Hello all. I had a problem with a waved CQC7 that I just recently bought. It did have a low seial number in the 40's. The problem I was having with the knife was acknowledged by Emerson. I had three choices. Fix the knife that I returned, a new black coated replacement with no serial number, or a new hard chrome finished blade with serial number. I chose the hard chrome serial numbered CQC7 with wave. Also, Emerson is going to provide me with a skull clip at no charge. The knife that they are going to send me has been inspected, and I should not have any problems with my new knife. It just does not get any better than this. Thanks Emerson knives for your excellent customer service, and a special thanks to Peggy for being so nice. Big D1