• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Loadout Room

The Loadout Room

Professional Gear Reviews

Hardcore Gear and Adventure

Menu
  • Shooting
        • Pistol
        • Pistol Accessories
        • Rifle
        • Rifle Accessories
        • Shotgun
        • Machine Guns
        • Air Guns
        • Ammunition
        • Optics and Sights
        • Weapon Lights
        • Tips & How-To
        • Concealed Carry
        • Holsters
        • Suppressors
        • Precision Rifle Shooting
        • Firearms Training
        • H&K MP-5 Sub-Machinegun: Famous but not FriendlyH&K MP-5 Sub-Machinegun: Famous but not Friendly
        • Glock-17_1A Former Delta Force Operator’s Glock 17 Setup
        • 300-blackout-used-for-home-defense-ar-15-pistol-fThe Home Defense AR-15 – Setting Up for Success
        • lossy-page1-1280px-Da_Nang_Vietnam…._Sergeant_Robert_E._Fears_clears_an_area_using_his_flamethrower._-_NARA_-_532491.tifThe Brutal Reality of the Flamethrower and the Men Who Carried It
    • Close
  • Gear Reviews
      • Mission Gear
      • Camping Gear
      • Survival Gear
      • Medical Gear
      • Adventure & Travel
      • Knives & Tools
      • Overland
      • Disaster Preparedness
      • Footwear
      • Womens Gear & Clothing
        • Winter-AdventureGet Ready for Winter Fun: The Ski Gear Guide
        • RIP-MVehicle Preparedness: Fast access to essential items | Grey Man Tactical RIP-M
        • Midland radioOverland Essential | Midland Radio MXT275 | GXT1000
        • ppGrab your gear and go | Here’s everything you’d need to build an adventure go bag
    • Close
  • Men’s Lifestyle
      • Fitness
      • EDC
      • Eyewear
      • Watches
      • Electronics & Technology
      • Downtime
      • Mens Clothing & Accessories
      • Manly Skills
      • Style & Grooming
      • Gentleman Drinks
      • Crate Club
        • Georgia-Army-National-GuardHow to Use Military Mindset While Preparing for a Race
        • jelmer-assink-gzeTjGu3b_k-unsplashFitness Gear Standard Weight Bench: A Budget Gym Equipment Review
        • alexander-andrews-BX4Q0gojWAs-unsplashEDC 101: What EDC Means and 4 EDC Gear to Have
        • 275067423_3229648577268120_1392851511843662528_nFit or Flop?: A Review of the WOOBIES Men’s Mod-1 Canvas Shoe
    • Close
  • News
  • Video Demo
  • Buying Guides
  • Shop
Knives & Tools

Emerson Knives Mini CQC-15

April 20, 2018 by Rick Dembroski Leave a Comment

Emerson Knives Mini CQC-15

Throughout the history of mankind, a sharp knife has been a necessary survival tool. Since the earliest man sharpened a fragment of rock into a crude blade, the knife has been arguably man’s greatest invention (aside from capturing fire, or maybe soap). So when the time came for me to select a knife I would bet my life on, I contacted The Loadout Room’s resident knife expert Scott Witner. In the past, Scott has reviewed over two dozen styles/brands of knives, he is what I consider a true outdoorsman and knife aficionado.

A few months ago I became involved with the Civil Air Patrol and began training to help assist in search and rescue operations here in Alaska. When I first began reading over the standard operation procedures and required aircrew survival equipment I saw the words “Knife, folding 6” and started to think about what brand/style of knife I wanted. The knife needed to be high quality, and durable for the unlikely event I ever was involved in an aircraft crash. I wanted to know without a doubt that the knife I selected wouldn’t fail me in my greatest hour of need.

When I sent the message about a possible knife selection to Scott, within minutes and without a second thought he suggested I look at the Emerson Knives CQC-15. Ernest Emerson’s knives have been featured on the Loadout Room several times before. They have lived up to the hype, and the price tag each time they have been reviewed. I ended up selecting the Mini CQC-15 because it was slightly smaller than the full-sized knife, and would stow more easily inside a survival vest pocket. Let’s take a look at the available options and specifications of the Emerson Knives Mini CQC-15.

Emerson Knives Mini CQC-15
CQC-15 Mini

Emerson CQC 15 Mini Specifications:

  • Style of Knife: Folding knife
  • Blade Style: Hybrid tanto/recurve design
  • Blade Length: 3.5″
  • Blade Thickness: .125″
  • Blade Material: 154 CM
  • Blade Hardness: 57-59 RC
  • Overall Length: 7.9″
  • Handle Material: Black G-10 epoxy/glass laminate
  • Available Finish: Black or Stone washed satin
  • Weight: 3.8 ounces
  • MSRP: $199.95 (Available with serrated edge for $5.00 extra)
  • Unique Features: Patended Emerson Wave opening mechanism

Applications:

  • Daily carry
  • Survival bag
  • Any outdoors use

Pros:

  • Well built
  • Superior materials
  • Easy opening
  • Proven track record of quality
  • American made

Cons: Price

Overall Impressions:

This knife seems to be built better than any other folding knife I have used in the last few years. It comes from the factory with an edge on it that I am certain I could shave with, it’s ridiculously sharp. After a few weeks of opening and closing (as well as showing it off to friends and family) the knife seems easier to open. Each time I pull the Emerson Knives Mini CQC-15 out I get some “ewww” and “ahh’s” when people check the edge on the blade (it really is insanely sharp).

