wave feature

Emerson Mini CQC-15 Review

The Emerson CQC line of folding tactical knives are downright legendary. Mr. Emerson’s knives were the first folding tactical knives and are common to see among the armed forces, with police, and of course average Joes like me. CQC stands for ‘close quarters combat,’ and these knives are designed to be used as weapons as well as useful EDC tools. This particular model is the Mini CQC-15.

Buy the Mini CQC-15 at BladeHQ

The Mini CQC-15 is a compact option that retains the legendary quality and reliability of Emerson’s knives. The CQC series is quite expansive these days, and the knives come in various sizes, colors, and configuration. The Mini CQC 15 is a hybrid of the two most popular knives in the CQC line, the Commander and the CQC-7.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Mini CQC-15 is smaller than the CQC 15, but it isn’t a small knife by any means. It’s an average size EDC knife with a 3.5-inch blade. The overall length with the blade deployed is 7.9 inches, and total weight is light 4 ounces. The blade is .125 inches thick and is made from 154 CM.

The Mini CQC 15 sports the piercing tanto point of the famed CQC-7B and the recurve blade of the Commander. This odd combination does give you a versatile knife blade that stabs and slices easily. The belly isn’t as prominent as the Commander, but it’s still enough to make it a good choice for skinning deer. You also get that extra cutting edge in a shorter profile. The tanto blade is, of course, a great piercer. If used as a weapon in a military scenario it will make quick work of clothing, web gear, or uniform shirts.

The blade is made from a durable and corrosion resistant 154 CM steel. Its Emerson’s steel of choice for these knives and is a good steel for these knives in particular. It’s tough, but not hard to sharpen. The blade is a chisel grind which has some strengths, but also weaknesses. It’s very strong, easy to sharpen and the edge lasts a good while. A chisel grind is a rough cutter and feels like it catches and jumps when you are trying to do precise cuts.

In my time as a Marine, I carried an Emerson CQC-7BW. At that time I knew nothing about knives, but I knew the CQC-7BW was ‘the’ tactical knife. Over time I grew to appreciate 154CM steel and the chisel grind as something that was easy and quick to sharpen in the field. Often I had nothing more than the sharpening rod on my bayonet sheath.

Getting the Mini CQC-15 ready can be done quickly with minimal tools, time, or effort. In the tactical world, you might not have the tools and time to get a nice sharpening in. Your day patrol may turn into a three-day mission, and all you have is what’s on your back and in your pockets. You also want the edge to last and the blade to be strong. If it breaks in country, you can’t exactly go online and order another

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The Mini CQC-15 is a fat bottom girl, and I love it. The handle is wide and fills my paws well. The knife has a palm swell, and a decent jimping for the thumb. The handle fills my hand very nicely, and I have no complaints about its design or shape. The grip design reminds me of a more subtle version of the ancient Greek kopis handle. It’s designed to aid in retention when cutting or stabbing.

The G-10 grips panels are aggressively textured, and some people might find it uncomfortable. You should bear in mind that by order gloves are part of the personal protective equipment of the uniformed services. Gloves can challenge grip, so this aggressive texturing is a must have for a knife like this.

The clip is nice and straightforward. It’s robust and has never bent or accidentally grabbed my chair as I go to sit. It’s tight, so the knife stays planted in the pocket. As the mini variant, it’s a bit more pocket-friendly. I never noticed any discomfort when carrying the knife. I never notice its even there until I need it. Unfortunately, it’s for righties only, but left-handed models of these knives are available. Seems a little ridiculous not to tap the knife for lefties

Deployment and Lockup

The Mini CQC-15 has a titanium liner lock that’s strong, but the knife seems to lock-up at different points. This is especially true if you use the wave method of opening these knives. Sometimes it goes extremely far and other times barely at all. However, I have never had the lock fail me in any way. I will admit I find myself subconsciously checking to make sure the blade is locked before getting the work.

Deployment can be done through a top thumb disk that’s ambidextrous, well textured and feels strong. It’s a slow deployment method, but a functional one. If you want to go a little faster, you have the wave method. The wave is based on that little hook on the thumb rest that is supposed to catch on your pants and open the knife as you draw it.

It’s a neat feature, but it doesn’t always work. It seems to work better in some pants than others. Pulling the knife like that is not dependable enough to trust in a self-defense scenario. I will say it works way better in jeans than in the typical material uniform pants is made of, which is odd seeing as who these knives are designed for. I may also be bad at opening a knife this way. The utility is there, but I can’t seem to master the wave.

Emerson Mini-CQC 15 Review – Final Thoughts

The lens you view this knife through is likely going to significantly affect your opinion on it. It’s not a graceful tool, and for the cost, you can get a knife that cuts smoother, features an ambidextrous pocket clip, and a more natural method of deploying the blade.

The Mini CQC-15, as well as the rest of the CQC series, is designed for folks in uniform. They have a broad set of features that make them an excellent knife for those in uniform. I still love it, and my CQC-7BW, but I am aware of my own bias and nostalgia. That being said its an objectively good knife, and one I would suggest if strength and simplicity are your main desire.

Emerson Mini CQC-15 with Plain Black Blade

List Price: $193.46

Price: $193.46

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If you are thinking of buying an Emerson Mini CQC-15, please consider purchasing it at Amazon or BladeHQ. By purchasing things through any of the links on this website you support BladeReviews.com, which helps produce future reviews. Thank you very much.

