Emerson CQC8

F

Fenris

Joined
Oct 5, 1998
Messages
464
I just purchased a used but not abused Emerson CQC8 "Banana" and had an epiphany that corresponds to many of the things that Les has brought up about custom knives. Of course they lock up well (I tested it first thing) and the feel good because of the extra workmanship, but I found that the knife is actually a better defensive weapon than my Commander for example. Not because it's more durable or has a different blade shape but because of the balance. I trained with my Commander and new CQC8 for a couple of hours just to make sure it wasn't my imagination but the CQC8 felt a whole lot better. It felt a lot better than my other production knives as well. The transition from strikes was so smooth and each strike felt like it was guided by the knife. It seemed like the knife was designed for the FMA Arnis that I train in.

When Les brought up that you should buy whatever you can afford to defend your life I was a bit skeptical. I figured that when the situation arises, a good production knife would be just like a custom. Not so. Custom knives are not only stronger, but they are like fine swords are to a cheap one in their balance and design which flow right into an edge in defense through speed and timing.

Jason Yang
 
I whole-heartedly agree Fenris. It seems many people on the forums don't appreciate the quality of handmade knives when compared to factory production knives. It is very difficult for me to say my production knives are on the same par as my handmades.

As far as the CQC8, how is it? Do you feel it was worth $700? I am patiently waiting for my CQC8 from Emerson. It seems that the delivery date is continually being delayed. At this rate, I don't know if I will ever get it!!

I live in NYC too, maybe you could let me "borrow" it for a while so I can confirm I made the right choice.
 
Fenris,

Thank you for your post. There is a difference and Im glad you took the time to explain this.

I think some of you think I am making this stuff up as I go along! I have spent many years training and using knives. There is a definet difference between factory and Custom. Just as there would be between any product produced in a factory and the same item handmade.

All of us want as good as we can get or afford. Not just for the defense aspect of a knife, but for the pride in owning a knife that is made by a true craftsman.

If you ever have the chance to make a knife, take it. After you have made this first knife you will take great pride in your accomplishment. The time, the effort and cost it took to produce this knife.

Then compare it to the work of a custom knifemaker who has been making knives for 10 years. You will gain a whole new respect for their work, their prices and their ability.

I have never made a custom knife, nor do I have the desire to. I know what it takes to produce a world class blade. I also know I do not posses that ability. I am in awe of the knives these ladies and gentlemen can produce.

I am not in awe of a machine that can grind both sides of a blade in 5 seconds. Even I can push a button to start the machine!



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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!


 
I decided to buy the knife and considered buying the Vipers on Arizona Custom Knives as well because I know that the wait for the Emerson I have on order will be very, very, very, long. I wanted a specific knife and I am quite satisfied with it.

The knife itself is quite solid. The black T linerlock locks up tight but is not too sticky and isn't difficult to disengage. I tested the lock by tapping the knife on its spine and I couldn't get it to disengage.

The best thing about the knife is the ergonomics. The G-10 scales are shaped to the hand and aren't just two flat slabs of material but are rounded to fit the hand and aid in the change of grips, from forward to reverse. When in forward or sabre, the point of the knife makes a straight line with the arm with only very little tilt with the wrist. The knife is perfect in icepick, but a little awkward if you cant the knife spine towards your forearm in reverse grip. The knife is balanced so it's really easy to change grips if you need to. There is a serrated thumb ramp but the blade doesn't really need to be held in a sabre grip to get it on point. A forward grip(thumb wrapped around)is natural on the knife, hammer seems to be a little awkward.

I like the blade design because although there is a lot of cutting edge for strikes (slashes) it's possible to stab or poke as well because of the point formed by the false edge turns out to be strong because of the grind and added material on the false edge. The blade looks like a scimmitar.

For cutting I really haven't cut that much but it sliced through rope very easily and easily passed my paper cutting test.

There are some minor details that separate a custom from a factory which I'm sure everyone on this forum knows about but I'm definite;y most impressed with the ergonomics and balance. Training with it is definitely a joy and it feels like an extension of my arm. The knife doesn't fight against me when I practice.


Jason Yang

P.S. Ronald, do you train in NYC? I'm training in a studio in Manhattan.

 
Thanks for the info Jason. I've been thinking about getting one of the Vipers from AZCK too. Do you think those models will be worth it? I've handled his folders before and know they are absolutely first class weapons, but I don't know enough about the Vipers. Just want to know your opinion.

I do train in Manhattan. It's Ying Jow Pai kung-fu so it's not a blade specific system, but there are many weapons forms with swords, sabers and short sticks that can easily be transferred to knife techniques. Regardless, we only spar empty handed.

I've been very interested in Philipino systems that teach knife technique. Do you have any recommendations? Since I am dedicated to my current school, I would only be interested in some auxiliary training - something like once a week.

Paul Lee
 
Paul,

I have handled the Vipers and they are soilid just like the CQC6. They are both already sold however. I train at Vee-Arnis-Jitsu on Park Place and they teach Thia kickboxing, ju-jitsu and Arnis (focus on sticks and knives)

Jason
 
That's the school I was checking out. I haven't yet gone to look at the classes but I saw one of his videos. David James is quite a dynamic personality. Anyway, how is the knife/stick training? Could you elaborate on it a litle further?


Paul
 
anyone know where I can find a pic of the CQC8?

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Dennis Bible

mylogosmall.gif
 
Emerson forum gallery would be a great place to start along with Ernie's web page.

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Carpe' Diem
Usual Suspect AKA Tattoo
 
I like Emersons knives a lot.

But the CQC-8 just takes my breath away.

You've picked a great knife Fenris.

Ross T.
 
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