Anyone know the history of the Emerson CQC8?

[dumbo]

I'm just curious why, as a tactical blade, this knife seems to be a relatively short 3.9"?
And if there are purely practical reasons for the design does that mean that tactical capability of the Super CQC8 is compromised?

 

[6leafdom]

i think the cqc8 was originally designed for the british SAS as a BACKUP tactical knife....so a 4" knife is plenty enough as a back up tactical. as far as construction goes, i think its pretty easy to maintain and pretty hard use. as far as the super 8, i think its design more ppl who only wanna carry only 1 knife instead of 2. so they want a bigger knife to serve better as a tactical knife. thats just my 2cents =)

 

[DBZ220]

I think the CQC-8 is a very good defensive folder. I carried custom and production 8's as a backup to firearms for a few years. The Super 8, minus the wave is perfect size for me, as I generally prefer larger folding knives. The design shares common ground with knives like the Benchmade AFCK and such, designed by/with input from military users who wanted/needed certain design requirements. Regarding the 4-inch blade on the regular 8, it's still one heck of a slasher/cutter. Most find the 4-inch blade just the right compromise in size, and still able to inflict a decent amount of damage.

 

[Appletz]

Don't tactical folders start to get sort of goofy past 4 inches? I mean, Espadas and Rajahs are fun blades, but do people really use those for serious tactical use? For every night you're lopping off limbs with a mondo folder, there are hundreds more when you're not (or have something better, assuming you're in a profession that calls for this stuff).

 

[DBZ220]

I find the larger versions of the Rajah and similar pieces to be pretty cumbersome. But in my case, a folder, especially when carried as a primary defensive tool, or backup, I like a 4.5-5inch blade. Most mundane utility work for me is answered by my Leatherman Wave. I refrain from using my defensive/tactical knife as a daily tool in most cases. The CQC-8 for example, even in it's larger incarnation isn't all that huge when compared to some other offerings. Sometimes a little more blade length can be useful.