Kershaw Emerson Collaboration Review

by Andrew Gene 3 Comments

For 2014 KAI USA and Emerson Knives have teamed up to deliver the first high volume, overseas produced Emerson designed ‘CQC’ knives. The release targets a thirsty market of consumers looking for the designer’s distinct ‘tactical’ aesthetic coupled with the wave opening feature at an affordable price point.

Buy the Kershaw Emerson Collaboration at Amazon

The CQC in the name stands for Close Quarter Combat suggesting a professional application amongst LEOs, Military Personnel, First Responders etc. They are also commonly sold as a self defence products. Regardless of the implied market I think that these will be popular with the EDC crowd and collectors who are fans of the category.

A total of eight 2014 models fall under the Kershaw brand. There will also be two knives positioned in the higher end market, the 0620 and 0620CF. These premium versions have their own designs and will be released with Zero Tolerance which is also a KAI property. The topic of this review will be the Kershaw models : CQC 1K through to the CQC 8K. They are roughly designated their model number (1-8) by overall dimensions (length, width, weight) and cost. They can also be visually differentiated by lock type, handle construction, blade style and finishes.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The 1K, 2K and 3K models are quite small and range from 6.35” in overall length to 7.45”. The 4K and 5K’s are slightly larger in over-all dimensions and weight, but not quite as large as the designer’s standard line. The 6K, 7K and 8K will probably be the models that people will find the most like Emerson’s typical offerings. These are near to the size of the Mini-Commander or CQC 7’s, ranging from 7.75” to 8.1”. The Roadhouse that is being used as a comparison is an inch bigger than the largest Kershaw coming in at 9.1” in Overall Length.

All of the blades are made from the steel 8Cr13Mov. This is a stainless that has both reasonable edge retention and corrosion resistance for the price point. If you are looking for added corrosion resistance the black oxide models would be a better choice than the stone-washed editions. That said, I much prefer the aesthetics and well wearing surface of a stone-washed blade. The stone-wash covers the entire surface (not just the flats) and is a little less defined than a US made Emerson but it still looks good.

Patterns range from three tantos (CQC-3K, CQC-7K and CQC-8K) to four modified clip points (CQC-1K, CQC-2K, CQC-5K and CQC-6K) to one drop point (CQC-4K).

A flat grind produces a durable yet keen edge. Each has a standard V grind and edge bevel with the exception of the 8K where a chisel grind has been utilized. While all eight knives come sharp, the thicker stock favors strength over delicate slicing, typical of this genre. To make another comparison, Emerson uses a .125” (3.14mm) blade stock. The Kershaws are slightly thinner at 0.113” (2.9 mm). A model number and the manufacturer logo is etched on one side of the blade and a modified Emerson logo and skull appear on the other. Skulls aren’t for everyone but it’s pretty small. If you’re into skulls, you’ll be happy to know there’s one on the clip too.

Handle and Ergonomics

The handles are a partially closed back construction that uses an injection molded back-spacer. Since some models are liner locks and others frame-locks, finishes vary. All models have a grip thickness of .4 to .5” making them feel stout in hand and present in pocket. The CQC 4K and 5K are the only two with colored scales, all the rest have black G10 with black-coated frame or liner locks. The stone washed editions have bead blasted 410 stainless frame locks. The CQC 8 scales have some milled in surface detailing.

The G10 texture is less aggressive than the standard Emerson peel-ply stock. Some people may criticize this and others will appreciate the lack of pocket wear. I fall into the latter. The stainless frame-lock editions don’t have any texture so there will be little to no pocket wear. Addressing the pocket clips, it’s important to note that they are all tip up and unlike stock Emerson’s, reversible for ambidextrous carry. Retention is great and works well with the wave.

The ergonomics are varied throughout the line. The smaller editions feel a bit small in my hands with their 3 finger grip. The 1K and 3K’s straighter handles feels more comfortable since there’s less of a curve on the inner edge toward the pommel. All of the models above the 3K feel great to me with the exception of the 8K which has some pretty specific lines. That’s not to say it won’t fit like a glove for some, but I would suggest holding it in person first if possible.

Once again I feel that the 6K and 7K’s hit a sweet spot. The deep finger groove adds excellent retention and the rest of the handle’s contouring nests comfortably in hand. The jimping on all models is fairly smooth yet still provides some feedback and traction in use. On all the models, the wave also doubles as a thumb ramp for finer control.

Deployment and Lockup

For deployment all models have both a knurled thumb-disc and the patented “Wave”. The Waves are, as far as I can tell, all the same size. Being familiar with the technique, I haven’t had a problem repeatedly and reliably opening the knives this way.

While most people who read this site know what the wave is, I’ll dial it back and briefly explain. The wave opening feature consists of a protrusion on the blade’s spine. When drawing the knife from a closed and clipped-on position, it catches on the rear seam of your pocket. With a quick up and backward movement the blade opens without additional manipulation. Because it all happens at the same time you produce the knife, it’s the fastest way to open a folder. This has made the wave a popular option on back-up or self defense knives as it combines easy carry with very fast deployment.

On the down side ‘waving’ a knife will undoubtedly be seen as an aggressive act if you’re doing it at the office. You’ll probably want to use the thumb-disc which allows you to deploy your CQC without the attention in those situations.

When open both liner and frame locks are solid and without play. Lock-up contacts close to, or at 100% of the lock face. I think that this is a good move. When opening with the wave is important to have a full and audible engagement for safety.

