Spyderco Military Vs. Emerson CQC series - production and material quality comparison

[SaintWarrior]

While not made for prying, the Military is tougher than you're giving it credit for. I don't think you will lose the tip if you nick a screw.

I have got a rule not to buy any knives with cheap steel since I borrowed one Chinese made folding knife to a friend who tried to use it when repairing something in his furniture. The result was tragic as the tip of the knife was bended into the shape of a hook. Since then I have been carefully watching what I am buying and what materials it is made from.

 

[Noctis3880]

No, nothing "tacticool" just a knife that does it job well in cutting various things and will not crack if hits accidental screw or nail in the piece of wood. For the present time I have three more or less serious knives - full-size KA-BAR USMC 1217, Spyderco Military Digital Camo and Gerber Applegate-Fairbairn Covert. It is impossible to use KA-BAR somewhere outdoor as this thing is huge and I have to carry it in the bag or something it is bigger than a normal sized pistol, Gerber Covert is more for fun as I like the design of the knife very much so my main "knife workhorse" is Millie. So far I used it in the garrage, camping out and cutting, slicing various things and never had a problem. But the knife is expensive therefore naturally I don't want to break it some time and I wonder how strong this "fragile tip" actually is.

If you expect to hit nails or screws, then I doubt Emerson knives will hold up much better. I've broken the tips on both my Super CQC-7s and needed to regrind them both. IIRC from the S30V datasheet, S30V has about the same toughness, though my experience would show that S30V tends to roll rather than chip at Rc 58-60 while 154CM will chip rather than roll at Rc 57-59.

I would suggest the ZT 0350 or 030X as they have a thicker tip. However, bear in mind that better edge endurance usually equates to a tradeoff in slicing ability simply because a thicker blade won't cut as well as a thinner one.

 

[neuron]

The build quality of my Emerson CQC-10 is as good as any of my Spyderco Military's.

The lock strength is debatable, I would gather the steel locking liner will last longer on the Military vs the Emerson's Ti.

Blade strength goes to the Emerson, hands down.

This is exactly my experience as well. Emersons won't win any beauty contests, but in terms of things that matter for functionality -- lockup, action, and so forth -- all of the ones I have are excellent. I also agree with the other two points: a steel liner lock, all else being equal, will tend to wear less than a titanium one, and Emersons will tend to have an advantage in terms of blade strength since they tend to be thicker toward the tip than the Military and most other FFG Spydercos. As mentioned by someone else, though, if you're anticipating frequent metal-on-metal contact (screws, nails, etc.), that's going to be tough on the blade of any knife.

I really couldn't care less about any of EKI's marketing, "tactical" cachet, whether their knives were present when (insert terrorist's name) was captured/killed, and so forth. What I like about them are the superb ergonomics and very functional designs. In that way, their design philosophy actually kind of reminds me of Spyderco's, although Spyderco does of course push the envelope a lot more in terms of the variety of materials that they use.

 

[Noctis3880]

They're light for their size. That's the only thing about them that really sticks out to me.

 

[A.P.F.]

The build quality of my Emerson CQC-10 is as good as any of my Spyderco Military's.

The lock strength is debatable, I would gather the steel locking liner will last longer on the Military vs the Emerson's Ti.

Blade strength goes to the Emerson, hands down.

Such has been my experience as well. The Military is a superb knife given it's design purpose and I enjoy using them. Emersons are also superb knives for their design application and are a pleasure to use. As was mentioned, if you anticipate running into screws, staples and their ilk, give ZT a look. The ZT is not a 'slicer', but if you want to beat the snot out of it, you could do far worse.

 

[harkamus]

Any knife you drop where the tip hits the ground (assuming the ground is solid and not something like grass) will have a messed up tip, unless you have some super thick and very obtuse angled point. If it's pointy and thin enough, it'll likely have a damaged tip. Of course, there are certain blade geometries that are meant to make for a reinforced tip.

And please, tanto tips, especially the Americanized version, can mess up just as easily. Before someone chimes in and says get a tanto because the tip is designed for stabbing, have you actually stabbed something that was remotely hard? I used my brother's brand new 154cm tanto Griptillian to open a plastic blister pack and the tip snapped a few millimeters. A friend used his tanto Grip to open a similar plastic blister pack. It also had a damaged tip of a few millimeters. Now plastic is way softer than a concrete or hardwood floor, so what makes you think dropping something short of a sharpened pry bar will leave the tip perfectly fine? <---that was rhetorical

Not bashing American tantos either. I like them, but few can actually design them where the tip is both sturdy and useful to cut.

My 2 cents.

 

[HuntBomb]

Emerson's price-points are unrealistic for materials used and F+F. Not to mention their marketing techniques.

 

[ssblood]

Emerson has the best ergonomics of any knife I have ever owned. I've never held one that didn't seem to fit my hand perfect. From a super cqc7 to the prestige traveler. They all just feel perfect. YMMV.

