Alternatives to the Kershaw Emerson CQC Pocket Knife

Kershaw is known for developing knives by collaborating with innovative designers and the Emerson CQC is no exception. Created by Ernie Emerson, the CQC is unquestionably one of the most unique tactical folding pocket knives. This tough and reliable professional knife is squarely aimed at emergency service and military personnel. The innovative feature of the CQC is the "Emerson Wave" that is forged as part of the knife blade. Resembling a hook, the "Emerson Wave" is designed to catch on the rim of your pocket to automatically deploy the blade as you pull it out. By the time the knife is in your hand, the blade is deployed and ready to go. Of course you can also use the ambidextrous opening disk at the top to flick the knife open.

The CQC has a relatively thick  3" blade constructed of 8Cr14MoV which gives it excellent edge retention as well as resistance to corrosion. The blade uses the popular clip point profile which is suited for a variety of everyday cutting tasks. The handle is G10 with slip resistant checkering and was clearly designed with wet environments in mind. A reversible pocket clip is also included. The Kershaw Emerson CQC is solid at nearly 3.8 ounces which gives you a supremely strong cutting tool that can take some abuse. A beefy liner lock completes the package.

The Kershaw Emerson CQC has become very popular with both military and police but would also be at home in any outdoors setting that may require the quick deployment of a solid knife that handles like a fixed blade. While the Kershaw Emerson CQC is a great addition to your knife drawer, it is not the only solidly built and quick to deploy folder. The following knives all give the Emerson CQC a run for its money and would be excellent alternatives.

Civivi Elementum

Civivi's flagship flipper is the Elementum. With a blade length of just under three inches, it is ideal as a general purpose EDC pocket knife. Using a satin coated D2 steel, the drop point profiled blade can be sharpened to a razor's edge. Civivi also uses a caged ceramic ball bearing pivot to allow lightning fast opening using the flipper. A solid liner lock keeps the blade open until disengaged.

The Civivi Elementum is available in G10, micarta, carbon fiber and wood. The curved profile and aggressive checkering give you a solid purchase even if it's wet. Knives like the Elementum are designed to be carried and with a total weight of just under three ounces, the Civivi Elementum provides all day long comfort. The Civivi Elementum also includes a deep-carry clip that lets you carry your knife discreetly in your pocket.

Benchmade Mini Griptilian

The Benchmade Mini Griptilian has been a bestseller for nearly two decades and for good reason. The Griptilian makes use of the patented AXIS lock system that allows the blade to be smoothly deployed using the thumbhole or with a quick flick of the wrist. The AXIS lock also ensures the blade remains locked open and guards against accidental closing. The versatile 2.91" sheepsfoot blade is forged from premium CPM-S30V steel.

The handle is constructed from polymer and this allows the entire knife to be extremely light. The profile combined with the aggressive checkering gives you a solid, non-slip grip. The reversible pocket clip allows for easy carry so you know that you'll have it with you at all times.

CRKT Drifter EDC Folding Pocket Knife

At first glance the CRKT Drifter may appear on the smaller side but it is one tough knife that punches way above its weight class. The blade is forged from durable and easy to sharpen 8Cr14MoV steel that resists corrosion. The 2.875" blade is in a useful drop point profile that is finished in a gray titanium nitride. To provide exceptional strength, the CRKT Drifter uses a solid stainless steel liner and lock that provides a highly secure lockup.

The handle is constructed from G10 which keeps the overall weight down. A reversible pocket clip as well as a lanyard attachment complete the package. One major advantage is the price which makes the CRKT Drifter one of the best buys in its class.

SOG Terminus XR

The SOG Terminus XR is a robust folding knife with a decently thick blade and hunting inspired profile. At 3" in length, the classic drop point design is a great balance between strength and precision. The tried and true D2 steel is stonewashed and gives it more resistance to corrosion or tarnish. The SOG Terminus uses the proven XR locking mechanism which gives smooth opening using either the flip tab or thumb studs.