The fasteners used for construction are standard flat heads for the pivot and Phillips heads for the rest. This is great for easy adjustment when necessary. Any standard multi-tool or typical at hand screwdrivers will do.

Over-all the fit and finish of the knives is quite good. Some may be surprised that there are some areas where the Kershaw models are more resolved than their higher end counterparts. On the originals there is often rough tooling around the perimeter of the handles, liners and blade edges. The Kershaw models are quite clean. Blade centering on all eight of the knives received for review was spot on. Below are a couple of details that show differences in the fit and finish.

Kershaw Emerson Collaboration Review – Final Thoughts

All in, Kershaw did an excellent job bringing these designs to market. With all of the differences in sizes, shapes and finishes there should be something here for everyone. Releasing eight new models from one designer is a pretty bold statement but one that will likely be backed by excellent sales.

Personally I like the 4K through to the 7K, their ergonomics felt the most comfortable. The 6K and 7K stone-wash looks the slickest in my opinion. Personal taste aside, these are 30 to 40 dollar knives. About a quarter to a fifth of the price of a US made Emerson.

Kershaw Emerson Collaboration
From: BladeHQ

Editor: I recommend purchasing the Kershaw / Emerson collabs at BladeHQ or Amazon. Please consider that buying anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

Photo Credits: Andrew Gene

Emerson Gentleman Jim Review

by Dan Jackson 7 Comments

Last Updated: March 5, 2018
When I think of Emerson Knives, I think of purpose built tactical knives. Models like the CQC-7, the Commander, and the CQC-15. These stout utility/”tactical” knives epitomize the company. But Emerson has released a few designs over the years that have strayed off the beaten path and caught my eye. The Gypsy Jack always intrigued me, but it may have been too far out there. This could explain why it is now discontinued.

Buy the Emerson Gentleman Jim at BladeHQ

The Gentleman Jim is another model that diverges from the hard nosed Emerson lineup. To try and argue that it is a gentleman’s folder is a stretch considering the near 4″ blade, but this knife has always struck me as a strong departure from the rest of the line. And perhaps the Gentleman Jim is that elusive daily carry Emerson that I have always wanted to have, but have yet to find.

Also, before I get started I need to acknowledge that this knife was provided free of charge by the guys at BladeFlick.com. In no way did that impact my review. I don’t care if you end up buying a particular knife. My goal is always to try and help you find the best knife for you. That is why I have reviewed hundreds of knives. If I wanted to sell you a knife I would have gotten a job at Cutco. But I do appreciate BladeFlick providing this Gentleman Jim for review. Thank you.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Gentleman Jim has an overall length of 8.55″, a 3.75″ blade, and a weight of 4.6 ounces. This knife is made in the USA. The Gentleman Jim feels a little smaller than its dimensions suggest thanks to the slim profile. Whether it will serve as an every day carry piece for you will depend greatly on your preferences.

Personally, the Gentleman Jim is more of a weekend carry for when I can dress more casually and pocket a bigger knife. Despite it being a smaller Emerson, it’s still quite large. Some might consider this a purpose built self defense tool, for me it rides the line between a utility knife and a collectible. The unique design is what drew me to the knife, not so much any thoughts of it being the ultimate utility blade.

The Gentleman Jim features a slim clip point blade that comes to a fine and pronounced tip. The tip is needle like, and you will need to be careful with it, much like a Kershaw Leek. The partial flat grind meets a shallow swedge about half an inch from the tip.

The grinds have all been perfectly executed. I opted for an uncoated blade and mine has come with belt finished satin grinds and stonewashed flats. I have always loved how Emerson grinds and finishes their blades, and this Gentleman Jim is no different. It’s crisp and perfectly rendered.

Like many modern Emerson knives, the blade is V ground, but the edge bevel is “chisel ground”. This means the edge bevel is only applied to the show side of the knife. All things equal I prefer a V edge because that is consistent with all my other knives and is what I am used to working with, but the Gentleman Jim cuts cleanly and is capable of getting razor sharp.

The Gentleman Jim comes in 154CM stainless steel. This is the exact same steel found on every other knife in the Emerson lineup. I have always enjoyed 154CM, but it makes for a predictable review.

If you are new to the site and this is the first Emerson review of mine that you have read, then let me assure you that 154CM is a good steel. It takes a nice edge and is easy to maintain. It has decent rust resistance, and good edge holding characteristics, although edge retention will be outshined by newer high end steels like S35VN, M390, Elmax, or CTS-XHP to name a few. I invite you to check out the steel section for a deeper dive into blade steel. I like the choice of 154CM here even if it’s predictable.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The handle is your standard black peel-ply G10 scales over a titanium locking liner, and a stainless steel non-locking liner. One little update is the use of black steel standoffs instead of a partial G-10 backspacer like the older Emersons.

The fit of this handle is excellent, and the finish is pretty darn good. The liners and blade have the tell-tale machining marks on the back of them like many of the other Emersons I have handled, but beyond that this knife is dialed in. The G-10 has been neatly chamferred, the holes for the hardware are perfectly countersunk, the screws are the correct length so they don’t poke out from the inside of the liners, and the jimping on the thumb ramp of the blade and the back of the handle match up perfectly. This is simple slab construction, but it has been done purposefully. The whole knife seems to be built a little tighter than the earlier Emersons I have owned, and suggests a refinement of their manufacturing process.

