"geometric" tanto folder, ~3.5" blade sub $200 MSRP

[weinerd]

I think I might want to get back into owning a folder with a "geometric" tanto blade (e.g. CQC-7B or the like) but can't make up my mind. I want to keep the price (MSRP) under $200, and the blade length around 3.5". San Francisco is near devoid of places that have a good stock of knives, so I'm relying on good, honest, fair comments.

I've always wanted an Emerson CQC-7B (plain no wave) since I got into knives, but never ended up getting one for one reason or another- closest I got was a Coast knock-off, which I actually still have, but never use cuz its handle design is so bulky and heavy. So it's high on my list... (as is the old Benchmade equivalent if I can find an old one hanging around).

Anyone know how the newer Benchmades with CQC-7B-style blades compare (e.g. griptilian and H&K Ascender)? Do they have symmetric grinds or chisel?

I also dig the Ontario Utilitac...

And the Buck CSAR-T

I don't want: Benchmade Stryker (owned one b4), Cold Steel Recon 1 (1st generation, owned one b4), anything with a recurve (just not into it), funky/skeletonized grips.

Thanks y'all!

 

[RevDevil]

I thought all the CQC-7Bs came with the wave. You could buy one and ask EKI to remove it. I think it's useful though, given the intended purpose of the knife and all.

 

[CWL]

Have you tried TAD Gear in SF? I think they had a good selection of knives including Emersons, not that their prices are very good.

If you want an Emerson, just buy an Emerson. At least you will always be able to sell it as it is the brand that all other chisel ground knives get compared to.