Kershaw Emerson CQC 11K Folding Knife - Overview and Review

[@chasedavenport8400]

My EDC! This thing is a work knife for my and I don’t care about the looks of the screws for this knife. Makes it easier to adjust and maintain on the fly. One of my favorite knives.

[@nicholascoulter3760]

If having to use two different drivers on this knife bothers you, than the majority of knives out there that use T8 and T6 should bother you...

[@JakeB303]

Yeah he talks about that in a few of the reviews.

[@jolness1]

It's an unfortunate reality, doesn't mean it wouldn't be nice if more knives used a single bit size. That is part of what I love about my sebenza, you can tear it down with an allen key in the field super easily. Tube of grease with that and a stone and you could maintain that thing easily anywhere.

[@GLOCKsh00ter24]

"how did he die?" "He was rubber ducked to death, real bad case." "Too bad he was only carrying that Ultratech. If he only had a Wave he'd still be here today." "Poor bastard."

[@metal_complex]

🤣🤣

[@jeffhamilton4587]

I've carried an emerson wave P-sark since they came out with the model, and used it for its designed purpose till my retirement in '08. Since then I've used it on the farm and can honestly say as much I like the quick opening I've probably ruined more jeans with that thing! It wasn't such an issue when my wardrobe was provided, but boy, that wave chews up those corners! Great knife, great review, and the price? Dang!

[@johnj.baranski6553]

I have this knife in D2. The 1st thing I did was grind off the wave. It's actually not a bad beater knife. Or a truck knife.

[@metal_complex]

I think I would have enjoyed it WAY more without the wave 👍

[@ccashin6228]

If everyone started wearing JNCO jeans again we wouldn’t have to keep worrying about how big knives were

[@The4cp]

I'm good with that.

[@Samuraislash600]

LOL TRUE.

[@alexmacarandang1975]

You guys stopped wearing JNCO jeans?

[@Elmax17.5dps]

I had the pipes lol

[@CamboTriton]

I like the idea of flathead and Philips head screws on pocket knives. I never even thought about that. but makes great sense to me. Great video!

[@anthonymiller8979]

I am thinking the wide gap by the frame lock is because it is likely machined in with a small milling cutter in one operation when the rest of the frame is machined and on the same fixture, rather than water jet or laser cut like on other knives which would be a separate operation with an other setup and fixture needed ($$). While it has some design issues it is basically a cheap twin brother to the Emerson Rendevous (with a much smaller pivot bolt), a skinning/hunting design, really not an EDC or fighting type knife

[@CCXRS7]

I have several of the emerson kershaw knives as daily beaters and while I have a gun for defense, the wave feature is awesome when I'm using my knives a hundred times a day on job site.

[@I_Might_B_Wrong]

When I was a teenager and couldn’t afford anything more than a cheap Smith & Wesson knife, Emerson knives were my grails. Around 2005 or so when I first learned of them. Finally got my first one in 2012 after years of not feeling I could afford one. I have loved them ever since even with their quirks. It’s nice to see these offerings though, a bit jealous I couldn’t get one back when I was younger.

[@metal_complex]

I think it's great that you locked in on something and finally acquired it. If it brings you joy, that's all that matters. Thanks for the comment. It was a joy to read 😊👍

[@I_Might_B_Wrong]

@@metal_complex Thanks. Back in the 2000’s we didn’t have a whole lot of knives with some of the great features we are used to now and Emerson was a very competitive option. Admittedly their knives have not kept up with more recent knife trends, but I still love them for their old school appeal and nostalgia. Plus I think Emerson nails ergonomics on a lot of designs.

[@ImageLoX]

You’re right there are instances where that wave feature has saved people. If you read Emerson’s blog he has quite a few stories from people that have written in. He even has a personal friend that had a story about that. The guys son deployed after 9/11 and had a guy with an AK on the trigger with rounds coming out as he grabbed the barrel and pushed it upward, waves out his Emerson and stuck it in his breast plate. So yeah, there’s definitely stories.

[@Valhalla1987]

CQC9k is my daily driver and i absolutely love it. Carried it for years, and never afriad to use and abuse it. At the price point I don't see how anyone could complain about such a workhorse.

[@matsherwood6277]

Not to go all mall ninja, but there are people that train to fight with knives, its a real thing. Those guys might like the wave. As a tradesman, I can see a use for it. Sometimes for the sake of efficiency and getting the job done right now, you need a blade and you need it right now. Especially if you're trying to beat the guy next to you so you get to use your knife instead of him making the cut. 😎😂

[@hop-skipthechewtoys1836]

I work outside for a living---I legitimately will *not* carry something I can't open with one hand. And anything with a wave is an absolute dream

[@casparvonsader4505]

When around my property/at home (not around & about as knife laws over here prohibit such an EDC), I've recently swapped my usual home EDC (ZT0350) for the Kershaw/Emerson CQC4kXL. In D2 hollow-ground spearpoint, with a nicely proportioned sharpening choil (unlike the 11k) & a great action, that is drop shot after a month or so of usage; I couldn't be happier with it, esp' given the price-point. The thumb disc is perfectly situated (for my hands anyhow) & allows me really a snappy thumb or reverse flip, & the wave works as it should; surprisingly, I find myself using it nearly all the time for deployment, tho it took a fair amount of practice to get it slick every time. As budget knives go, & as an entry-point into the world of 'pure' Emerson blades, I couldn't recommend it more.

