First Emerson, what should I get?

[dalefuller]

Hello!
I am interested in getting my first Emerson. I want the wave deployment. I also want something kind of stout. Im going to put it through the paces with rope/cardboard/zip ties, tubing, net, and plastic on a daily basis.
7, 8, and the 15 all look right up my alley. But I am open to variations! I have never held one before so I dont know what to expect.

How comfortable are you with tanto blades and recurved blades? Both have a bit of a learning curve for sharpening, though not a steep one. Are you OK with chisel grinds (7s) and V-grinds that are single beveled (8s & 15s)? The CQC-8 is probably the most traditional blade shape that you've mentioned. It'll be V-ground (with only one sharpened side) and a nice traditional belly leading up to a strong tip. Pretty good for general utility work. And it comes in 3 sizes. The 7Bs are tanto blades and the 7As will be spearpoints. If I were getting a 7, I'd want a 7A. I 've just never developed any good feelings for tanto blades. The CQC-15s will be a cross between a tanto tip and a more traditional blade with a belly and a slight recurve. They're my personal favorite in Emerson's lineup. I've tried some other models but the only one that I've kept is my mini-15.

 

[Nic S.]

I would go with the mini commander. I picked one up a few weeks ago and man i like it. Great ergos and takes a beating.

 

[Indiana Joe]

If you want utility I'd suggest something with a spearpoint blade. The CQC-7AW sounds like it fits your requirements.

Get the one that started it all: CQC7

Yup, I started with a 7 also and I really enjoy my 7AW.

Lineman, I think the 7 would suit you just fine.
I have an employee who is much larger than I am in height, weight, and hand size; he is considering an Emerson. I had him try my Super Commander, Journeyman, and cqc-7. I honestly thought that, due to his large-frame 6' 3" self, that he'd pick a larger-handled Emerson but he chose the 7 because it felt better in his hand.

I think you may want to physically handle some Emerson knives before you make a decision. Again, I really like my 7 but I prefer the feel of my Super Commander because of how it feels in my hand. BUT, hands down, I think my 7 is the better edc choice over my SC.

 

[Officer's Match]

I had all three sizes of 7 and couldn't make myself like the handle shape. Most differ with me on this though.