While this design might be a slight departure from the typical Emerson lineup, the ergonomics feel exactly like an Emerson knife. That is to say, they feel great. It’s clear to me that the size of the blade was based on the handle. If you tried to shrink this down to a 3.5″ or 3.25″ blade, the knife may not feel as good in the hand. As it stands the shape feels perfect. On top of that you have good jimping on the thumb ramp and where your pinky rests. You also have the signature aggressive G10. This stuff is almost like an emery board, and out of the box the knife almost sticks to your hand. It will soften slightly with use, but this is pant shredding high traction G10. Perfect for those who value a “traction plan” when picking out a pocket knife.

While the ergonomics are great, it comes at the expense of ease of carry. The Gentleman Jim is not overwieght, but at .54″ thick it does not exactly disappear into the pocket. That’s the trade off you have to make for a knife like this. I am fine with this compromise, but caveat emptor if you are a fan of thin knives.

The pocket clip is the same black parkerized clip found on every other Emerson, and it is similar to Benchmade‘s standard clip. I have always liked this simple clip design, and here the clip has been situated high on the handle, so only a small part of the pommel is exposed. That said, this isn’t a deep carry clip and it’s only drilled and tapped for right side tip up carry.

It won’t be for everyone, but this simple and practical clip does a good job keeping the knife in your pocket.

Deployment and Lockup

The Gentleman Jim utilizes a thumb disk or the wave feature to open up the knife. I reach for the thumb disk most times, and I can flick the blade open with my thumb if I use a lot of force, but I find the pivot to be gritty thanks to the Nylatron washers. Try as I might I still haven’t come around to Nylatron washers, and think that phosphor bronze are much better for their increased durability and smoothness. The wave works great. Just like any other Emerson.

For lockup we have a titanium liner lock. My lock engages fully and securely and there is no side to side or up and down blade play. The lock sticks quite a bit though, and makes an audible “pop” upon disengagement whether I uses the thumb disk or the wave. The lock is sticky because the titanium liner lock is softer than the hardened steel it interfaces with.

I’m sure Emerson has their reason for using a titanium linerlock and Nylatron washers, but these are 2 eccentricities that I still haven’t been able to accept.

Some might argue my points on the washers and liner lock, and my response lies in my trusty Sage 1. This is a perfectly executed stainless steel liner lock with phosphor bronze washers. I’ve owned, carried, and used this Sage 1 for the better part of 5 years. The action is still smooth as glass and the lockup is excellent with zero blade stick. It’s a superior liner lock and it has superior action, and I think 90% of that simply has to do with the choice of materials.

I have handled other titanium liner locks, and I have experienced the same problems with lock stick. I have handled other nylon washer knives and have never cared for them as much as phosphor bronze. So for these reasons I feel justified in my criticism of the titanium liner lock and Nylatron washers.

Blade centering is perfect on my knife.

Emerson Gentleman Jim Review – Final Thoughts

Emersons are something of an acquired taste. They are peculiar and polarizing, but I always enjoy the designs. In fact, the designs are what compel me to review what is essentially the exact knife every year or so. The build quality has improved over the years, but at the end of the day my very first review of the CQC-7, will read similarly to the review of this Gentleman Jim. I hope the writing is at least a little better.

In some ways the quirky consistency of an Emerson is a good thing. I like variety, and I like character. Emerson knives offer plenty of both. But there are some aspects of the knife that are just a turn off. Specifically the washers and lock. The titanium liner lock takes the cake for me. I have a hard time looking past that when a steel liner lock is so much better. A sticky lock is one thing that tends to sour a knife for me, and I’m having a hard time looking past it on this Gentleman Jim.

Still I think the Gentleman Jim is worth exploring. It’s a nice little design. While I can’t call this a true EDC, this is about the closest I have come to a legitimate EDC from Emerson. Much like the Roadhouse, the Gentleman Jim has a lot of character and it feels great in the hand. I am guessing that the knife makes sense from the martial arts / tactical knife intended use, but I confess that I have no experience with the Gentleman Jim in that regard.

The Gentleman Jim will not be for everyone, but if you know what you are getting into then I think that this model has its perks. The combination of the distinct blade and comfortable handle hit the spot. I’m glad the company has made some refinements over the years. I hope they continue to evolve their knives and one day offer something without nylatron washers and a titanium liner lock.

Gentleman Jim SF

Price Disclaimer

I recommend purchasing the Emerson Gentleman Jim at BladeFlick, Amazon, or BladeHQ. Please consider that purchasing anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

Emerson Mini CQC-7 Review

by Benjamin Schwartz 13 Comments

As Dan wrote in his review of the full-size model, the CQC-7 is one of the very first and most influential tactical knives in the world. Ernie Emerson’s influence on the perception and use of folding knives for self-defense is incalculable. I had wanted an Emerson knife for a long time, but my general reluctance to carry a blade over 3” meant that most of their standard models, the CQC-7 included, were a no-go. I had my eye on the Mini CQC-7 for a long time before it came back into production and I was able to pick one up.

