I think this is a slam-dunk question, since I have owned and used Tanto's (including the CQC7) and generally find them another annoyance for utility purposes. YMMV.
From the time I first saw the CQC8 "Banana", I thought it was the best designed folder Ernie had turned out (although the Commander had a rabid following for a good while, I wasn't swayed by the masses).
I have not changed my opinion in years... the CQC8 is Ernie's best design (The CQC15 looks good also). And I also think it is one of the best personal defense carry folder designs ever... by anyone... except for the actual build quality. (I've never handled a custom build CQC8 by Ernie, so don't know if the build quality is worth the price tag, but I doubt it).
Unlike the usual 5 word replies with a model number, I'll try to explain why:
I own the original sized production CQC8 and the smaller Horseman. I don't use the wave feature, others love it. I carry one of the two when my personal activities tilt towards needing a defensive piece vs. a utility piece and my clothing allows the carry of a pocket folder (I love the Bud Nealy Pesh Kabz for a inside-the-sportcoat upside down carry discrete weapon).
If Ernie would build the CQC8 super stout, with better tolerances, a more robust pivot system, and / or with a good framelock, I'd pay up pronto.
There are a couple issues that you may consider minor or not:
1. Liner lock. And it's only medium stout. Not much past a typical Benchmade. Both of mine lock up fairly well, but if I had the tools to do a clean job, I'd mill or grind down the serrations on the liner lock release somewhat to lower probability of accidental release under hard use. (e.g. stab and twist) (I may bust out the Dremel and try to do a clean job someday).
2. Pivot screws legendarily lose their black finish... it's sort of a rite of passage into Emerson-production-dom. Why he hasn't fixed this, I have no idea, but I don't care much since I carry and use them.
3. The blade design and grind is wonderful, THE best thing about the design that sets it apart from the huge masses of knives out there, with a stoutly ground tip that is still sharp/pointy... EXCEPT that the final edge bevel is done asymmetrically, which is absolutely no big deal with respect to personal defense, but for utility purposes, it's a mild annoyance. You'd just have to own and use one to see for yourself if you notice. So the CQC8 is not a good utillity folder for me (e.g. not what I reach for when working around the house or heading to the field).
4. The handle design is excellent. The main feature is the deep recess for index finger, which provides a "guard" that helps to prevent your hand from moving forward off the handle onto the blade edge when doing a sharp forward thrusting motion (personal defense stuff).
Post script: I can not say these Emerson production knives are particularly rugged and strong, nor are they flimsy. They are very much like a Benchmade liner lock. Ernie runs 154CM a bit soft at Rc 57-58, which means they're just ok for edge holding, but not likely to chip out as the benefit. And the blade pivot system isn't particularly robust, just ordinary Benchmade type quality. Still, short of more than doubling your budget for a robust custom, I still have a place for the production CQC8 in my arsenal, as a defensive folder carry option.
