CQC-15 or MT Ultratech D/E

omenwolf

omenwolf

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Jan 5, 2014
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So I like to have a little of everything, different steels and different makers. I don't have an Emerson and I'm loving the design of the 15 and I also don't have a blade in 154. I also do not have an OTF, I have a few autos just not and OTF. I really want the microtech combat troodon blacked out in DE but my budget is only around 2 bills so it will be an Ultratech when I can find one. Who has had their hands on both and which one would you guys choose first?
 
I'd go with the Ultratech first if what you're looking for is something fun and a bit different. The Emerson is probably the more practical knife of the two, though.

There's a lot of personal taste involved. I own a couple of Emersons and don't feel the urge to get any more in the near future, I don't like the chisel grinds or chisel edges so I need to regrind each Emerson I get and I feel fit and finish are not great considering the price. I enjoy Microtech (and Protech, don't rule out their autos) more and have plans too buy more of their knives. I'm not saying it's a better company or anything like that, *I* just like their folders better than Emerson's.
 
I own both. So different can't say one is better than the other. Both are solid. I carry my ultratech a lot more than my cqc15. No reason really other than ultratech is thin and sits in the edge of my pocket well and out of the way......and I need all the pocket space I can get.

For actual use the cqc15 is superior in about every regard. Course I have the De ultratech. Single edge is likely more use able for more tasks.
 
So its looking like the ultratech is winning 2-0, anyone else want to weigh in. I like bigger blades that's why I was leaning tword the CQC15, if I could afford the MT Combat Troodon id grab that one first. My 2 favorite blades are my ZT 560 and my Spydie Manix2 XL. But I have been hearing lots of bad stuff about the fir and finish of emersons lately and that puts me off a little because no one here in Oregon seems carry them in stock, so I can put my hands on one. The benchmade ones I had in my younger years were nice and that's why I was thinking about them.
 
Don't believe the hate Emerson gets for fit and finish. I have had 4 Emerson's ranging from 2011-2014 production dates. The fit and finish is fine. Are you going to get CRK level fit and finish? No, but it's not like blades are rubbing liners or scales are falling off. My first Emerson was a CQC-15 and I carried it a long time. I've cut soda cans, scrap pine, cardboard, paper, food and a lot of other materials. The edge held up great and the coating did as well. As far as Microtechs go, I've never owned one so I can't comment on them.
 
I own the CQC-15 and it's a really great design. I am actually looking to get a MT Ultratech in the near future.
If you already own several folders than try getting out of your comfort zone and go for an OTF.
 
I have a DE blacked out combat Troodon I'd be willing to work a trade or cash and trade on. I can't seem to send PM's but reach out to me on my ebay handle, which is the same as my BF handle.
 
Silvanus said:
Don't believe the hate Emerson gets for fit and finish. I have had 4 Emerson's ranging from 2011-2014 production dates. The fit and finish is fine. Are you going to get CRK level fit and finish? No, but it's not like blades are rubbing liners or scales are falling off.
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I for one have had significant problems with the fit and finish of my Emersons. My 2004 Commander suffered from severe lock stick, and the blade rubs the liner if I apply even moderate sideways pressure to the blade during opening. In addition, gently slapping the knife handle while closed produces a click as the blade hits the liner. My 2011 CQC-8 suffers from the same problem, and has developed significant lock rock. Both arrived from the factory with a ton of metal filings in between the liners and handles and in the pivot area that I had to clean out before they were usable. The CQC-8's scales overhang the liners by a millimeter or so in a couple of spots, I had to sand it down. I still love the knives to death - the ergos are beyond fantastic and the designs are killer - but the fit and finish is on par with truck stop chinese knives.
 