Buy the Emerson Mini CQC-7 at BladeHQ

History aside, my thoughts on this design are mixed. I think that the CQC-7’s pedigree has made EKI loathe to futz with the design of the knife, and users loathe to criticize it. This is a shame, because I think there’s a lot of room for improvement. Like the Delica, the Mini CQC-7 is an outdated knife. When it first released, it must have seemed like a revelation, but in 2016, it is neither the best design around, nor worth the price it is being sold at.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Mini CQC-7 has a blade length of 2.9”, a handle length of 4 1/8”, and an overall length of 7.25”. It weighs 4.4 oz. This is a fat knife, but one that feels quite balanced in the hand. The exact weight of a knife isn’t as important as the distribution of that weight: that’s why some light knives, like the Clipitool, can feel heavier than they are, and chunky knives like the Mini CQC-7 lighter.

The 2.9” blade, on my Mini CQC-7, is a chisel ground tanto. This is a real one-two punch in terms of things I have grown to dislike. There’s an unwarranted reverence for the tanto blade shape. I appreciate a run of straight edge on my blades but I want some belly too, and the stylized, angular shape of the American tanto lacks any at all.

Of course, it’s the tanto’s reputation as an ideal tactical blade shape that gives it its cachet. And it is a good piercer, with a quite a robust tip. But a good drop point or clip point blade would have excellent piercing capability and more than adequate tip strength, as well as a significantly more useful overall shape. I don’t carry a knife with the intention of using it for self-defense, but even if I did, I would prefer another blade shape: the tanto doesn’t do anything significantly better than a drop point or a clip point, and many things worse.

The Mini CQC-7 is chisel ground. The argument for the chisel grind is as follows: better strength, better edge retention, and it’s easier to sharpen. There have been long and articulate counterpoints made against these arguments, but for me it comes down to the simple fact that a chisel grind just cuts worse.

So much control is lost. Cuts track terribly through material. Approaching thin material like paper is a chore. I understand that some knives are made for hard use, and in these cases durability is more desirable than finesse, but here’s the thing: you can have both. The well-executed, traditional v-grind of the Paramilitary 2 can take a beating and slices like a dream.

Maybe, maybe, in the vacuum of theory, a chisel grind can withstand more abuse than a traditional V-grind, but I would bet it isn’t much more, and in what real-life scenario is it going to matter? And as far as sharpening goes: well, I guess it takes less time to sharpen one edge bevel than two, although you still need to maintain the unsharpened side of a chisel-ground knife, so you’re only saved a modicum of effort.

The steel on the Mini CQC-7 is 154CM. This is one of my favorite steels, and one I think can compete with N690Co for the title of Most Underrated Steel in the World. It is a solid upper-mid-tier steel that responds to sharpening as well as something like 8Cr13MoV, but holds an edge longer. No complaints about 154CM itself.

But the Mini CQC-7 costs about $165. As much as I’m sad to see the middle of the market drop out, one good thing that’s come from it is that we can expect a lot from knives in $150 – $200 price point. The Benchmade Valet costs $170 and has M390. The Zero Tolerance 0770 comes in Elmax for $120. You can get the Spyderco Mantra comes in M4 for $167. The Native 5 LW is half the price of the Mini CQC-7 and comes with S35VN.

This segment of the market is so competitive that I feel alright harping on the price a bit. Amidst such company, at such a price, 154CM is unacceptable – even more so when you consider that CPM-154, the powder metallurgy variant of 154CM, has been around for a while now. I think that, like the chisel grind and the tanto blade, EKI’s steel choice has been given a pass because of the historical significance of the brand and its blades, and the Mini CQC-7 suffers as a knife for it.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Carry

The Mini CQC-7’s handle is wonderful. The thickness of the knife and the swell in the middle of the handle work to make the Mini CQC-7 very comfortable in hand. The jimping is mild, really better for indexing than for locking your hand in place. The real grippiness comes from the G-10, which is very coarse without being overly aggressive like Cold Steel G-10. Superbly executed all around.

The clip is the same clip you see on almost every Emerson, and like the ergonomics it is an unqualified win. And, as thick as the knife is, I don’t mind it in the pocket. It stays out of the way and isn’t so bulky as to be noticeable when I’m walking around – again, showing how important distribution of weight is with pocket knives.

The Mini CQC-7 isn’t tapped for left hand carry. Emerson can tap it for you, but A) you have to get the knife from EKI or send it in, and B) it will cost you $25. There are a lot of knives with non-repositionable clips, even at this price point, but given how integral the wave opening is to the design of the Mini CQC-7 it should come drilled for righties and lefties out of the box. For reference, the Emerson/Kershaw collabs are all drilled for both.

Deployment and Lockup

The Mini CQC-7 can be deployed via two different methods: either by the thumb disk or by the Emerson wave opener.

The thumb disk works but is slow – pretty smooth, admittedly, but slow. It almost feels like the knife is pivoting between two layers of cloth. From what I understand the Nylatron washers here are another Emerson standby. I don’t mind them, and if they are supposedly lower-maintenance than phosphor bronze or Teflon washers then that’s fine. Just know that you’re never going to flick this knife open.

Of course, the way you’re supposed to deploy the Mini CQC-7 is with the wave opening feature. The wave is a small hook on the end of the thumb ramp that, when you pull the knife from your pocket, catches on your pants seam, opening the knife as you are retrieving it. It’s…fine, I guess? I’ve had multiple wave opening knives and I don’t really buy into the utility. I’m not good at it. I get a lot of misfires. It makes traditional retrieval a bit complicated; the wave will catch a lot of the time and half-open the knife; I’ve cut myself more than once because I pulled a half-open Mini CQC-7 out of my pocket.

