CQC-8
Who doesn't like curves? The CQC-8 is all curves from start to finish, and it's super comfortable in the hand. This knife is tactical by nature, but utility in function. Camping, hiking, hunting, or patrolling, the CQC-8 is the knife that works hard, any time – any place. Â
Camping – Tactical – Outdoors
$272.95
CQC-8
Who doesn't like curves? The CQC-8 is all curves from start to finish, and it's super comfortable in the hand. This knife is tactical by nature, but utility in function. Camping, hiking, hunting, or patrolling, the CQC-8 is the knife that works hard, any time – any place. Â
Camping – Tactical – Outdoors
PRODUCT OPTIONS:
$272.95
The Emerson CQC-8 tactical folding knife has long been considered one of the best combat designs that we have ever produced. The ergonomics and blade design have merged to form a perfect union. It is perfectly balanced in both forward and reverse grip. Featuring a simple, yet effective upswept blade paired with our patented Emerson Wave Feature. It holds the honor of being in our Top 3 most popular knives, along with the Combat Karambit and the CQC-7.
“The Emerson CQC-8 has been a favorite among certain circles in Britain's famed SAS Regiment for years and has been in action since the Bosnian Conflict. It is a true battle-hardened veteran that has seen action in every theater since the 1980's. – 30 years and still going strong!”
KNIFE ANATOMY
HOW TO USE THE WAVE FEATURE
An important part of knowing the anatomy of an Emerson Knife is knowing how to utilize it. Using the  patented Emerson Wave Feature correctly, you can deploy the knife out of pocket rapidly. It takes some practice to master. See how it's done in the video above.
BLADE STYLE: SABRE POINT
The Sabre shape is a blade that arcs upward in a long continuous arc placing the point above the center line of the knife.
Standoff Spacers have been standard on all Emerson Knife models since 2014. Any knife ordered from our site from that year will receive one of these models.
Lanyard Holes serve one purpose: attaching a paracord lanyard if you choose to get one. We get asked that question quite a lot!
The Thumb Button is there so that you may open the knife single handedly . Specifically with your thumb. Some people are naturals at it and some have to learn. Either way, it's very useful.
WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm – www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
| Material & Grind | |
|---|---|
| Handles | G-10 |
| Lock | Titanium |
| Blade | 154CM |
| Grind | Conventional V-Grind w/ Chisel Edge |
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 9.3 in. |
| Blade Length | 3.9 in. |
| Blade Thickness | .125 in. |
| Hardness | 57-59RC |
| Weight | 5.0 oz. |
22 reviews for CQC-8
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
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Shaman of Shank –
Out of my 14 Emersons, this is THE knife. I love them all and use them but when I try to rotate I always find myself going back to put the 8 in my pocket. It is just that good. The weight, blade, handle, and all around versatility of it makes it just an absolute powerhouse. It checks all the boxes and has all the bases covered. If there's one knife in the Emerson line-up and you're on the fence about what to chose then look no further.
aaprince85 –
I own 14 Emerson’s and I try to rotate ever so often but I just cannot bring myself to remove the 8 from my pocket. This knife just feels right. It’s that knife. It’s true love.
C. Young –
As always with any Emerson, the quality of the fit and finish is there. This knife is extremely well-balanced and due to the ergonomics/materials of the handle, this is one of the most, if not THE most comfortable and natural-feeling grips of any knife I've ever owned. The knife arrived scalpel sharp, and the blade shape lends itself well to EDC cutting tasks as well as self-defense if needed. Wave feature opens the knife lightning fast. Overall, a very high quality and good-looking EDC tool.
Adrian –
Can’t believe it took me 11 Emerson’s to finally get my hands on this masterpiece. You truly have to hold one to know what I’m talking about. Very capable to utility but you know you are holding a weapon when you grip this bad boy. Super nimble with the perfect weight and locks in your hand like a glove. I fall in love with every Emerson I get but this one is gonna be a staple in the pocket.
