Emerson Mini CQC-7B vs. Kershaw Avalanche

P

pedroperez

Joined
Aug 17, 2007
Messages
4
Hello everyone, I am new to this forum. I would like your input about these two folders (Emerson mini cqc-7b - Kershaw avalanche serrated) I am planning on purchasing one of them through amazon.com
The Kershaw is $80 and the Emerson is $100. Primarily I would use this knife when hiking,camping, going to the beach or when any other need arises.
I want a knife that will last long since I dont usually spend this much on knives. Which one is sturdier? which one will last longer? which one will hold an edge better ? which one is more comfortable to carry in the pocket? is the Emerson better than the Kershaw even though it isn't serrated? which one is better in overall quality ? pros,cons ?
Thanks to everyone in advance.
 
I just bought an Emerson Mini CQC-7B and am awaiting its arrival. The reason that I bought it was Emerson's reputation for hard use. My current EDC is a limited edition Benchmade (which I am almost afraid to use). I wanted a tough little EDC/utility knife.

From my research, the Emerson is very tough and easy to maintain.

Good Luck.
 
For sturdiness it would be hard to beat the Emerson CQC-7B. However, I sold mine because I didn't like the chisel grind. If you don't mind that, there's not much else to dislike about the knife.
 
Which one is sturdier?
Probably the Emerson, they're known to be very tough knives made for abuse. However, the Avalanche isn't necessarily a weaker knife.

Which one will last longer?
I wouldn't worry about this too much as both companies have excellent customer service and warranties.

Which one will hold an edge better?
The S30V on the Avalanche will probably hold an edge slightly longer than the 154CM, but I really doubt you'd notice much of a difference.

Which one is more comfortable to carry in the pocket?
This is pretty subjective so you'll have to find out for yourself.

Is the Emerson better than the Kershaw even though it isn't serrated?
Some people like serrations, some don't. If you decide on the Avalanche, I recommend you get it in PE since it's easier to sharpen. IMO, serrations limit your cutting ability.

Which one is better in overall quality?
Both knives are made by reputable manufacturers and neither is inherently better IMO. You should be happy with either knife.

Things you should keep in mind are, like longbeachguy said, that the Emerson has a chisel grind and the Avalanche is an assisted opener. Otherwise, size, weight, etc. are all pretty similar. IMO, tantos aren't very practical unless you plan on stabbing things a lot.
 
Ludwig said:
Which one is sturdier?
Probably the Emerson, they're known to be very tough knives made for abuse. However, the Avalanche isn't necessarily a weaker knife.

Which one will last longer?
I wouldn't worry about this too much as both companies have excellent customer service and warranties.

Which one will hold an edge better?
The S30V on the Avalanche will probably hold an edge slightly longer than the 154CM, but I really doubt you'd notice much of a difference.

Which one is more comfortable to carry in the pocket?
This is pretty subjective so you'll have to find out for yourself.

Is the Emerson better than the Kershaw even though it isn't serrated?
Some people like serrations, some don't. If you decide on the Avalanche, I recommend you get it in PE since it's easier to sharpen. IMO, serrations limit your cutting ability.

Which one is better in overall quality?
Both knives are made by reputable manufacturers and neither is inherently better IMO. You should be happy with either knife.

Things you should keep in mind are, like longbeachguy said, that the Emerson has a chisel grind and the Avalanche is an assisted opener. Otherwise, size, weight, etc. are all pretty similar. IMO, tantos aren't very practical unless you plan on stabbing things a lot.
Click to expand...


Thank you for responding! by assisted opener do you mean the speed safe device? is the emerson not an assisted opener?
 
I own the Avalanche and several Emerson knives ( but not the mini cqc-7).

IMO the Avalanche is one of those knives that doesn't get talked about a whole lot , but also happens to be a wonderful knife.

It's very sturdy and has one of the fastest firing AO mechanisms of any knife I own. The liner is very thick and the G10 scales are rough for a good grip. All in all it's a great product.

The Emerson knives I own have Titanium frames, are also grippy and look indestructible. If you wanted something closer in comparison to the Avalanche , I would say maybe the Mini Commander, it has a more useful blade shape that the mini cqc7.

Regardless of which one , they're both good knives , also you can sometimes find un-waved CQC 7's for around the same price as the mini.
 
The Emerson knives with the "wave" have a hook that will catch your pocket and open the blade as you draw the knife out.

The Speed Safe system is spring assisted. You start to open the blade and then the spring takes over. The Avalanche opens very fast....
 
LongBeachGuy is right, the CQC 7 is well designed and well made but that chisel grind may drive you nuts if you aren't a leftie (handed that is, not politically).
 
Thank you all for the quick replies ! Initially I wanted to buy a Mini Commander, but it's about 40$ over my budget. By what some people have said here about the chisel grind (me being right handed) , i'm starting to believe that the Avalanche may be a better choice for me since it will be used as a general purpose knife.
 
pedroperez said:
Thank you all for the quick replies ! Initially I wanted to buy a Mini Commander, but it's about 40$ over my budget. By what some people have said here about the chisel grind (me being right handed) , i'm starting to believe that the Avalanche may be a better choice for me since it will be used as a general purpose knife.
Click to expand...

You can sometimes find the Avalanche for around $70.00, it's really a great knife.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top