New Hard Use Knife

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NathanExplosion

Joined
Feb 9, 2009
Messages
175
Hey guys, tomorrow I will be ordering a new knife but I can't, for the life of me, choose which one. I'm on the fence between an Emerson CQC-7 and a Spyderco Paramilitary. I'm leaning just a little more towards the Para because I am already a fan of Spyderco, but there's just something about that 7 that I like Any suggestions as to which one of these I should get.
 
Paramilitary would be my choice of the two. But I would go with the Manix2 for hard use before either of those.
 
I think the para is hands down a much better knife. Just my opinion. But it does have a fairly thin tip and wont hold up as well as the 7 if you abuse it or do any prying with the tip. But I dont buy linerlocking knives anymore after a couple emersons liners that move back and forth with light pressure on the spine.
 
Doesn't the CQC-7 have the tanto point? If so I think you'd find the Para-Military a much more usable knife. Tanto blades are best for stabbing. And I don't know much about Emerson but I think their knives also have a chisel grind which you may find more difficult to sharpen. Just do your homework first before spending your money.
 
Well if you want a hard use knife then don't get a folder. I wouldn't recommend the para anyway, the tip is too fragile for 'hard use'
 
they are both plenty tough with good locks. the compression lock is ultimately stronger, but i doubt you will ever have to worry about failure with either.

the emerson will carry better, the para is a wide knife given the length of the blade. i find most spydercos to be pretty wide, mainly because of the spyderhole. and i find the para handle, in general, to be quite large relative to the blade size. the 7 has a better blade-handle ratio.

the saber grind on the emerson makes the tip thicker. ive broken the tip on a para doing fairly light cutting, though i dont feel it is weak, necessarily.

do you have a carry preference? the 7 is going to be tip up only, and the para tip down only.
 
NathanExplosion said:
you can get the 7 in spear point also I believe. I've done my homework on both knives, I just can't decide hahaha.
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When I've had to make decisions between what knife to get I've tried to figure out which one would best fill a gap in my collection and not just duplicate an intended use another knife I had already filled.

Without knowing what knives you have now I don't really know how to advise you, but for hard use I'm with steelsnob, go w/ the Manix 2.
 
Lock strength is nothing more than marketing. The only reason you would need a stronger lock is if the ones you are using are constantly failing you.
 
Well, both are good companies and I really love spyderco. Something to keep in mind though is that the cqc-7 is a chisel grind, which can limit its utility
 
Tenacious said:
Lock strength is nothing more than marketing. The only reason you would need a stronger lock is if the ones you are using are constantly failing you.
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No it isn't.

How many failed locks and damaged or maimed fingers does it take before deciding it's "constant"?
 
I admit that I have not used my para in many "hard use" situations but I really dont feel that the para should be classified as a hard use folder. I may be wrong on this as I do hear a lot of praise on the lock strength. However if I were in your boots looking for a folder that could stand some abuse I would be looking elsewhere. The Manix 2 is an excellent recommendation as is the Zero Tolerance line. I really recommend the 300, 200 and if you want something a little bit more compact check out the 350.
 
I have one, and love it.

It's quite a chunk of steel. The liners are very thick. It weighs 5.3 oz--doable for EDC.

The quality is particularly good. Beautiful grinds, mirror polished everywhere.

And, IMO, a bargain at about $135.
 
I just bought my Para and I am loving the knife it is a great knife for any strict "cutting" tasks. I quote because as everyone else here has already mentioned the tip has no reinforcement whatsoever. The knife is a tank though if cutting is your main purpose.

I do not own the Manix 2 but from the overall looks and reviews I have seen, it is quite a tank.
 
Going with what nevermind35 said about ZT Knives; if you really want something for hard use, then the ZT0500 MUDD may be the ticket. It has a neoprene sealed pivot, and lock. It is not flimsy at all. The handles are constructed from 7075 aluminum alloy, which is stronger than the normal 6061aluminum alloy you see used on many knives. This aluminum is covered with grippy G-10. Clip is set for tip up only carry right/left. Blade is thicker than the standard 1/8" aka .125", and is 5/32" aka .157" thick. Made of 154CM , it has a flat grind, and a short clip point that should be sturdy. You can get it for ~$145.00 online. Well worth taking a look if nothing more. Here is a link to a picture and description, click on the pic for a larger view. Pic from Knifecenter.

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=ZT0500
 
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