The SOG Terminus XR is extremely comfortable to carry due to the handle construction of lightweight G10 which comes in a variety of colors. Full length checkering ensures a firm grip even in wet environments. A true deep pocket clip means the Terminus XR will disappear inside your pocket. Overall, the SOG Terminus is a strong knife for EDC with a proven blade design and smooth opening and locking system.

ESEE BRK Zancudo

The Spanish name for mosquito is "Zancudo" and this is the name chosen by survival experts Mike Perrin and Jeff Randall when tapped by ESEE to design a folding survival knife. This three ounce folder combines the rigidity of a glass reinforced nylon handle and proven D2 blade steel. A set of full length steel liners provide additional strength to this outdoor oriented folder. The blade comes in a traditional clip point and a steel liner lock ensures it remains open during use. The 3" blade can be quickly deployed using the thumb studs which are located on either side.

Since this is a knife designed to be carried, there is a non-reversible pocket clip as well as lanyard hole. The handle profile makes the ESEE BRK feel like a fixed blade knife by giving you a full length solid grip. The one compromise is the thinner blade profile which the designers felt was more appropriate for an every day carry knife that is often called upon to make precise cuts.

Spyderco Delica 4 Lightweight

Spyderco has established itself as a mainstay of military and police operators. The Spyderco Delica series offers a 2.85" full flat ground, Japanese made VG-10 steel drop point blade. The blade is thin which makes precise cutting easy. While the lightweight handle is made from glass filled nylon, dual skeletonized stainless steel liners are sandwiched between the scales to add significant stiffness. Aggressive web patterns are molded into the handle to allow for a positive purchase under any condition. The Spydeco Delica makes use of phosphor bronze washers for smooth, one-handed opening of the knife by using the Spyderco invented "spydie" hole in the blade. A positive lock back lock keeps the blade open.

The Spyderco Delica also uses standard torx screws to secure the two sides which can be removed to allow for complete disassembly if you need to perform a deep cleaning. For a knife meant to be carried every day in indoor and outdoor environments, this is a nice advantage. A reversible pocket click can be attached on either side and either end to allow tip up or tip down carry. The Spyderco Delica 4 is a durable, easy to carry and lightweight knife with the strength that can compete with any of the knives on this list.

Ka-Bar Dozier Hunter Folding Knife

Known as the maker of the famous WWII fixed blade combat knife, the Ka-Bar company also produces a solid combat style knife that you can carry in your pocket. The Ka-Bar Dozier uses a drop point blade formed from AUS-8A steel. The 3" hollow ground blade is fairly thick which gives the Dozier the appearance of being a larger knife than it is. And it performs like one too. It's comfortable outdoors working hard as well as for the daily needs of an EDC. Unfortunately, you don't get a blood grove on the Dozier like you do on a full-size Ka-Bar. The blade is deployed using either thumb stud.

The handle is constructed from hard Zytel which is a high strength, abrasion and impact resistant thermoplastic. It's so stiff that you don't need to add metal liners. Inside the one-piece handle is a lock back locking system. The molded checkering pattern is aggressive and non-slip. There is also a reversible pocket clip and lanyard hole. The Ka-Bar Dozier is a solid and nearly indestructible pocket knife.

SOG Traction EDC

Another knife brand that is favored by police and military comes from SOG. The SOG Traction is a 3.5" 5Cr13MoV stainless steel bladed knife that comes in either a clip point or tanto profile. Using a traditional lock back mechanism, the SOG Traction keeps its blade solidly open while also allowing lightning fast deployment using the thumb studs.

The handle is made from a lightweight but strong glass-reinforced nylon with aggressive checkering. The deep pocket clip is well designed and keeps the knife hidden in your pocket until needed. Whether you are professional military or just an enthusiast, you will find that the SOG Traction will fulfill any mission.

Conclusion

While the Kershaw Emerson CQC is a great folding knife, there are many fantastic alternatives. You are sure to find the perfect knife for your needs from any of the alternatives on this list.

What do you think? Did we miss a great alternative or one of your favorites? Please let us know by leaving a comment below.