CQC-8's with Micarta?

Izrafil

Izrafil

Joined
Jan 30, 2001
Messages
220
Are there any CQC-8's with micarta handles and Ti bolsters? And if so, anybody have pics
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When I get mine (hopefully SOON!) I plan on sending it right to Kevin Robinson(weeelll.. not RIGHT away - gotta play with it some, first.
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) for green micarta and Ti bolsters. I want my custom to look like a custom, dammit!
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John, speaking of the 8, how big is it? The pics make it look huge (length of blade, I mean). It it "typical" Ernie size wise, or did he make it longer. It might be the perspective in the shots I've seen, but the blade looks as long as the body, which would put it at close to (if not right at) 4". Am I off?
 
I'd say the CQC-8 blade is very close to if not a full 4". Somehow, although I'd buy a mini version, I'd prefer a slightly larger/longer blade.

 
Just my humble two cents guys...to my knowledge, 8's in their different variations (contoured handles, flat handles, waved, and double ground) have never been bolstered. I would think long and hard before sending one out to be "improved." While I'm sure it would look great, it would no longer be an 8. Kind of like painting a mustache on the Mona Lisa, or trying to improve a sonnet by Shakespeare. Ernie's customs are increasingly rare. Both collectors and the marketplace value his vision. Retrofit your production models all day long. Respect the customs for what they are...the longer you live with them the more you will understand them and the intellectual and aesthetic integrity and vision that caused them to be so designed. Forgive me if I'm raining on the parade, it's just that once you modify a custom, it is no longer an Emerson custom and there is one less of them in the world.

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Once in a while you get shown the light
In the strangest of places if you look at it right.
 
I gotta agree with Jackstraw here, it would be ashame to "Customize" a custom.

The blade on the CQC8 is four inches. Here is a page from one of the custom catalogs that'll give you the details. The other pages are on the Gallery.

 
Very true, Jackstraw, but (and don't kill me, now), the 8's going to be custom no matter what you do to it. If you "customize" it beyond what it is, it doesn't make it any less custom. Is it in original condition? No. But it is still an Emerson custom, and will always be. Let's use a car as an analogy. Let's say you buy a 1969 Camaro tomorrow. It's in OK condition, but you want a hot rod. So, you strip it, paint it, modify the engine, suspension, tranny, etc. When you're done, it ain't original anymore. It isn't any less a Camaro, though. In fact, you've made it better - in looks and value.

Personally, I don't understand why he went with the production look on the 8 and 9. If the 5, 6 & 7 have Ti bolsters and micarta, why not the 8 and 9? Was it to be different? I still stand by the statement that if I shell out the $$ for an Emerson custom, I want it to LOOK like what it is, rather than something else. Ernie's customs are Ti & micarta. That's like a law somewhere, I think.
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When I get my 8 (notice I didn't say "if") I'm gonna have someone I trust (like Kevin - or, hell, Ernie, if he'll do it) make it look like the custom it is. No G-10 on my $2,000± knife. Personally, I think doing that will enhance the knife's character AND it's potential value.

I respect, and understand your feelings on this, Jackstraw. Don't get me wrong there. I just think it should look like it's brothers, rather than like it was adopted, ya know?

Chris

[This message has been edited by See2 (edited 03-02-2001).]
 
I think the 8&9 weren't inteneded for a production look. I think he was going for a very standard tactical look.

I would have to agree that while you may improve the looks, I don't think you are going to enhance the value. As far as value goes, I would check with Les and over on the Levine Forum about altering a custom and what it will do to value. An option would be to come up with interchangable scales and bolster. That way you can keep the originals in tact and have the look you want.

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If ignorance is bliss,
why aren't more people happy?
 
I agree with Dirk. If you are set on modifying the 8 then at least make sure that you can still put the original scales back on the knife at some point in the future.
 
Chris,

Customize the factory knives.

