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
. 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
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.
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

I'm not sure what the qualifications for a Ususal Suspect are, but I think I'm gonna have to find out

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.