Emerson CQC-7v Prestige vs. Zero Tolerance 0350

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cartmill72

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Nov 9, 2011
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First post everyone...so forgive me if I haven't learned the culture of the forum yet. I did do a quick cursory glance, but can't seem to find a head-to-head comparison on the two knives (for obvious reasons, probably). So, forgive me...here goes. I value the opinion of my fellow knife enthusiasts.

I have the opportunity to purchase NEW either an Emerson CQC-7V Prestige or a Zero Tolerance 0350 for nearly the same price. I know the Emerson typically retails for approximately $70 to $75 more, so that alone should be my first consideration. But I'm helping a friend who needs cash.

Here's the deal. I don't want a knife to place on a shelf or on display. And I'm afraid that's what would happen with the Emerson since it is a limited edition. If it were a regular CQC-7, I'd use it and use it often. Does anyone carry the CQC-7V as an EDC? Would I be foolish to do so?

The Zero Tolerance is a knife that I know I could use and abuse without worry. And, if something goes wrong, I could easily replace it or not feel bad about putting it through its paces.

Still, in a few years, the CQC-7V may have a pretty decent resale value. Right?

So what do I do? My job does not require a first class pocket knife...but my life does. I'm a Scout leader. I'm a hiker. I'm an outdoor enthusiast. I'm frequently in situations that could - and I stress could - require a good knife in an emergency situation. My current EDC is one of the following on a rotating basis: Mini CQC-7 (no wave, 2001); SOG Flash II; SOG Trident or Benchmade Mini Ambush.

I appreciate your advice and opinions. Please remember, that I have this choice to help out a friend. I could go elsewhere and buy other knives, but not really an option in this case.
 
The CQC-7V Prestige, I believe, is a folder that's available only through "Prestige" Dealers. Other than that, I don't think they're that rare so much as you won't find them discounted like a few of Emerson's models.

His customs are a different story, as are possibly his discontinued models (Mach 1, HD-7, CQC-12, etc). Personally, I'd carry/use it & I know of at least 1 person that uses his for work daily. Is it possible that I'm wrong? I guess, but keep in mind that value goes down if your friend has used/carried it at all &/or the original box is gone.

I say go for it.
 
I say get the 7 and carry it. ZT's are nice, but Emerson's are outstanding. I've carried a Commander for 10 yrs, the past 5 of which has been a custom Commander. But, I'm the worst type of collector...I actually use the knives I buy (well except a few). Just my 2 cents.
 
I have an Emerson Commander and CQC Mini 15. I also own a ZT 0350. I use them on a daily basis for EDC purposes. I have confidence in both the Emersons and the ZT. With that said, if I were you, I would buy the Emerson.
 
I have both and I feel you would do well with either. The ZT is very solid but the CQC 7V has very grippy tan G 10 that is slightly thicker than the standard black G 10. I would chose the Emerson myself, it even feels better than a regular CQC 7B. And yes, I use all my knives in rotation.
 
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Here are pics of both
 

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Get it, use it, wear it out. Both are great knives and you a good friend to help out. Maybe I'm reading into it too much, but it sounds like you are leaning towards the Emerson. I would take the opportunity to get the Emerson now. ZTs are always around, but for some reason, Emerson's are always sold out. However, I'm not a collector. If I had CQC9, I'd use it.
 
go with the emerson. as said before the zt will always be around at that price. i bought a 7v this year and it is one of my wdc blades.
 
With all this CQC-7v talk going on, i couldnt help it, your all to blame!
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colubrid said:
Well tell us how you like it? How do you like it compared to other Emersons?
Click to expand...

This my second Emerson, i only have the CQC-14 to compare it with and have not carried or used the 7v much in the last 2 days (just got it Sat), its downstairs next to my wallet and keys, it will be with me all week or who knows maybe longer. I took it apart earlier today, cleaned the factory machine dust out of it and gave everything a light coat of Sentry. Everything works great, plenty of detent, early lock up but not too early, has no blade play and the blade lines up straight in the middle. The pivot screw on this one isnt as tight as the pivot screw on the 14, i may have to put a little teflon tape on this one, i'll be keeping an eye on it and am not doing anthing until i break it in some. One big differance about this knife is the G10 scales are much grippyer than the black scales, not sure yet if i'm going to like that any better or worse.
When i had it apart i noticed that one of the 4 handle screws was longer than the other 3, i thought they were all the same size on my 14, i put it back in the same hole that it came out of and no problems but i cant figure out why the one screw would be longer than the other 3??? If anyone knows please let me know.
Other than that it's great so far, just like my 14, it feels good in hand, feels good when opening and like most Emersons that i have held it just makes my hand feel indestructable. I dont have any tanto blade folders so there may be a learning curve involved for me with getting used to the blade shape.
 
I just got my CQC7V on Friday its my second Emerson (a deploymet present from my father; drillsgt71) and ive not used it too much but i love it. i have no issues with the lock nor the handles the frequency i carry a knife in my pocket the extra roughness on the g10 on these wont be an issue; not that it is i dont mind it. its a bit smaller then my CQC15 which i honestly think its the best blade design out there all around if the size is too big, get a mini 15. i wouldnt be too worried about messing it up because i believe (correct me if im wrong here please someone) that if you send your Emerson in to them they will fix what ever is wrong with it (with in reason of course) so i wouldnt go with any other brand for a knife i was gunna use everyday and possibly put my life on.
 
Dantegandalf said:
I just got my CQC7V on Friday its my second Emerson (a deploymet present from my father; drillsgt71) and ive not used it too much but i love it. i have no issues with the lock nor the handles the frequency i carry a knife in my pocket the extra roughness on the g10 on these wont be an issue; not that it is i dont mind it. its a bit smaller then my CQC15 which i honestly think its the best blade design out there all around if the size is too big, get a mini 15. i wouldnt be too worried about messing it up because i believe (correct me if im wrong here please someone) that if you send your Emerson in to them they will fix what ever is wrong with it (with in reason of course) so i wouldnt go with any other brand for a knife i was gunna use everyday and possibly put my life on.
Click to expand...

The pics I posted above have my son's knife in them, I got a PE CQC 7V after I sent him that one. I prefer a CE but don't mind a PE. I did have to take the newer one apart to clean the pivot washers and relube it, sorry trashboss I didn't take the scales off so I don't have an answer for you.
 
The 7 is so much more comfortable to hold than the 0350. The handle is too short on the ZT.
 
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