Considering cqc13--offer your thoughts

Aias

Aias

Joined
Aug 1, 2012
Messages
5,188
Hello guys,

I'm seriously considering a CQC13 (love the bowie shape); I've done my research, know the controversies, and I'm still not wholly deterred... just a little cautious. Can those of you who have one tell me about your experiences and impressions of the 13. I'd likely use it as a primary edc urban/suburban, as well as a back up blade to the medium and large fixed blades I'd carry when hiking, fishing, etc. So, some of the questions I have--how does Emerson's 154cm hold up? I'm guessing it is somewhere between, CS' AUS8a and Spyderco's s30v... is it pretty close to BM's 154cm? The liner lock--I've had them before on other knives and don't mind them generally; I know that the lock will travel as it breaks-in... how long can I expect it to stay solid with moderate daily use? Those are my two big concerns--small imperfections with regard to F&F are not a big issue with me since I expect the knife to get dinged-up, dirty, etc.

So, any impressions and info you care to share is very much appreciated--on the CQC13, or more generally on Emerson Knives.

Thanks in advance.
 
Where do I start...

The 13 is my all time favorite Emerson. It's a big blade and feels great in the hand. I strop on a leather belt and mine still stays shaving sharp, it gets me through a work day just fine. My 13 is a 2005 model and locks up solid right in the middle. Just strop it every now and then. It wont let you down. PS. Get the satin/stonewashed 13. I love that blade finish.
 
Thanks ibute21... the satin finish is exactly the one I am considering. I'm long over the coated blade fascination... especially on stainless steel. Also, the blade looks like an excellent slicer--it that accurate? Would love to hear more...
 
Aias, it is an excellent slicer considering it is saber ground. Nice amount of belly with a relatively thick tip so you don't have to worry about it easily snapping off if you're doing something you shouldn't. I've used it preparing food while visiting family and I've found that it is great with a partial grip on the handle and my index finger on the spine. I used that grip while preparing meat and it works quite well with the 13. You can't go wrong imo.
 
I had a CQC-13 for about 6 months but I just couldn't get away from the fact that IMHO Bowie knives are not meant to be folders.

I have three other Bowie style knives (including an AWESOME totally custom Puma Bowie made for me when I was a Puma wholesale dealer) & I LOVE those knives but I just couldn't seem to get overly excited about that Emerson folder. The ironic part is, quality wise it was one of the absolute best QC Emerson knives I have ever owned & I have had quite a few over the years. That sucker was very smooth, perfectly centered, very early lockup etc.etc.etc. right from the box which is almost unheard of for Emerson.....

I always immediately disassemble then clean out/lube/adjust & center the blade, make sure the lock release doesn't stick etc.etc.etc. any new Emerson before using it the first time so that it smoothly waves like it should etc. -but this is the first brand new/straight from the box I have ever purchased that worked perfectly straight from the box with no tweaking whatever.

I even had a tougher time reselling it than I expected. I did the exact same thing I always do with Emerson knives & listed it with a very low "buy it now" price expecting it to be jumped on almost immediately (that is what has always happened before with my previous Emerson sale items). It did eventually sell, but the listing stretched out all the way to the last minute before finally selling.

~John
 
Thanks John, a majority of my fixed and folding blades are clip point/ Bowie style, I love them. Good to hear that the 13 was GTG right out of the box.
 
Anyone else? Another thing I meant to ask about--how is the detent?
 
I have a 13 and a 7. The 13 is a lot more fun, but it isn't the EDC superstar the 7 is.

The 13 is awesome- no complaints on lockup. F&F is typical Emerson; the scales stick out beyond the liners slightly, but I kind of like that. It's a LOT bigger in hand than it looks in a catalog and I could see the Bowie blade being kind of "scary" looking to non-knife people. I always try to be subtle when I'm using mine around town or in public. The point is like a needle- I would venture to guess that a tip-down drop on concrete/tile would be VERY bad, LOL! It is an EXCELLENT slicer :D
 
Back from work--thank you both. Yes, I would take it out in public with discretion; I usually have an inoffensive (relatively) traditional knife on me for just such occasions. The CQC7 was at the top of my Emerson list for the longest time (super 7 actually), but the 13 has edged it out for now. Once again, can anyone speak to detent--is one better than the other. Staying closed in my pocket can be important.
 
Yes, and it's just a thought. The Bowie is a classic blade shape as is the Yoroi Toshi. I wish Ernest would offer a folder with this blade.
rolf
 
Yes, my thought is what are you waiting for?

20140417_073515.jpg
 
Ha! You put it that way, I'll likey order today... I'm looking for a satin plain edge, but no luck so far... I might just get the coated one. Question--I'm a serious hiker, will this stay closed in pocket despite strenuous movement?
 
I believe GPK or New Graham will have the satin in stock. And I'm a roofer. My 13 rides in my tool pocket in my work pants and I've never had a problem with mine opening up on me in my pocket.
 
Thanks so much; GPK is out, I'll try the other. I appreciate your help!
 
Hmm that's odd I'm having trouble finding any satin plain edge and I just checked my usual dealers. More than likely Emerson themselves will have it in stock.
 
Neither of my Emersons opens unless I want them to. You're safe with the detent on the 13- I've hiked, hunted and backpacked with mine just fine...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top