Emerson

The Emerson Knives Mini Commander – Take Command of Your Knife

We are big fans of Emerson Knives around here. Why wouldn’t we be? They are well proven, well made and designed to last. Knives like the CQC-6 are absolutely legendary in the Spec Ops community. The line has slowly expanded over time to include a wide variety of different types of blades. The core of the CQC series remains the same, a great grip, a liner lock, a chisel edge, and 154 CM steel. The Mini Commander is a pocket-friendly EDC blade that’s well worthy of the Emerson name.

The Grip

First things first I mentioned great grip but let’s elaborate on that. The grip is a black G-10 composite that’s textured harshly. It will not slip and slide in your hands regardless of gloves, wet hands, or them being covered in blood. Stuff happens, and I’m not judging. The simple fact is that this is a tactical knife.

The shape of the handle conforms nicely to the hand and allows for the comfortable use of a variety of grips. This includes the hammer grip, as well as a fencing grip, a thumb on blade grip, ice pick grip, etc.

The Blade

The Mini-Commander’s blade is 3.4 inches long and made from tough 154CM. This tough steel is a great knife steel. It’s tough, corrosion resistant, and holds an edge well. The only real downside is that it takes time to sharpen, but can be honed to a razor’s edge. The Mini Commander comes from Emerson with an extremely sharp blade.

The blades shape and design should be noted. The Mini-Commander has a re-curve blade style. The blade shape resembles an S-Curve along the cutting edge. This maximizes efficiency when it comes to the cutting surface, and gives you a cutting surface longer than the blade. The inward curve near the bottom of the blade offers you better leverage to cut through stronger materials.

The forward cutting edge’s outward curve gives you a strong cutting curve that will cut deep with minimal force. This forward cutting edge guides the knife through it’s cut with ease. That same curve gives the knife a solid belly and makes it easy to clean game both large and small.

The Mini-Commander’s blade is small and stout, and well suited for cutting, stabbing and other tasks. It’s small and easy to control and compared to the Commander and Super-Commander it’s much easier for daily carry.

Additional Ergonomics

The blade sports the wave feature as well as a black thumb disk. The black thumb disk is ambidextrous and works as intended. Not much to say, but the Wave feature is where it’s at. This makes the Mini-Commander faster to open than most auto knives.

The wave feature allows you to open the blade as you pull it from your pocket. This is a technique that takes practice but is well worth learning. It makes deploying the knife fast and perfect in a self-defense situation.

Lock-up is night and tight and the blade doesn’t budge. The Mini-Commander’s has a lanyard loop, as well as blade down pocket clip for righties. A left-handed variant is available though.

The Mini Commander

The Mini-Commander is an outstanding knife. It’s small, rugged, and reliable. The blade design makes it versatile, while still remaining a solid fighting knife. The Mini Commander is easy to carry, and well designed. What else could you want? It’s certainly worthy of the legendary Emerson name.

Originally published on the Crate Club Knowledgebase

The Emerson CQC-9K | A New Everyday Carry

The Emerson Kershaw CQC-9K | A New Everyday Carry

The Kershaw/Emerson CQC-9K has been my everyday carry knife for a while now. My initial goal was to review not as a weapon, or a survival knife, but as an everyday carry knife. Throughout my CQC-9k review, I was quite pleased with its performance. I like simple things, and the CQC-9K proved to be rugged, reliable and simple. The most complicated thing about the CQC-9K is typing and saying its name over and over.

My 5-year-old took to calling it the Monkey knife because the Emerson Ape skull on the knife and its box. (Emerson, let my kid name your knives.) Anyway, the knife was a pocket companion pretty much everywhere and I went and I’m always going somewhere. In the three weeks, I’ve had the knife I’ve been a busy bee.

Testing The Emerson CQC-9K

Shortly before I received the knife good old Hurricane Hermine hit my community. It didn’t damage my home too much but left a lot of cleaning up to do. While cleaning my property there was a number of times I needed a pocket knife as you could imagine. I had a tarped carport be destroyed by winds and found it much faster to cut through the cordage holding the broken tarp then undoing it. There were over 50 ties to cut and the Emerson CQC-9K went through them like butter.

I also went fishing and scalloping a number of times, in the Gulf of Mexico where the knife was exposed to plenty of salt water when I cut lines, pried scallops opened, gutted fish, and simply used it with wet hands. The finish is intact and I have yet to see a single flake of rust.

It’s been a pocket companion and gathered it’s fair share of lint, dirt, and sweat. The simple design makes it impossible to fail due to normal crud accumulation. The KISS principle at work. I put the blade through some testing as a box cutter. I try to grab large pieces of cardboard when I see them. They all eventually become target backings. Sometimes I have to cut them. While this is typically the job for a box cutter the Emerson CQC-9k drew the short straw.

