commentary/second chance for first impression

Joined
Oct 28, 2000
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I recieved my first Emerson folder today(waved CQC7). I was somewhat apprehensive as to what I would find when I opened the package, as I have rarely heard praise on these knifes from someone without 'usual suspect' tagged to their signature. I also have been a Benchmade fan for years, and that probably didn't help my line of thinking toward Emerson Knives. However, I did play with one of the Emerson design BM's a while back and decided to give the company a shot as I found it to be quite nice, just not exactly what I was looking for.
As soon as I took the knife out of the box(uncrushed with I understand is also somewhat rare) I was freakin impressed. One of the nicest finished factory knives I have seen in a long damn time. Blade was perfectly centered in the handles. The handle fit very nice in the hand, the edge radius was a very nice touch. I also appreciate the simplicity of screws that can be tightened with my Leatherman instead of a damn torx set. The blade was the classic CQC7 design, I'm still trying to get used to the chisel grind though. The click of the liner lock as it comes out of the pocket still amazes the hell out of me though:cool:. The blade wasn't quite as sharp as I would have liked... I'm pretty sure I can deal with a quick touchup on the edge though as rare is the factory knife that doesn't require it.

I'm not sure what the qualifications for a Ususal Suspect are, but I think I'm gonna have to find out:D I'm pretty well sold I believe.

Onto the question portion of tonights post...
What blade steel would this bad boy be made out of, it is dated 2000, but doesn't list if it is 154CM or ATS34, and I have read that CQC7's have been made in both.
Also, what is the chance of picking up a custom of Ernie's at a show to have as a carry piece... I'd love to have one, but can't justify secondary market prices for a carry piece yet. Also, how are they compared to other custom makers folders? I have handled a few but only have one currently in my possesion for comparison. I have 3 more coming though, and would be able to use them as comparisons well before the next show where I could try for an Emerson though.
 
The reason you don't see praise for emerson knives from someone who doesn't have the usual suspect tag is that people who like the knives and buy them are usual suspects.

So if you like the knives, you can label yourself a suspect.

That's my understanding, anywayz. I've always thought of praise from people who like the products as the most helpful. That's because the people that like the products are usually the ones who actually own the products.
 
tique!
They've been putting something in our water down here. Coincidence? I just got a CQC7 from another forumite, today. It didn't come with a wave, but it had one half an hour after it got here;) It was nice just whipping out the Leatherman to disassemble a knife for a change. Leatherman Wave/Emerson Wave, I think I'm on to something...
The box had a small tear, and was slightly mashed, so I assume it's real (not too sure about yours, though:p).
Knife was used, but still in excellent shape, and I'm 100% happy with it. Smooth, and excellent lockup.
Fallen for the Wave all over again, so it's time for another Commander, too.
 
The blade steel is 154CM.

As for the chances of picking up a custom at a show, follow the link for a very in depth and entertaining explanation of how the "Lottery" works at the shows.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=170667

Glad to hear you like the knife so much! My 7 is one of my constant companions.

One note on sharpness though, and I can't back this up with documentation or even explain it, but for some reason, "chisel" ground blades don't feel nearly as sharp as they really are.

For the PROPER way to sharpen your new knife, (Important!) check the FAQ on the Emerson site
http://www.emersonknives.com

I'd provide a direct link, but the site is down at the moment. They must be working on it.
 
tique,

Welcome brother. :D

I think your really going to like the Emerson CQC7B as opposed to the BM version. EKI made small, but significant changes that really paid off.

You hit upon the scale edge radiusing. They also coat the blades, compared with the majority of the BMs being bead blasted (aka "Rust Magnets"). EKI tapped the body screws through to Titanium, not just into the G10 backspacer (I had a BM CQC7 that literally fell apart when I tightened the body screws). They placed the clip for "Tip up correct" carry
icon14.gif
, as God intended! For those not comfortable with that or those that are used to tip down carry
icon13.gif
, EKI drilled and tapped the knife for ya (what other maker thinks enough of their customers to do that!?).

As Ken mentioned, your knife is 154CM.

What are the odds of getting a custom at a show. Depends on the number of knives Ernie brings and the number of people in the lottery. All in all . . . . pretty good.

