First Emerson

thestersilver · Mar 4, 2015

Hello everyone who reads this. I have always loved knives as a kid but have never really gotten into collecting knives. Until now. My mindset has always been quality over quantity which is good when you get the knife because it will last forever. But scraping up the money for it is a challenge in its own. My girlfriend is wanting to help me get my first Emerson for my birthday (I know I'm lucky) but because of their higher price and the fact that we're both going through college right now it's going to be a joint effort. Which brings us to the topic. What Emerson knife with the wave feature is best for EDC? I currently carry the Manix 2 and it fits perfectly in my pocket. Any info and opinions are greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance,

thestersilver

Brummie · Mar 4, 2015

What determines "best for EDC" for you? Is it related to the size of the knife, type of blade, etc?

IMHO, the best 'Emersons' are the ZT 0620/0630s. They're how Emersons should be made, and give you more bang for the buck than EKI knives. However, they are a little on the heavy side. I'm biased because I'm not a big fan of 154CM, and have problems shelling out on it what Emerson knives go for.

Lee D · Mar 4, 2015

If you are looking at Emerson, you can't go wrong with some variant of the CQC-7.

jfk1110 · Mar 4, 2015

My vote is for cqc 8 or horseman or super. Choice of 3 blade lengths 3.9, 3.5 or 4.3 respectively

MatthewSB · Mar 4, 2015

I think that the CQC-8 is one of the greatest designed folding knives, ever, as well as one of the more iconic Emerson knives. The gently curved blade works great for just about everything, and the clip point is very (VERY) strong. The handle is comfortable for extended use, and has a deep handguard to ensure that your hand stays away from the cutting edge. Also, the '8's blade fits neatly into the handle, so they carry easily. Many of the other Emersons are huge in the pocket, there's just no way to fit a Commander's blade inside of the handle. A CQC-8 can be found for $190-200 if you look hard enough.

If you want a less expensive option, the CQC-7B (chisel ground tanto) can be found for $130-150 pretty easily.

AntDog · Mar 4, 2015

My first Emerson was a CQC-7. Then I got a Commander. Then a Mini Commander, then a P-Sark, then...
They seem to be like Lays potato chips. (You can't have just one)
So, when it comes to an EDC, what are YOU looking for? Something close in size to the Manix?

Cosmic Superchunk · Mar 4, 2015

My vote goes to the ZT 0620CF. Guaranteed to be the best Emerson you ever get.

stonproject · Mar 4, 2015

thestersilver said:
Hello everyone who reads this. I have always loved knives as a kid but have never really gotten into collecting knives. Until now. My mindset has always been quality over quantity which is good when you get the knife because it will last forever. But scraping up the money for it is a challenge in its own. My girlfriend is wanting to help me get my first Emerson for my birthday (I know I'm lucky) but because of their higher price and the fact that we're both going through college right now it's going to be a joint effort. Which brings us to the topic. What Emerson knife with the wave feature is best for EDC? I currently carry the Manix 2 and it fits perfectly in my pocket. Any info and opinions are greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance,

thestersilver

The emerson combat karambit is probably my favorite knife ever. I couldnt bring myself to pay the price other emersons are going for... but the combat kbit is worth every penny.

Officer's Match · Mar 4, 2015

Highly recommend the CQC-10 for all around do-everything-well tasks. Spear point works well, and it's one of the best "waver's" of the lineup due to no thumbdisk to "guard" the wave from your pocket. Grip is super secure and versatile. Carry's light and cuts big - my most used Emerson (out of 40+).

flyers_20 · Mar 4, 2015

I'd go with the CQC-8/ Horseman. Really like the blade shape and the handle is comfortable.

grownstar · Mar 4, 2015

Get a Snubby! Legal everywhere

Gizler00 · Mar 4, 2015

Lee D said:
If you are looking at Emerson, you can't go wrong with some variant of the CQC-7.

I agree. That was, and is my first and only. Loved it for many years.

Wheeler80 · Mar 4, 2015

I'll second the ZT 0630. I picked one up a few days ago and it's perfect. I can't imagine a real Emerson being better. With that being said I have a Journeyman on the way so we'll see how they compare.

blades&wrenches · Mar 4, 2015

I've always liked the Endeavor and traveler, but they rarely get mentioned?! CQC-7s and the ZT Emersons are great too.

Cosmic Superchunk · Mar 4, 2015

Wheeler80 said:
I'll second the ZT 0630. I picked one up a few days ago and it's perfect. I can't imagine a real Emerson being better. With that being said I have a Journeyman on the way so we'll see how they compare.

Exactly. I can tell you my ZT 0620CF is better in the fit/finish department than any production Emerson I've ever owned.

Officer's Match · Mar 4, 2015

Wheeler80 said:
I'll second the ZT 0630. I picked one up a few days ago and it's perfect. I can't imagine a real Emerson being better. With that being said I have a Journeyman on the way so we'll see how they compare.

I won't go with "better", but rather "different". To Emerson lover's like me, there is an intangible to a Emerson production knife that I've yet to feel in another brand. I had a handful of Emerson's and ventured of into Chris Reeve's, ZT's, Benchmade's, Spydie's, Brous Blades, Strider's, and probably more I'm forgetting, but once I picked up another Emerson (especially 2013 and newer) I really began to develop an appreciation for the brand. I don't know how to explain it properly, but there is a "soul" to their product in my perception.

Wheeler80 · Mar 4, 2015

Officer's Match said:
I won't go with "better", but rather "different". To Emerson lover's like me, there is an intangible to a Emerson production knife that I've yet to feel in another brand. I had a handful of Emerson's and ventured of into Chris Reeve's, ZT's, Benchmade's, Spydie's, Brous Blades, Strider's, and probably more I'm forgetting, but once I picked up another Emerson (especially 2013 and newer) I really began to develop an appreciation for the brand. I don't know how to explain it properly, but there is a "soul" to their product in my perception.

I guess I'll find out when I get my Journeyman.

Bentlink · Mar 4, 2015

I started with a mini CQC-7. It's a tad heavy, but reasonable. Rarely, I wish for a curved blade to shave or slice something. I don't use it heavy and the shorter blade makes acceptable at the office and really precise everywhere else. I'm eyeing-up a mini Commander...

johnnyraggs · Mar 4, 2015

The Horseman would make a perfect EDC, But I really love my Journeyman.
A-100 would be great too, But no wave on that one.
Go with the Horse!

wazu013 · Mar 4, 2015

If you like the size of the Manix then you should like the Mini Commander. Emerson's idea of Mini is still pretty good sized. I bought this one at a very good price thinking it was funky. It's been an excellent user for me.