The knife that started it all: Benchmade 970/Emerson CQC-7

[Gadget Guy]

Without a doubt The Benchmade 970/Emerson CQC-7 is the knife that started the tactical knife craze. The knife was designed by Ernest Emerson. Instead of me trying to give you a history lesson on this fantastic knife, I suggest that you read this entire wiki when you get a chance:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernest_Emerson

It will tell you everything you could ever want to know about Emerson knives. There is also a fantastic resource page here:

http://www.pcknives.com/

Ben asked me if I could take some comparison shots of the Benchmade 970 next to the Emerson CQC-7. Here you go, Ben:





The Benchmade 970 is the top knife. A big "Thank you" goes out to Zack for trading me the Benchmade 970. It was my first tactical knife and I haven't owned one in years.

Thanks Zack!   

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

I think that 'thud' was been fainting

Great pictures John, and I'm glad you've been reunited with your lost love mate

[Benner]

Very very nice John. 

Many thanks for the pics.  I'm glad you got an old friend back.

I may have to invest in another EKI at some point.  A certain someone keeps tempting me with them. 

[Gadget Guy]

Thanks guys!   

Here is my collection of 7's:

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Lovely beach towel

Just kidding

That really is a fine line up there mate I'm sure there going to make a few pep's green with envy

[Benner]

Nice line up. 

Haven't seen a blue trainer before.

[Gadget Guy]

Lovely beach towel

Just kidding

That really is a fine line up there mate I'm sure there going to make a few pep's green with envy

   I was so lucky to get that CQC-7 Karambit. I got it mint in the box!    They are really hard to find. It's by far my favorite one followed by the stonewashed waveless version.  

[Gadget Guy]

Nice line up. 

Haven't seen a blue trainer before.

All the trainers are blue!   

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

I was never really sold on the karambit design. But at least your one doesn't have a hawksbill

[Benner]

Nice line up. 

Haven't seen a blue trainer before.

All the trainers are blue!   

What I should have really said was "I haven't seen a trainer before".  Well an Emerson one anyway. 

[AHB]

Someday I'll emigrate and then I'll have all of these...    
*I'll go take my pills now *


Beautiful lineup, GG..  

[Gadget Guy]

I was never really sold on the karambit design. But at least your one doesn't have a hawksbill

The beauty of the CQC-7 Karambit is that you get the utility of the CQC-7 blade, with the ultra cool self defense qualities of a Karambit. I simply love that knife! 

Thanks Allan!   

[Sean]

that is quite a collection of Chisel Tanto's. 

[Zack]

Very nice.

[PyroJames]

Mighty beautiful knives, GG. 

[Gadget Guy]

Thanks guys!   

[Splat]

If it wasn't for the liner lock easily failing on my Emerson I would love it. It's been to EKI a few times and still it fails. I love the ergos, hate the chisel grind, hate the way the problem was never truly fixed by EKI, but other than that.......      I do like his designs. I won't get into the "knife that started it all" because that's been argued before elsewhere. Ernest has definitely hit the proverbial golden vein with his designs.

[Freudian Frog]

Somehow I just don't see the beauty of these knives...
Tactical knives have always seemed kind of dull to me.










I think I need some convincing.

[Benner]

Just stare at a Spyderco Police for a couple of mins.  That'll sort ya out. 

[Gadget Guy]

Somehow I just don't see the beauty of these knives...
Tactical knives have always seemed kind of dull to me.

That's why they're tactical!     










I think I need some convincing.

[nuphoria]

Never really been in to the tactical knife thing, but they are a very handsome bunch indeed 

[Freudian Frog]

Somehow I just don't see the beauty of these knives...
Tactical knives have always seemed kind of dull to me.









I think I need some convincing.

That's why they're tactical!     

Ninja'd into my post ya did.

I dunno boss... I think you'll have to change my mind on this... I"ll just go ahead and PM you my address now...

[Styerman]

I used to rock a 970 , called it the skew chisel from hell . Better F/F than any Emerson I have ever handled .

I gotta admit to a love / hate relationship with the 970/CQC7 family , great knife , good handling qualities , crappy liner lock /QC .

Chris

[Gadget Guy]

I used to rock a 970 , called it the skew chisel from hell . Better F/F than any Emerson I have ever handled .

I gotta admit to a love / hate relationship with the 970/CQC7 family , great knife , good handling qualities , crappy liner lock /QC .

Chris

Chris,

I don't know what Emerson did, but in 2009 QC went up 1000%. I think they started using a thicker liner and the new knives are simply beautiful. I will admit that they were hit and miss in the past, but I've never had a knife come back from the factory that wasn't 100%. I'm not saying that it can't happen, but rather I've always had Emerson go above and beyond in fixing any of the knives that I've sent in. 

[Zack]

My 2007 Emerson locks up like a steel drum.  Its a beast of knife and not for everyone.  Seemed the 970 I traded to GG was smoother opening than my CQC7, but I could be imagining things.

[Benner]

You still not bored with that yet? 

[Gadget Guy]

My 2007 Emerson locks up like a steel drum.  Its a beast of knife and not for everyone.  Seemed the 970 I traded to GG was smoother opening than my CQC7, but I could be imagining things.

There is no doubt that the Benchmade opens smoother. I just tested a '99, '2006, and '2009 CQC-7 and the Benchmade wins hands down. That doesn't mean the Benchmade is a better knife, just smoother to open. 

[hawkchucker]

I still really have to try  Emerson out. I really have to get me a  or a 7

[Gadget Guy]

I still really have to try  Emerson out. I really have to get me a  or a 7

John,

What about a full size A-100? If you want it, it's yours. Just Pm me your address because I don't have it handy.    SOrry Frog, I don't have any other Emerson's to give away! 

[Freudian Frog]

I still really have to try  Emerson out. I really have to get me a  or a 7

John,

What about a full size A-100? If you want it, it's yours. Just Pm me your address because I don't have it handy.    SOrry Frog, I don't have any other Emerson's to give away! 

It's okay, you'll have other chances to send me stuff.