We sliced and diced through a half dozen boxes to make some nice, flat, target backings. Pretty easy task, but after all this, the blade is still sharp enough. It’s not out of the box sharp, but its still sharp.

Downsides?

The main downside to the Emerson CQC-9K is the combination of its size and simple operation. It’s a big folding knife, and to open it with one hand you have to start pushing it open, and then rotate your hand to finish opening the knife. It feels clumsy, and I’m a fan of one handed operation. I also somehow chipped the blade though, not sure how, but it was after heavy use.

Lastly

Surprisingly the pocket clip is still rock solid. I’ve lost so many knife clips from them loosening I just started carrying knives without them. The pocket clip here hasn’t budged a hair. Let’s see, the finish is still intact, zero rust, nothing loosened, the blade locks up tight, the lock stays in place, nothing’s loose, and it’s still sharp. It’s a good knife, a simple knife, and you really can’t ask for more from it, especially when you consider its price.

Emerson Seax | Viking blade for the modern age

The Seax (pronounced as a cross between sea-axe and syAX) was a medieval short blade of legend. While the Vikings used it to devastating effect (and fame), many neighboring societies took notice and started using the distinctive shape. One part close fighting tool and one part utilitarian cutting tool, the Seax was a daily part of Viking life whether in battle or not. Leave it to iconic blade-master Ernie Emerson to bring the Seax to the aerospace age.

The Emerson Seax features a 3.9″ blade in the distinctive “reverse-tanto” style of the original blade. This conventionally V-ground blade is constructed from 154CM steel, which is well-regarded as a great all-around steel for blades. The black G-10 handle scales and titanium liner-lock make up 5.1″ of the overall 9.1″ length.

An addition that’s unique to Emerson’s knives is the patented “Wave” feature. For the uninitiated, there are two primary ways to open up this blade in a hurry: you can use the thumb stud (or wheel as it were), or you can use the wave. The Emerson Wave is the little hook on the top ridge of the blade just prior to the blade hitting the handle. As you draw, this hook grabs your pocket and flips the blade open near-automatically. For those concerned, yes it is possible and easy to draw without engaging the Wave. Check out this video:

Gif courtesy of EmersonKnives.com

While some manufacturers like to play it safe and send out their blades with a good-but-not-great edge, Emerson has gone all-out. This Seax is easily one of the sharpest factory blades I’ve even encountered, leaving me with a big bald patch on my arm in one pass. Well done to the shop techs at Emerson’s factory right here in the USA.

Yes, the Seax is a big, damn knife. It dwarfs my casual carry blades by a good margin. Most blades are designed around daily use, but could be put into a defensive role if absolutely necessary. Emerson’s Seax is meant to perform much like Erik the Red’s might have: great for fighting and great for whatever else you have planned for the rest of the day after crossing the broad loom of slaughter.

The Seax is not made for someone who might happen upon the chance to carve an apple. It is made for those who are committed to carrying a serious knife, intended for serious use. Was I still serving in the 2nd Ranger battalion, this is just the kind of knife I’d want while deployed. As a civilian, this is the knife I will be carrying as well. The Seax has an MSRP of $249, but can be found as a pre-order for $229. Check it out!

For another review by Rex Nanorum on an Emerson blade, check here.

-Rex Nanorum

@Rexnanorum

Youtube

Emerson CQC-7 BW: Minimal maintenance and maximum self-defense

I have owned several folding knives that became favorites for various reasons. Sometimes it is a functional feature, other times aesthetic. With Emerson’s CQC-7BW it all boils down to that incredible chisel ground ‘B’ blade and Tanto style point. It wraps everything I want out of a blade into one – durability, design, and function.

Good for cutting, piercing, and hacking – my CQC-7 blade features a black finish (also available in a satin finish). It measures 3.3 inches in length with a thickness of .125 inches, and it is comprised of 154 CM stainless steel with a hardness of 57-59 RC. Overall knife length is 8.0 inches, while the handle is 4.65 inches long. The handle features a simple but good looking black G-10 epoxy and glass laminate that provides excellent grip and comfort. The knife is weighted very well at 4 ounces and virtually disappears in my pocket.

The wave feature is one that I have experience with due to owning some Emerson designed Kershaw knives, and for a self-defense weapon, it functions perfectly for me. The liner lock is made of an advertised “Aerospace grade” titanium and is built to last. When drawing from my pocket it opens crisply and with little effort. When wearing in my waistline, one-handed opening of the knife requires a bit more effort than other folders I have with SpeedSafe or auto-opening functions. Still, if carried in a pocket as intended this knife really can’t be beaten in its own class.

