Here is what I got for $190 and some change.

[Death's Head]

Just got this in the mail. It was on sale and I snatched on up quick.
Looked it over and posting a quick review.
Guess you guys noticed from the pics that it isn't your ordinary CQC-7. It's the HD-7 my friends. I have always wanted an all titanium version like the 10th year anniversary, or the CQC-12 in all titanium. But for $191, I complaining here. Lock up is very tight, not as tight as my A.G. Russell Sting and it doesn't have that loud satisfying click when the lock engages like my CRKT S-2. The click is much softer, but there is no blade play, and there is plenty of room for wear, so that is what is important.
The screws and clip is silver instead of your usual black. I actually prefer the silver because the black tends to scuff very easily, even against just clothing.

Now one thing I noticed especially, is the fit and finish of the knife. It is much cleaner than my other 2 Emersons. No dings on the G10 or Ti slab. Quite surprised actually because we know how Emersons can be sometimes. Like I said earlier, there is no blade play. Also, there is no overhang with the scales and the back spacer whatsoever unlike my other 2 Emersons.
The knife also survived a moderate spine-whack test. Not my favorite test. Not very realistic in my opinion, but a I guess some moderate whacking won't hurt this review.
The action is rough though. Just like a typical Emerson. Lubed it up and its still rough. Mainly because of the satin finish of the blade at the pivot area just needs to smooth up a bit.
Overall, it is my favorite and most expensive knife to date. Would have never got one if I didn't get it at this price.

Will I use it? Hell yeah, it's an Emerson! What else am I going to do with it?!

 

[AFCOP82]

Great deal! I am looking to pick one of those up myself. Where did you find it?

 

[GBeninati]

that's hot as hell. I spine whack the living sh*t out of my knives, just lay down a nice piece of cardboard to prevent any damage. I am looking to buy a HD cqc-7 with no serrations satin blade , just like yours.

 

[Death's Head]

Great deal! I am looking to pick one of those up myself. Where did you find it?

Got it at MDTACTICAL.com. Call the owner up. I forgot what his name was, but he was a really great guy. Very easy to talk to. He said that the price is below cost.

 

[Death's Head]

that's hot as hell. I spine whack the living sh*t out of my knives, just lay down a nice piece of cardboard to prevent any damage. I am looking to buy a HD cqc-7 with no serrations satin blade , just like yours.

I don't think you should whack against the spine excessively. Just enough to know that the knife will not close under "normal conditions". Nice too hear that you Emerson's survived your test.

 

[SIFU1A]

a light whack isnt gonna hurt anything, ya dont have to go crazy on it though, ya just wanna make sure the locks engaging correctly, not try and break the lock lol.

 

[GBeninati]

I know, I know... I would never do anything to hurt my knives

 

[Tbilisi]

Both of my Emerson knives that have have the satin finish are extemely smooth (CQC12 and Mini-CQC7). It is my Mini-Commander with the black finish that is "rough" and actually squeaks when opening and closing. (I know- send to EKI and they will make it right - I already did - as rough and squeaky as ever). I bring this up since it seems folks here seem to think it is the satin finish that causes the roughness. Anyway, I still love all of my Emersons. I bet my Mini-Commandar will smooth out after some more use. Just the nature of the animal. My nest folder will be an HD-7!

Tbilisi

 

[Death's Head]

Both of my Emerson knives that have have the satin finish are extemely smooth (CQC12 and Mini-CQC7). It is my Mini-Commander with the black finish that is "rough" and actually squeaks when opening and closing. (I know- send to EKI and they will make it right - I already did - as rough and squeaky as ever). I bring this up since it seems folks here seem to think it is the satin finish that causes the roughness. Anyway, I still love all of my Emersons. I bet my Mini-Commandar will smooth out after some more use. Just the nature of the animal. My nest folder will be an HD-7!

Tbilisi

I polished the pivot portion of the blade with a dremel and polishing cream. It is pretty smooth now. Also use some quality lube like Blue Lube.

 

[Tbilisi]

As I have mentioned in previous posts, I am an Emerson Knife lover. I seem to, more often than not,reach for one of them when deciding which folder to carry. Maybe its the wave feature, I do not know. (I do not think of the them as a means of SD - heck, if someone approached me and wanted to harm me, I would most likely attempt to run away crying and screaming like a baby).

Anyway, I guess I am wondering why you or anyone else should have to use a dremel, etc on a brand new knife that costs what an HD-7 costs. (BTW- you got a great deal on your HD-7) I know for a fact the Emerson factory can produce as smooth a knife as anybody - both my CQC-12 and Mini-7 are as smooth as any in my collection.

Regardless, I still think they are wonderful knives and will continue to collect and carry them.

Tbilisi

 

[Death's Head]

Emersons are notorious for not being smooth when new. In fact, it feels as if there was sand in there when it is new. I just polished the portion of the blade that is at pivot point that is not showing. It is faster than letting the knife smooth out on its own and you do it without wearing out other parts like the washers.
Many knives at any price are not perfect and need some tweaking from time to time. Some brands more than others.

 

[Tbilisi]

Your description of feeling like there is sand in the pivot is exactly right. Since I am an "all thumbs" kind of guy, I will just let the Mini-Commander smooth out on its own. Thanks for the tip, however.

Enjoy that HD-7 along with your other Emersons.

Tbilisi

 

[ejr490]

Congrats on your HD7, I've got my second one coming next week. Its a great knife, now if they would just make a CQC 10 HD! That would be the cats ass!

Ed

 

[Death's Head]

More of Emerson's knives in titanium frame-lock would be awesome. The CQC-10 is also my favorite design! And leave your cat's ass alone.

 

[ScarSec]

I have had once sinse production and i have put it thru hell and back ..used it as a pry bar a hammer and chisel and opening beer bottles... hell had a CQC-7 and thought for years hell never make a better knife and i own 6 emersons but this knife rocks took a great knife and made it better for what i do there is nothing better than a chesel grind... Ill never carry anything but and emerson these days

 

[Death's Head]

I don't put my knives to nearly the Hell you put your knives through. I mostly carry them for everyday chores like opening mail and sharpening pencils. Great to know that my pencil sharpener is one of the best in the business!