Help picking my first emerson

Krav

Krav

Joined
Jun 6, 2013
Messages
13,275
Greetings everyone.:D

I've been wanting a emerson for some time now. As of now, what I'm looking for is something no bigger than 9 inches in total length , handle less than 5 inches.

Preferable with wave, but not a deal breaker.

Thumb disk

Stone wash, plain edge, not sure about a recurve. Tanto is o.k.

Not sure about chisel or V grind.

Been looking at the minis, cqc 15 - the - 8.

Cqc 7. -A 100

Maybe someone can help me who has handled some of these.

It's for everyday carry.

Thanks
Krav
 
Do you have any specific questions? That would help some of us with a potential answer to your query.
 
The Mini-15 will blow your mind! In my opinion it's the perfect EDC. Has the best of almost every model in design and function.
 
Very, very easy choice. Mini15 for "V" grind or Bulldog for chisel. A-100 models don't have wave feature. Mini15 has amazing ergo's, terrific blade/handle ratio, is very compact yet as capable as a full size. It's an outstanding knife. If chisel is a preference, the Bulldog rocks.
 
I've owned all the Emersons you named, they all have their strong points. My first was a CQC-15 and I think it's a great place to start since it is really a combination of two classic Emerson models. Those being the Commander and the CQC-7. The recurve isn't so deep it's hard to sharpen but it does what it's supposed to. Also, I've never felt a quantifiable difference between the full chisel grind and the chisel v-grind as far as performance. For what it looks like you are looking for, the mini CQC-15 seems to fit.
 
Officer's Match said:
Very, very easy choice. Mini15 for "V" grind or Bulldog for chisel. A-100 models don't have wave feature. Mini15 has amazing ergo's, terrific blade/handle ratio, is very compact yet as capable as a full size. It's an outstanding knife. If chisel is a preference, the Bulldog rocks.
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I lust for a Mini 15, but because I am a SOUTHPAW, I choose a Left Handed CQC-7, and am happy.
 
Thanks guys, I barley use my EDC folders. A Swiss Army knife does the job if I choose. I do wonder out into the woods, with my dogs a lot . I own fixed blades but I never carry them when walking my dogs. Walks at night by myself are normal. So self defense tool is the main reason.
Emerson's reputation as building a outstanding knife for multiple purpose is attractive to me.

My main concern is ease of carry. That's why I was looking at the minis.

Sharpening is no problem. I own a wicked edge, sharp maker, shapton waterstones, strops.
 
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The A-100 was one I overlooked for a long time, but it was pretty amazing once i got one. Don't count it out just yet.

But since this is your first, I'd go 7v. Wave, V ground, and tanto. What's not to like?
 
How about the Mini 7A. Now comes with a wave or without. Check it out at EKI.
 
Cqc-8 .....trust me it will do anything you ask of it and in a bad situation it will get the job done!
 
EmersonREP said:
The Mini-15 will blow your mind! In my opinion it's the perfect EDC. Has the best of almost every model in design and function.
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I agree. It was my first Emerson and out of 9 current Emerson's, it's still my favorite. My mini-Commander is my second fav and my Endeavor third. The mini-15 is an outstanding daily carry, all-round use knife. It's also a little less of a recurve than the Commander and a little less drastic tanto than the 7B series. If you aren't sure about either a recurve or a tanto, it's a nice introduction to them.

I'll also put in a plug here for getting one of the Ultimate Edge diamond sharpeners that Emerson sells. I got the smaller model a few weeks ago and have just about quit using any of my DMT diamond sharpeners. It's really nice. I'll probably end up with the larger one soon as well. Emerson also has some nice sharpening pix on their web site to help folks sharpen their chisel and V edges.
 
Since the 10 doesn't meet some requirements, I will also push for the 15. Great ergos, just the right size for most, and it gives you a chance to experience the V-chisel, tanto, and slight recurve.
 
Krav said:
Been looking at the minis, cqc 15 - the - 8.

Cqc 7. -A 100

Maybe someone can help me who has handled some of these.

It's for everyday carry.

Thanks
Krav
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Krav,

For EDC, the A-100 or CQC-7A would be my recommendation.

I think that the CQC-8 is an incredible design. The Horseman is the same design, just a half inch or so shorter in every way. It still works perfectly in forward or reverse grip, but is handier. I wear XL gloves, and the Horseman is not "too short" for me, it's just big enough, and no more. Honestly though, what sets the CQC-8 aside from 99% of other folders is the ample handguard. If you don't need something to keep your hand from sliding up onto the blade there are more 'efficient' folder designs, which brings me to....

...The A100 and CQC-7. The A-100 is the most symmetrical folder I've ever used. I love mine, and will never part with it. It works no matter how you pick it up, because there are no restrictive features on the rectangular handle. It works tip up or down, blade facing out or in - it's a rectangular rectangle with a rectanglish cross section. If you want something more profiled, but still slim, flat and just the right size, the CQC-7A is a great EDC knife. It's got a V grind, useful spearpoint blade, and the non-waved version is very streamlined and "clean". I dislike the wave on the '7 because it looks like a thumb sticking out of an otherwise flat sided silhouette.

For EDC, the A100 or CQC-7A are perfect. You might consider a Mini A-100, they're discontinued but available right now.
 
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