Is this really what is to be expected out of a super cqc-8

I.N.F.K

I.N.F.K

Joined
Jul 7, 2012
Messages
1,896
Yesterday my old man got a box containing an super cqc-8 and he was very disappointed in the knife. My old man has wanted an Emerson since the 90s and he was very livid with the state of the knife. I was shocked that this knife would pass QC. Upon the initial inspection of the knife I notice three concerns.

First is was the uneven shape on the scale. On the finger choil there is noticeable bump that I can feel and see. Pic below

KIMG0236_zps4co11q1t.jpg
[/URL][/IMG]

Second is the lock. It is incredibly stiff and took quite a bit of force to disengage. Almost had to stick a key in there to push the liner back.

KIMG0238_zpsja1jtjqf.jpg
[/URL][/IMG]

Third and final is the blade grind. Now I know Emerson has chisel grinds and this may be intentional, but Im not sure. Clearly visible on the presentation side of the blade is a nice, even edge. But the other side their not much to see. The knife is still a razor, but something doesn't feel right.

KIMG0239_zpsgi5r6zke.jpg
[/URL][/IMG]
KIMG0240_zpsiwjhv1cn.jpg
[/URL][/IMG]

Is this too be expected from a $280+ knife Emerson???
 
Hi! from what I can tell, all looks to be the norm. I don't see any actual issues.

1st pic - The "humps" you described is normal with most of their line up as the front and back scales are the same silhouette then the extra bit is removed around the index finger choil on the presentation side to aid in releasing the lock.

2nd pic - The lockup is average as half of mine were like that with no issues after breaking in.

3rd pic - Emerson uses a chisel ground edge with both V and chisel ground blades.

Best,
Ray
 
That's good to hear and I'll have to tell my old man not to send the knife back to Emerson as he intended.
 
Unfortunately emerson knives are not known for their finished quality. Stiffness is normal, just means it will break in and lock up strong. I see the bump you are talking about.
 
You can put some Sharpie on the blade tang where it meets the lock face, this will make it easier to disengage. May have to reapply every so often. Pencil graphite can be used in the same application though I've had better results with the Sharpie.
 
Looks like a standard Super-8 to me, no QC issues. Ill admit the bumps aren't something thats designed to be there but I don't believe it affects the function of the knife. The blade is ground exactly as it's supposed to be, V grind with a chisel edge. Everything looks good. Emerson's are slightly rough around the edges, I think it's part of the appeal because they are tools first and foremost. Just use some Sharpie on the lock interface of the blade to relieve the stick as others have said. With use the stickiness will go away. A #2 pencil also works for the same purpose
 
I just bought a mini commander off the exchange and I love it. I held off buying an Emerson for quite a while because of some of the bad experiences I'd read about. The fit and finish isn't perfect, but it isn't bad (no hump like yours). The grind is how Emerson does their chisel v-grind and I'm growing to like it. The lockup on mine is about 40% so no complaints there. It was a little sticky, but is really starting to break in nicely. I can't really say why I love this knife so much. It's big, ugly, and heavy, but it just feels so right. Stuck in an emergency situation with only a folder, I wouldn't want any other in my pocket. It's a tank and I trust it.
 
Even thought people hate to read it and hear it, these knives are not designed to sit in a museum. They are designed to carried and used in all manner of situations. If collection pieces or collector grade knives are desired there are the full dress customs out there. Any company can have a bad one slip through the cracks, it's normal and it has happened with every single company, all of them. By the same token these knives aren't for everyone.
 
I would like to add that Emerson Knives are easily modified, if there is something you don't like, you can change it. Don't like that hp? Sand it out. Sciles don't quite match the liners? (Which many complain about, but does not affect funstiom in any way) sand down the g10 to match the liners. Want it to be smoother? Use it! And/or change the washers to something else. Many will say that a knife of this cost shouldn't need modification, but there are those out there who like to slightly modify to suit themselves. I would also say that these Knives don't NEED modification, simply some people have different expectations that Emerson provides, and tgere are those who exoec what Emerson provides, a good, solid, dependable working knife. But no, they aren't for everyone
 
If he's unhappy with it he should return it. No amount of "That's how they're supposed to be, they're made for hardcore people in hardcore situations for hardcore use." Is going to take back his disappointment. Maybe it'd grow on him, but I wouldn't take the chance if I were him. Emerson knives have their value, but not to everyone.
 
He says that he'll carry it for a few days to see if the lock loosens. I'll probably even out the scales if he so desires. The edge isn't a big deal either as he can just sharpen to how he wants.
 
The "bump" in the choir area is supposed to be there. Both of my CQC-8's have it. It's right next to the secondary detent, maybe it's for a little added strength in that area of the liner?
 
Nice! Yeah, who would have thought that the ink would have some coating/lubricating properties to it.:p
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top