How do Ernie's customs stack up against other makers? :D If you like "Tacticals", your going to love Ernie's work. If you do get a knife in the lottery and ya don't like it, e-mail me and I'll give ya what ya have into it. :D Can ya really go wrong with a deal like that?
 
Oh, I forgot about sharpness.

I have yet to get a knife from EKI that wasn't damn sharp.

Two things I'd point out. One is where has your knife been. I say this as you mention it's a 2000 model. I have seen cases of knives being sold as new, but they have been "played with" by shop employees. (Seen this also at gun shops. "Weeell, we did test fire it . . . a bit")

Next is that the edge on your knife may not be "Shaving Sharp", but make no mistake, it's "Meat Sharp". A buddy took off a portion of his thumb with a Commander while he was showing me how dull it was. :eek:

I've also noticed that with chisel ground blades, sometimes if you flip them over (funny side up), you can shave with them (if your into that sort of thing).
 
Originally posted by John Hollister

If you do get a knife in the lottery and ya don't like it, e-mail me and I'll give ya what ya have into it. :D Can ya really go wrong with a deal like that?

Ahem! I'll give ya what ya have into it AND a bag of chips! BBQ flavored too! :D

Top them apples Hollister! :)

Ross T.
 
HA! JUST a bag of chips, Ross? I'll put up what he has in the knife, chips (MESQUITE chips too, none of that cheap "BBQ" stuff), AND the beverage of his choice! Top that, buddy boy! :D
 
See2,

I will take that offer and raise it to two drinks and I will pay the postage.... :D

Regards,

Ed
Usual Suspect
 
I'm assuming I'll have the MONEY when the time comes around and these BBQ and Mesquite Tater Chip offers are not only nonsense, they're INSULTING! PAH!

Everyone knows that Utz Crab Chips with Old Bay Seasoning are the best oddball chips on the planet.

Some people...
 
So if you're an oddball, these are the best chips for you?
;)

tique...
Did anyone happen to mention that the Usual Suspects are a bunch of CHEAP SCAMMIN' BASTIDS???

LMAO!
:D
 
Ken,

What do you mean cheap - I offered the man TWO drinks and postage!!!!!

I never buy a round, let alone two drinks.

Regards,

Ed
Usual Suspect & Cheapskate
 
Ok Ok,


I will be the generous one here: What you paid for the Emerson custom. Two bags of UTZ Hot chips-my fav two cold Guiness. Now that is livin it up, boys.

Liong
 
tique,
I match all of the above (cheapskates!) and throw in an entire box! of knife condoms for the other knives you own.

ps...not the flimsy sandwich type but the freezer ones!
 
Where to you get Utz Crab Chips? -Dick Forget question, just went to web-site and ordered Crab chips, pork rinds and chips cooked in lard! Didn't know anybody made something like that anymore! -Dick
 
GEEEZE!!!!

OK! OK! I'll match the best offer and give you an autographed picture of ME!

No wait! I want the custom so I change that! I'll match the best offer and promise not to give you an autographed picture of me! BUT the catch is if you sell it to anyone else THEN I'LL SEND YOU AN AUTOGRAPHED pic of me AND I'll tell everyone you hang out with me! That's sure to make you a social leper :D

Ross T.
 
Fellas
I just picked up a used CQC7A (thanks again Nakano2!) marked 99 and I was also wondering what blade steel would have been used for this production. Also the blade appears to be bead blasted, yet sheds water almost immediately. Was there some sort of secondary coating applied at the factory?

Don, you are almost right about the chips, but I would say Route 11's "Blair's Death Rain" chips just slightly edge out the crabs (chips that is).
 
Hmm... Some tempting offers, however I don't eat chips too often, sorry. Guess I'll just have to wait until I can pick one up to decide for myself if it's worthy of keeping or trading for the Emerson price and a case of MGD(see I go for expensive stuff, not that cheap Guiness:p)

I agree with the above comments on sharpness as well... it's a bit deceptive, cuts a lot better than it feels like it should:)
 
exMB

I'd say with some certinty that your CQC7 is a "Satin" model. Eki coats these "Satin" blades with a Hard Chrome.

I used to be a Black-T kind o' guy, but I gabe the "Satin" a shot about a year ago and I gotta tell ya, it's a tough as nails finish.

John
 
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