It’s also not a ‘polite’ way of opening a knife around folks who may not be comfortable around edged tools. I wouldn’t fault it for that if it were a larger, more distinctly tactical knife, but even the Emerson literature implies that the Mini CQC-7 is something you can take with you anywhere. If subtlety or politeness is a concern, then you may find the wave opening method a little theatrical for the non-knife people around you.

The Mini CQC-7 has a titanium liner lock. It works. Like any lock made of titanium, I worry about wear over time, but the worst thing I can say for it over two years of ownership is that it doesn’t always lock up at the same point against the tang. If I deploy it hard it travels far across, but if I roll it slowly it just barely slides underneath. To be expected? Probably. I don’t recall noticing this happening on any steel liner lock knives I own, but regardless lockup is very good.

Emerson Mini CQC-7 – Final Thoughts

I’ve been hard on the Mini CQC-7. I want to stress that, in a vacuum, it’s a fine blade. But it doesn’t exist in a vacuum, and not even years of accreted Emerson mythology and reputation can save it from looking hopelessly out of step and overpriced in today’s market.

A Mini CQC-7 with CPM-154, a slimmer handle, a conventionally-ground drop point blade, and tapped for both left- and right-handed carry would be an interesting proposition at the price it’s being offered at.

But that isn’t the knife we have. We have the same blade, more or less, that Emerson was selling a decade ago, and probably the same blade they’ll be selling five years from now. I know that Ernie Emerson and his team are probably working on new designs instead of trying to update old ones, but if there were one in the lineup that deserves an update, it’s the CQC-7. This pioneering tactical knife has been left in the dust. I’d like to see it be at the vanguard again.

EMERSON MINI CQC-7 2.9 inch SATIN Plain

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Editor: I recommend purchasing the Emerson Mini CQC-7 at Amazon or BladeHQ. Please consider that purchasing anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

Editor’s Note: This is a fairly critical review from Ben, but I think it is well reasoned and ultimately fair. The value proposition for knives like this Mini CQC-7 continues to shrink in light of all the advancements in the marketplace. Also, the price point of these Emersons are just painful. If this was a $100-120 knife, I think a lot of the CQC-7’s perceived shortcomings could be overlooked. Still, the CQC-7 remains a classic, and if you are curious about Emerson knives or can find a nice deal then I think this is a good place to start.

Kershaw CQC-6K Review

by Dan Jackson 25 Comments

Occasionally a knife comes along that I feel almost obligated to review. Almost as if I would be doing the site a disservice by not reviewing the knife. My goal with the website from day one was to build a resource, and a resource on folding knives would be pretty crummy if I didn’t have reviews of things like the Benchmade Griptilian or Kershaw Skyline. These kinds of knives have become so ubiquitous to our understanding of what a modern folding knife is, to the point where I feel that it would be a failure on my part not to include a review on them.

Buy the Kershaw CQC-6k at BladeHQ

I think that the CQC-6K could be another one of those knives. The CQC-6K is one knife in a series of collaborations between Emerson knives and Kershaw. That alone is reason enough to review it. Ernest Emerson is known for his quirky designs and relatively expensive knives. Between chisel grinding the edge, drilling and tapping the pocket clip for right side tip up carry only, and retailing the blades for (usually) over $180, his work is inaccessible to lots of people. These Kershaw collaborations can be had for under $40, and feature creature comforts like ambidextrous clips and v-ground edges. These knives could be perfect for someone who doesn’t want a cask strength Emerson.

I decided to pick out the CQC-6K specifically because it seemed like their flagship model. If you want to see an overview of the entire collaboration I invite you to check out the awesome work The Edge Observer did on the series. He really did a fantastic job and it gives you a good feel for the entire lineup. I am entirely too cheap and too lazy to purchase and review the entire collection.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The CQC-6K has an overall length of 7.75″, a 3.25″ blade, and weighs 5.1 ounces. Kershaw has produced a number of smaller designs in the Kershaw/Emerson lineup, but I feel like this is a good size for my needs. 3.25″ is a good size blade for EDC, it fits the hand well, and just feels right.

I will say that at over 5 ounces, my biggest complaint is the weight. I don’t mean to sound like NutnFancy, but I think it is a valid criticism of the knife. Part of me wants to justify the heavy build because of the stainless steel frame lock, but with knives like the ESEE Zancudo being stainless steel framelocks coming in a full 2 ounces lighter than this 6K, I can’t help but wonder if things could have been done differently to save some weight. The flip side is that this knife appears to be very tough.

The CQC-6K comes with a classic clip point blade. Fans of a tanto blade may prefer the CQC-7K, which is basically the same knife with a tanto. You don’t need to be a history major to realize that the clip point is a very functional blade shape that has stood the test of time. I really enjoyed my CQC-13, which is an even more aggressive clip point. Here you get a capable tip, a good belly, and plenty of edge, all mated to a hollow grind. I like this blade shape a great deal.

Emerson’s blades are one of my favorite aspects of his knives. The grinds are beautiful and I love the 2-toned finishes found on his stonewashed models. Here Kershaw attempted a 2 tone effect: satin flats and a stonewashed primary bevel. It’s not nearly as nice as a real Emerson, but I give them props for trying something different. I like this touch.

