- Joined
- Apr 14, 2010
- Messages
- 820
Not long ago, I contemplated buying an Emerson Super CQC-8, and several forum members here assisted me with the purchase. Thank you kindly for your input. Here, then, are my first impressions of the knife, with a little side-by-side comparison with some of my other knives.
Left to right: Benchmade Barrage, Benchmade Onslaught, Emerson Super CQC-8, Cold Steel Talwar
Folded up, the Super 8 is long - longer than the other knives, but has about as slim a profile at the barrage, making it surprisingly comfortable to carry. It is also compactly designed; the main finger groove is deep, and it covers the back of the wave opener so that it doesn't snag on anything if you don't want it to.
The Super 8 has a long and robust blade (4.3" according to Emerson's website). It has both an excellent amount of cutting surface, and the crested clip point, facilitated by a secondary bevel at the top of the blade, makes it an effective piercing tool as well. I had the opportunity to use it today on some double-thick corrugated cardboard boxes, and the Super 8 had no trouble puncturing and shearing cleanly through them.
The blade comes insanely sharp - seriously, I've never seen a knife come this sharp from the factory. I tried a shear test on the hair of my foreknuckle, and it shaved it clean off even without an ounce of pressure from my hand. In this, I'd say Emerson's reputation is well-earned.
The bottom of the blade ends in a nasty blunt spike, which has its own share of uses as well.
The opening action is smooth, but a little sluggish. It won't flick out quickly unless you make use of the wave opener. I applied a little bit of gun oil to the joints, and this helped a bit. It will probably loosen up with some regular use. However, the fittings are tight and the knife feels very well-constructed. The textured G-10 handles, same as on all Emersons, also dig into the hand nicely and keep it from slipping.
It bears repeating, this knife is enormous. Even next to Benchmade's monster the Onslaught, the Super 8 gives it a run in the size department. It is best suited to people with large hands and big cutting tasks. It may not be practical for EDC unless you have particular need for a knife of its size. On the plus side, its enormity lends to its intimidating nature - with its sinuous curves and strong profile, merely brandishing is a deterrent all on its own.
So far I love the Super CQC-8. Its not practical for everyone, but it seems to be best suited for people with big hands and big jobs.
Left to right: Benchmade Barrage, Benchmade Onslaught, Emerson Super CQC-8, Cold Steel Talwar
Folded up, the Super 8 is long - longer than the other knives, but has about as slim a profile at the barrage, making it surprisingly comfortable to carry. It is also compactly designed; the main finger groove is deep, and it covers the back of the wave opener so that it doesn't snag on anything if you don't want it to.
The Super 8 has a long and robust blade (4.3" according to Emerson's website). It has both an excellent amount of cutting surface, and the crested clip point, facilitated by a secondary bevel at the top of the blade, makes it an effective piercing tool as well. I had the opportunity to use it today on some double-thick corrugated cardboard boxes, and the Super 8 had no trouble puncturing and shearing cleanly through them.
The blade comes insanely sharp - seriously, I've never seen a knife come this sharp from the factory. I tried a shear test on the hair of my foreknuckle, and it shaved it clean off even without an ounce of pressure from my hand. In this, I'd say Emerson's reputation is well-earned.
The bottom of the blade ends in a nasty blunt spike, which has its own share of uses as well.
The opening action is smooth, but a little sluggish. It won't flick out quickly unless you make use of the wave opener. I applied a little bit of gun oil to the joints, and this helped a bit. It will probably loosen up with some regular use. However, the fittings are tight and the knife feels very well-constructed. The textured G-10 handles, same as on all Emersons, also dig into the hand nicely and keep it from slipping.
It bears repeating, this knife is enormous. Even next to Benchmade's monster the Onslaught, the Super 8 gives it a run in the size department. It is best suited to people with large hands and big cutting tasks. It may not be practical for EDC unless you have particular need for a knife of its size. On the plus side, its enormity lends to its intimidating nature - with its sinuous curves and strong profile, merely brandishing is a deterrent all on its own.
So far I love the Super CQC-8. Its not practical for everyone, but it seems to be best suited for people with big hands and big jobs.
