Spyderco or Emerson

S

sj29

Joined
Mar 7, 2009
Messages
16
Ok...I've narrowed my search for my next edc down to the emerson cqc10 black, or the spyderco paramilitary black blade....I know I want both knives, but $$ is tight....opinions on the two might make it easier to figure which one to buy.....(first):D
thanks....
 
Para for me, I have two Emersons but I like my Para for EDC better because it is lighter and the full flat grind makes a wicked sharp edge(I have the D2 version so it holds the edge even longer) and the compression lock is great too it locks up very solid and closing is a breeze.
 
I think it would boil down to if you like a clip point (Spyderco) or spear point (Emerson) and if you prefer a round hole opener over an oval hole and if you need/want a wave feature or not. Lots of things to consider. The Emerson is a bit longer 3.6 vs. 3.3 for the Spyderco. Both are "V" grind and super sharp out of the box. As for the price point, the Emerson seems to be a bit pricier. I have handled the Emerson CQC-10 and own a Spyderco Paramilitary. I seem to like the Spyderco a lot better. The blade is smaller than the handle but ergonomically, I find it perfect. I really don't think you could go wrong with either knife. It all depends on what you like the most.
 
Of the two, the Emerson is a little bigger and thicker, and has better ergonomics (at least for my hand). Plus, for me, the wave is IT.
But you need to think about what you'll use it for, how and where you'll carry it, etc. Then go find them both and see how they fit your hand. That should be the clencher. You can't go wrong with either company.
 
Two wonderful knives. I have no preference for opening systems, and can take or leave the wave.To my hand, the Emerson feels better, but everyone's hand is different. As mentioned above, try to handle each and the choice will probably become obvious.
 
Take Para! It's a great knife!

para4.jpg
 
If you want a (IMO)better lock, better steel.. and a better cutter.. get the para...
These are a bit cheaper too.. I mean.. There have been many for sale at 95-105$ new or like new...

para2.jpg

PICT0845.jpg

PICT0329.jpg
PICT0352.jpg

PICT0765.jpg

PICT0822.jpg
 
Last edited:
I have Spydies and an Emerson. The Emerson feels really good in the hand, but the chisel grind is just annoying. Why does Emerson have to be different? There's a reason that all the other knife companies sharpen both sides. I mean, I like the Commander, but I won't really use it because of that "feature". Spydies all the way.
 
The Emerson is likely better suited for self defense; because of the wave (it's open the moment it has left your pocket), and the much more substantial finger guard (preventing your hand from slipping towards the edge when you stab something hard, like bone).

The Para has better geometry for cutting and will likely hold its edge longer. The compression lock of the para is also superior to the CQC10's liner lock IMO, though both these knives are very well made and I wouldn't be concerned about lock failure on either of them.
 
Chewy1 said:
I have Spydies and an Emerson. The Emerson feels really good in the hand, but the chisel grind is just annoying. Why does Emerson have to be different? There's a reason that all the other knife companies sharpen both sides. I mean, I like the Commander, but I won't really use it because of that "feature". Spydies all the way.
Click to expand...

Not all Emersons are chisel ground. The CQC 10 is V-ground.
 
The CQC-10 is easy to sharpen, it was the first knife that I was able to get to take a good edge. It's nothing like the grind on the CQC-7s.

I can't stand the Para, but love my full sized Military. It's lighter, by far, than any of the Emerson folders I've handled, with just as much blade to work with.
 
I felt the para and was not impressed with the lock that everyone seems to like. I edc a Emerson and a spyderco native. I always go for the Emerson.
 
Nowadays, I tend to favor lighter knives. The Para's lighter & if you sprang for the D2 Para, you'd have one of the best blade steels, IMHO. There's nothing wrong with Emerson's 154CM & it's probably pretty close to Spyderco's S30V, but I found their CPMD2 to be better than both in edge holding.

As for locks, I don't mind a well done liner-lock & the Emerson definitely is that. However, I also like compression locks & it is ambidextrous, which is nice too. I'm right handed, but depending on what else I'm carrying, I like to have a knife on my "weak" side, too.

Right out of the box, the Para's going to be a better user, IMHO, because of it's "true" V-grind & edge. While the CQC-10's blade is definitely better than their chisel grind tantos, it's still not as good as a full V-grind edge in comparable steel. However, if you're good at sharpening, you should be able to put a 2nd edge on the Emerson.

The Para also has a choil, which is nice if you need to do precision cuts. However, the Emerson has more blade. Other than I prefer tip-up, the shorter blade on the Para is probably my only gripe about it.

Good luck with whatever you get.
 
I have had plenty of Spyderco's and they are great knives. But I always seem to get rid of them after a while. I know have an Emerson and it's a Tank of knife. Make sure you look in the Emerson Forum here like I did. It will give you more info. In all fairness there is a Spyderco forum in case you were not aware...

DSC05424.jpg
 
Dave..Someday I need to try that stubby .. I remember your battle between the two knives..:D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top