Adam Field (verified owner) –
Likely my favorite model. I had one from 2012 but wanted a new one as well (construction has changed over the years). Very pleased with the knife and happy I got an updated 8, as there's no tinkering to get it they way I like – good to go out of the box.
Gary Gleck (verified owner) –
Thank you for another amazing knife!
JAREDSMETHURST –
I have carried a CQC-8 for the last 9 years everyday. From food prep for lunch to dispatching a paralysed whitetail buck that was struck by the vehicle, I have used this multiple times a day for nearly a decade. Four of those years were spent on a tree crew lumberjacking in the mountains. There is no better destruction test for a knife than being on a tree crew. While other crew members were burning through gas station and Walmart knives, my CQC-8 kept trucking. The blade is incredibly easy to keep hair popping sharp with the occasional 3.5 micron strop on my Wicked Edge sharpener.
JDB –
The 8 is another classic design. Great size knife that has a very slim profile in the pocket. Fantastic ergonomics.
Jeremy Atwood –
First i’ll start of by saying that I own the Horseman, Standard and the Super CQC-8. Initially I wasn’t drawn to the looks of this design. An upswept, harpoon tanto-ish style blade with a large handle, but the reviews were amazing so wanted to try one out. Sure enough, the ergo’s were awesome. Lots of cutting edge and the wave brings it to use instantly. I have huge hands, so I’ve settled on my Super 8 as my daily carry and use the mini and standard 8 when I have a little less pocket space.
James DiBella –
Ahh a trip back to memory lane. My first Emerson was a CQC-8 BTS and boy was I blown away when I got that knife out of the box. The weight of the knife. The smell. The feel of the G10. The smooth deployment. Waving the knife and hearing the lock slam shut. The great feeling of ice-pick and sabre grip. I've longed for another CQC-8 for quite sometime. My personal advice. When you buy your first Emerson. Keep it for life EKI will always be there for you and if you happen to ruin the blade grind when learning sharpening like I did just send it back. And if you think it will look good without the coating and sand it off and you're disappointed in the fact that now your knife looks like a half erased chalk board. Be a good sport and buy a new blade for it. I made the mistake of selling it for next to nothing when I should have payed a little extra money for quality service from the good folks at Emerson. I'm sure my knife is somewhere out there serving someone with bad intent. I just wish it could have been me. OH WELL I GOT PLENTY OF OTHER EMERSONS THAT DUE THE TRICK HECK YEAH EKI RULES OH YEAH MY FAVORITE COMPANY THEY ARE QUALITY PEOPLE WITH QUALITY KNIVES BEST KNIVES I'VE EVER OWNED IN MY LIFE
Jerry Jensen –
When I need a full size blade, this is what I reach for.
Daniel Gillespie –
This was my second Emerson knife purchase and it served me well in work and daily chores. I used it like it was intended, a tool, and it took everything i could dish out. I am fortunate to own other Emerson knives so I eventually gifted my CQC-8 to my mechanic who was using a $10 gas station knife. I would not hesitate to buy another, it works well as an EDC, excels as a hard use tool and with the Wave feature and handle profile makes and excellent choice for self defense carry.
Twelvefortytwo –
The CQC-8 is my favorite Emerson design. It fits my hand perfectly and the blade profile is well suited to many different types of tasks. Many of my coworkers have seen mine and have asked me to find one for them. It's history with the SAS is also a great discussion point. I own SEVEN CQC-8's in several different configurations. I'll own more very soon.
