CQC 8 Variant Question / Opinions

[Svashtar]

Hi Guys,

I've been collecting knives for 30+ years now and have worked my way through a bunch of great models. My current EDC's are an insanely sharp ZT 302 and a Spyderco Warren Thomas design kerambit that I use constantly.

Finally have a bit of extra cash and wanted to score one or two Emersons. I'd like to get a combat kerambit to go along with the older Spyderco as the Emerson Kerambit has about a 1.5" longer blade and a better handle. It was between the 5.11 Tactical Kerambit and the Emerson, and I think the Emerson is a better blade overall.

Second I wanted to get a CQC-8 or variant. So in reading a bunch it looks like that would be the Horseman at 3.54", the regular CQC-8 at 3.9", or the Super CQC-8 at 4.3"? (Looks like that extra 4/10" on the Super 8 would cost an additional $60 or so, so that's a consideration...)

Ideas on blade preferences welcome. I have some 4.5" and 5" blades and handle them OK, so don't think the Super would be too big actually, but you guys might know better.

Also, for both models, I was thinking about getting the black finish, just because I have quite a few satin blades already (what Emerson calls Stonewashed). Any issues with that black finish coming off over time or with use?

Finally, in all the years of buying different models, I've tended to get serrations only on shorter utilitarian blades, or unless I don't have a choice, while longer blades are unserrated. I've never taken the time to ask others what they think. I remember years ago a famous fixed blade maker saying they weren't worth the effort and made the knife harder to sharpen, but I think it was Emerson (not 100% on that, but noted the name at the time so think that's correct) who I read a few years ago said just to get them and not worry about it.

I know this can become an endless debate with varied opinions, and not trolling, just wanted to get a snapshot of some preferences and reasons why overall.

In reviewing the Emerson catalog on one site the other knife that really appeals to me is the CQC-10 (and the 15 grind is pretty cool), but I think I should stick with the basic "8" design to start. But I can really see owning both an 8 variant and the 10 frankly, if I can scare up the cash. (Well, actually the A-100 is very cool for an office EDC, so add that as well! )

Thanks for any info on the CQC-8 style length, finish and serration preferences.

Norm

 

[A.P.F.]

For an all-around 'working' knife, I think that the regular CQC-8 is hard to beat. The proportion of handle to blade, allows for substantial leverage of the blade, yet offers excellent control. The handle design of the CQC-8 is among the most comfortable that Emerson makes and the blade design lends itself to the easy performance of most tasks one would normally require.

Where serrations are concerned, I have never been a fan. I can rough grind a straight edge to perform like serrations, but I can't grind serrations to perform like a straight edge. Partial serrations, IMO, just screw-up the blade to the extent that it does nothing really well.

Blade finish is such a personal decision, that I can't recommend coated over plain or vice versa. I like both, so where possible, I pick up both finishes on the same pattern.

I think that the CQC-8 is an ideal 'first Emerson' as it quite nicely incorporates most of the features that make the CQC lineup stand out. Your mention of the CQC-10, CQC-15 and the A-100 hits on some of my favorites and I can highly recommend them all.

 

[Svashtar]

Thanks very much APF, and in going over the available models several times I think you're right and believe I will go with a black CQC-8, non-serrated. The Super is cool, but it's funny how just 1/2" can make a big difference in how the blade handles.

Years ago I was a tanto nut, and back then the Roadhouse would have done it for me, but I have several of that style now so will start with this, followed by the 10.

Thanks again for your great input. :thumbup:

 

[jstrange]

The 8 is a good size without going Super. The Super models I have are very cool, but do take up a good deal of space in the pocket. Just got my 8 (with serations) so cant comment too much on performance. the 10 is my go to knife when work has to be done. I dont think you can go wrong with either. I love the look of the stonewashed blade, but all mine have the black coating and it seems to wear well.