Mini CQC7 or Mini Commander for EDC.

S

SuperBro

Joined
Oct 20, 2010
Messages
67
Hi everyone,

I'm looking of getting either a mini CQC7 or a mini commander. I want to know what really is more functional in an EDC sense. I don't like the way the 7's handle is shaped where there is a possibility of my hand slipping forward, whereas I really do not see this happening with the deep handle groove of the mini com. However, it looks like the mini com would be a nightmare to sharpen by myself but I can do the 7 in my sleep looks like it.

Thanks
 
In my opinion, most Emerson's do not fit the EDC role well. Their blade profiles are aimed at heavy duty use. This comes at a sacrifice of slicing ability. For most EDC tasks, a thinner, preferably flat ground blade works great.

I was cutting down a large cardboard shipping container (new fridge at work) and while my Horseman did cut, it came with great effort. My little Spyderco Dragonfly (thinner, full flat ground blade) did a much better job.

If you like a knife enough, you'll make it work for you. If you really want a great EDC, you'll likely have a better tool for the job from other sources. There are fine choices from Kershaw, Spyderco, Benchmade, Chris Reeve Knives, and others. As far as Emerson, I'm partial to the commander series. Great handle on that one.
 
I would recommend the Mini Commander. The Commander series (I have all but the Uber) is just a great design/execution and very quick and handy out of the pocket. I routinely EDC an Emerson because I like the fact that they are overbuilt for many tasks but able to do it all. Emerson's designs fall right in the sweet spot between being able to slice open an envelope and cutting through radiator hose with ease.

Mark
 
I've had both of them, and commander for edc hands down. I carry my commander everywhere and I love that knife it and the cqc 8 series of knives are my favorite. The cqc 7 is a bad ass knife with a reputation to match but for edc I don't like the tanto.
 
I have had both and think the Commander would be a better EDC knife. The Mini 7 is really MINI while the Mini Commander is more like other knives that aren’t so mini lol... It’s a good compromise of cutting power with the re-curved blade and handle ergonomics. It’s actually pretty easy to sharpen as long as you have a stick style sharpener instead of a flat block. The 7 is easy to sharpen and is a strong knife but it’s better for straight cutting and piercing. Based on that alone and the fact that you may want more of a ergonomic handle the Commander is the way to go. If size is a big deal you can always do a search for a Micro Commander. It’s got a 2.9” blade, but can be pretty hard to find. You may have some luck asking around here.
 
Mini Commander! Like others, mine is my edc. I never go anywhere without it. The feel of the handle to the shape of the blade it's a great overall folder. Mr. Emerson did a great job developing this knife.
 
Either one COULD suit you just fine. Both have exceptional design merits, but a lot of it will come down to preference. I now carry a fullsized CQC7 as my EDC, but like the minis. You really don't have to worry about your hand running down the blade, unless you're out and about doing undercut stabs; something I see to be a little unlikely...hopefully. I like the choil on the Commander, but find the mini a little 'strange' in a way. The full sized seems to fit better, and the same for the Horseman.

Honda is correct is saying that it's not ALWAYS the best for EDC, as Emerson does make a hard-use folder. My 7 will shred cardboard, but it does come with a little extra effort, due to blade thickness. The chisel is also something to get used to, but I've never once asked myself "am I going to chip my blade if I do this?"

Do I need such a built up knife?? No. But the way I like to think of it, is that I can drive a Hummer into the city, but I sure as sh*t can't take a Lambo through the trails.
 
If you use the edge of a sharpening stone/block, you should be able to sharpen the M Comm's blade. Minus the serrations of course.
 
+1 for Commander. I don't have a Mini or Micro, but I do have the regular, Super, and UBR. I love the recurve, it cuts so aggressively.
 
Commander vote for me but you may also consider the 15 or mini-15 for EDC, it still has a recurve and retains the slightly less severe tanto tip from the 7... the blade shape is really a hybrid of the commander and the 7 models. I prefer it over my 7, as it carries better (i find the 7 models "boxy" feeling in the pocket) and the recurve blade really performs better for a variety of EDC cutting tasks.

IMAG0418.jpg
 
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Thanks for all the replies. Looks like the mini commander wins by a landslide lol. That CQC 15 is also very nice.. hmmm.. another very viable choice.

What finish works best for edc? I'm thinking the bt will hold up against rust better with it protecting the blade from moisture in the pocket or if you have to cut anything wet. Or does it not really matter?
 
Finish is preference really, I have a stone wash road house that is my edc(also a great choice :) ) i havent had any problems with rust I just make sure if it gets wet that I wipe it down when convenient and every week or two just give the blade a light coat of clp then wipe it off and anything that was on there is now gone
Your mileage may very
Joe
 
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