 

[The Government]

Emerson makes a highly differentiated product. It is specific in its design and purpose, and to a certain degree a niche product within a niche market. If you want one, you will know it, and there wont be very much else that could satisfy that particular want.

Spyderco makes a much wider array of products. They make fighting knives, rescue knives, edc knives, and generally anything they feel will cut stuff and be useful. They also produce both high and low end knives.

For many reasons, it is difficult to compare Emerson to Spyderco. Their knives are designed with such different purposes in mind, and you can physically see those differences if you look at and analyze the designs as to how they would be useful.

Both companies make a great product IMHO. Paying for it is where you have to draw your own lines.

 

[singularity35]

Emerson makes a highly differentiated product. It is specific in its design and purpose, and to a certain degree a niche product within a niche market. If you want one, you will know it, and there wont be very much else that could satisfy that particular want.

Spyderco makes a much wider array of products. They make fighting knives, rescue knives, edc knives, and generally anything they feel will cut stuff and be useful. They also produce both high and low end knives.

For many reasons, it is difficult to compare Emerson to Spyderco. Their knives are designed with such different purposes in mind, and you can physically see those differences if you look at and analyze the designs as to how they would be useful.

Both companies make a great product IMHO. Paying for it is where you have to draw your own lines.

I generally agree but the OP seems to want a comparison between a specific knife(Spyderco Military) to the CQC series for which models are similar to each other in build barring only blade shapes.

 

[The Government]

I see huge differences in design when I compare any Emerson CQC knife to a Spyderco Military. The shapes of the blades and handles are drastically different from one another. The only thing that I would really consider similar is that they are both liner locks, and even those are significantly different.

It is all debatable and dependent on circumstances IMHO. Strengths can be weaknesses and visa-versa.

To identify any advantages one knife has over the other we would have to be specific about the purpose, or the task.

We cant just say that one knife has an absolute advantage over the other regardless of the task.

It is sometimes fun to try though.

If I could only have one: A Spyderco Military or an Emerson CQC-7A, it would be really hard to make the decision, but for a single knife to use for any random thing, I would agree that the Military holds the overall advantage for myself as well. The thing is, I am not always wandering into an abyss of random cutting chores.

 

[singularity35]

I see huge differences in design when I compare any Emerson CQC knife to a Spyderco Military. The shapes of the blades and handles are drastically different from one another. The only thing that I would really consider similar is that they are both liner locks, and even those are significantly different.

I was saying that the cqc line is similar among themselves except for blade shape. IMHO, there can be valid comparisons made between the military and any of the cqc line.

 

[Frozy]

If you don't need the wave function, it would be better not to get an emerson knife. For me, emerson knives doesn't fit my hand well. Except Cqc13.
There are quite alot of tactical folders that have a stronger tip than the military- Benchmade nitrous stryker, Cold Steel Ak47 (hey, this knife can be waved)
If steel isn't of much concern to u, u might want to consider the all G-10 large espada.

 

[SaintWarrior]

Emerson's price-points are unrealistic for materials used and F+F. Not to mention their marketing techniques.

I agree with that especially the marketing technique aspects. Do you remember that movie "Tears of the Sun"? Pure 2.5 hours of Emerson PUK commercial. People watch and see how NAVY SEALS Team Six are fighting with those knives and killing the bad guys. Naturally after that movie many people who weren't knife enthusiasts started thinking that Emerson Knives is the sole knife supplier for the elite special units. Then they go to the official Emerson Knives website and see all those remarks about SAS and other special forces opinions on these knives. Naturally they start grabbing and buying out those knives.

I mean Emersons are the best advertised knives out there compared to A-F combat series or something like that.

 

[tsuba]

Yes for routine cutting of various materials - cables, rubber, plastic etc. I am just a bit afraid that one day I will accidentally hit the floor or wall with the tip and damage it. Millie has a very streamlined and light blade comparing with other folders that is why I am concerned here. Emersons are more robust as far as I see.

You need the Extrema ratio R.A.O.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/869528-Extrema-Ratio-RAO
I carry mine in open position and I put my orange mili in the front pocket of the sheath when I need a good slicer.

 

[GMAHN]

I agree with that especially the marketing technique aspects. Do you remember that movie "Tears of the Sun"? Pure 2.5 hours of Emerson PUK commercial. People watch and see how NAVY SEALS Team Six are fighting with those knives and killing the bad guys. Naturally after that movie many people who weren't knife enthusiasts started thinking that Emerson Knives is the sole knife supplier for the elite special units. Then they go to the official Emerson Knives website and see all those remarks about SAS and other special forces opinions on these knives. Naturally they start grabbing and buying out those knives.

I mean Emersons are the best advertised knives out there compared to A-F combat series or something like that.

