Yes I finally made up my mind it was a CQC-7

A

Akapennypincher

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Sep 12, 2013
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Well as promised I will do my best to give you a ride along on the pre purchase, purchase, and last arrival of my first Emerson.

It has been a long journey, and maybe we should blame the Blade Forum with some of the decisions I made, and some of the information I used to make a final decision.

First off I became interest in Emerson knives a few years back after see a large knife dealer with a few Emerson’s for sale at Gun Show, and than the same dealer at several other Gun Shows.

So the process was the handling, looking, and then the research began. I seldom do much in and rush, and am not a person pushy sales person like. As they get under my skin, and I can get darn right standoffish with pushy sales people. Catch a sales person in one fib, Ill tell you to your face you are a fibber, and walk away from you faster than many can run.

Having spent years in sales I believe sometimes it take time to get the customer to buy from you, or use your service. It is called soft sell, and some times you never make the sale. Rejection goes with sales, and life.

So than in the process of trying to get more Emerson knife information, I run across several u-tubes about the Emerson knifes. One in particular I watched about 7 or 8 times.

It was a clean shaven guy name Ernie at Shot Show talking about his product. The why he did it like this, not that way, why he use this steel, not super steel duper new age steel. I said to myself this guy is either the real deal. Or one good snake old salesman. But I also saw passion in the mans eyes, and body language.

Ernie was showing off his personal knife a Commander that was tricked out, appeared to have some cool etching on the blade. It was the first hook that sucked me in the direction of wanting my own Emerson.

Along the way I learned Emerson’s, are what I call a working man tool, to be used hard. Not some fancy knife to only be viewed over after dinner over a glass of Brandy, and then wiped down, put back in the safe until you need impress some friends again. Bring the safe queen out from its home in safe.

Several calls were made to EKI with questions, and either Ann, or Ernesto where always the people who answered the phone, and had answers to questions. I got the feeling they liked their jobs, and put a lot effort into earning a pay check, not just putting in time to collect a check. More time passed, and more Blade Forum reading.

The internet is full of information, both good, bad, truths, untruths, and then you have the TROLL factor. So it was more research. There were a couple of threads on this forum that cause me to stop in my tracks, and try to separate truth, from BS. About Emerson’s quality, fit, finish, etc. Most of the information was IMHO Trolls at work.

Now I decided I wanted a CQC-6 but that was not to be, I leaned toward the CQC-7 but was torn between the CQC-7, a Commander. Being a SouthPaw I realized it was a CQC-7, or Commander that in my future. The Mini CQC-15 was both the Commander & CQC-7 rolled into one package, but it was a righty only, BUMMER!

One day I almost pulled the trigger on the Commander in Southpaw, with a NON Serrated Blade, by the time I went back on line it was sold, and would be months before Lefty Commander would be available. So now I am waiting for a EKI notification that the Left Handed Commanders are available.

So a couple of more trips to Gun Shows, and more fondling of Emerson’s. Than I ran on this very cool Knife shop in Scottsdale. They had some Emerson's, and I could hold, feel, and grip both the “7”, and the Commander at the same time. Wahoo this was great.

I have small hands, very arthritic hands, and the Commander was just a tad bit too much handle for my hands. Now I am back to thinking CQC-7 because it feels right to me. But I am still waiting for the Commander in Left Handed to become available.

The other thing that kept running threw my mind was the Tanto Blade, and Chisel Ground. But as time was on my side I was back to feeling both the Commander, and CQC-7. Finally decided it was the “7”, it just felt good in my hands, and the rub or sticking point was was Serrated or Not.

Finally placed my order with EKI on July 3rd for a EKI for a C7LEFTYBTS. Now the wait began for the U.S. Postal Service to do it’s thing.

PART TWO-POST DELIVER IMPRESSION SOON.
 
Awesome rundown, Pennypincher! I cannot say congrats enough on your decision. I want to read how this all unfolded so don't leave us hanging.
 
I wasn't aware you had never owned an Emerson before. Congrats on your first.

I've had a 7 and a mini 7. Great knives, and as Rolf said, they define Emerson Knives.
 
The CQC7 and the Commander define Emerson knives.
rolf[/QUOTE]

Emerson Classics :thumbup:
 
I do agree both the 7 and Commander series warrant a good go to see if they are for you, once you've endeavored to go down the Emerson highway. I've yet to have an UBR or Micro in the Commander series, but have had all three in between sizes and love all three. I also did the Mini, Regular and Super in the Seven's. Never could make myself favor their grip. But as said, they must be tried IMHO.
 
I can honestly say that either of these knives, the 7 or the Commander, is all I REALLY need.
My preference, the HD7.
 
