Could This Crazy-Affordable EDC Knife Be a Worthy Successor to a Tactical Workhorse Icon?

QSP’s latest rodent-inspired folder might be just the ticket for lovers pining for another vermin-themed budget blade, the Ontario Rat.

Close-up of three folding knives with patterned dark handles and QSP logos near the blade pivots.

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By Sean Tirman

Published February 10, 2026

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If you’re familiar with QSP, there’s a pretty good chance it’s because of the brand’s perennially popular Penguin knife, which is one of the most beloved budget-friendly EDC knives over the last few years.

If so, you know the brand is no stranger to animal-themed offerings. But its latest, the QSP Ferret, is a little different, as it hearkens to another legendary rodent-themed knife in both name and styling. In fact, it could be a worthy spiritual successor to that iconic tactical workhorse.

Black folding knife with textured dark gray handle and partially serrated blade on olive background. — From the design lines to the materials, this knife is reminiscent of the Ontario Rat (or OKC Rat).

A legacy of scrappiness

As a longtime lover of EDC knives with an even longer history of appreciation for a great deal, I am abundantly familiar with many of the most-talked-about budget-friendly folding blades from across the last decade or so. One of the best among them is the Ontario Rat (also known as the OKC Rat).

When I first laid eyes on the QSP Ferret, it was hard not to make the association — in more ways than one. While they clearly have some serious differences (enough that I would call them “legally distinct”), they also share numerous similarities. That starts with their shape, including an ergonomic handle and a drop-point blade.

Four folding knives with textured handles in black and dark gray, arranged side by side in a black case. — Blade HQ has a quartet of QSP Ferret exclusives, each better than the last.

While the Ferret is a bit more modern and less aggressive in its angles, I feel like it’s a safe enough comparison, especially when you keep digging. Both knives also boast a classic liner lock mechanism, thumb stud deployment, reversible pocket clip, lanyard hole and spine jimping.

Beyond the stylistic similarities, these knives also hit at about the same place on the budget-friendly spectrum, falling well below the $100 price point. And yet, they’re both built tough and reliable enough to be considered workhorse folders.

Black and gray patterned folding knife with partially serrated blade and metal clip on olive background. — These Ferrets have handle scales made from either Micarta or carbon fiber.

Pesky varmint

As mentioned, there are some differences. Largely, that comes in the form of the materials used.

For instance, classic Rat folders typically have G-10 handle scales, while these Blade HQ exclusive QSP Ferrets have either Micarta (only available as a custom swap for the Rat) or carbon fiber scales, which could actually be considered a step up from the Rat.

The knife’s blade is made from Nitro-V steel, a modern budget-friendly workhorse material.

Blade HQ

Similarly, the blade steels employed are different. Rats usually have D2, an older workhorse classic, while the Ferrets have Nitro-V. For reference, D2 has better edge retention, but is more brittle, while Nitro-V is tougher and more corrosion-resistant. Again, many would likely consider this a step up, if not a huge one.

As you can see, there’s some credence to the idea that this may be a worthy spiritual successor to the legendary Rat. However, it remains to be seen if it can hold space in EDC users’ hearts in the same way. That said, I’m honestly rooting for the humble Ferret, based on what I’ve seen.

Four folding knives with textured black handles and partially open blades arranged side by side on a dark surface. — You really can’t go wrong with any of the four knives in this Blade HQ-exclusive set, all of which cost under $75.

Pricing and availability

The QSP Ferret Blade HQ exclusives are available on the aforementioned retailer’s site right now for either $56 (down from $65) or $75 (down from $90), depending on whether you opt for Micarta or carbon fiber handle scales.

QSP will also have its own versions, launching on its official site in March.

Black folding knife with textured handle and partially serrated blade, featuring a thumb stud for opening.

QSP Ferret

Starts at $56

$65 (14% off)

About the Author: Sean Tirman is an associate editor at Gear Patrol who specializes in EDC, cannabis and outdoor gear.

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