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Last Updated: August 10, 2019
Emerson is one of the most American knife companies I can think of. Their blades are 100% made in the USA with American made materials, and when you thumb through one of their catalogs (or the pages of their website) you really get the feeling that these knives are distinctly American. There are plenty of references to the US Military, MMA, and hard rock – to the point where you can practically feel the bald eagles whooshing over your head.
So when you take a company like Emerson Knives and combine it with the iconic American bowie you get what is arguably the most patriotic production knife on the planet: the Emerson CQC-13 Combat Bowie.
General Dimensions and Blade Details
The CQC-13 has an overall length of 9″, a 3.85″ blade, and it weighs 5 ounces. Like most of Emerson’s offerings this is a pretty big knife. Designed for military, police, and anyone else seeking a large and rugged tool, this is a no-nonsense tactical folder. Personally I tend to pair it with a smaller utility knife.
The blade is what really drew me to the CQC-13, which makes sense because Emerson’s knives all follow a similar formula. Besides different blade and handle shapes, they are all built pretty much the same. Here we have a mean clip point cut from thick stock with a needle sharp tip, a good amount of belly, and a partial flat grind. My preference is for the stonewashed version, but Emerson also makes them in a black coated and matte finished (shown here) versions as well. Like many Emersons this knife is V ground, but the edge features a chisel grind (ground on one side instead of both like most normal knives). According to Emerson this is done for ease of sharpening in the field.
Like every other Emerson knife on the market the CQC-13’s blade comes in 154CM stainless steel. The steel is heat treated to 57-59 HRC, which makes the knife easy to sharpen yet capable of holding a nice edge. 154 won’t retain an edge as long as some of the more exotic steels on the market, but it is a proven steel and remains an all-around good choice.
Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip
In the handle department the CQC-13 continues to follow the typical Emerson format: roughly textured black G10 scales, a partial G10 backspacer, a steel liner, and a titanium locking liner. There is a lanyard hole and all the screws are phillips head (except for the flat head pivot screw). Emerson isn’t known for making the prettiest knives, but I am actually quite impressed with how well this knife has been finished. The blade is beautifully ground, everything lines up, and the liners are attractively finished.
The CQC-13 really starts to shine once you start handling it. The spacious handle is extremely comfortable. There is plenty of room for forward or reverse grips and the handle features a deeply scalloped finger choil, and a nice run of jimping on the spine. This is a capable work knife and it is a pleasure to use. Ernest has a strong martial arts background and it shows time and time again in his handle designs. Simply put the ergonomics rock.
The pocket clip is once again classic Emerson. It’s a simple matte black parkerized clip, discrete and functional. My only gripe (per usual) is that the handle is only drilled and tapped for right side carry. I know they apparently make lefty versions of the knife and that you can send knife in to be drilled and tapped for left side carry (for $20) but honestly this is one of those cases where they should have just done that at the factory. Not just for lefties but also for right handed people wanting to carry on their weak side. When you consider the intended use and near $200 price tag, the 3 extra holes should come standard.
As for actual carry, the CQC-13 carries well for a larger knife. The pocket clip is discrete but not ultra-deep, so the knife is easy to get at but stays out of the way. At 5 ounces this larger knife feels lightweight for its size.
Deployment and Lockup
Naturally, one of the big selling points for an Emerson is the classic wave opening feature, which allows you to open the knife as you remove it from your pocket. If you don’t feel like waving open the CQC-13, you can always make use of the ambidextrous thumb disk, something I’ve always found slightly more cumbersome than a thumb stud or opening hole, but with a little practice it can certainly get the job done. Opening the knife is fairly smooth, Emerson uses nylatron washers in all his knives. They get the job done, especially if you opt to wave the knife open.
For lockup we have a titanium liner lock. I am generally not a huge fan of titanium for a locking liner, as it is not nearly as hard as steel of a blade tang, but Emerson has been making them this way for decades. In practice my knife still locks up fairly early, and there is little to no blade play. As an added bonus the titanium helps lighten the knife up – always a plus. It is also worth mentioning that the pivot screw is of the flathead variety, so it is easy to adjust with pretty much anything handy.
Emerson CQC-13 Review – Final Thoughts
Ernest’s Combat Bowie is exactly as advertised; a rugged folding tactical knife making great use of an iconic American blade shape. I have no doubt that fans of Emerson’s other offerings will also find much to love about the CQC-13. But lets be real for a moment, clearly, this is not a knife for everyone. Those preferring something a little more subtle will likely pass this one up. And like the rest of Emerson’s offerings, the Combat Bowie has it’s share of quirks unique to the brand (including the chisel ground edge, non-ambidextrous pocket clip, titanium liner lock, nylatron washers, etc). Finally, it’s not a cheap knife – not at all. All of these things tend to polarize people, and I can appreciate the opinions on both sides. However, if this is a knife that interests you I can attest that it is comfortable and well made. In conclusion the CQC-13 is another well thought out tactical folder that compliments the Emerson line nicely.
Emerson CQC-13
from: BladeHQ
I recommend buying the Emerson CQC-13 at BladeHQ or Amazon. Thanks for reading.
Great intro. Although I generally find Emerson knives to be overpriced, mainly due to their dodgy fit and finish history, the brand is distinct. Like it or love it, Emerson has carved out an identifiable brand. When that happens, a premium can be asked for….deserved or not. The wave is definitely their flagship innovation and for that Ernie should be commended.
Thanks man, I had a little fun with it (one can only wax poetic about G10 and stainless steel for so long). I think you are absolutely right. He’s leveraging his brand to command a premium. Whether that premium is worth it is for the individual to decide.
