CQC-12 vs SERE 2000

somniloquist

somniloquist

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Aug 9, 2007
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So I am the lucky owner of an Emerson CQC-12. It's probably the jewel of my collection and there is just something about the way the handle is shaped that fits my hand perfectly. I know it's a close interpretation of an AK bayo, but it is obviously different since it is a folder.

Anyway, I took a close look at the SERE 2000 online and the handle shape looks very similar. I'm wondering if anyone who owns both could comment on how similar or different the grip on the SERE is. It looks like a very nice knife in its own right and I'd probably pick one up it feels the same in my hand as the 12. Does anyone know how they compare? What about the SERE more generally? Thoughts? Thanks in advance!
 
I have a few Al Mars and they are good knives but I'd take a 12 over any of them personaly.
I suppose the handles are fairly similar and both are nice to use but again the 12 comes out on top for me.

I prefer the 12s Ti frame lock over the steel liner lock of the S2K and the blade shape on the 12 is better IMO.
I dont think there is too much between VG-10 and 154CM, they are both steels I like and have had good experiences with.

:thumbup:
 
I prefer Al Mar S2K over the CQC-12, but both are good knives albeit a bit overpriced in Europe. The grip of Al Mar is amazingly comfortable, liner lock rock solid, no blade play after intensive use, secure detent, and the VG-10 steel is easy to maintain.
 
not even close the '12 by a mile, and yes i have had both.

why?

*frame lock vs liner lock. need i say more?

*better/more usefull blade shape on the '12.

*the '12 is thinner and IIRC liter and carries better in the pocket.

*imho the '12's grip shape is better for SD, it has a more secure grip.

and i like the al mar too, i always have, they look cool, and are a classic design, but if i had to choose one or the other to be my do all end all edc folder i would consider that the al mar is a kinda delicate stilletto bladed fighter while the '12 is a bowie bladed tank of a folder equally suitable for utility or SD.

not to mention the '12 is waved.

also as far as steel imho the 154CM is as good as the VG10 in most anything i am aware of.
 
I have neither but am familiar with both. The Al Mar is born of thicker blade stock material than the cqc12, but I'll bet dollars to pesos that (due to blade grind) the 12's blade will be "stronger". In my experience Emerson's 154-cm Heat-treatment leaves it very tough, and forgiving, while maintaining very good edge holding characteristics. I like it so well that I'd almost send in competitor's blades to be re-treated by Ernie, if he would provide such a service. Come to think of it... if he could re-blade an axis lock knife with one of his designs, that would be madness, but in a good way. (sorry, off topic) Anyway, the Al Mar is loved by many as well, so I guess you probably won't be wrong, whatever you decide. That said, I'm amused by a statement Al Mar used to make about their warranty coverage, on a knife that's SUPPOSEDLY designed for SERE... They explicitly state that their warranty does NOT cover snapped tips, which are the most common problem they see on their Sere2k knives. Why they don't modify their grind to give a little more tip-strength, I do not know. But compare that knife's grinds to the grinds on the RAT 5 SERE (as requested by SERE instructors), and see what I mean. On the other hand I know a former SERE instructor who swears by a Buck 110, so to each his own I guess.
 
I have owned both knives and first off you can't really compare the two. One is a frame lock and one is a liner lock. I don't see the 12 though as being a better cutter by any stretch over the 2k. I think the VG10 used in the 2k may be a better than the 154cm Emerson uses just due to carbide structure and vandaium contained in VG10. I have always maintained that the 2k is the best built liner lock made today bar none. I know some can be thicker in the lock area etc. etc. but the fit and finish on the 2 I have owned has been outstanding. Highly polished liners and finish work. Nicely beveled, ultra smooth to open and lock up superb. Spear point being a decent all around compromise in design and efficiency of use.

The 12's I have owned I'll admit did not float my boat. I didn't think there was anything special about them. They wore quickly due to the wave feature. First one I owned inside of a month was hitting the center of the tang of the blade. They felt to me to be to easy to unlock in that if you weren't careful unlocking them there was a chance of springing them. Now the HD7's I have owned I didn't feel like that. Beats me why but just didn't. Did I ever spring the lock, no but was very conscious of the fact that it seemed you could do that especially if you were in a hurry and not paying attention when unlocking the blade. I thought for the knife the stock used was rather thin at the spine too. Especially for an almost 4" blade. I think there are better compromises when it comes to frame locks too.

Anyways this is just my 2 cents and take it with a grain of salt. I still say the 7a and 7b in a good liner lock format that are being produced by EKI today are the knives to own in the Emerson line. keepem sharp
 
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