Lock Question (First Emerson)

[MedicDance]

I'm buying a cqc 13 online, and due to backorders I've been waiting two weeks already. In that time I've read up on other Emerson models, two of which (the cqc-7combo and CQC-12 Combo) feature stronger, .125 thick locks. I've also read tarnishing reviews of Emerson locks in general, even up to the recent Commander.

So now I'm wondering:

*is the cqc 13 lock reliable?
*is www.defenseamerica.com a reputable retailer? Is a two-week+ Emerson backorder normal?
*is the cqc-7combo superior? How?
*what is a chisel grind? What is a conventional grind?
*Do Emerson black and satin finish(es) really deteriorate easily?

I'm not willing to put out the $240 for a cqc 12, so right now I'm just looking for a fast deploying knife legal to carry concealed in California. I'm in the $150 range, and want a reliable deployment with a medium sized blade.

Suggestions?

 

[roshi]

The CQC-13 lock is reliable. I've got one of the first ones that came out and it is still locking up tight.

I can't speak for that dealer since I haven't bought from them. it does appear the 13 is backlogged at other dealers. Since 1SKS sponsors this forum, I suggest you check with them first.

HD-7 or "Heavy Duty" CQC-7 and the CQC-12 both use .125 inch framelocks and therefore the lock is superior to any liner lock. However, I haven't had any problems with Emerson liner locks I've bought in the last three years.

All Emerson tanto blades are chisel ground with the grind on the left side and the right side is flat. This makes for a remarkably effective combat edge. The other blade shapes with "conventional grind" have a modified chisel grind in that the first bevel is on both sides of the blade but the final edge grind bevel is only on the left side of the blade. This makes for a knife that is easier to sharpen in the field. Some like them, some don't. I do.

Comments from users are that the black ceramic finish is more durable than the satin ceramic finish.

I would suggest that you try an Emerson CQC-10. The 10 is the fastest deploying waved Emerson in my experience. The knife is well balanced and fits well in the hand. The spear point balde is very versatile. The current CQC-1o's have a thicker liner on the lock side.

Emerson's are very popular. If you find you don't like your new knife, they are easy to resell.

 

[SIFU1A]

i havent had any probs with EKI locks myself, if ya do they will fix it for ya no problem, i dont think most folks have any problem w/the lock, i am sure some do, just like they would with spyderco/BM/MT/etc, but the great majority dont. the minority who do are very vocal though lol.

i like the '13 myself, like the '12 better though, i prefer the '8, '12 or '13 to the '7.

i dont like coatings on blades myself give me BB/satin anyday, if ya use them the coating will scuff/scratch up.

i have never heard of the site ya mention. try www.newgraham.com they have good prices on EKI, as good as i have found. no backorder either on the '13 last time i looked anyway. there usually isnt except with new models, the '13 has been out long enough no prob imho,

really the '8 is my fav, and the '12 after that (my '8 is a custom FWIW) but other than them the '13 is 1 of my favs, i personally have never liked the '10 sorry roshi, nothing wrong with 'em they just never really appealed to me. really dont like any EKI spearpoints FWIW.

the CG is diff, not better, not worse, just different, both to use and sharpen imho.

for an EKI in the $150 range i think ya will like the '13.