I have been carrying a CQC-7 since it was the BM 970/ 975/ 970ST, and I owned all three, along with the improved Emerson Knives production (and custom) models as well. I still have my original BM970 which has been to heck and back, and traveled to 5 continents. While I could go on for hours regarding this knife, and other Emerson models used in the field, I will save you the boredom. the chisel grind is super simple to sharpen, maintain, and performs well, especially for certain applications. The Emerson used simple hardware instead of Thorx type screws, which is a plus for me personally. However, the chisel grind is definitely not for everybody........Out in the field, I have used the edging on auto-glass (side window) to keep the edge maintained, without any hassles.
Emerson remedied this with the addition of the CQC-7V which features a conventional v-grind. They can be a bit harder to find though, especially since the handles are in a desert tan colouration. For 99% of the public, the liner locks are fine, provided the user takes their properties into consideration. I have no real-world experience with this model of BM, so I do not feel as though I should comment on them. That said, I have heard good things from owners of them, who are quite finicky of the blades they carry.
