Emerson CQC 7 or Emerson Horseman?

always_an_eagle · Mar 12, 2015

Hello Emerson forum. I would like to get my first Emerson but I'm having a dilemma. I would like to get either a CQC 7 or the Horseman but I my budget only's allows for me to purchase one knife. What are everyone's thoughts on the matter? I would primarily use these blade for edc purposes and last ditch self defense if I can't avoid or run away from danger (highly unlikely chance that happens in my area but bad things happen to good people unfortunately.) In a couple of years, I would like to become a police officer, so depending on department policies this Emerson I get would be the blade of choice to carry.
On a side note, if anyone has any experience using Emerson type serrations on the CQC 7 or the Horseman please tell me if you recommend serrations on your first Emerson. I'm not new to knifes (I have Kershaws, CRKT's, Cold Steels and KABARS in my collection.) and I know how to sharpen a knife anyway. Just some basic information on your experiences with this particular serration pattern compared to other serration patterns on different knives you may own.
I thank you in taking the time to read this thread and in helping me make an informed decision on this matter.

hotbossa · Mar 12, 2015

You can't go wrong with a cqc-7 as your first Emerson. Classic design and the gateway Emerson to a bunch more!!!

pmek5 · Mar 13, 2015

^ Ditto

tr.slate · Mar 13, 2015

I think both would serve your needs pretty well, honestly. I do not personally own a horseman, but did buy one for my brother for his birthday so I got to play with it a little. I admit, it was pretty dang nice.

That being said, I do have a cqc-7, and recently came into a super cqc-8 at a real good price. The 7 is great, it was my first Emerson, and it has never let me down. I will say having two distinct edges does have certain advantages as if you cut with one frequently, you know the other edge is still mighty sharp if you need it to be. The 7 has a feeling in your hand like you could push it through sheet metal if you needed to.

But i must admit, the super 8 blade shape has really grown on me. it has a certain finesse that the 7 just doesnt have. I think maybe for me it is similar to other edc knives ive carried, so im more familar with its blade shape. it seems like a slicer through and through.

I think if i did it over agin, i would most likely still choose the 7, but the blade shape on the 8/horseman is pretty tempting. But dont worry, which ever you end up with, I am positive you will be extremely happy. I know I was. Plus I believe prices are better on the 7 if you go to that big auction site...

Indiana Joe · Mar 13, 2015

hotbossa said:
You can't go wrong with a cqc-7 as your first Emerson. Classic design and the gateway Emerson to a bunch more!!!

^^what he said.
The 7 is a great, hard-use edc blade and it's definitely a gateway drug, I mean "knife" that leads to other Emersons.

MatthewSB · Mar 13, 2015

They CQC-7 and CQC-8 very different.

The CQC-7 has a straight, rectangular handle while the CQC-8 has a curved, ergonomic handle. The CQC-7 has a shallow notch and a small amount of contour on the front of the handle to keep your hand from sliding up onto the blade while the CQC-8 has a deep handguard that absolutely locks your hand into place. The CQC-7 is available with a chisel ground tanto (if you've never used a chisel grind, they cut extremely well) or a spearpoint V-grind while the CQC-8 is only available with the V-grind.

Just some basic information on your experiences with this particular serration pattern compared to other serration patterns on different knives you may own.

Emerson's serrations are among the best out there. They are super easy to sharpen on a flat stone, the edge bevel on the flats of the serrations match the rest of the plain edge.

mystro · Mar 13, 2015

Take a look at the cqc7V. Probably the pinnacle evolution of the 7 line up.

Hawk45 · Mar 13, 2015

Of those two I'd go with the 7 (7V if you can swing). If I could have just one (that I own, it would probably be a full size 15 though).

S.T.R. · Mar 13, 2015

Best bet would be to see which one feels better in your hand. I prefer the 8's handle to the 7's. I think the Horseman blade is more useful for edc chores. Either choice is a great pick.

Steely Dorn · Mar 13, 2015

mystro said:
Take a look at the cqc7V. Probably the pinnacle evolution of the 7 line up.

This. I like the horseman but the handle makes my hand feel cramped. The 7 is great because I can hold the knife in many different ways and it always feels comfortable. I do prefer a 7V or 7A but the B model is great if you don't mind the chisel grind.

Officer's Match · Mar 13, 2015

Horseman hands down for me.