CQC7-Emerson or Benchmade?

[Fenris]

Did the Benchmade CQC7 come out before Emerson decided to make a custom version of it? Was the Benchmade CQC7 what Emerson and Benchmade decided would be a production version of the CQC6 and later Emerson started making a custom version?
I just wanted to know if the design already existed before Emerson hooked up with Benchmade or it if it was a collaboration.

Jason Yang

 

[Les Robertson]

Jason,

Emerson came out with the custom CQC7 long before Benchmade copied it. The CQC 7 was made to be a bigger version of the 6. Originally, they had a 3.45" blade (according to Emerson's catalog). However, in the last year or so it has shrunk to the same size as the CQC6 at 3.25. Dealers refer to these CQC7's as "CQC6 1/2's".

If you ever get an opportunity check the blade length on the the old mark Emerson compared to the blade length on the SpecWar logo blade.

Does that make a difference, yes it does. The frame is still the same size, consequently the blade to handle ratio is not as good. Does it matter in real life, not really, Emerson made so few CQC7's that most are in the hands of collectors now.

A personal note, I think that the 7 is overall a better knife than the 6. Thats just personal preference. Of course the nice one for everyday carry is the CQC5. Good luck finding one. If anyone is interested, I have serial number 1 with a letter from Emerson, $3,000.

So thats a long answer to a short question.



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Les Robertson
Robertson's Custom Cutlery
http://www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com/rcc/makers.shtml
It is easier to get things done with a kind word and a knife, than with a kind word alone!

 

[ThomasH]

And speaking of blade length vs. handle length, I sure wish Emerson would make one like the Benchmade 975. The extra half an inch of handle gives you an extra 3/4" of blade. The knife works better and looks a _lot_ better. IMHO, of course!

Thomas