- Joined
- Sep 23, 2007
- Messages
- 822
After years trying a variety of knives, I settled on Emerson about 10 years ago. I carried a CQC-7 for a few years, but not being a huge fan of the chisel grind, I later switched to the CQC-10. Now it is time to update, so here is what I am thinking....
I live in So. Calif., and the knife carry laws here are surprisingly reasonable (given that the firearms laws are absolutely draconian)! I can carry a 4" folder most anywhere I go, except LA County which has a 3" limit (I rarely go to LA anyway!). Emerson is based in LA County, and his blade lengths seem to reflect the needs of a So. Californian perfectly....
For every day carry I am in the suburbs, so I need a "defense/urban survival" knife. On weekends, we usually escape town for the outdoors, riding ATVs in the mountains or desert, camping, hiking, etc., so there I need more of a "defense/utility" knife.
I have been experimenting with the Karambits for the "urban" scenario. I absolutely love this handle...it makes so much sense! No way are you going to drop this thing or get disarmed in a high stress encounter. Turned in the reverse direction with the blade facing up/forward and the index finger in the hole, you can just go into boxing mode leading with the blade....simple, natural, and uncomplicated!
I am not sure how much I like the classic curved Karambit blade, but I am experimenting with it and trying to warm up to it. I do like the Bullnose Karambit (which is obviously based on one of my all-time favorites the CQC-10), but wish they had a version with a longer blade than just 2.7". In the end, I will probably settle on the Super Karambit (3.4") for every day carry, and one of the smaller under 3" versions for "LA" carry.
As for an outdoor knife, it's the CQC-12 all the way! During outdoor adventures I could be thrown into a survival situation at any time. While I do consider a good multi-tool and a light hatchet to be the most essential edged tools for wilderness survival in North America, having a larger knife along is a great addition.
I live in So. Calif., and the knife carry laws here are surprisingly reasonable (given that the firearms laws are absolutely draconian)! I can carry a 4" folder most anywhere I go, except LA County which has a 3" limit (I rarely go to LA anyway!). Emerson is based in LA County, and his blade lengths seem to reflect the needs of a So. Californian perfectly....
For every day carry I am in the suburbs, so I need a "defense/urban survival" knife. On weekends, we usually escape town for the outdoors, riding ATVs in the mountains or desert, camping, hiking, etc., so there I need more of a "defense/utility" knife.
I have been experimenting with the Karambits for the "urban" scenario. I absolutely love this handle...it makes so much sense! No way are you going to drop this thing or get disarmed in a high stress encounter. Turned in the reverse direction with the blade facing up/forward and the index finger in the hole, you can just go into boxing mode leading with the blade....simple, natural, and uncomplicated!
I am not sure how much I like the classic curved Karambit blade, but I am experimenting with it and trying to warm up to it. I do like the Bullnose Karambit (which is obviously based on one of my all-time favorites the CQC-10), but wish they had a version with a longer blade than just 2.7". In the end, I will probably settle on the Super Karambit (3.4") for every day carry, and one of the smaller under 3" versions for "LA" carry.
As for an outdoor knife, it's the CQC-12 all the way! During outdoor adventures I could be thrown into a survival situation at any time. While I do consider a good multi-tool and a light hatchet to be the most essential edged tools for wilderness survival in North America, having a larger knife along is a great addition.