For steel Kershaw went with 8Cr13MoV. I don’t mind 8Cr13MoV on a $30 knife. As I have mentioned dozens of times before, it sharpens easily and it takes a good edge. Sure it won’t hold onto that edge forever, but that’s part of the game. My blade has held up well under normal use. Can’t say I did anything too crazy with the knife, but it broke down boxes, carved wood, and opened up plastic packaging on several occasions. If the intended use is EDC, the CQC-6K should do just fine.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The CQC-6K has a G-10 handle scale and stainless steel liner on the non-locking side, and a stainless steel framelock on the locking side. There is a partial G-10 backspacer. Construction is solid. The framelock and liner are both substantial, and is where this hefty knife picks up several of its extra ounces. I like how Kershaw went with Phillips head hardware for the body screws, and a slotted pivot, paying homage to Emerson’s original creations. The fit and finish of the handle is also quite good. The corners of the framelock were all chamfered, and the pieces line up well. One thing I did notice is that this framelock will rust if you aren’t careful. I am not sure what I was doing with my knife (maybe I used it prepare food or carried it around in a sweaty pocket), but one day I picked it up and noticed little rust spots on it. Bar Keeper’s Friend saved the day yet again, but it’s an observation I wanted to mention.

Ergonomically, the CQC-6K feels like an Emerson. That’s a great thing. This is a ridiculously comfortable knife. The handle is thick and spacious, and you have a deep finger groove that locks your hand in place. There is a prodigious amount of jimping on the knife, a feature I have shied away from, but it’s subdued and works well here. There is plenty of space to grab this in forward and reverse grips. This is just a good handle design.

The pocket clip on the CQC-6K is modeled after the standard Emerson clip. It has been scaled down to fit the proportions of this smaller knife, but it’s the same shape of the clip regular Emersons come with. The clip is a proven design and was well implemented here, especially since Kershaw decided to drill and tap this thing for ambidextrous tip up carry. It’s a Christmas miracle – an Emerson with holes on both sides of the handle! (In case you couldn’t tell, I am very happy to see this.)

As far as carry goes, this is not a deep carry knife. There is room to easily grab the knife and make use of the wave feature. This is a heavy and relatively thick knife, but it carries well thanks in part to the sturdy clip design. The clip has also been laser etched with Emerson’s skull logo, an interesting detail that I could probably live without.

Deployment and Lockup

For deployment, you have the option of either using the wave feature, or the thumb disk. For the uninitiated, the wave feature is essentially a hook on the spine of the blade that catches on the corner of your pocket when drawing out the knife. As the hook catches on your pocket it forces the blade open. The wave feature is a lot of fun and it works well on this smaller knife. The thumb disk also works well and I actually find it a little easier to use on this compact design than on Emerson’s full size offerings.

As I mentioned earlier, this knife makes use of a stainless steel framelock. This is a departure from Emerson’s liner locks. It adds a lot of unnecessary weight to the knife, but most people seem to prefer frame locks for the perceived increase in strength, so I can see why they did it. I am happy to report that this is a good stainless steel frame lock. My knife locks up around 50%. The blade is secure, and is without any sort of play. Also the lock doesn’t stick, and is easy to manipulate. At this price point I can’t ask for much more than that.

Kershaw CQC-6K Review – Final Thoughts

By and large this knife is a winner. Kershaw has successfully brought Emerson’s designs to the mass market. Most of the stuff that makes an Emerson an Emerson has been ported over, and you also get things like a “V” edge, and ambidextrous pocket clip. Fit and finish is very good and the end result is a well made, satisfying knife, with classic Emerson attitude and ergonomics. I am thankful for the fact that they didn’t make this a Speedsafe knife. Kershaw loves to do that on budget blades (because their market research has shown most people prefer assisted openers), and I’m glade this one was spared. This price is also hard to beat. KAI has been on fire with their collaborations with Hinderer, and these new collaborations with Ernest Emerson may just make KAI the collaboration king.

If I were to lodge a complaint against the CQC-6K it would be the weight. Some might try to cut the 6K some slack because it’s a $30 knife, but the Zancudo is similarly priced but is much lighter. For that reason this one doesn’t quite make my best EDC knives list, but it comes pretty close. This is an otherwise great knife so I feel the need to point out this potential issue. The flip side is that it makes for a very tough knife, and this could be a good choice for a beater / work blade. Emerson purists may bemoan the fact that this knife is made overseas. If that is such a big issue I would suggest saving up and buying a real Emerson.

At the end of the day I think you are getting a lot of nice knife for the money, and I recommend it for fans of Emerson’s designs or those looking for a tough and compact EDC that won’t break the bank.

Kershaw Emerson CQC-6K Folding Pocket Knife (6034), Manual 3.25-Inch 8Cr14MoV Stainless Steel Blade, Features Wave Shaped Opening Feature, Thumb Disk, Frame Lock, Reversible Pocketclip, 5.1 oz.

List Price: $30.17

Price: $30.17

Price Disclaimer

I recommend purchasing the CQC-6K at Amazon or BladeHQ. Please consider that buying anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

Emerson Roadhouse Review

by Dan Jackson 11 Comments

I’ve mentioned a couple times before that every now and then I get the urge to pick up an Emerson, and make it my EDC. I know the knife is going to be too large for me to comfortably carry, and way overboard when I stop to consider my actual needs for a daily carry knife. But still, like a moth to flame I convince myself that this time things will be different as I hit the “buy” button on yet another Emerson. This is probably like a gal that brings home the guy with bad credit and a pack a day habit, thinking that she will “change” him to one day become the man of her dreams.