Using the thumb stud, the knife swings open quickly and locks into the fully open position with a pronounced CLICK. Once locked in the fully open position, the blade shows no signs of closing unintentionally. The .125″ wide blade also has zero detectable lateral play in any of the opening or cutting tests I performed. The stainless steel liner lock system is stiff, which is beneficial (in my opinion). You are 100% aware you intend to close the blade, due to its design and tension.

Emerson Knives Mini CQC-15
Chisel grind on the CQC-15 Mini

The Emerson Knives Mini CQC-15 features G10 epoxy/glass panels which I have had other brands of knives but these were different. The Panels on the Emerson have a slightly more aggressive texture to them. When firmly grasping the knife you notice the panels bite more into your hand, you get the impression this knife will not be sliding around during use. You would think this feature would make it uncomfortable, this is not the case, it’s just noticeably more firm.

The handle also features a hole drilled in the end for the lanyard loop option. This isn’t a feature I personally plan on using but it’s a nice standard feature Emerson includes on all their knives. You can also remove the G10 panels from the handle using a cross point and flat head type screwdriver. This allows the user to properly clean and lubricate the knife to extend its longevity. Remember knives are tools and need maintenance just like any other piece of equipment.

Emerson Knives Mini CQC-15
Lanyard hole, standard on all Emerson Knives

The CQC-15 Mini is a hybrid between; the CQC-7 and the Commander. I had looked at both of these knives separately in a local knife shop before I knew about the CQC-15 series. I liked the grip/handle of the Commander but disliked the blade.  On the CQC-7 I liked the blade but wanted the tip of the blade to be at a different angle.

When I heard the CQC-15 Mini was a hybrid of the two designs I was cautiously optimistic. Once the knife arrived I was surprised at how well they blended the two designs without sacrificing quality or aesthetics. I’m aware that a knife is a tool, but sometimes I would like my tools to have some swagger.

The blade on the knife features what is commonly referred to as a chisel grind. It’s a single-edged style blade similar to what is used on the Russian AK47 bayonet, or a wood chisel. It’s a design that has been used for many years in many different industries and allows for easier blade sharpening and maintenance while in the field.

Emerson Knives Mini CQC-15
CQC-15 Mini fits nicely in my emergency vest pocket

As shown in the above image, the CQC-15 Mini fits perfectly in the pocket of my aircrew survival vest. The side clip secures the knife to the pouch and holds it in place even after vigorous shaking. I plan on running the CQC-15 Mini through several tests in the coming weeks where the temperatures here in Alaska are expected to hover around 0*F.

If you are looking for a great knife you can count on for many years, look at the Emerson line. Whether it’s CQC-15 Mini or one of the other models we have reviewed, you can’t go wrong with an Emerson. I’m not the first or last person to trust my life to an Emerson Knife, they are expensive, but ask yourself what your life is worth? I plan on getting another CQC-15 as my daily carry knife.

Emerson knives can be purchased directly from the manufacturer at emersonknives.com. Thanks for stopping by The Loadout Room. If you have any questions or comments about this article, please be sure to contact us using the Comms Check. Or comment below and I will do my best to get back to you.


Share This

About the Author

Rick Dembroski I spent 10 of the best years of my life as a USAF Civil Engineer, traveling the globe, drinking beer, and causing chaos. My superiors dubbed me "King of Useless Knowledge" a title that I still love to this day. I separated in 2002 as a SSgt (E5- in the USAF), and chose to stay in the frozen north of Alaska, currently I work as an Emergency Management Specialist where I combine my love of chaos and preparedness to ensure people know how to survive disasters.

See All Rick Dembroski Articles

More From The Loadout Room

Comments

About Rick Dembroski

I spent 10 of the best years of my life as a USAF Civil Engineer, traveling the globe, drinking beer, and causing chaos. My superiors dubbed me "King of Useless Knowledge" a title that I still love to this day. I separated in 2002 as a SSgt (E5- in the USAF), and chose to stay in the frozen north of Alaska, currently I work as an Emergency Management Specialist where I combine my love of chaos and preparedness to ensure people know how to survive disasters.

Primary Sidebar

Email Newsletter

Sign up to receive email updates daily and to hear what's going on with us!

Find Us on Facebook

The Loadout Room

Recent Comments

  • Wild Bill on Never Quit: A Lesson From Death Wish Coffee Company
  • sam on MTM Special Ops Watch | Hypertec Chrono
  • Fari Rafli on Reaper Tips: 4 Precision Rifle Shooting Errors

Latest From SOFREP

World

Artificial Intelligence and the Unintentional Erasure of War Crimes Evidence on Social Media

World

SOF Pic of the Day: From Geo’s Private Stash-Jumping From A Little Bird

Life

4 Easy Home Exercises If You Have No Time For a Full Workout

Featured

Reimagining Mental Health Care for Combat Veterans: A Frontline Perspective

© Copyright 2023 SOFREP Media Group · All Rights Reserved.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Advertisers
 

Loading Comments...