Well as I said in my previous post. I finally placed my order with EKI on July 3rd for a Emerson C7LEFTYBTS. Now the wait began for the U.S. Postal Service to do it’s thing.

July 3rd being a Thursday, and the 4th. being a Holiday, the mail was slow but sure. Armed with Tracking Information from Ann at EKI I plugged in the Tracking Info, and tracked my shipment from LA to the Sonoran Desert where I hang out.

Post Office Tracking System said my package was there, and I went to my P.O. Box, and a USPS Priority Box from EKI was there. It was one of those small boxes like you ship a VHS, or book in nothing special to give away what was inside.

So I drive home, and get out my trust Victornox Swiss Army Knife from L.L. Bean Circa 1980's something. Cut the tape, opening the flap on the box with brut force, what is inside is packed to travel to hell, and back. Good packing job, and I know that as I worked in shipping & receiving as a kid. Well protected shipment.

Inside I find a Emerson Knife Box that is well protected with bubble wrap, like the box the knife comes in is part of the trophy inside to be protected. Inside the Emerson Box is the C7LEFTYBTS, the Knife is packed in a very thick plastic bag like they were over killing the protection again.

The funny thing I found inside the box with kind is a users manual, saying the knife is very sharp, and to be careful not to cut yourself with it. The world we live in, people have to be told knives are sharp can cut? Guess common sense is bye bye. Other wise we get sued. Plus there is some sort of Emerson Decal.

So now I finally remove the knife, from the plastic bag expecting to find problem, after problem I have heard about from the Trolls who spread lies on the internet about all things Emerson. Trolls please go some where else to play, you are not welcome here. I think you are full of S**T!

After a very close inspection of the Emerson C7LEFTYBTS in good light, with my best reading glasses I say to myself like Gomer Pyle would have yelled Surprise Surprise. Every thing is fine Sergeant Carter no worries here.

As I had looked at maybe 30 or 40 Emerson knives at various Gun Shows, and the Penchetta Knife & Accessory shop in Scottsdale, AZ. A place to visit in Scottsdale, AZ, if you are ever in Scottsdale, or close by & you like fine knives, and other things.

My Emerson C7LEFTYBTS was made in 2013, the fit, finish, lock up were all fine. Meaning everything was assembled, and detail to attention was apparent when the knife was assembled. The Black Finish on the Blade was even, and the etching of logo, serial number were right on. The G-10 & Metal Liner were fitted well, and I honestly found nothing wrong, or to moan about.

Now being perfectly honest I like FROG LUBE, and one of the first thing I did to the CQC-7’s Blade was rub Frog Lube on the blade, let it sit, wipe it off, and repeat the process about 5 or 6 times. I also used t on the Bar that come over to Lock Up the Blade when Open, and it smooth out that operation quicker it took me to type this, and spell check it. Frog Lube as I understand it get in the pours of metal, leaves a sheen, and helps with rust proofing.

Now I start working on the action, Opening & Closing the Blade hat to me is a tad tight. I have time on my hands so I start Opening to Lock Up, and Closing the Blade. Think I got about 350-400 cycles, and everything is getting smoother. I was thinking of back off that Big Screw a Tad, but the more I work the action, the better it gets. Emerson break in described in several posts on this forum. Plus I see the BLACK GREASE start to ooze into sight. Again I read about this right here.

Now I work the Wave Opener a little, and I can see if you practice using the Wave, it is faster than a auto knife, plus it looks like you could open a beer bottle with it.

Like I said I have severe arthritis in my hands, and let me tell you the first 50 rotations made me say uncle, and I wanted to stick my thumb in a cold glass of ice water to kill pain. I AM NOT USE TO WORKING & USING THE THUMB DISK. I have a big boo boo on my thumb. But it went away as the Knifes action became smoother.

Being perfectly honest I do see tool marks or is it decorative scratches? On the Liner, and Lock Bar where they marry to the G-10. NO Big Deal this knife is for work, it is not a Ferrari. It is a Range Rover or Land Cruiser to take into places where a Ferrari would run up on a pebble , and have to be towed back to the road. Than you would have to call a mechanic to work on the fine italian auto, to get it running again.

I will give Emerson an 9.85 out of a Perfect 10 for this Knife Construction & Assembly, Emerson Customer Service, Phone Support gets a 10.99999 out of a PREFECT 10. Great people who know their stuff about Emerson products.

But also being perfectly honest it was very hard for me to spend over $200.00 for a folding knife, even thought I had the cash from dumping some Spyderco knives that were stilling new in the box, sitting in a desk draw, and lets say I am happy I did.

