What's all the hype about the Kershaw-Emerson CQC?

craytab said:
Only took 16 posts for someone to throw out a fanboy blast.....:rolleyes:
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And only 8 posts to critque a negative post, without adding their own positive experience. [emoji6]

I can't carry an auto in public either. But am very tempted to get a Launch 5 just for around the house.[emoji4]
 
I've bought a few as gifts and those who received them have loved them. Fit and finish have stayed good since day one, all are still in service. One in particular has been beat on pretty well and still looks pretty good after some farm use.

I believe you can say what you want about them but obviously these are still super popular and a great deal for what you get. I think for both KAI and Mr. Emerson this collaboration has been a huge success.
 
James Y said:
I've also read a lot of that and find it very odd that someone would just "toss a knife in the trash". But I suppose it's their money and their stuff. Maybe some people don't consider the warranty on a $30 product worth the hassle.

Personally, if I wanted an Emerson design, I'd go for one of KAI's ZT line of collaborations. You'd spend more but get a better knife; IMO, better than a real Emerson product.

Jim
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I actually was looking at some of those. I might be mistaken, but the ZT 0556 is a hinderer design, no? Would you suggest it? Or a different model?
Thanks
 
You guys need to relax. We all like knives, that's why we're on this site. Some of us only get $20-$30 dollar knives, others spend $500-$1000 on hinderers and sebenza. No ones the same. We live different lifestyles and there's no need to argue. I'm 22, and I know a lot of you are older, some younger..we don't need this drama. So forgive and forget, agree to disagree whatever you need to do. I'm looking to spark intelligent conversations, and thoughtful advice, not arguments.

I appreciate it.
 
The price of an Emerson-made Emerson is sorta high for those who are unsure if they would like chisel grinds and wave opening. The Kershaws allow one to try out the features before committing to the expensive original.

I did just that. I discovered Emersons are not for me.
 
Nephron44 said:
I don't know what your day job is, but $30 to me isn't disposable. ... Regardless of brand, I just appreciate the value of the American dollar too much to literally throw away my money.
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Same here. So I'm glad Todd related that the knfe had such problems. I'll pass on wasting my money on it. Or wasting time on buying one and returning it.
 
I have the CQC-4KXL it's, well, okay. Minor lock rock, grind is a bit off, but totally usable. It was worth what I paid for it, but not much more. That said, the next cheapest alternative with a wave opener is probably a $70 waved Spyderco Endura, literally twice the price I paid. I have my issues with Ernie Emerson, but he's a great designer and one who's designs have simply never been available at that price.

Would I buy another one? No, not really worth it to me. The one I have will likely end up a gift, possibly after a trip to KAI to correct the lock rock. Do I regret buying it? Nah, it's an okay knife for the money, just not a spectacular one. If I start feeling like I need a cheap, waved knife again in the future I'll probably buy a Byrd and throw a zip tie on it.
 
Todd21969 said:
Upset a couple fanbois I guess.

It developed play after waving. The warranty on a $30 knife just isn't worth the hassle.

Even after tweaking the lockbar over it would not remove the play.

So yes I tossed it, bought a Mini 15 that has been in my pocket for the past 6 months.
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I didn't see anyone upset, but might be a good idea to get a feel for the place before you start either hurling insults, baiting people, or looking for ways to get offended yourself. Seriously. Sorry to hear that your experience was negative, good thing is that there are hundreds of manufacturers with 1,000s of models to choose from, sounds like you found something that works for you, and that is all that matters. If you want to proudly and loudly state you threw a $30 folder in the trash, then good for you too. It is after all, your money. Just don't get upset when someone comments on it, we are not going to play the "one up on you" game, here. Rest assured.
 
