Why is the Horseman called the Horseman and not the Mini CQC-8?

[Boomer8404]

After getting a Mini Commander and spending a little time with it, I really like how comfortable the handle fits my hand. I decided I would like another sample of the Emerson offerings with a similar handle shape. After doing a little searching I came across the CQC-8. My preference for Emerson blade length usually ranges from 3.250" to 3.5" range, so that means I was looking for the Mini CQC-8 aka the Horseman. I was just wondering if anyone might know how Emerson decides to name his knives. Usually in every series the smaller version is just referred to as "Mini," however the mini version of the CQC-8 is called the Hoseman. Its just a little strange that Emerson didn't follow tradition with naming this knife.

 

[Ground0]

For a while in the past it was a dual name of Mini 8/Horseman because it shows on my box. He did have a story that it was being carried by a "Horseman" and he used the knife to cut himself loose from the saddle as he was being dragged on the ground. If there is a different story or explanation I would like to hear it as well but that is what I saw on YouTube Mr. Emerson explaining

 

[rayster357]

There is a Mini CQC-8 that I believe came to be in 2007. Then a year later in 2008, the Horseman name came be along with the horseman story. My Mini CQC-8 is dated 2009 & Horseman dated 2008. My guess is that it was renamed to go with the Horseman story and used up the Mini CQC-8 blades already premade waiting for handles. They are exactly the same from what I can tell. Recent variant of the Horseman from 2014 has standoffs and a locking liner almost if not the same thickness for both liners. Older ones from 2008-2012 have a thinner steel nonlocking liner. Not sure about 2013. Do keep in mind that specs for the nonlocking liner may have changed from batch to batch so recent ones may have the thinner steel nonlocking liner. I have seen this happen with 3 A-100 that have passed through my hands made with in the past couple years.

 

[EChoil]

The story goes that Mr. Emerson grew up with and still owns horses. It was determined there was a farm & ranch market for the company. It was then determined that the best knife design for such a market would be the CQC-8. It was made into a "mini" with those on horseback in mind--a bit more comfortable in the saddle. Thus the name.

 

[Wunderbar]

I have a 2009 that says mini cqc8. My 2010 says horseman.

 

[jmclfrsh]

Same story here - I remember a fellow being dragged by a horse and cut himself loose with one; can't remember if it was Ernie himself or not. Plus, it fits in the pocket easier when on a saddle.

Anyone know? I haven't seen that video in several years.

 

[jbravo]

Until 1995, Ernie typically named his folding knives with a number (Viper 1,2,3,4,5; CQC6,7). [The fixed blades were always named: Vindicator, Bodyguard, Rogue Warrior, etc]. Since then, most have a name and some have both. For example, the CQC8 was always the Banana; the CQC9 was always The Eagle; the CQC13 was the Bowie; The CQC16 was The Bushman; and the reduced size ES1M is the Commander, and so on. After the production company began, virtually all his knives are named, starting with the Raven, the Specwar, Commander, Mach 1, and on through the more recent knives like the Gypsy Jack, KACK, Traveler, Roadhouse, Patriot, and so on, even the unfortunate Sheepdog. If looked at over the course of the past 26 years, there are very few of his knives that do not have a name, even if they also have a numerical designation too.

 

[Boomer8404]

Until 1995, Ernie typically named his folding knives with a number (Viper 1,2,3,4,5; CQC6,7). [The fixed blades were always named: Vindicator, Bodyguard, Rogue Warrior, etc]. Since then, most have a name and some have both. For example, the CQC8 was always the Banana; the CQC9 was always The Eagle; the CQC13 was the Bowie; The CQC16 was The Bushman; and the reduced size ES1M is the Commander, and so on. After the production company began, virtually all his knives are named, starting with the Raven, the Specwar, Commander, Mach 1, and on through the more recent knives like the Gypsy Jack, KACK, Traveler, Roadhouse, Patriot, and so on, even the unfortunate Sheepdog. If looked at over the course of the past 26 years, there are very few of his knives that do not have a name, even if they also have a numerical designation too.

That's a neat tidbit of Emerson History. Too bad he didn't keep with that naming tradition, I kinda like it a little better than the generic numbers system. Seems more unique.