Recommendation for an Emerson..........(can't believe I'm asking this)

CQC-10. Best ergos, spearpoint blade, thumbhole, wave. It was my first ever Emerson, a decision that came about after I handled all the knives on their table at a knife show.
 
My view about Emersons is similar to yours, after owning a couple I still think they are overpriced for the materials and F&F, but I have to admit the designs are excellent and Mr. Emerson really knows how to make a good handle.

My favourite for EDC is the Persian. You might want to try out something with a wave, like the Commander.
 
THE SKINNY: Buy a regular-sized Emerson first. Not a mini-anything. Size DOES matter. Some are too small, some too big, some just right.

Now, The Rest of the Story.

I bought a Horseman first, was so excited, and when it came I was disappointed. WAAY too small. Felt that way about a Smith and Wesson Model 19 .357 pistol I bought one day long ago also. I traded it in the next day for a Model 57 .41 Magnum. That thing is a cannon and truly a proper handgun, deserving of the Smith and Wesson name. Look it up.

With the Horseman, I kept it. But the next day I also ordered a regular CQC8. And just like the Model 57, the regular CQC8 is something I will never part with, until I die. Actually, not even then.

So MY recommendation is not to buy a mini ANYTHING Emerson. IMO get a regular sized, proper knife, then decide if you want it smaller. Otherwise you won't get giving an "Emerson knife" truly a fair shake.

He later brought out the Journeyman, and I like the blade shape better. But the blade was too short for me, at 3 1/2" or so. You might find it perfect.

But without the Persian-looking "hump" on my 8s, the underlying blade is so close to a Journeyman that I realized all I had to do was to remove the hump on my 8-shaped blades and I'd have exactly what I wanted.

So I did. With a belt sander in the garage in 15 minutes after taking the thumb disc off each, replacing when finished.

The result is I have two knives he's never produced, but are exactly what I wanted. A mini and a Super Journeyman. They ROCK, at least for me they do.

The modified Horseman I carry in town on when I'm on one of my Sportbikes for knife duties and SD if ever needed. Don't think it ever will happen, but I'd depend on an Emerson over any other knife.

Open, ready for business in two seconds flat. Period. NOTHING comes out of your pocket ready for business like an Emerson. I've tried with my auto Benchmade Infidel to beat it. No luck!

So my recommendation, as a fellow knife person, is to try a full size, and I really like the 8.

It's a classic Emerson, ask the SAS, and the choil will protect your hand better that the 7. The 7 handle is too straight, and when the G10 becomes really worn it's too slippery. Kinda dangerous, my friend's 7 is in that condition. Plus the chisel-grind is a PITA to sharpen and get a GOOD edge.

I took the 8s to a local knife shop and had a proper edge put on them, sorted that issue once and for all. Pretty simple, really.

I think you'll find you soon love an Emerson. I have 3 Sebenzas, 21s and a 25. Numerous Benchmades.

But my Emerson is in a different category. I use it like a proper tool, without worry, and that is priceless.

And when I die, it's going in the box with me. I might need it later!
 
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jmclfrsh said:
But without the Persian-looking "hump" on my 8s, the underlying blade is so close to a Journeyman that I realized all I had to do was to remove the hump on my 8-shaped blades and I'd have exactly what I wanted.

So I did. With a belt sander in the garage...
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I'd love to see some pics, man!
 
I carried a Commander in my right front pocket toward the outside edge and a P-Sark in my left front pocket against the inside edge for a couple of years. It was cool because since they both had the wave, I could draw them both at the same time and have the commander in forward grip in my right hand and the P-Sark in reverse grip in my left hand. That was pretty cool at parties.....

I have had a LOT of Emersons, and my vote goes to the Mini Commander. If I could have only one, it would be the Mini Commander. They aren't that "mini" by the way. The SOCFK would be a close second.
 
Strong-Dog said:
For the longest time, I've been "prejudiced" against Emersons. To me, they seem like they have absolutely no value, and are pieces of crap. The soft 154cm, lack of F&F, and overall lack of value
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You forgot to add the completely illogical lefty chisel grind and illogical titanium liner-lock with steel opposite liner ;)

Anyway I would suggest the Emerson Horseman is your best bet. I felt and did exactly the same: gave them an illogical fair shot and bought an Horseman. Sold it within two weeks ;)
 
Jeru said:
You forgot to add the completely illogical lefty chisel grind and illogical titanium liner-lock with steel opposite liner ;)

Anyway I would suggest the Emerson Horseman is your best bet. I felt and did exactly the same: gave them an illogical fair shot and bought an Horseman. Sold it within two weeks ;)
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Well, if it's what I'm expecting it'll get sold very soon. I think the Mini CQC-8 is the same as a Horseman, just smaller? I don't know for sure but I think that's what I decided on. By the way I love that quote about democracy.
 
EDC your new Emerson for at least 6 weeks before you share your thoughts. They tend to grow on you.
 
Pretty much everything everyone has said here is correct. I picked up my first CQC7 in 1999 and sold it in 2012. Wasn't my favorite knife and in many ways it didn't make sense. I did find my self carrying it a lot and just picked up another one this week. Don't over think a Emerson, find a 7 or a Horseman at a good price and go for it.
 
Buy CQC8. I have got it, do not carry it much, but find it at least a remarkable and unusual knife: so worth trying.
 
My take on Emerson is very similar to your initial impression, less than stellar, and I've tried a few. All of them had significant structural/functional problems, beyond just unimpressive f&f. I'm not trying to dissuade you from purchasing one or stir up any trouble, but if I were to make one suggestion it would be to get an older one if possible. Before they switched factories they made much better, although still not great, products (just my humble opinion). That being said, If you're interested in trying one out, I'd still encourage you to do so and form your own opinion based on your own experience. The 8 and 15 were the most ergonomic of those I've tried.
 
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The "Horseman" is a mini CQC8. It is a PM2-sized knife. Think .38 special.

The CQC8 is a normal sized knife, like a Military. Think .357 Magnum.

And the Super CQC8 is a large knife. If you have big mitts, if will fit you perfectly. If you have normal sized hands, you'll feel like you're carrying a big-ass knife. Because you are. Think .44 Magnum.

I had one, traded it but know where it is and thinking of buying it back. I kinda miss it.

If you like small knives, try the Horseman. I like the regular 8 the best, feels just right. And if you want a larger-than-normal folder, go for the Super. It's Emerson's largest knife.
 
For what it's worth, I picked up a Horseman as my first Emerson a little while ago, and I wasn't exactly impressed. My first cutting task involved taking off some zip ties from a couple of hoses and the edge of the blade towards the tip got tweaked. I'm hoping I just got a bad batch of steel, but it still makes me a little wary of owning any more.
 
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8 or commander. I'm 6'2" 210 and have medium sized hands. Minis feel too small for me.

The 8 was made waveless back in 2004 for a brief period, FYI.
 
I'd say go with the mini cqc-8 horseman and if you quite enjoy the wave and the design pick up one of the ZT Emerson Collabs with superior f+f
 
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