IMO the cqc8k is the best of the bunch and closest to an actual emerson (as its the only non framelock). I really wish the whole line up were liner locks and not framelocks. But they are definitely a great bang for your buck. Emersons are not known to have exquisite fit and finish anyway, so with this collaboration you get an emerson design and good construction, albeit Chinese made with 8cr13mov steel. I carry my 8k all the time and love the wave feature. Ernie Emerson has had a tough time moving away from 154cm steel for years, although it seems he is making an effort to do so with some crucible steel offerings. That said, the 8cr isn't a huge drop off from 154cm considering it's only $30 (compared to $225) for the knife and built well with a good warranty. Also for leftys, they are all tapped for right left carry and with Emersons you have to pay an extra $25 for that option, except for the Sheepdog as its the only emerson that comes tapped for both.
 
A CQC7k is what got me wanting the real thing, so now I primarily carry an Emerson. They're great blades for the price, don't like them, don't get one.
 
OPINION ALERT....

Personally, I don't know what the draw is, other than Mr. Emerson's name, design features and price point. Given the little I know about and have heard Ernie say, I'm surprised the collaboration even happened. Just seems pretty contrary to what he portrays about himself and values.
 
I bought the CQC-4KXL and was a little disappointed at first. I could not open it with the thumb disk without a huge effort, the blade rubbed the liner on closing, and the lock barely engaged. I was ready to send it back but I figured at this price point it was worth taking apart and tweaking for giggles and grins. Turns out all it need was a little pivot screw tweaking and break in. Now I have a pretty cool Emerson design knife that locks up and centers pretty well. I can also flip it open with some wrist action, the wave opening works fine. I think it is a great value if you are willing to give it a shot even if it is not perfect out of the box.

PS If anyone wants to throw away knives just send them to me, I will even pay for shipping and your trouble!
 
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I have a 4k, 6k, 7k, and 8k. I will likely buy the 9k too. My 6k is great and one of my favorite folders. The 8k really surprised me, i thought they were goofy looking and sort of "cheap". Then i held one. The liner locks up better than any liner lock i've ever held. It's comfortable, the g10 is great, because of this knife i will buy an Emerson cqc7. My 7k locks up fine, but it doesn't have that solid loud "clack" lockup sound like the 6 and 8k. My 4k is great and i carried it for quite a while, but it does have a bit of play and the lockup isn't as confident as the others.

I really don't think you can do better for the price.
 
Lemme see,
Those who own actual emersons are not about to down grade their user standards.
Whilst those who are excited about the emerson styling or design would be most tempted to try it out.
And those who do, would probably find that it holds up as good aas any $30 chinese folder would.
Bottomline, its has to be the legendary signature emerson features
Which creates the buzz.
 
ZuluKilo said:
I appreciate you linking that Velitrius, but it doesn't change my opinion of Mr. Emerson...it kind of reinforces it actually.
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Oh, I was sure that wouldn't change anybody's mind... it was just a blurb on why he chose Kershaw is all.

I'm totally down with your opinion, pretty much hold the same myself.
 
ZuluKilo said:
Personally, I don't know what the draw is, other than Mr. Emerson's name, design features and price point.
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I think you pretty much established what the draw is. I have several Kershaw imports with 8Cr13MoV steel, and can confidently say that nobody is choosing one on account of materials. For those who like Emerson designs (I'm not one of them) it is a good "gateway" purchase, especially for a Kershaw and/or budget knife enthusiast.

Some people like boxers, others briefs, and some commando. I'm not going to question it.
 
Todd21969 said:
Upset a couple fanbois I guess.

It developed play after waving. The warranty on a $30 knife just isn't worth the hassle.

Even after tweaking the lockbar over it would not remove the play.

So yes I tossed it, bought a Mini 15 that has been in my pocket for the past 6 months.
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I was actually making a joke- go back and reread my post, and see if you can spot it.

I was also curious, if you notice me staying you might have put it to "hard use" what you used it for. I have hard use knives and soft use ones. As for throwing in the trash, I just think that's a waste when you could just gift someone a knife that doesn't use knives hard so the lock rock isn't an issue.

But you're free to feel offended by me.

Zero
 
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