Buy the Emerson Roadhouse at BladeHQ

Well this time around I have no such delusions of grandeur. I bought the Emerson Roadhouse not because I intend to carry it in the pocket of my skinny jeans next to my mustache wax and Starbucks card, but because I really dig the design and wanted to add it to the collection. I know the knife is going to be too big for me to actually want to carry and use, and I could care less.

At least this time around I’m being honest with myself. This is a beastly blade and I have always been drawn to the low slung modified tanto design. Frankly, it’s about damn time I reviewed the Emerson Roadhouse and I’m not going to apologize for it.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Roadhouse has an overall length of 8.90″, a 3.80″ blade, and weighs 6.2 ounces. This is a full size folder and was likely designed with law enforcement and military personnel in mind. I’m just a guy with a website and a day job, so my perspective on the knife will be limited to daily carry and use as a tool, rather than a defensive option. The design has proven popular enough for Emerson to roll the Roadhouse out in a variety of sizes. We have the regular (shown here) the Super Roadhouse (4.2″ blade), and the Mini Roadhouse (3.4″ blade).

The blade of the Roadhouse is a modified tanto and is one of my favorite shapes from Ernie. I’m not a tanto guy, but I really like this modified tanto. There is a little belly and something of a harpoon and swedge that give the knife some extra attitude. In the product description Ernie tells you to think about Jack Daniels and Harley Davidson’s. I can almost see Patrick Swazye in a dusty corner, the glint of the Roadhouse flitting through thick cigarette smoke and half empty bottles. Oh yeah. I really like this one. Mine blade is a two tone satin finish with stonewashed flats. Like all my other Ermersons, this knife is ground beautifully with a v grind and chisel edge. The blades are the best part of these knives although I see a fair amount of tooling marks on the spine around the wave and jimping.

The steel is tried and true 154CM. If it works why mess with it? I certainly don’t have a problem with 154CM, and Emerson has always done a good job heat treating it. People who actually use their knives will tell you that the chisel edge is ground on the wrong side for right handed users, but I don’t let that get in the way of a good time or a cardboard box. I have found the 154CM to be a serviceable steel, but if you don’t believe me feel free to read through my handful of other Emerson reviews.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The Roadhouse’s handle is standard black peel ply G10 over a titanium locking liner, and a steel non-locking liner. My knife has a thick partial G10 backspacer. I am pretty sure if you were to buy one new Emerson now offers their knives with standoffs over a backspacer. We have been trained to think that flow through construction is better, but there is something endearing about the G10 backspacer. The hardware is Emerson’s signature phillips head fasteners for the body screws and oversized slotted pivot. There are some tooling marks on the edges of the liners, but beyond that everything is nicely finished.

In hand is where the Roadhouse really shines. This is a full size knife and it provides ample room for all your standard grips. In addition to being a long handle, it’s also quite thick. Much like every other Emerson I’ve handled the knife is extremely comfortable. The black G10 offers plenty of traction, and the jimping on the thumb ramp holds your thumb but isn’t overly aggressive. If you can get away with carrying a big knife it’s hard to beat Emerson’s offerings from an ergonomic standpoint.

For the same reasons the Roadhouse feels so good in hand, it will be noticed in the pocket. It’s a large knife and there is no getting around that. Even small Emersons have a way of feeling big. The Roadhouse has been outfitted with Emerson’s standard black parkerized clip. It rides low, but not so low that you can’t access it easily. This is a proven clip design and is very comparable to Benchmade’s offerings. As always the knife comes drilled and tapped for right side tip up carry only.

Deployment and Lockup

For deployment you have a choice of thumb disk or wave feature. I’ve never been a huge fan of thumb disks. They always seem awkward to me. But they are low profile and stay out of the way when you are waving the knife open. The nylatron washers aren’t amazingly smooth, but they get the job done. I’d prefer good ole phosphor bronze, but this isn’t Burger King. I can’t have it my way. I can flick open the Roadhouse with a little effort, but for rapid fail-safe deployment the wave is the way to go.

For lock up you have a thick titanium liner. The locking liner is visibly thicker than the non-locking steel liner and I find that reassuring. Lock up on my knife is early and secure. There is a little bit of lock stick, but nothing bad. I prefer a steel locking liner over titanium, but it is what it is. Apparently Emerson’s warranty service is good if you manage to wear down the titanium. I have never had to use their warranty service personally.

Emerson Roadhouse Review – Final Thoughts

It’s big, it’s bad, it’s surprisingly expensive. I have always enjoyed the look of the Roadhouse on paper and am happy to report the knife looks just as good in hand. It’s a solid tool, with Emerson’s signature quirks. Despite some tooling marks on the back of the blade and liners, the knife has been carefully put together. The parts line up, the blade is centered, the lock doesn’t stick (badly) and everything feels sturdy and secure. The super nice blade and comfortable handle are high points. The steep price tag and impracticality of the knife (for my suburban purposes) are low points. Regardless, I am pleased to add this one to my collection and recommend the knife if you are a fan of Emerson’s offerings or if the allure of the Roadhouse is just too strong to resist.

Emerson Roadhouse – $227.66
From: BladeHQ

Emerson Roadhouse SF Plain Stonewashed Blade

List Price: $223.66

Price: $223.66

Price Disclaimer

I recommend purchasing the Roadhouse at BladeHQ or Amazon. Please consider that purchasing anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.