First emerson?

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Jul 11, 2013
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Ive had many different brands but have yet to pick up an emerson. I'm intrigued by the cqc7, cqc15, and cqc8. I figured it is time to break out the wallet. Has anyone had all 3? Which model seems to stand out the most of the 3? Which model performs the best in every day tasks? Which knife seems to carry the best? Im also open to serrations if they would benefit the knife's every day usage. Any suggestions and input would be great, thanks!
 
I typed a bunch of stuff that just seemed like jibberish when I was done. So, short and sweet.

I own all 3 at the moment. If I could only have one Emerson it would be the 15 as it combines several great features into one knife. I just received a 15 in a trade, and since I'm not limited to one, and I have several other Emersons, I probably won't keep the 15. It just doesn't feel as good in the hand as the 7, 8, 10, or most of the other Emersons I've handled, and I've got small hands. It's not bad, I just prefer the other designs.

Of those listed, I'd go with the 8 to start.

The CQC-10 is another great option that doesn't get the attention it deserves, quite possibly the best handle design of the production line.
 
I just bought my first Emerson knives recently. I purchased the Mini-CQC15 and the Horseman. Both of the handles are extremely comfortable. Between the two I carry the Horseman more and really like the blade shape. In my opinion the Horseman has a more comfortable handle. Both are great for EDC though. If I were to get another it would be the CQC7 that would be of comparable size to the two models I already have.
 
My first ever was a 10, a decision that came after I handled and fondled all their knives at a blade show.
 
Your best bet would be to find a dealer and go fondle every Emerson you can. That is the way I bought my first Emerson, a mini commander. Hopefully the dealer will let you have several out on the counter so you can compare them. The mini commander felt the best at that time.

Fred
 
I have small hands myself... I would like to try all the emerson's out, but my dealer isn't high on the emerson pecking order. Be doesnt get many in stock and he may only get a few knives of a single model at a time. It looks like the only really safe bet is the cqc8 because it just has the choil. The rest of the handle has no bumps or grooves that other models have, eliminating that kind of "custom" fit that emerson's seem to possess. The cqc 7 looks like a close second in a "safe" choice for a blind purchase.
 
I currently have about 9 Emersons. I am unusual in that after trying all three sizes of 7 (mini, standard and super), I have sold them all. I didn't like their grip at all. My favorite in terms of ergo's is tough to say, but several are all right there - the 10 for sure, the Roadhouse, the Journeyman (possibly the best overall), and the Horseman (on my third one now). I also do love Commanders (best waving of the bunch) but they are a bit of a space hog in the pocket. My first EKI was a CQC-11 that has a Krein regrind.
 
Your best bet would be to find a dealer and go fondle every Emerson you can. That is the way I bought my first Emerson, a mini commander

Start with a 7 or a Mini Commander.

...after trying all three sizes of 7 (mini, standard and super), I have sold them all. I didn't like their grip at all. My favorite in terms of ergo's is tough to say, but several are all right there - the 10 for sure, the Roadhouse, the Journeyman (possibly the best overall), and the Horseman (on my third one now). I also do love Commanders (best waving of the bunch) but they are a bit of a space hog in the pocket
Stoney26, you asked about edc and of the three you mentioned I'd have to go with the 7. I personally like the spear point version for edc but ymmv. I agree with Officer's Match that the Journeyman is possibly the best overall -- a truly amazing edc if you can snag one. Just remember the blade is a slightly larger than some folks care for.

You mentioned being limited as to how many types of Emerson's you can fondle at your dealer, but it sounds like you can at least go back and forth between the 8 and 7 and make your choice between those two. Let us know what you decide. Oh, and remember -- the 7 comes in a spear point! :D
 
The 8 is a safe choice. With both the 7 and the 8 just remember theres a reason there so popular. The 8 is a great EDC knife, as someone once put it "its the most practical, tactical knife ever made", i find this statement to be very true as emerson knives tend to be tactical knives primarily. I have both the 7 and the 8, speaking from that perspective the 7 may not be ideal for all EDC uses such as cutting rope, but its great for certain things, like cutting wire, prying, scraping, you really can beat this knife into the ground and it will still function perfectly. Its also pretty small in size and fits in the pocket without being in your way. I recently purchased as Roadhouse which to me combined everything i liked about the 7 with everything i liked about the 8, and it hasn't left my pocket since.
 
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