if you like shorter blades.
Utility Knife: Nimble & Lightweight
- Best For: Fruit, herbs, trimming, detail work
- Spine: 2.1mm → 1.8mm taper
- Weight: ~68g
- Feel: Responsive, light, precision-focused
Te knife is very nimble and responsive making it great for deboning tasks or precision detailed slicing prep work. The knife is however too thick and long to be used comfortably for de-skinning an apple. For that kind of tasks a normal paring knife like the Victorinox will do great.
Final Thoughts: QSP’s First Kitchen Knife Lineup – Mulan Series
QSP didn’t reinvent the wheel. But they didn’t need to.
Instead, they focused on:
- Intentional blade profiles
- Consistent, ergonomic handle design
- Designs that does not hinder performance
- Great fit and finish
Each knife in QSP’s Mulan Series feels intentional, built with a clear purpose in mind. For a first kitchen lineup from QSP, I’m honestly surprised that they manage to checkmark every single point I find important in a knife. I personally could not find a flaw in the Mulan series that I have tested, which makes it easy for me to recommend the QSP’s Mulan Series.
For a brand entering the kitchen space for the first time?
✅ QSP nailed the fundamentals
✅ Added enough personality
✅ And delivered real performance
Where to Buy
Amazon Official QSP store
QSP Official Website
Notes:
QSP Kitchen Knives are currently not listed on their Amazon Store, contact QSP if you want them to sell them through Amazon.
▶ If you want to know what knife you should buy you can read the following article ''Choosing your knife''. ▶ On my youtube channel, I have reviewed a lot of different knives. You can watch the playlist by clicking here. ▶ Click here, if you want to search for other kitchen knives on: Amazon. ▶ , if you want to search for other Chinese knives on . ▶ Check out my gear on Kit: https://kit.co/ChefPanko ▶ Check out my recommendation on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/chefpanko Full Disclosure: If you purchase from these links I get a small commission that goes towards supporting the channel and website. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases ▶ If you have any questions about Japanese knives made in China or about some of the brands feel free to ask it in the comment section below. Thank you for your support and feedback. ▶ Want to work with me? Please use the contact form by clicking here.