krrmichaels –
I have owned this knife since 2009 hands down my favorite Emerson design. I carry it everyday
tom.pewterpower (verified owner) –
I have the mini-CQC-15, but I wanted a full size knife. The CQC-8 was my choice. Though I am on the short-size is fits perfect in my hand and is not too large in my pocket. Additionally, it does not fell heavy at all too me. Big strong blade, excellent grip, “the wave feature, and durability all seem great. I recommend it. “Laech Cach Fer Co Bas”
Jonathan –
I purchased this knife after having run many other tactical folders into the ground over the past thirteen years. I can absolutely say that this knife, and all Emerson's I can expect, far exceed performance expectations out of box to years down the line. Now granted, there are many knife companies that sell quality blades but after having to cut cables and dig through desert I've not seen such durability as with an Emerson, specifically in this case my combo CQC-8. We all know that the role of a knife isn't to dig but to cut -and usually not to cut wire, pvc or fencing, but when you are stuck in a trench ripping out cables & piping and ya need something in a pinch it is nice to know that your go-to pocket knife can perforn even in ways it is not intended. These blades are perfectly heat treated to achieve a durable, resharpenable cutting edge. The blade geometry isn't for the office guy who needs a knife to open letters or cut through boxes, although it can do it, but more for those who value a blade they can get dirty, muddy, and (heaven forbid) even bloody. These are dependable tools for hard use, great for military training and operations. I recommend the CQC-8 and the Sheepdog to any and all LEO, Military, Rescue Teams and First Responders. I pray for your safety and success as you depend upon these great tools of the trade.
Emerson Family,
Thanks for your hard work and dedication to serving those who serve, job well done!
Harrison Baker –
CQC-8 combo stonewashed: I will start by saying that I have been researching this knife purchase for months. I do not buy knives very often but this has been such a pleasure, that may change. After reading about and gaining such a level of respect for the life and man that is Ernest Emerson, I knew an Emerson had to be my next knife. If I was willing to spend $100, why not spend $200. Quality over quantity. I chose this knife for its blade shape, ergonomics, and smaller profile in width when closed from spine to top of blade (not thickness). I am a carpenter and residential remodeling project manager. Out of box, beautiful knife. I attached an Emerson lanyard. Immediately in awe of the overall toughness and quality. I don't regret the expense. Well worth it. Razor/shaving sharp. Needle sharp blade tip did easily glide through one of the thick callouses in my palm. Excellent quality fit and finish. Tight tolerances as expected from a knife given its intended purpose. Tight lockup a bit difficult to release when flicked open with wrist action or wave use, but I'm okay with that as I don't want it to budge during use or fight. Very tight pivot screw but quality feeling mechanism. I hit it with a couple squirts of WD-40 and after rocking the action quickly for a few minutes gave it a very slight turn to the left and it glides beautifully now. I checked it with my thumb nail to be sure it wouldn't spin free. Rock solid lockup. Zero side to side play even after loosening pivot. Fantastic ergonomics. Very natural and tight comfortable feel, like an extension of my fingertips. Thumb ramp as good as it looks. Very grippy G10 scales. Tore up some jeans pocket a bit already. I can knock down the texture a bit if desired later. In pocket feel: I'm 6'1-3/4″, 175-180 lbs. and fit, Lg/XL hands. I don't even feel it in my pocket. Not sure what other people are complaining or commenting about, maybe they are wee-little knife gnomes. I don't even feel the weight and it is much narrower than expected. Slim fitting, disappears in pocket. Feels surprisingly light and thin for its reputation on forums. I love it. Very happy and not feeling like I made a mistake going standard size for my first Emerson.
Riley M. (verified owner) –
Bought this because I already owned the horseman and wanted to see what the regular sized CQC-8 was all about and man was I impressed. Very solid lockup, great ergos and just looks plain badass. What also gained my interest in this blade was the amount of history it has behind it, or its track record if you will. I can guarantee you, you will not be disappointed if you pick one of these up. Thank you Ernest for not only creating a blade, but creating one that our law enforcement and military can rely on!
Anthony –
I picked a CQC-8 from a friend to add to my Emerson collection and i was impressed from the moment i held it. It is still razor sharp,the knife feels great in my hand no blade play, but don't take my word for it buy one for your self and find out.
Victor –
I have had mine for a few years and it has been utterly reliable. From West Coast, East Coast and some third world S@&% holes (namely Afghanistan) it always performs. Highly recommend this knife.
Robert Holmes –
This is the best knife I have ever owned. It is fantastic, hold a very sharp edge for a long time and is strong. I recommend this nice to everyone. Super CQC-8
Jason Jones –
I love this knife so much, I cant put it down. I wish I had a fixed version of this knife.