Emerson CQC-10 or Al Mar SERE 2000?

You really will do well with either. While I don't own a CQC10, I have a CQC7 and an SOCFK from Emerson. I also have the Al Mar SERE 2000. The ergos on either brand is excellent. Al Mar uses VG10 steel and Emerson uses 154cm. They are both very good stainless steels. It's really a toss up. I like both. The Al Mar may have an edge on fit and finish.
 
I have the CQC-10. It replaced my CF spyderco mili. And since then it has been the only thing in pocket. It is a very well designed knife. I never had the 2000, tried to trade for one a couple of times and it didn't work out. I know for sure the the CQC is definably never getting traded/sold.

My short review on the CQC-10

Blade:
You can read about the blade steel qualities elsewhere, as it has been discussed at length before. Blade cames shaving sharp, and it holds the edge well. The blade shape works fine as food prep knife. Which was a nice surprise to be able to cut tomatoes with the blade that thick. No recurve will also be easier to sharpen if you aren't good at it. Satin finish, isn't exactly satin, and doesn't reflect light. And can get scratched (or maybe the scratches a re bit more visible)

The ergoes on this knife are done right. It doesn't force you into any single grip and you will feel comfortable holding it any way you want it (perhaps the most important thing on a blade used for defense is the ability to grab it and be comfortable in the grip you were able to get a hold of)

The wave:
Wave feature is great for quick opening. The knife comes out open without you having to think twice about it. Even assisted opening or automatics will not be faster from the time you perceive threat to deployment of the blade (not saying they will be slower either). Also its not hard to pull out knife without having it pop open.

Fit & Finish.
I can't compare it to Al Mar as I don't have one. But as compared to my other folder knives (zt0350, zt0400, BM580, 5.11) it is not lagging behind. The way it is put together is not with some unusual bolts and screws it can be adjusted in the field with the most common of tools. The blade opens smooth and not too loud.

My final opinion:
No nonsense knife, while it is not the prettiest thing out there performance wise it can do everything I need it to, without being too heavy, flashy or bulky. It can do day to day tasks, and I have yet to find a folder that I would feel more comfortable in a fast response defense situation. The knife just works and is easy to maintain, and I don't carry anything else.

If you have any more questions feel free to ask and' I'll try to answer them.
 
Conversely, I had three Emersons with annoying lock issues and an Al Mar mini Sere that was absolutely flawless. Between those two, I would probably choose the Al Mar for your purposes. However, the nice thing about Emersons is that there is always someone wanting to buy if you get it and later decide that it's not for you.
 
I would choose an Emerson (especially one with the stonewashed finish) but I cannot say that the CQC-10 would be my first choice. I guess all Emerson fans have their favorite models but the CQC-10 has never appealed to me that much. The CQC-8 is much more appealing as well as the CQC-15, and Commander variants.
 
Both are very good knives but I would personally go for the Al Mar SERE. I do not have a CQC-10 and it looks like a fine knife but Al Mar definately gets the nod in the fit and finish department. If you do a bit of researching you'll see a lot of complaints about the finish on Emersons and so far my experience has seen the same. It all depends on whats important to you though. I would suggest getting both in hand and seeing which one feels better.

On a side note from the knives I own, it appears that Al Mar has about the best fit and finish of any production knife in its price range (except the newer taiwain made Spydercos which are about equal). Either knife will be great though, good luck!
 
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