Emerson Super CQC-8 is a monster

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.

001_folded.jpg


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.

002_open.jpg


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.

003_reverse.jpg


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.

004_comparison.jpg


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.

005_final.jpg


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.
 
Nice review and picts!

I'll be stickin' with the 741 Onslaught, though. An axis versus liner-lock thing.
 
I didnt realise the Emerson was so big untill you see it along side some other knives. I like their blade style on the super CQC7 myself, not much of a fan of curved blades.
 
Great knife. I have the Mini and it has easily replaced my Mini AFCK which I've carried for more than a decade.
 
Great review, I have always liked the Super 8. In fact I am a fan of each knife you have pictured. I love big folding knives, even if not always practical they are certainly cool.
 
Nice review and picts!

I'll be stickin' with the 741 Onslaught, though. An axis versus liner-lock thing.

While all I have is a mini griptilian the one with the hole and upswept holow ground blade in 154CM For me benchmades are hard to beat for the same reason you give the "Axis lock". Not that I do not trust the liner and frame locks because I have many in each but because I am left handed and the benchmade as far as I am concerned it the best ambidextrius knife. I get pissed when shopping for a folder because I am left handed. I can adjust to many but I would rather not have to.

So that is why as a matter of fact I just bought that benchmade with the spyderco blade. One person said he did not like upswept blades. Well I never did till I read an article on them. It was an article on the Kershaw Packrat. The upswept blade has tremendous slicing power sort of likt the samarui blade. And if you look at its point on this emerson it is directly in line with the part you would push the most with when doing a plunge cut.

Well I like the griptillian anyway. The upswept blade one made by spyderco.

Damiel
 
I have the Super CQ8's 'little' brother which is actually fairly beastly in its own right. Great review on a super design.
 
Nice review. My understanding is that Emersons aren't designed to flick open the way many Benchmades can be opened. In my experience, Emersons need to have a fairly loose pivot in order to be flicked open like a Benchmade. I personally don't care that it isn't designed to be flicked open anyway. It doesn't make much difference to me.
 
Hey, new to the site, nice review!

I have my CQC-8 Super coming in the mail, but I've also been eyeing the onslaught. :)

The one thing that I've been worried about with the onslaught is the clip design. It looks really bulky from online pictures and I wondered how much of the handle rides exposed or if there are any other quirks to the clip that you can't get from pictures.

I don't suppose you could post some pics of these two in their carry positions could you?

Thanks!
 
Back
Top