One feature I noticed on this knife that I really like is that the blade has one sharpened side while the other is flat. It makes sharpening the knife very easy. The straight lines on the edge also make sharpening easier than most of my curved-edge blades. Serrations can be added to the blade for an extra $5, but my personal preference is without. Overall this knife requires minimal maintenance while offering an incredibly effective EDC knife.

Cost of this knife starts at $201.95. Check out the CQC-7 line at the Emerson site.

Kershaw EDC review of the Emerson designed CQC knife line

Having owned several Kershaw EDC knives designed by Ken Onion, I have a lot of trust in the higher-end products that Kershaw produces. However, in most cases you pay dearly for those quality American made knives, and for the average person looking to add a few quality options to their EDC it can be a pain-point. This led me to explore Kershaw’s more affordable CQC (Close Quarters Combat) line designed by Emerson, which brings together the build of Kershaw and the design of Emerson at a modest price-point. What makes it more affordable? As far as I can tell, the primary reason for the lower cost is because this line is made in China. Don’t let this dissuade you though – they are a solid EDC option for what you get at their price.

To cover a range of the CQC-1K through CQC-11K, I am reviewing the 4K, 5K, 7K, and 11K models, which vary in size and blade type. Each uses 8Cr14MoV steel, just with varying coatings and finishes. Each includes a reversible pocket clip for left or right-handed carry, and each are manual openers that utilize a wave shaped opening feature which allows the person to open the knife as it is withdrawn from a pocket.

The locks for the 4K, 7K, and 11K were frame locks, which mean that one side of the knife’s steel “liner,” the steel plate to which the handle scales are attached, moves into position behind the blade to securely lock it open. The lock for the 5K was a liner, which means one side of the knife’s steel “liner,” the steel plate to which the handle scales are attached, moves into position behind the blade to securely lock it open.

CQC-4k

The CQC-4K features a drop-point blade for multi-purpose cutting capability. Probably the most aesthetically pleasing one of the four knives I reviewed. The contrast of the black-oxide back and the desert tan G-10 front look sharp. A small Emerson skull logo is on the blade and the pocket clip as with the others, so if skulls aren’t something you’re into then you’ve been warned. I personally like the look and feel of this one, although the blade and frame lock were both a bit stiff until it had been used a bit for a few days.

This knife blazed through the informal knife tests that I conducted, including cutting through denim, 550 paracord, small branches, and always telling “arm hair” test. The edge held up well and after days of using the blade, it showed no signs of significant dulling. Regular care and maintenance is sufficient.

Features include:

Frame lock
Reversible pocketclip (left/right)
Steel: 8Cr14MoV, black-oxide coating
Handle: textured G-10 front, 410 black-oxide finish back
Blade length: 3.25 in. (8.3 cm)
Closed length: 4.2 in. (10.7 cm)
Open length: 7.4 in. (18.8 cm)
Weight: 4.1 oz. (116.2 g)

CQC-5K

The CQC-5K features a modified clip-point blade for versatile cutting capability. This is a good-looking knife with a solid feel to it. Right out of the box, the blade has quite a bit of stiffness when opening it, and utilizing the wave feature didn’t feel natural as it required extra effort. As it was used and tested, it loosened up and was much more useable.

The factory edge required a bit of sharpening based on feel alone, but after that it performed well during a rope test using 550 paracord and other materials. Of the four knives I review, this is the one I feel would be a good EDC for someone with smaller hands, or used as a utility knife for opening boxes. The slightly smaller blade and handle are enough to make me choose the CQC-4K over this one. My least favorite to review out of the bunch.

Features include:

Liner lock
Reversible pocketclip (left/right)
Steel: 8Cr14MoV, black-oxide coating
Handle: Textured G-10
Blade length: 3 in. (7.6 cm)
Closed length: 4 in. (10.2 cm)
Open length: 7.1 in. (18 cm)
Weight: 3.7 oz. (104.9 g)

CQC-7K

The CQC-7K features a modified tanto blade for both slicing and punching capability. My choice for favorite EDC knife out of the four in this review. The tanto blade, slightly larger blade and handle (compared to the 4K and 5K) and the excellent edge are what pushed it over the top for me. Rope and other sharpness testing surpassed all expectations. The blade’s action felt well broken-in and was easy to open from my pocket. Compared to the others it simply had the best weight, feel, and function for an EDC. Next to my Kershaw Blur with SpeedSafe, this is my new favorite EDC from Kershaw/Emerson.

