CQC-6 Spine Bevel

A

arkhamdrifter

Joined
Sep 14, 1999
Messages
491
Has anyone else noticed slight differences between EMERSON CQC-6's and the newer SPECWAR CQC-6's? Without another CQC-6 to compare with mine its hard to tell but I think that there may be a difference in the grind line of the spine bevel.
My EMERSON CQC-6 has a spine bevel that starts immediately past the thunb disc and runs ever widening, converging where the tanto point's primary bevel is. This is altogether different from the line drawing of the CQC-6 in the '94 catalog.
After having looked at a number of sites including forum members photo postings I am left to guess due to the nature of the shots combined with the 72dpi resolution standard of the internet.
If you own a CQC-6 take a look when you get a chance. Its not a huge deal but I thought it might be of interest.


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Usual Suspect
 
I have noticed wide variations in the grinds on 6s of all generations. In particular, the early ones (half moon logo) will have more blade thickness carried forward, but tend to have a vertical grind line where the edge has its "tanto" angle near the point. The SpecWar logo 6s are usually more aggressive in that regard, having a grind line that angles back to ward the bolster as it comes down to the edge. They also seem to be more prominently ground for penetration. The newest ones, those with a SpecWar logo that carries a date on it, look much more like the early grind, except that the vertical grind line is even less aggressive than the early ones, and gives the blade a spatula type appearance. I've also seen two knives made in almost the exact same time frame with noticeable differences in the width of the edge grind. That always gladdened me, since it indicated human variation in the grinding process. In sum, I think the middle years versions - circa 1994 to 1997 - are the most offensive minded designs.

I once took apart two older 6s whose blades looked identical to the eye, with a view to switching the blades (don't ask!) I discovered that the in-the-handle portions of the knives were very different, as were the liners that married up to them. That was another happy confirmation of human variability. Whether these results would occur now, with two new 6s, is an open issue.
By the way, I've noticed incredible consistency in the handle and bolster make-up, except for the come-and-go of the knurling on the bolsters.

This is another good reason to post photos of owned 6s!
 
Ditto
biggrin.gif


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"This is the law:
There is no possible victory in defense, The Sword is more important than the shield, And skill is more important than either, The final weapon is the brain. All else is supplemental."

 
Jbravo,
Thanks for the reply. My half moon logo EMERSON CQC-6 has the raked line towards the point where the "tanto" bevel and the spine bevel converge much like the SPECWAR CQC-6 description that you posted. The rake or angle of the tanto pint seems to be a bit more extreme than photos of the other half moon logo EMERSON 6's that I have seen. Anyway, thanks alot.

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Usual Suspect
 
Hey Ark,
When I get home I'll post pics of my CQC6s for you. Now I am interested to look at them myself in light of your observations. I'll try to hit them close-up with focus on the grind lines. I'll post when they are up.

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The wheel is turning and you can't slow down,
You can't let go and you can't hang on,
You can't go back and you can't stand still,
If the thunder don't get you then the lightning will.
 
I recently talked to Ernie about this. He told me that all of his customs are handground individually and will differ. With newer cutting equipment the blades will be much closer in the future, but they will still not be exact from knife to knife. Tami and I have several of the same models, and all the grind lines differ. Even my collection of the tanto neck knives are all very different. This is why many of us really appreciate a true custom knife, because human variances do exist, as well as "whim" of the maker at the time of grinding.

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He who advances is sure of heaven-He who retreats of eternal damnation.
 
Ark,
Photos up as promised:
http://albums.photopoint.com/jAlbumIndex?u=151050&a=1921587

The last two photos address the question. One focuses on the edge bevel and the other focuses on the top grind lines. Tolerances vary...especially noticeable on the edge bevels with the top knife having the widest bevel and the damascus having the narrowest. Hope this is helpful.

[This message has been edited by jackstraw (edited 04-05-2000).]

[This message has been edited by jackstraw (edited 04-06-2000).]

[This message has been edited by jackstraw (edited 04-06-2000).]
 
Hey Jackstraw,
Thanks for the pics! I can see the bevels in question in the second pic pretty well. Mine is similar yet different than your examples. Nice knives. Is the center knife an EMERSON logo?

Hey John,
Tthanks for the pic! Your example closely matches the line drawing from Ernie's '94 catalog.

One of these days I am going to break down and get a digi-cam!

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Usual Suspect
 
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