Patriotic or Jingoistic are two sides of the same coin, mr Emerson treads over both themes almost flawlessly. While I find some of his designs (and the wave) to be interesting the owner & figurehead is for me a turn-off. Added to that their history of dodgy QC and I’m out unless I can actually hold it in my hand before purchase.
That being said I’m glad yours seems to be a keeper. It’s good to have you back writing reviews, even of knives not all of us like. Imagine how boring it’d if we all agree on everything.
Hey Lew, thanks for stopping by man.
Emerson and his knives do seem to polarize. I think it’s pretty interesting and every so often I get the urge to check out another one of his offerings.
I’ve got a few more reviews up my sleeve, some different stuff for sure, but that is why I enjoy this hobby so much. It’s the differences that make things interesting.
Best,
Dan
Emerson does not seem to be very interested in selling to civilians most of the time. They seem to have the same issues as Colt did for a very long time and H&K does do a lesser extent. They want to deal with the deep pockets of government. I wonder how many government blades get sent back for warranty work versus just thrown away? However, Colt rather recently lost their contract for m4 carbines and now they’re trying to toady up to populace for those civilian sales. Emerson should take note of this.
RK, You are a proverbial fountain of wisdom my friend! Very interesting point! I wonder if Emerson does in fact get a lot of juicy govt contracts, or at the very least what portions of their business go to military vs civilian purchasers. Being a privately held corporation I doubt we will see that information ever but it is interesting to think about. If I had to guess I’d say civilians still make up a good bit of their bill of business. Even still it wouldn’t hurt EKI to install ambidextrous pocket clips, the mere gesture would generate some goodwill for sure and might be enough to drum up additional sales.
Dan
I have owned two Emerson’s, both CQC 7’s. They both were daily carried and saw hard use. Both served as well as can be expected of folders. I did not abuse these knives but they saw hard use to include field dressing and butchering game, cutting cordage, and preparing fuel for fire, as well as preparing hides and shelters. They were not used as screwdrivers or pry bars. The knives held a reasonable edge and were easily sharpened in the field..They were given to friends that served as swat officers who admired them. Both are still daily carried. I am now planning to purchase a Ubr Commander.
The fact is I like Earnest Emerson. I believe he is a credit to the United States and an outstanding American. Anyone who advocates protecting the weak, defending the innocent, taking responsibility for your actions and their consequences, honoring friendship and loyalty, and opposing unjust behavior and tyranny , is more than OK in my book. The sin is not in making mistakes, but in not learning from those mistakes. Earnest Emerson and his knives are GTG for me..
You are What you do When it counts
Thanks Big D for dropping by and offering some thoughts. I’m sure a lot of people will benefit from reading about your experience.
Best,
Dan
Nice review. Hope you get one of his smaller knives (3″) to try someday. Still don’t “get” the chisel edge though – if you have “anything” around for sharpening, you might as well sharpen both sides. Besides, even if the one side is “flat” it still needs touching up! Also, I don’t understand why the “flat” side isn’t on the OTHER side of the blade – doesn’t shave a fire starting stick very well for me in the present configuration (for a right hander).
In terms of “value,” I think there is superb value in the product. First, it is actually made in America, which is pretty cool. Second, it is produced in a “small semi-custom” factory – not a big operation like Buck or others. Compared to custom knives, these are very inexpensive.
Finally, I have only purchased 3 plus the Benchmade CQC7 and all were equal in quality.
I’ve actually been daily carrying my CQC7 for months now in my pocket (without the clip) and it has been comfortable – I was afraid it was going to be a little too heavy. But it’s been fine.
My favorite (until I can get a 3″ edition) is the “original” (design precursor to) the CQC7, the A100.
Thank you M, I look forward to checking out a smaller blade of his myself. Admittedly that would get a lot more use from me.
Honestly I am not sure why I don’t give Emerson a harder time about the quirks I don’t care for – for me that is mainly the chisel grind and titanium locking liner. I definitely prefer a regular “V” edge. I guess I just know my complaints are not going to change anything, especially after reviewing a couple of these (and I find myself saying a lot of the same stuff in every Emerson review). So I sort of give up inside and gloss over it. Probably not the most healthy approach. 😉
Thanks for your thoughts on the always murky “value” proposition. Value can be such a subjective thing. One guy will say it’s a great value, while the next will complain bitterly that the knife should be $50 less. I find them generally a little pricey, but as you can see that hasn’t really stopped me either. I do like how they are made in the USA for sure and am willing to pay a premium for that.
Anyhow, thanks for the very thoughtful comment. Glad to hear you have been enjoying your CQC7, and best of luck in sourcing a 3″ version down the road!
Dan
I’ve carried the emerson utility karambit wave (discontinued) as my general purpose utility knife and back up for 8 years, and I LOVE the wave as well as the karambit ring. Nothing is faster on the draw nor more secure when the knife grip gets wet. I used it for tons of general purpose urban cutting and tool use, but never abused it. I DO NOT, however, “get” the chisel grind. I tolerate it, but IMO it never gets “crazy sharp,” and it certainly is not easier to sharpen than a normal double-ground edge. But that karambit ring is the bomb, and it gives me a martial confidence with both regular and reverse grips than I’ve had with no other knife except a double-hilt fighter, and who carries those in the conus? The fox cutlery parong has the right idea, but the grip is so long that only a gorilla’s hand would fill it.
Hey KAG, thanks for providing some thoughts on your experience with Emersons! Can’t say I really “get” the chisel grind either so I totally hear where you are coming from. I will have to check out the Parong, sounds interesting.
Thanks again,
Dan