• 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
        • t5Tommy Gun Madness: The Thompson Submachine Gun
        • Firing the Full-Auto Steyr AUG
        • m60M60 Pig: America’s Jungle-Eating, Belt Fed Freedom Machine
        • image-60a08f67My First Single-Action Revolver Purchase: Heritage Rough Rider .22 LR/.22 WMR Range Report
    • Close
  • Gear Reviews
      • Mission Gear
      • Camping Gear
      • Survival Gear
      • Medical Gear
      • Adventure & Travel
      • Knives & Tools
      • Overland
      • Disaster Preparedness
      • Footwear
      • Womens Gear & Clothing
        • ac65a540-2ef3-4598-8d11-afdf53f46e94.__CR0,0,970,600_PT0_SX970_V1___Streamlight ProTac Rail Mount HL-X: A Thoroughly Bright Review
        • Bluetti 2 handsfree power backpackBluetti Handsfree 2 Review: The Ultimate Power Backpack for Off-Grid Adventurers
        • The Gallagator 10 day pack on the shoreline next to a hiking trail.Day Pack – Mystery Ranch Gallagator 10 – The Best Yet?
        • PXL_20240209_171721326Pic of the Day, It’s Graduation Time
    • Close
  • Men’s Lifestyle
      • Fitness
      • EDC
      • Eyewear
      • Watches
      • Electronics & Technology
      • Downtime
      • Mens Clothing & Accessories
      • Manly Skills
      • Style & Grooming
      • Gentleman Drinks
      • Crate Club
        • rs3CIVIVI RS71 Review : Big Blade Energy
        • civivi2Civivi Brazen Review: The Best Budget EDC Knife under $75?
        • G43_Gen3-107G43 Review: The Compact Powerhouse for EDC
        • Photoroom_20250403_201449ARES Watch Company Diver-1 & Field Watch: Unstoppable Tactical Watches for Land & Sea
    • Close
  • News
  • Video Demo
  • Buying Guides
  • Shop
  • Advertise
Knives & Tools

Emerson CQC-8 Combat Knife

December 26, 2016 by Scott Witner 4 Comments

The Emerson CQC-8 is a quintessential Emerson design. It was made popular as a custom piece long before the production model came out. Various military forces use it, including the British SAS. The CQC-8 is a fighting knife that just happens to be a good EDC knife.

Ernest Emerson started Emerson knives in 1979, and since then, the company has grown to become known as a producer of one of the elite hard-use knives on the market. Offering a large variety of different sizes and styles of both folding and fixed-blade knives, Emerson’s style reflects their intent to have their knives used—most of their knives come with simple, black handles and basic finish options. While Ernest still makes fully custom knives, the company focuses on their factory offerings. Emerson also runs a training center for self-defense, both with knives and without.

Emerson knives are known for their patented “wave” feature, a hook on top of the blade that allows for one-handed opening when drawing from a pocket or pouch. All their factory offerings feature G10 epoxy handles, 154cm steel blades, and titanium locks. Finishes offered include black and satin blades, and most models are available in serrated and non-serrated versions.

I personally own several Emerson knives—a CQC7, Commander, and a CQC8—all purchased based on their reputation. I’ve also owned several other brands of knives, and to me, the one thing that sets Emerson apart from them is the fact that I’m never afraid to beat these knives up and use them hard. When I pick an Emerson knife up to use, I have no doubt that it will perform—regardless of situation or environment. If you’re on the fence as to whether you should drop the cash on one, read my article titled, What Makes Emerson Knives So Great, and you’ll have your answer.

IMG_1788_opt

The Emerson CQC-8 model has long been considered one of the best combat designs ever produced. I agree. The ergonomics and blade design have merged in this knife to form the perfect union. Perfectly balanced in both a forward and reverse grip, the CQC-8 is a battle-hardened veteran that you want at your side. Now, with the Emerson “wave-shaped feature,” the CQC-8 has evolved to meet the demands of those who need a knife that will protect and serve anytime, anyplace. Although Emerson may be best known for their CQC6 folder, the CQC8 possesses an excellent pedigree; Ernie Emerson himself developed it with input from Chris Carracci, a former Navy SEAL.

The original batch of CQC8s made their debut in 1994, and the very first ones were presented to the former members of Dick Marcinko’s SEAL team for their ‘reunion’ tour of Vietnam in 1994-95. These versions remain some of the rarest and most desired knives Ernie ever made. The next version was similar, but with the slick black T coating, and flatter, hand-shaped handles. These were followed by satin-bladed knives, all chisel ground, with flat-black, machined G-10 handles. In recent years, he’s added bolsters to some, double ground some, and has begun making a production version of the knife.

IMG_1780_opt

According to Ernie, back in the ’90s, he made a very few knives with gut hooks on them as special orders for active duty SEALs. These were personal knife orders, though, not issued knives. He has repeatedly stated that the production knives have been issued to members of the SAS as well, but that is unconfirmed.

-Scott


Share This

About the Author

Scott Witner is the Editor of The Loadout Room and handles product sourcing for both Crate Club and Cuna Dog. He is a former Marine Corps Infantryman with 2ndBn/8th Marines and was attached to the 24th MEU(SOC) for a 6 month deployment to the Mediterranean. He has completed training in desert warfare at the Marine Air Ground Combat Center, mountain warfare and survival at the Mountain Warfare Training Center and attended the South Korean Mountain Warfare school in Pohang.

See All Scott Witner Articles

More From The Loadout Room

Comments

Primary Sidebar

Most Read

  • The Citizen Promaster Dive: Built Like a Bunker, Priced Like a Bivouac
    The Citizen Promaster Dive: Built Like a Bunker, Priced Like a Bivouac
  • My First Single-Action Revolver Purchase: Heritage Rough Rider .22 LR/.22 WMR Range Report
    My First Single-Action Revolver Purchase: Heritage Rough Rider .22 LR/.22 WMR Range Report
  • ARES Watch Company Diver-1 & Field Watch: Unstoppable Tactical Watches for Land & Sea
    ARES Watch Company Diver-1 & Field Watch: Unstoppable Tactical Watches for Land & Sea
  • Breek Arms Sledgehammer: The AR-15 Charging Handle That Gas Can’t Touch
    Breek Arms Sledgehammer: The AR-15 Charging Handle That Gas Can’t Touch
  • Removing Rust From Firearms? No Problem
    Removing Rust From Firearms? No Problem

Find Us on Facebook

Recent Comments

  • Ajita Sherer on The ACR (Adaptive Combat Rifle)!
  • Raphael Hanna on The ACR (Adaptive Combat Rifle)!
  • Daisy L. on CZ P10S – The Budget EDC That Gets the Job Done (Mostly)

Latest From SOFREP

News

SOFREP Morning Brief: Netanyahu Rejects Permanent Ceasefire Despite Hostage Release; Ukraine Finalizes US Minerals Deal, Eyes Reconstruction Fund

News

SOFREP Evening Brief: United Nations Peacekeepers Uncover 225 Hezbollah Weapons Caches, Myanmar Junta Airstrike Kills 22 at School Despite Declared Ceasefire

Weapons

Meet Russia’s S8000 Banderol Cruise Missile: Cheap, Lethal, and Born for the Drone Age

Featured

Geo Hand’s Delta Force Tales – Green Beret Medics

Military Content Group

© Copyright 2025 Military Content Group · All Rights Reserved.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Advertisers
 

Loading Comments...