I will also add if you got question about Emerson Knives, and have the time & the dime call EKI. Bet either Ernesto, or Ann will answer the phone, and if they don’t have the answer for your question, they will get them before you hang up.

I am still on the recuperation list from my sat with the VA, so lets say if I am quieter than usual, it is because hopefully I am just resting, and have not died. HAHA.
 
Thanks for letting us in on that pretty cool experience. Amazing how different people can look at the exact same thing and see things very differently. I am totally honest when I admit Emerson knife appeal (for me obviously) is much more than the physical piece of hardware. I am more than fine with that. Probably dive into the full custom Emerson water soon (hafta' say goodbye to a lot of sharp edged friends on the way to the pool).
 
Great read Pennypincher. I'm glad you have the knife you wanted and are enjoying it. Like I said, it is therapeutic for you to get your mind on something you enjoy. I know your Emerson will help a great deal.
 
The Action is not BUTTER SMOOTH yet, but I did another 20 Rotations of Opening & Closing yesterday with the THUMP RELEASE, it will get worked more today. Need to go buy some Paracord for a LANYARD. Like the color Orange very mush.
 
It takes a little time for it to break in!! My 15 is stupid smooth, it puts a smile on my face everytime i flick it open. But the wave is great if your hands are occupied. I use the Wave a lot when my hands and tool belt are loaded down and I'm in an odd position on the roof.

I say get the orange paracord and one of the jumbo Schmuckatelli Emerson skulls!!
 
Great thread!

Emerson knives are great tools and do what they are designed to do very well. And, from experience, the Emerson company is full of just tremendous people that care. I'm lucky enough to live less than 20 minutes from their shop, so I've had the chance to meet some in person. Everybody I've ever met (and I've been there about a dozen times) has been very helpful and friendly.
 
Good read, glad to hear you're very happy with your purchase. I'm currently evaluating getting an Emerson myself, not sure which model, and have had mixed feelings. I bought 2 of the Kershaw/Emerson collabs to try out the basic design, one hit (6k) one missed (8k) and have read lots of mixed things about the real deal from a quality control standpoint. I am also considering just going for the ZT 0620, mainly because of all the questionable QC I've heard about...your review and experience puts all that back into question, which isn't a bad problem to have at all.

Glad you like your knife and I hope it serves you well.
 
John_0917 said:
Good read, glad to hear you're very happy with your purchase. I'm currently evaluating getting an Emerson myself, not sure which model, and have had mixed feelings. I bought 2 of the Kershaw/Emerson collabs to try out the basic design, one hit (6k) one missed (8k) and have read lots of mixed things about the real deal from a quality control standpoint. I am also considering just going for the ZT 0620, mainly because of all the questionable QC I've heard about...your review and experience puts all that back into question, which isn't a bad problem to have at all.

Glad you like your knife and I hope it serves you well.
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Well if you are not South Paw, you have many Emerson's choose from. If I was Right Handed I would have done MINI 15, because it is a combination of a Commander & a CQC-7. Three & One Half inch blade, felt good in my hands, but I am a Southpaw, for for me it WAS A LEFT HABDED CQC-7, or Commander.

Honestly the Commander is a Very Big knife with more intimidating blade. May get a Serrated Commander when I get some extra money so I have two Emerson's.

But time will tell, as I sold off some Spyderco's that were NIB to finance my purchase of my CQC-7. The Emerson will run ring around most Spyderco, and IMHO will take more abuse, and will still be a knife, when the Spyderco's are broke down.
 
Akapennypincher said:
Well if you are not South Paw, you have many Emerson's choose from. If I was Right Handed I would have done MINI 15, because it is a combination of a Commander & a CQC-7. Three & One Half inch blade, felt good in my hands, but I am a Southpaw, for for me it WAS A LEFT HABDED CQC-7, or Commander.

Honestly the Commander is a Very Big knife with more intimidating blade. May get a Serrated Commander when I get some extra money so I have two Emerson's.

But time will tell, as I sold off some Spyderco's that were NIB to finance my purchase of my CQC-7. The Emerson will run ring around most Spyderco, and IMHO will take more abuse, and will still be a knife, when the Spyderco's are broke down.
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I am right handed, so that won't be an issue luckily. 3.25-4" is usually where I look for a knife to fit, I really don't go under 3" ever and over 4" is really a little over the top. I know for sure that i certainly DO NOT want a chisel grind blade, I HATE sharpening them. The issue for me isn't the money involved, it is whether I feel I am getting the value for what I am paying. I do tend to nitpick on QC issues with things (not just knives), that kind of pushes me to lean towards going the ZT route. Still not sure though.
 
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