amg137 said:
I for one have had significant problems with the fit and finish of my Emersons. My 2004 Commander suffered from severe lock stick, and the blade rubs the liner if I apply even moderate sideways pressure to the blade during opening. In addition, gently slapping the knife handle while closed produces a click as the blade hits the liner. My 2011 CQC-8 suffers from the same problem, and has developed significant lock rock. Both arrived from the factory with a ton of metal filings in between the liners and handles and in the pivot area that I had to clean out before they were usable. The CQC-8's scales overhang the liners by a millimeter or so in a couple of spots, I had to sand it down. I still love the knives to death - the ergos are beyond fantastic and the designs are killer - but the fit and finish is on par with truck stop chinese knives.
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Not making want an Emerson, I am definatly getting the feeling that I should get the Microtech. Its sad to hear so many issues with Emersons and Benchmades. I really did love my Benchemerson back in the day, I wish I never lost it over board. Its fit and finish was perfect.
 
omenwolf said:
Its sad to hear so many issues with Emersons and Benchmades. I really did love my Benchemerson back in the day, I wish I never lost it over board. Its fit and finish was perfect.
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Like everything else on the internet, complaints are not always representative of all the products out there. People that have issues are the most vocal.
 
I would Get the Emerson first, if it is a problem model send it back and buy the Microtech. Just make sure you buy from a dealer that will allow the return. I have had both the Ultratech Double Edge and the Emerson 15. The Ultratech was not very practical but i still preferred it over the Emerson. I guess what I'm trying to say is that you cant go wrong with either purchase!
 
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I am really wanting the MT UT but I cant find one any where!!!!! I want a DE black or the tactical black, not that it would matter cause I cant find any UT. So unless any of you guys have a bead on a black DE looks like its going to be the CQC-15. The funds are burning a big ass hole in my pocket!!!!!
 
Let me first admit my bias so you can be the judge of if you agree or disagree with me...Personally, I would carry a Frost Cutlery piece before any MicroTech and sold all of mine back around 2006 after MicroTech made is clear how they feel about the people who buy their knives. So upfront I am admitting my bias, but I personally have zero desire to give a company a penny of my money that shows what I consider to be completely unprofessional conduct, apathy, and mistreatment of its customers.

I'm not a fan of tantos myself, but get the Emerson. MicroTech is not a good company to deal with...if the knife needs service, you're better off selling for a loss than trying to deal with them, IMO. MT also isn't exactly a very consistent or predictable company, and the use of things like proprietary screws which you need to spend $50-100 on a screwdriver you cannot find to tighten a pivot is to me, not a plus. It's a shame given they can produce some seriously awesome designs, but a product is only as good as the people standing behind it, IMO.

If you like MicroTech's style, check out Guardian Tactical. You may like the Helix. ProTech makes very good autos as well and they stand behind their products 100% and their dedication to their people is comparable to that of Spyderco. If you have an issue with a ProTech auto, you won't have to worry about a 6 week to 6 month wait only for the problem to be partially fixed or not fixed at all.
 
I had a Microtech Socom Delta (not exactly what you are considering, I know)--it was great, nothing wrong with it, but it did not appeal to me ultimately. That mostly had to do with the aluminum scales. Sold it recently and picked up an Emerson CQC 13 and a Super 7. I love them both. No f&f issues, no lock problems, no play... nothing. Rock solid. While I paid regular price for the 13 I got an awesome deal on the Super 7, nib. If you are considering the Emerson, contact the seller/ vendor and ask them to select one for you that has no issues; be specific with what you want and they will likely be honest and accommodating. That's what I found to be the case at least.

Don't be put off by the negative reviews of Emerson, you may be pleasantly surprised; if not, well, then at least you know. Make sure you can return it or, if you are so inclined, sell trade it.

Good luck man; in any case these are good 'tough decisions' to be making ;)
 
So it's not the Emerson but I couldn't decide, and I saw 2 nice blades come up for sale in here so I grabbed them both!!!,
Loving the microtech!!!! Loving the ZT0550 too, I reprofiled the ZT as soon as it came out of the box as I do with all used blades I get. A little more stropping and it will be a mirrored razor.
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