Leave the custom knives alone or special order a CQC8 with a bolster.

FYI, I have never seen or heard of a CQC8 with a bolster. Just as Jackstraw says, handles offer variations. Some more desireable to collectors than others.



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Les Robertson
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
Custom Knife Entrepreneur
 
Yeah, I understand the concern with mucking with a custom. And Les, believe me, if Ernie were still taking orders, I would have put my stake down for that bolstered 8 already.
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And that poses another interesting question. Are people so up in arms about this just because it hasn't been done yet? I mean, if Ernie HAD put out an 8 with bolsters, would there be as much opposition to doing it? I doubt it. Change is good sometimes, guys.

Now, here's an interesting little mind bender. Let's say I get that "V" grind waved 8. Let's then say (for sake of argument) that I ask Ernie to make it look like the 5, 6 & 7. Let's say he has the time and inclination (it's been a slow week for him or something). Now, the maker of the custom knife is further customizing it for a customer (say THAT three times fast.
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) Would THAT cause an uproar in the forums? I wonder, since it's Ernie's knife anyway, and he's the one doing the mods. I know, I know - it wouldn't happen. But what if it did? Would this reluctance still be there?
 
Well, I can understand the wish to stay true to the original design out of respect for Ernie (or whatever maker ...). Or perhaps if selling yours in the future is a possibility. Otherwise, the knife's value to the owner is most important. At least think carefully before making irreversible changes.
 
Chris,
There's a furniture store in this part of the state and their slogan is "it's your money"Personally I wouldn't alter a custom.
I've been waiting patiently for my Leftie-6
for 3+ years. I had the bright idea of wanting blue liners. I called EKI and asked, their reply was they didn't want to do it but if i insisted my invoice would be shuffled to the bottom of the pile.I opted not to change.
As far as Ernie having a slow week, I hope that doesn't happen until I get my notice
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JimBob
 
IF, Ernie were the one making the changes to the knife, then you would see less resistance. The main reason, he is the maker. This wouldn't impact the value of the knife. As far as the design purists among us, you might have a hard time with them.

 
Chris:
Not quite sure how to put this,but I'll try.
I am extremely pleased that you would trust me to do the work on your custom CQC8 and I could make it a one of a kind for sure,
however,I dont't think I could do you or the Emerson community such a disservice as to deface Ernie's work.
The only person you or anyone else should trust with such a project is Mr.Emerson due to the fact that the knife would appreciate in value and be a true one of a kind.If I did the work no matter how good it looked it would no longer be an Emerson custom and I would not want to loose a customer such as yourself for depreciating your investment and that would be the case no doubt.
In closing,I'm not one to turn away work but in this case I could not do you or the knife justice and when you look for a return on your investment in the future you will thank all of us here for talking or trying to talk you out of letting anyone other than Ernie do the work you desire.
If you would like to discuss this further please call me.

P.S.
I thought that we were doing your Commander next.

Kevin

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Member--Texas Knife Makers and Collectors Association
 
Oooooooo ooooooo oooooo

Hey Kevin! i'll take Chris's place in line for your work done on a Commander. I have a couple Commanders that could use some of your magical touches.

Chris owes me anyways. He tried putting the moves on Alfena!
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Ross T.
 
Kevin! I'd NEVER stop sending you my knives! I respect your opinion, though. When that 8 comes across my desk, I'll see if Ernie'll do the work. If he won't, then I guess I'll have to live with G-10 ::sigh::

As for the Commander, we ARE still doing it next - I've just been so bogged down with school, I haven't had a chance to think about it. I'll shoot you an email.
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Chris (customer for life)

Oh, Ross, Alfena an I had dinner last night. She's CUTE, dude! Nice bum.
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Kevin, any place I can see examples of your work? Always fun to check out pics of knives
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Chris:
Could you post another pic of your SOFCK.

Thanks

Kevin


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Member--Texas Knife Makers and Collectors Association
 
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