Kershaw Emerson CQC-4K Knife Review

Kershaw and Emerson have just collaborated to release a line of knives built by Kershaw Knives based on the classic Emerson features.  Each of these knives boast the “wave feature” that has made Emerson so popular over the past several years.

The CQC-4K is a slim, ready for action manual knife that is built for serious daily carry or tactical use.  The precision engineered knife has a modified drop point blade with a standard edge.  Finished black for maximum wear resistance and glare control, the blade opens smooth and easy.  The best part is it opens with the “wave feature” as you pull it from your pocket.

The “wave feature” is a small hook built into the blade.  As you pull the knife from your pocket, if you pull it back at the same time, the hook catches on your pants pocket and opens the blade.  By the time you have the knife fully withdrawn from your pocket, the blade is open, locked and ready for action.

The blade is 8Cr13MoV stainless steel.  You can expect solid, workmanlike performance from a blade like this.  This stainless steel is generally tempered to a Rc56-58 range.  Generally comparable to AUS-8 stainless steel, the 8Cr13MoV has slightly more carbon but performs simliarly.  The blade is going to give solid corrosion resistance, keep a good edge and be easy to resharpen when the time comes.  The black oxide coating on the blade adds a bit of corrosion resistance.

Let’s move to the handle.  A solid frame lock system, the front scale is textured, coyote brown G-10 on a 410 stainless steel handle frame.  Lock up is solid with the frame lock achieving a nice secure lock every time.

The pocket clip is tip up, reversible for right and left.

The blade reads Emerson and has the Emerson Skull logo and the pocket clip also displays the Emerson Skull logo.  The back of the blade reads Kershaw and then the model number.

This knife is currently selling for around $36.  Considering a standard Emerson will set you back well over $100, this new Kershaw Emerson knife is a definite bargain.  Check them out on our site and let me know what you think of yours below.

SPECIFICATIONS: 

• Designed by Emerson, built by Kershaw
• Thumb disk; “waved shaped opening feature”
• Manual opening
• Frame lock
• Reversible pocketclip (left/right)
• Steel: 8Cr13MoV, 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)
• Weight: 4.1 oz. (116.2 g)