Looking to get an Emerson

Tdhurl1103

Tdhurl1103

Joined
Dec 6, 2012
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5,521
Hi all.

I've been following Emerson on IG for quite sometime now, and have seen some very good looking patterns from them. I am looking to get one I think, but I'm not sure which one or really when I will be able to get one, perhaps this summer.

I must admit though, I'm not a big fan of the disk, but I can be persuaded probably. I'd probably like the hole better, since I'm a Spyderco fanatic.

I'm not a fan of the really curvy upswept clip point either on some, probably can't be persuaded on that one. I prefer a drop point or a tanto.

Given my finicky nature, what would you recommend I look at? Keep in mind I probably won't spend time considering discontinued or rare models.

Lastly, I happened to come across a Emerson designed Kershaw CQC-6 and almost bought it, but I balked at checkout. How close are those to the real Emersons as far as feel and design/pattern, I'm aware the materials are not the same.

Thanks in advance for any assistance.
 
You just described a CQC-10, it has a spear point with the wave and thumb hole all in a generous but not overly large size. Her is mine pictured with my EDC.
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EDIT: The Kerhsaw versions are nice but are comparing a Spyderco Manbug to a Military or Manix all nice knives but you will feel the difference in quality immediatly.
 
Does the 10 come in PE only? I forgot to mention my other hangup, I'm not a SE guy either.

Oh one other question. Are all Emersons chisel ground?
 
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You can get plain edge or serrated, satin or black coated blades with the Cqc 10, as with most emersons

Hope you find one you like.
 
Don't have a 10, but have fallen in love with 7. The tanto is turning out to be much more useful than I thought. I can take or leave the wave so I got a waveless one off of the exchange. Thumb disk works well for me too, but I don't have a problem with any opening system whether it be spydiehole, studs or disk. Although I do prefer the hole when using gloves, the disk grabs the seem on my leather work gloves pretty well. I also got a Specwar off of the exchange. It has become my secondary carry. In fact, most days I find myself with a peanut and 1 of my 3 Emersons in my pocket. Don't know exactly what it is, but there is something about an Emerson that speaks to me more than other knives.
 
I've got a journeyman that is fantastic, but I would look at the 10 too. I believe there are some that aren't chisel ground, but they are few and far between and are not cheap. Once you get used to the grind it is a great route to go!
 
The CQC-10 is one great choice for EDC use, considering the spearpoint blade and grip. It also foregoes the thumb disk and uses a thumb hole, much like Spyderco does.
 
This.^
It's the 7 for me.
Learn about the reasons Ernest makes the knives the way he does and there's no turning back.
rolf
 
^^ Hi Rolf...

Yes, all Emersons are chisel ground as far as being single beveled. Some, like the CQC7s have chisel gound blades as well as bevels. Others, like the Commanders, have V-ground blades with single sharpened bevels.

I agree with others that the CQC10 may be your best bet for a hole opening Emerson, although I'm very partial to my Endeavor. It's a bit larger than a Delica, carries about as well as the Delica, and is quite a bit stouter with G10 and full liners. If the CQC10 seems larger than you want to try, you can find an Endeavor pretty easily. It even comes in a tanto version if you prefer that to a drop point.

I have a Kershaw/Emerson CQC6 & CQC7 I think (the tanto version). They are well designed and executed, the F&F is very good, the blades are perfectly centered, the lockup is secure. At their price point, they are as good a value for my dollar as any brand out there, better than most.

But they are Kershaws and they feel like Kershaws. They'll never be mistaken for a real Emerson. To me, they don't have the feel, the balance, or the action of a real Emerson. They'll tell you a lot about how well Kershaw makes knives, but they won't give you any indication of the personality of an Emerson knife. You'll have to adopt a real Emerson for that :D.
 
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I love the CQC7 but not everyone likes the full chisel grind or the tanto on the "B" model. The CQC7A is a drop-point V-grind with a single bevel edge and no Wave feature. I'm not a Wave fan and this is one of my favorite knives--combines the CQC profile with a more conventional primary grind and point shape. I love the feel of the CQC models--the handles are shaped for holding and using.
 
I've never used the 10, but I saw spring for a 7. It might take some time getting use to, like a week or so, but trust me, I beat on my Emerson's harder than any other.
Check the exchange for a used 7 or try and find a flipper 7 if you want.
 
If you decide to go for a thumbdisk check out a Specwar(secondary market), CQC7, A-100, CQC15. The Sheepdog in a spear point might be an option. Just remember that some Emerson models are stiff compared to others. The sheepdog is on bearings and quite smooth. Play with a few if you have a local shop or friends that have them.
 
I'm liking the 10 a lot. But I'm also interested in something a bit smaller.

I dunno, I'm obviously undecided.

Are Emersons rugged, like ZT or Hinderer rugged?

I think I need to watch done YT. haha
 
I have a ZT562 and a ZT566. I carry and use them both from time to time. But there's nothing I'd do with either of them that I wouldn't do with any of my Emersons. The ZTs are tough, I'll give them that. But the Emersons are equally tough and more ergonomic, at least to me, because of their better handle shape and size for my hands.

G10 and 154CM are pretty robust materials. Add in the nylatron washers and the water-resistant lube Emerson uses (that many folks complain about) and there's not much to fail on an Emerson. You don't need any proprietary or unusual tools to disassemble one and the company doesn't care if you do disassemble it.

I still suggest trying an Endeavor. There are some stateside dealers with both PE and PS models in stock.
 
If you want a tanto , I love my Roadhouse . I also have an Endeavor with the thumb hole , both the thumb-disc and hole open just as easy . Once you get one Emerson , you will soon have collection of them .
 
I usually recommend a 7 or Commander for first time buyers, but any model is going to be "good." My experience with thumb holes on Emersons is that I wish they had a disc IN ADDITION...would be a great for secure openings. I guess the steel is too thin on such models for them to safely add a disc. And speaking of which, those recommending the CQC-10 for your situation may be spot on. Beautiful knife.

One thing I want to mention to the OP about discs is that they make a much more comfortable thumb platform than any knife spine, even jibbed. And it's especially noticeable when engaging in hard work with it. Combined with the superior ergonomics of Emerson handles, it makes for the most comfortable and non-fatiguing hold I know of on a knife for someone who likes to utilize a Filipino grip for chores and hard use.

Kershaw makes nice knives but they are not Emersons, even though they bear the word. You will likely find the personalities and feel of the two to be very different, IMO the Emerson winning.

Last thing for the OP is to be aware that Emersons can require a definite break-in period. Remember that if you get one....I recommend giving it a break-in period (say 500 openings) before you attempt ANY tweaking. And don't lube it--the factory lube is virtually lifetime. If you can have the patience for that, and not expect a 'speed flipper' right out of the box, you'll have a lifetime knife.

EDIT: btw, As to your question of ruggedness....Todd's pic above says it all. I've beat those things to death for decades; they all survived it.
 
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