Gifting an Emerson to new academy graduate - 8 vs 15

Hawk45

Hawk45

Joined
Jan 28, 2005
Messages
2,154
Hi everyone.

One of my good buddies sons is graduating the police academy this weekend. I want to get him a quality duty folder, so of course I'm getting him an Emerson.
I love the Commander and 15 as I trade off carry with them daily. But wondering if the 8 would be a better fit for officer duty carry.

What I like about the 15 is it takes up less room in the pocket than the Commander, has a more aggressive point while still having some recurve and belly.
The Commander has a better end for impact device if needed though.

Having got rid of my CQC8 years ago, I can't sit here and compare them like the Commander and 15. I know pocket real estate is important, at least for me, so I figure even more so for a duty officer with loads more gear. I can't tell if the 8 will ride better than the 15. Also the 8 has a better end for impact device if needed and looks like more handle for grip. Also, would a Super 8 be too much?

I'm getting black and serrated on whatever knife I order for him.

So what do you guys think?
 
I can't think of a better emergency use knife than the CQC-8. The gently curved blade works well for utility, the point is as strong as can be, and the deep handguard will keep your friend's hand in place and away from the cutting edge and whatever he is cutting. The practical design of the '8s blade will make it easier for him to learn to sharpen it himself, when the time comes. Also, I agree with you that the design of the CQC-8's handle works well as an impact device if needed. As far as pocket space, the '8s blade fits neatly into the handle so it takes up minimal space in the pocket, the only other Emersons that I know are as efficient are the CQC-7 and A-100.

The Super '8 is huge, I don't think I'd buy one for someone else. The standard CQC-8 is big enough for anything I can think of, and the handle fits just about everyone. The Horseman is too small for my XL glove wearing hands, and while the Super '8 isn't too big for me it's definitely close.

Coated Emersons show character the more they're used like earning scars :D
 
I think the 8 would be better due the slimness in pocket plus as you mentioned, use as a blunt impact tool when closed. There are still some wave less models in stock I think too if you wanted to go that route.

Awesome gift man.
 
Emerson's are the best gifts to give (at least to me:)). I own both and love both! Between the two for a gift I'd choose the 8 simply because of ease of sharpening as mentioned in an earlier response. The 15 is an awesome design and I absolutely LOVE carrying mine, but am reluctant at times to give it as much use as some of my other folders because of how difficult it is to sharpen. I hope this helps! Stay sharp
 
Either a CQC8 or Combat Systems Fighter (CSF). If you're ordering it directly from Emerson, have them drill & tap it for left hand carry/reverse grip. More options of carry for him.
 
Hes going to need a cool looking blade when he pulls it out to stab through a bag of cocaine. LOL
I bet hes going to mostly use it for utility so i say 8, journeyman, etak-a,
 
My vote is for the 8. For a period of 3 years, a 8 or a Horseman was the only one I had and was content.:)
 
I've had both and loved both. The 15 is my EDC, I love it so much.

But the 8's pointed end would be good for crowd control, and it has a really ergonomic handle. All Emersons do really of course, but the 8 is especially comfy. It is also a slightly thinner carry.

You can't go wrong with either, but the Super 8 is way too big. Had one of those also. And the Horseman is too small to be taken seriously, at least for me. Gave mine away.

I also agree with getting it tapped for left hand. I would have them place clips on both sides, that way he can carry it strong or weak side, whichever the situation deems necessary. If he doesn't like both clips, he can take one off and keep it as a spare in case he snags it on something. Put the other clip on and immediately back in service.

Just a thought.
 
8 because it is lighter. You have to consider the 7 bts because it's perfect for a cop, good all around knife.
 
The cqc 15 is probably the most intimidating looking knife. There is something to be said for that. It also is a great multi purpose blade. Its in my all time favorite Emerson list. BUT.... The cqc8 is a legend and slightly better handle in my hands. Its also a great slicer and good skinning and hunting design.

SimpleJungle.jpg


Here is my mini 15
SigMiniCqc15.jpg
 
Thanks guys, I ordered the CQC-8. I'll let him decide if he likes it or wants something else. I have a Commander, 15 and 7V he can feel out if the 8 doesn't sit right with him. But I don't think he's going to have a problem with it :-).

Mystro, that 8 you have looks awesome. I may have to feel this one up when it gets here. Maybe I'll have one of my own again in the future. I did used to have one, but got away.
 
I have a similar situation. I have a family member being deployed for his second time. He loves my Emersons and I gave him my CQV7V as a gift for his first deployment. He lost it over there.
I am giving him another Emerson as a "take care of your self" gift for his second deployment.

Hawk45 said:
Thanks guys, I ordered the CQC-8. I'll let him decide if he likes it or wants something else. I have a Commander, 15 and 7V he can feel out if the 8 doesn't sit right with him. But I don't think he's going to have a problem with it :-).

Mystro, that 8 you have looks awesome. I may have to feel this one up when it gets here. Maybe I'll have one of my own again in the future. I did used to have one, but got away.
Click to expand...
 
It's great to see others helping take care of our boy/girls in blue and/or tan.
Hearing about someone losing a good knife always makes me a little nauseous since I've been there.. luckily only once (Blacked out Spyderco Military setup for tip-up, as it should be from factory. Don't get me going on that though.)
 
not sure what id go with, but I can share a little personal experience with gifting a knife to a LE....I have a close buddy I graduated with that is a local deputy sheriff, and one day when we were shooting the breeze I noticed a Sog Trident he was carrying, and felt that was something that needed to be remedied. I got in my "box of goodies" of knives that I wasn't carrying and dug out a gen 2 ZT550 for him. he didn't know nothing about ZT knives, but instantly could see the quality so I sent it home with him.

less than a week later he dropped by and thanked me for the offer, but it didn't taken him long to realize that it was simply too heavy/bulky a knife for his liking. so I drug out my box and this time i let him dig thru it to find something he thought would work better for him. he ended up taking a NIB combo edge Endura and years later he is still carrying that knife. not saying that an Emerson isn't an excellent choice, but evidently when a LE officer is already loaded down with gear, the big stout knives aren't the best choice. and its not as if hes a weak fella, 6'3" 240lbs, wrestled heavy weight all thru high school, and stays in pretty good shape.
 
Good point, and I definitely considered that. I know ouches become pounds real quick. I have a Pacific Salt that gets lots of summer carry, especially when at the river (Ohio boy). But my thought process was to get him something higher end, and if he decides it's too big, I'll gladly get him an Endura (fully serrated of course) and keep the 8 for myself. :-) I'll make sure we have that conversation that if it's not for him, it comes back to me. I have this same deal with a buddy I bought a motorcycle from. I can only sell it back to him if I decide I don't want it any longer.
 
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