Emerson CQC-7 vs CQC-8

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gunslinger226

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Aug 15, 2011
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Want to get an Emerson folder. I'd appreciate any opinions (and/or pictures of them both side by side) on which to get: CQC-7 or CQC-8.

I'm from Australia and knives are more expensive over here, mostly due to $40+ for shipping so this will be for my collection rather than a user.

Can anyone give me the background on both knives? The CQC-7 was developed for SF's and is the pioneer of folding tactical knives. From Nutnfancy's video with Earnest Emerson, Emerson said that the CQC-8 was developed for some members of the SAS in the mid-80's. That's as far as my knowledge goes so any other comments would be appreciated.

Cheers
 
I don't have any emersons but I prefer the blade shape and length of the CQC-8. OTOH, if it's not to use but just to collect, get the one that appeals to you aesthetically.
 
As others have said, for collection get the one you like the look of. For use, well, I'm not a huge fan of Emerson knives for a few reasons, but I still own a Super CQC-8 because I think it's one of the best designs being sold. I can nitpick about materials, price, fit and finish or other things, but it's an amazingly comfortable , utilitarian and minimally elegant design.
 
singularity35 said:
?.. if it's not to use but just to collect, get the one that appeals to you aesthetically.
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This. The knives each come in 3 sizes and are priced accordingly. The largest being around 4" blade, and smaller. The 7 is a chisel ground tanto, the 8 is known as the banana knife. If you paruse and search the Emerson subforum, you can easily find more information on the subject than you would care to read. As an aside, Australian customs might possibly confiscate the knife, because of your "anti flick" law or whatever the precedent might be. I would recommend that you ask the seller to disassemble the knife and ship it as a kit or purchase it locally if you can to avoid a possible seizure of your collectible.
 
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Just adding to the consensus, if it's going to be a collection/show piece, just get whichever appeals to you more in terms of looks. They're both iconic knives, although the 7 might have a slight advantage in that department.

For use, I'd take the CQC-8 hands-down. I own both the regular and Super versions of it, and echoing what Insipid Moniker already said, the ergonomics, blade shape, and overall utility are just superb.
 
neuron said:
Just adding to the consensus, if it's going to be a collection/show piece, just get whichever appeals to you more in terms of looks. They're both iconic knives, although the 7 might have a slight advantage in that department.

For use, I'd take the CQC-8 hands-down. I own both the regular and Super versions of it, and echoing what Insipid Moniker already said, the ergonomics, blade shape, and overall utility are just superb.
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I agree i've had both and the 8 would be my pick also. The 7's blade is short and stubby the 8 longer and leaner. But in the end the choice is really what you like.
 
Having owned both, I'd definitely pick the 8 over the 7. I think the Horseman (mini 8) is a closer size to the standard 7. The 8 has better ergonomics, I prefer the curved blade shape over the American tanto and the handle has a finger guard to prevent the hands from slipping forward onto the blade for stabbing motions. I don't care to use my knife for stabbing, but if the knives were designed with combat in mind, I would expect it to serve that purpose effectively. There's nothing on the 7's handle that would stop the fingers from sliding onto the blade:

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I'm not a big fan of Emerson knives either, but I do own a CQC-7V and it's an okay knife. While it has a conventional V grind (unlike the chisel grind of the CQC-7B) the edge is still only sharpened on one side. The blade is a little on the short side considering the handle length, but the ergonomics are good. It's a boxy little knife, very much a design of the 1990's, but looks good with the tan G-10 scales.

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If you're new to Emerson knives you'll likely find them to be a bit rough around the edges. Don't expect great fit/finish and don't be surprised if the liner barely engages the tang of the blade. That's sort of a hallmark of newer Emerson knives. Apparently, the lock is deliberately set for "early engagement" and is supposed to gradually break in with lots of room for wear.. Older models had the opposite, in that the locks tended to wear too quickly. Anyway, Emersons are made to be used and lack the finer aesthetic details found on other knives like Spyderco, Benchmade, etc.. Frankly, I think the CQC-8 would be the better design, but the "7" is still a classic. On a personal note, I do find Emersons to be a bit overpriced for what you actually get, but they do have their fair share of fans.
 
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