Paramilitary Vs Emerson Mini CQC7

G

Gao8

Joined
Apr 7, 2008
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I'm looking into a new EDC knife. I'm familiar with the "wave" feature of the emerson as I've carried my wave delica for quite a while now and like the concept. I've also heard very good things about the paramilitary in almost all aspects.

But I need help deciding between the Emerson mini CQC7 or the Spyderco paramilitary. Its currently only a $10 difference in price (para is less expensive) with the option of D2 and cpm s30v at the same price for the para (which one is better btw?) at my local online retailer.

Thanks and happy holidays to everyone on this forum.
 
Wow, tough choice. I think it's a toss up as far as quality is concerned. I'd try to get one of each in my hand and go with whichever one feels better to you.
 
I'd go with the Para. The CQC7 is a nice knife but I've been able to disengage the locks on the ones that I've handled just by gripping the handle hard. The Para has a much stonger and more importantly, more reliable lock. Ergos goes to the Para. The only thing I see that the cqc7 has over the para is that the tip on the para is weaker.
 
D2 for edge holding, S30V for keener edge and more rust resistance.

While the Emersons are indeed wonderful knives something about the Para resonates just right for me.

A few notes:
The thumbhole offers a lot of purchase, even under adverse conditions.
The compression lock is widely regarded as one of the strongest in the industry.
The pointy tip of the Para is stronger than it looks (but you should be nice to it anyway).

Let me just say this-- if I didn't EDC a Small Sebenza every day the Paramilitary would still be in my pocket. I carried the Para for two years and really beat the crap out of it. Took it like a champ.
 
I've owned both and truthfully have to give the nod to the Para as well. The mini you can only find in a tanto point most of the time. Kind of limits it usefulness if you ask me. That being said if you were talking a 7a or b well that might be a different story. But you aint' so Para it is. keepem sharp
 
With either steel, I much prefer the Para Military.

The Mini CQC-7 is a good, time-tested, much-fabled design. That being said, the PM is one of the best EDC and general-use knives available, in my opinion. The CPM-sourced blade steels, flat-ground blades, excellent size, aesthetics, and ergonomics, plus the compression lock (which is significantly stronger than most liners) lead to a very well-performing knife. Get one and you'll see what I mean! :thumbup:
 
I love both of my Emersons and I like the CQC 7 and I love all of my Spydercos and have been EDCing my Mini Manix for the past week or two and I have a Paramilitary on the way to me right now in the D2 steel sprint run so go with what you like and that's all that I can say.
 
I own both knives can't go wrong with either, CQC7 is great if you are looking for conceal. compared to spyderco. One of the major problems as I see it between both knives is metal cqc7 is brittle. I've broken The tip of the emerson a couple of times that required me to regrind it. I also like the thumb rest on the spyderco more than the emerson. Can't go wrong with either knife.
 
+1 more for para. Spyderco has better fit and finish IMHO. As far as for the toughness, just make sure you use the knife as a knife, not as a prybar (or even hatchet), and you'll be fine.
 
hannibal lecter spyderco said:
I own both knives can't go wrong with either, CQC7 is great if you are looking for conceal. compared to spyderco. One of the major problems as I see it between both knives is metal cqc7 is brittle. I've broken The tip of the emerson a couple of times that required me to regrind it. I also like the thumb rest on the spyderco more than the emerson. Can't go wrong with either knife.
Click to expand...

I have a CQC-7b and I haven't found that the steel is brittle at all.
 
Kaizen1 said:
I'd go with the Para. The CQC7 is a nice knife but I've been able to disengage the locks on the ones that I've handled just by gripping the handle hard. The Para has a much stonger and more importantly, more reliable lock. Ergos goes to the Para. The only thing I see that the cqc7 has over the para is that the tip on the para is weaker.
Click to expand...

My thoughts exactly. Then again I also think that liner locks suck. ;)
 
Both are well designed knives but the Para is definately geared more towards utility......but since I have a craze for Tom Krein regrind work I have to say that any reground, zero edge, Emerson would make a Para-Military almost look like a butter knife by comparison.....
 
After lots of reading and support from this thread, I went with the para, now for the shipping wait :(.

Thanks guys :)
 
David Lowry said:
My thoughts exactly. Then again I also think that liner locks suck. ;)
Click to expand...

Liner locks aren't my favorite but there are some nice liner lock Emersons out there and others like the Spyderco CF Militaries. Generally speaking, the liner locks are further down on my priority list.
 
All the Emersons I've seen are 154CM and that is a great steel. I have had Emersons for years and have worked them hard with no ill effects. I currently carry a CQC13 my son-in-law gave me a few years ago and it solid as the day he gave it to me and i use my knives.
 
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