Oh hey look at this, first you start a thread with a question that is guaranteed to turn into an Emerson bash-fest and then you yourself join in on it. Pretty classy. You sound pretty worked up that people would buy an Emerson based off the idea that SF might use it. Maybe you can ask your favorite knife brand if SF might have ever used it so that you can feel good.
On the off chance that this thread is not a coordinated troll on Emerson knives like many seem to be on this site Emersons are hard to get because apparently people want them and their production does not meet or exceed demand. I would say the reasons that people buy Emerson knives are their great designs, their good materials (such as the Ti lock), and the wave. I will tell you that they don't buy them because they look as pretty as a Strider or because they get loads of love on this forum like Spydercos.

 

[SaintWarrior]

Oh hey look at this, first you start a thread with a question that is guaranteed to turn into an Emerson bash-fest and then you yourself join in on it.

I just noted the fact that any knifemaker had never been so positively advertised in media like Emerson Knives company. In terms of knives 2003 "Tears of the sun" movie is pure Emerson Knives commercial after which Emerson sales bumped up beyond the horizon. Seriously speaking I don't care what knives were used by SF units and what were not as it is a personal preference for every user/operator. I just say that Emerson has "SPEC WAR" logos everywhere, combat history remarks in the description of every knife including folding ones while other knives do not have that.

 

[GMAHN]

I just noted the fact that any knifemaker had never been so positively advertised in media like Emerson Knives company. In terms of knives 2003 "Tears of the sun" movie is pure Emerson Knives commercial after which Emerson sales bumped up beyond the horizon. Seriously speaking I don't care what knives were used by SF units and what were not as it is a personal preference for every user/operator. I just say that Emerson has "SPEC WAR" logos everywhere, combat history remarks in the description of every knife including folding ones while other knives do not have that.

I did not know that you have statistics about Emerson knife sales before and after Tears of the Sun was released in theaters. Can you provide those along with the source? Don't worry because I won't hold my breath.
I also like how earlier you agreed with a poster's comment that Emerson's materials as well as fit and finish are unrealistic compared to the price which is interesting considering that you don't seem to own one judging by your first post.
This most recent post of yours is also enlightening since you claim at the same time to not care if SF uses a knife but then make your second mention in this thread about Emerson's military ties which you seem to contest.
If you are not a troll then you are certainly going about finding good information in the least effective way possible.

 

[SaintWarrior]

I did not know that you have statistics about Emerson knife sales before and after Tears of the Sun was released in theaters. Can you provide those along with the source? Don't worry because I won't hold my breath.

All the statistics are in the online shops listings. These knives are not available for purchasing. In general knife/outdoor gear stores they are not available at all (at least here in Northern Europe) and in online shops you get such notices like here on Knifecenter

PLEASE NOTE: Emerson knives are often hard to get and waiting times for items that are not marked "in Stock" can be months

.

Trust me I have enough cash to buy any Emerson out there, but they won't sell it. Give me any store that will accept MasterCard and will ship the knife after the payment and I will buy any CQC or PUK or something. It is impossible! When I was buying my Spyderco Military Digital Camo I asked the local dealer how could I order and get Emerson in my location. They told me that it is nearly impossible to get one and suggested to take the Millie saying that it is as good as Emerson folders and is a "folding classic". I bought my Millie in the result.

After that I started digging Emerson Knives website just to find out what is so special about those knives. And I saw that handle materials were the same G-10, steel was worse - 154CM, liner lock was titanium though and SPEC WAR badges on all blades.

I started researching various forums on these knives but found nothing but unclear exclamations. "You hold any Emerson knife - you hold a real thing" etc. etc.

That's why I absolutely don't understand why Emersons are that expensive, of that constant unavailability while Spydercos are almost the same. What makes people grabbing those knives out? Probably carefully maintained reputation of "elite gear" choosen by specialists as it has been shown in "Tears of the Sun" movie and noted in the description of every knife.

Description of PUK:

Members of the British SAS have said, "Now this is the knife we've been waiting for." Because of the design features of this knife it is perfect for the serious off road trekker, and I mean from Afghanistan to the Belgian Congo.

Description of Super CQC-8:

I don&#8217;t know if you all know the history of the CQC-8 but it has been a favorite among certain &#8220;circles&#8221; in Britain&#8217;s Famed SAS regiment for years and has been in action since the Bosnian Conflict. It is a true battle hardened veteran that has seen action in every theatre since the 1980&#8217;s. That&#8217;s going on 30 years now.

Description of Commander:

The knife, already in use with elite armed forces, European Military strike teams and NATO Counter-Terrorist units throughout the world was chosen by the U.S. Navy SEAL teams for issue to special units within the Naval Special Forces Units.

 

[dongbeiren]

never owned any Emersons, but I have a Spyderco Military, the locking bar is steel and it is really tight, the knife itself is kinda too big for everyday carry but the built quality is definitely good.