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Emerson CQC-7 V. Cold Steel Recon 1 Tanto
- Thread starter Kutz
- Start date
:thumbup:I have owned a Benchmade manufactured CQC-7 since 1996. In 2003, I was working on an 8-12 pitch, cedar shake roof, when I stepped on a wet spot on the shingles. My feet went out from under me, and I started sliding towards the guttering, 3 stories up. I was able to get my CQC-7 out, open, and slammed it through the roof, stopping my fall. At the time, I was about 260 lbs.
I would say the lock is strong enough.
I would say the lock is strong enough.
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I did the same thing with a SAK
EricV
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These threads are getting rediculous, the sharp side of the knife is the one you should be pushing against. Never had a lock fail even under extremely hard use for a folder including emergency tasks treat all knives like slipjoints except fixed blades and you'll keep your fingers.
If you want to have the strongest broken knife it will be the triad lock or a compression lock. Though my emerson's lock locks up like a vault and sticks due to being Ti which is good enough IMO
If you want to have the strongest broken knife it will be the triad lock or a compression lock. Though my emerson's lock locks up like a vault and sticks due to being Ti which is good enough IMO
Ankerson
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The reason why we keep seeing these threads is because there are a lot of people who really don't know the differences in the different lock Strengths.
If CRK, Spyderco or Emerson had grabbed Andrew Demko and his Tri-Ad Lock it would be on the cover of every knife magazine, Been voted the Best at the Blade Show and people would be shouting from the Mountain tops.
It goes to show that the what the best really is sometimes has more to do with Politics and BS than how good the product is. That is really a shame because it really doesn't do the customers a good service in the end.
EricV
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The reason why we keep seeing these threads is because there are a lot of people who really don't know the differences in the different lock Strengths.
If CRK, Spyderco or Emerson had grabbed Andrew Demko and his Tri-Ad Lock it would be on the cover of every knife magazine, Been voted the Best at the Blade Show and people would be shouting from the Mountain tops.
It goes to show that the what the best really is sometimes has more to do with Politics and BS than how good the product is. That is really a shame because it really doesn't do the customers a good service in the end.
Fair enough, and a good point on the politics involved, I know I for one would like to see the triad replace most front/mid/back locks as it is just a small change that makes a world of difference.
Still wouldn't call it the best lock though it is the strongest
, I think ease of unlocking should fit into that as a bit bigger role, which is why I like the compression lock, less hand changes for me when closing and still a darned strong lock.Now if there were just a big pool of lock designs all makers could use without paying out the nose.
Ankerson
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Fair enough, and a good point on the politics involved, I know I for one would like to see the triad replace most front/mid/back locks as it is just a small change that makes a world of difference.
Still wouldn't call it the best lock though it is the strongest
Now if there were just a big pool of lock designs all makers could use without paying out the nose.
Yeah I see your point, but then how would the Lock Designers get paid.
Anyone with any since knows that Chris, Sal and Ernie know all about Andrew Demko and his Tri-Ad lock and how good it really is.
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I dont know if it would be voted the best at Blade as the knife makers vote for who they feel deserve the awards as far as I can remember.
For all we know other makers did try and contact Andrew Demko but Cold Steel gave him a better deal? Can be some were to stuck up and did not think much of his design? Its all debatable.
I agree that Andrew Demko has a great design and one tough lock design. I would like to see more knives in future with it. The current offerings with the lock (except the custom) just dont float my boat.
Kutz
It is always up to personal preference. Some might not need this type of lock on all their knives and I cant see this type of lock on a dress knife? We are really spoiled for choices when it comes to locking mechanisms and blade steels. It is up to you to decide what you feel will meet your needs. By all means ask if you want answers but remember on knife forums and internet sites one gets a lot of personal preferences.
If Cold Steel or who ever come out with a Tri-Ad lock and the knife is appealing to me I will buy it. In my EDC tasks I have found I prefer liner locks on smaller knives and frame locks, backlocks, Axis on bigger knives. All personal preference.
Who knows, maybe one day someone comes out with even stronger lock then the Tri-Ad. Then the Tri-Ad will be seen as an inferior lock (do not think it will happen very shortly, but one never know at the speed new things are designed and manufactured these days)
Ankerson
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Things are never quite as simple as they seem or really should/could be when Politics is involved.
A lot goes on that has nothing to do with knife designs....
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I can believe that. Sad but true as with many things in life. Dont forget the golden rule. The man with the most gold makes the rule.
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Im just gonna throw this out there, maybe thats because some people like CRK, Spyderco, and Emerson designs alot better that CS designs...not saying CS designs are bad or anything...just personal preference, because i hate look of the recon 1 tanto, but i love the look of my CQC-7. and that has nothing to do with politics or brand loyalty...
And if CS wanted to step things up and use better steels and have a less mall ninja design, i bet that alot more people would be interested cause the Tri-ad lock is a great lock
Ankerson
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I know what you mean, there are a lot of knife designs that I don't like either.
I do agree that CS needs to get away from the more tactical designs, black blades etc and start making more with Satin or Bead Blast finishes.
I would like to see more Drop Points in their line up.
We all have our opinions.
I never liked EKI's designs.
i agree with ya.
i would say i dont care for cold steels designs, but then again i dont think they actually design anything.
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Recon 1 all the way.
Less expensive
Tough as nails
Less expensive
Tough as nails
While I love EKI designs, and I'm not a big fan of CS, I will say without a doubt the CS has the stronger/more durrable lock. My personal opinion is that liner-locks are a joke.
In the years to come, liner-locks are likely to begin to disapear except on the smallers, most delicate folders that basically need no lock to begin with.
In the years to come, liner-locks are likely to begin to disapear except on the smallers, most delicate folders that basically need no lock to begin with.
maybe, maybe not, right now some of the very finest SD folders from custom makers are LL though, emerson, pat crawford, lots of others too, nothing at all wrong with a well fitted/executed liner lock.
imho a custom emerson CQC13 or a pat crawford perfigo or kasper are a long country mile from being a "joke" lol.
imho a custom emerson CQC13 or a pat crawford perfigo or kasper are a long country mile from being a "joke" lol.
If you dont like our designs thats your opinion, but dont claim that we do not design anything. I am part of CS research and development team and we eat breath and sleep knives so much that i am on lunch break right now and im reading blade forums, beacuse thats how much we love knives.
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Just to add my 2 cents. I've bought 3 emersons in my life, 2 with some moderate to severe lock issues, the 3rd is mostly a personal annoyance. I've also had several cold steel folders, all with superior fit and finish compared to the emersons. The cold steels with triad-locks that I've owned were absolutely rock solid, albeit with a very strong bias towards closure. If I was basing my purchasing decision on toughness of the lock alone, I would absolutely go with cold steel. That said, that still doesn't mean I would necessarily always pick one over the other. There are too many other factors that sometimes affect my decision more. Blade grind, ergos, weight, etc. I would not hesitate taking apart an Emerson for cleaning, maintenance, or repair. My cold steels, I would not even begin to try. I'm not a fan of either company's black blade coatings, but would say that the one Emerson uses is easily much more durable. However, it is still prone to scratching IMO. I generally prefer how Emersons carry in your pocket, and how well they consistently draw. Sometimes Cold Steel is hit or miss depending on handle shape, clip positioning, etc. Finally, I'll say that the different Emerson models tend to go through periods of scarcity, so have much greater resale value after use than Cold Steel knive... a consideration if you think you might want to sell the knife down the line.