Help me decide which knife to buy.

B

bockerSV

Joined
Nov 29, 2013
Messages
2
Hey all, started looking to get out of Spyderco's and into something else. Started off thinking I really wanted a Benchmade mini-grip, and then caught a glimpse of the emerson mini a100's and cqc-7's. Any pros/cons to any of the above would be greatly appreciated! I like the Benchmade, but I really like the look of those emersons, so I'm not sure what the hell I want to do.
 
cons: not a spyderco haha

honestly though, you cant go wrong with either emersons or benchmade. it all comes down to what you intend to use the knife for and what you like out of a knife
 
All three have 154CM blade steel and are US made, can't go wrong in my book. I'm buying myself a CQC7 for Christmas this year.
 
Mr. Bocker, you will find that we are highly skilled at spending your money for you. I would vote for the Mini Griptilian to start with, if you are looking for an ergonomic little EDC that's easy to carry. I have an A100 too, but it doesn't float my boat. The CQC-7 is a popular knife, and mine caused me get stitches when I exsanguinated myself with it. To me, the blade seems a little small relative to the scale size, and mine rarely gets carried. But the Emerson guys really dig it. I prefer the blade shape of the CQC-8.

You are groovy with any of them, and they all cut stuff. Pick what you like and you'll be happy.
 
Grip - more conventional blade grind (assuming that you get the drop point version), axis lock is awesome. But it only has partial liners. If you're a lefty though this is a no-brainer, you'll be happier with the Grip as it's perfectly symmetrical in every respect and the clip is reversible (tip up only though)

Emerson - can't speak to the A100 but the CQC-7 is usually found with the chisel (asymmetric) ground tanto blade aka "B" version, I prefer clip or drop for EDC. The "A" version has a blade that looks like I'd like it better but I haven't seen one pop up used yet, all I've seen is the "B". But the textured G10 scales are fantastic. They look rather crude, but the Emerson totally out-grips a Grip. But it is apparently designed for right handers only - clip is right pocket tip up carry only and only one scale is cut out so you can flick open with your thumb, and above and beyond that it's a liner lock. There is a left handed version of the standard sized "B" model however if you're still leaning Emerson.

If you held the Grip and CQC-7B in front of me and told me I could only keep one, I'm pretty sure I'd reach for the Grip. I just got my Emerson (CQC-7B) today; it's great, but even with the shiny (well, not really, nothing about it is shiny) new toy effect, I'm still liking the Grip. It'd be a harder decision if I had a satin blade CQC-7A...

For opening I would call it a toss up, I prefer both the thumb studs (Grip) and screwed on washer (Emerson) to the Spyderco hole (heresy in some circles, but it's my preference) can't say that I really feel a real difference between the two.

really you're going to have to get down to the gun shop and handle them both.
 
Thanks for the help guys, I'm also not crazy about the thumb hole opening on the spydercos, I have them a try and I just plain prefer a stud. I've seen plenty of grips around locally to play with but the Emerson may be a taller order to try out.
 
cards94 said:
i guess you have complete confidence in the axis lock and the omega spring. :confused:
Click to expand...

Sure, why wouldn't you?

Honestly, if you're ever intend on using a knife so hard that you have to think carefully about which lock type to get then you're probably better off with a fixed blade. All modern quality production knives have adequate lock strengths for their intended uses.

Emersons are great solid knives that wont let you down. But they're rough around the edges to say the least. The mini CQC-15 is one of the best looking and functional designs I've ever owned. If only CRK would collaborate.... :p
 
Get a Mini Grip. I haven't had a single Emerson except for my BM made ones that didn't have lockup issues and weren't just all around bad. BM makes a few nice knives with titanium liner locks, if that is your thing. I know it isn't popular opinion, but I hold little regard for Emerson knives. They don't strike me as close to worth the price or risk (Emersons are infamous for lock failures when the lock seems solid, the failure percentage is pretty low in whole, but far higher than any comparable knives). The ergonomics are somehow spectacular, though. Emerson knives look painful to hold, but they seem to fit almost all hands like a glove.

My advice? When in doubt, ZT 550. Wait, I mean Grip. This is not reverse psychology to buy a 550, not at all.
 
I've seen a bunch of test done on folders and BenchMade really does have he best hard use locking folder on the market. So far it is the only lock I've not seen fail a couple of the test. There lock on the Adamas is even more ridiculous.
 
Buy both but buy the Benchmade first as there new pricing policies will be taking place very soon. Emerson's keep growing on me for users but the grip or mini is always a good option. There is a price difference as well.
 
AddictedToGear said:
Buy both but buy the Benchmade first as there new pricing policies will be taking place very soon. Emerson's keep growing on me for users but the grip or mini is always a good option. There is a price difference as well.
Click to expand...

are all emerson knives flippers? i hate flippers.:mad:
 
Buy a Spyderco Southard. Great, versatile design, great steel and great in the hand. At $240 or thereabout you can't find better. Don't have to use it as a flipper, but I'd be amazed if it didn't grow on you.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top