Features include:

Frame lock
Reversible pocketclip (left/right, tip-up)
Steel: 8Cr14MoV, stonewashed finish
Handle: Textured G-10 front, 410 bead-blasted finish back
Blade length: 3.25 in. (8.3 cm)
Closed length: 4.5 in. (11.4 cm)
Open length: 7.75 in. (19.7 cm)
Weight: 5 oz. (141.7 g)

CQC-11K

The CQC-11K is a great option for hunting, skinning, survival, camping, or other outdoor activities. Rope and other sharpness tests were a breeze for this knife. It is the largest knife in the CQC line, and while I prefer a fixed blade knife for those types of activities this is an excellent knife if you like a folder. I personally wouldn’t use this as an EDC, but if you’re the burly type this would certainly be worth considering. Aside from the extra size – again, I would rather just carry a fixed blade instead – the skinning blade is not specifically built for penetration. As a general outdoor knife that’ll fit in your pocket, this is a great value.

Features include:

Frame lock
Reversible pocketclip (left/right, tip-up)
Steel: 8Cr14MoV, stonewashed finish
Handle: Textured G-10 front, 410 bead-blasted finish back
Blade length: 3.5 in. (9 cm)
Closed length: 4.75 in. (12.1 cm)
Open length: 8.5 in. (21.6 cm)
Weight: 5.8 oz. (166 g)

*Originally published on SOFREP and written by NICK COFFMAN

Concealed Carry: Emerson La Griffe Blade

When you think of concealed carry, typically you think a handgun, but not every concealed carry weapon is a handgun. Depending on your local laws or the lack of a concealed carry permit, your preferred weapon may be a blade. Most blades that I carry (and a lot of people carry) are your standard folders with a pocket clip. These days all it takes is a quick glance at one’s pocket to see that they are carrying a blade. Having a blade makes an excellent backup to a gun. Having a concealed blade as a last chance weapon (and backup to your other knife) could save you some day. With the modern-day threats we face, dual weapon deployment is becoming the standard.

The Emerson Knives La Griffe blade is an excellent last-ditch concealable defensive tool. Originally designed by French knife maker and Army (French) veteran Fredric Perrin, variations of the La Griffe (otherwise known as the claw) are put to use in a variety of professions such as: military, law enforcement, and civilian defense.

From Emerson Knives:
“Mr. Fred Perrin is one of the world’s premiere “real world” fighting instructors. This fact is directly reflected in his bare bones no-holds barred style of knife making. His attitude and philosophy have propelled him to design some of the best and most affordable combat knives in the business. Fred comes from a diverse background of French Military Special Forces service and a life long study of martial arts and weapons systems. He is a highly sought after instructor in Europe and a highly recognized and respected knife maker to those who use and carry knives in high risk environments. We are very proud to produce one of Fred’s most innovative and effective designs – the La Griffe.”

The design and footprint of the La Griffe blade allows you to conceal the blade and make it virtually disappear under a t-shirt. As it comes from the manufacturer it includes a chain to wear and conceal it as a neck knife. Because of the short length of the blade, and the lightweight design, wearing it around your neck is no worse than wearing a larger pendant around your neck. The blade and sheath sit flat against your chest, just below the sternum, and are easy to conceal under just a T-shirt. The most comfortable way to carry the La Griffe is between a T-shirt, and another layer. Personally, I choose to carry my Emerson La Griffe in a different manner. I decided to take advantage of the eyelets in the sheath and attach an inside the waistband loop. With the IWB loop on the sheath I can now carry the La Griffe inside the waistband, opposite my handgun.

Concealed Carry: Emerson La Griffe Blade — Sheath modification with an IWB loop

Deploying the La Griffe from the holster can take some practice depending on how you’re wearing, or concealing it. If you’re wearing it as a neck carry, it requires the extra step of getting your hand under whatever outer layers are on top of the La Griffe. While you may be able to slip a hand through a buttoned shirt, it’s probably faster to deploy by un-tucking your shirt with your weak hand, and then grasping the knife with your strong hand. This knife carries and deploys very well under a button down dress shirt (and tie), as you can leave one button undone under the middle of the tie allowing easy access for your strong hand. The tie helps to reduce any printing under the dress shirt. Wearing it inside the waistband still requires you to clear your shirt before pulling the blade from the sheath. I’ve also added a short length of paracord, and an Emerson Skull bead for two reasons. First, it gives me something to grab in a high stress situation where you have degraded motor skills. Second, it just looks pretty damn cool to have that Emerson Skull on the lanyard.

The design of the handle allow you pull the La Griffe out of the sheath by inserting your index finger into the larger hole closest to the blade. Once the knife is locked into your hand it is near impossible to disarm. The blade becomes an extension of your hand and resembles that of a claw, or talon. With a blade length of under 2″ you’re not going to reach any vital organs, but you’re still going to be able to inflict some damage that will not only deter the immediate threat, but possibly put them in the hospital.

The Emerson La Griffe is a tough single piece of 154CM steel and retails for $110.95. Worn around your neck, or inside the waistband it provides a simple, yet effective defensive weapon (as a back-up to your handgun, or pocket folder).

Also check out Amazon here, but make sure that you are actually purchasing and Emerson blade.