[@taramoon9307]

Laws prohibit a folding knife? What hellhole are you living in?

[@casparvonsader4505]

@@taramoon9307 The UK, London. The only type of knife that is legal to carry in public over here is a slip joint of 3" or less. Locking knives are illegal to carry in public. Any type of switchblade, OTF, flipper or gravity knife is illegal to own, even in a private collection; depending on the circumstances, there are severe penalties for carrying a prescribed knife, including prison sentences of up to 5 years or so, for the worst cases. Given our limitations of what's permitted for EDC, I alternate between a Spyderco Urban & a little front flip (weirdly front flippers haven't been rendered illegal to carry in public to the best of my knowledge, as long as they don't lock & are less than 3") Boker Kansei, both slip joints, for my daily carry. It feels like yesterday, but 25 years ago one could EDC any knife, apart from a switchblade or OTF. Happier times.

[@lieu112]

I have owned four Kershaw Emersons. My two favorites are the CQC 10k and 7k. Why Kershaw hasn't brought those out in D2 is frustrating..

[@prenticegoodwin3522]

The pocket clip is probably that low so you can easily get a good grip so it doesn't fly out of your hand when you catch it on your pants.

[@Cliff_Dixon_42]

I don't have this particular Kershaw Emerson. But the ones I DO have are my favorite Kershaws.

[@ikon-wi1tn]

They should have made the rest of it look like a unicorn to match the horn. Might have been amazing.

[@BParker55]

🤣

[@jameshealy4594]

I remember back in 2001, a friend of mine had a custom (IIRC) CQC-6. It was pretty cool, but I never really saw what it did better than my BM 710 or Sebenza - and it was NOT cheap, even back then. Maybe they're more deadlier and I'm just not tactical enough to recognise it.

[@CNYKnifeNerd]

The most common thing you'll hear from someone carrying an Emerson is "well, they're not pocket jewelry" but they are exactly that, just to a different group. I was in the USMC around the same time, and literally everyone that was even slightly into knives had an Emerson, but most also had a paraframe to use so they didn't scratch their Emerson. I got a great deal on a custom cqc 6, but once I got my 940 there basically hasn't been an Emerson in my pocket since. Fantastic knives, as are all the knives that typical Emerson fans will tell you are inferior to their version of pocket jewelry.

[@randolphmartin592]

I actually bought one of these back in the day to carry it and see if the size would be a hinderance and or an annoyance before I threw a chunk of money at the ZT 0630. And yes, I did buy the 0630. This began my itch for large folders.

[@DrLawyer284]

I believe that the clip is positioned like that in order to make the wave work properly. Apparently, if the clip were positioned higher and/or deep carry then the wave wouldn't deploy as intended (or something ... maybe it'd deploy in your pocket rather than outside the pocket, etc., i dunno). But that's what I've heard and is not my personal experience.

[@Elmax17.5dps]

I couldn't agree more

[@imsteevin]

No issue with flathead pivot, but phillips body screws are easier to strip than torx or hex

[@metal_complex]

I've owned more than 30 Hinderers, and disassembled them countless times. The clip / filler tab screws are phillips. Not even a hint of an issue. I think it just depends on whether or not you're using the right size. I'd rather have torx as well, but this just isn't that big of an issue for me to fuss about it.

[@93DracoX]

@@metal_complex It's the issue of soft low quality screws. That is made worse by phillips head screws.

[@metal_complex]

Well that's the case with any head then. It doesn't matter if it's phillips, torx, hex, etc.

[@93DracoX]

@@metal_complex Not necessarily, if you think about the physics of it. Applying the force more evenly at 6 different points is less stressful than 4 points with phillips. Am I splitting hairs? Yes. Am I an engineer that just can't help himself? Also, yes.

[@metal_complex]

Lol fair enough

[@SuperSteelSteve]

I swear to christ if Ernie Emerson could put the clip in the middle of the handle he would.

[@taramoon9307]

Its so your grip is actually semi usable upon deployment. The deeper the carry the farther back your grip is.

[@SuperSteelSteve]

@@taramoon9307 weird, cause I have these things called "fingers" that allow me to grip the knife no matter where the clip is.

[@93DracoX]

The clip is shallow so that there is enough handle sticking up for easy access in a tactical situation. Remember Emerson advertises his knives as combat weapons and tools. His main focus is function in martial situations, that just so happens that it has excellent ergos and then also useful blade shapes.... usually.

[@metal_complex]

I kind of figured that was the reasoning... im just not convinced that a slightly less shallow clip position would make any measurable difference in terms of speedy and successful deployment. But then again, I'm no self defense expert 🤷‍♂️ I think people who are into self defense will really enjoy this knife. But they only represent a small percentage of the knife community. For most people, these elements aren't going to be super beneficial.

[@93DracoX]

@@metal_complex I hear you. I just sold my 11k, but the CQC-10K was my favorite. I'm a big Emerson fan and EDC a CQC-7 with Micarta. It's just a certain person who it all appeals to like you said. This particular model is a beast of a blade and for like 30 bucks it was a great beater. Also Interestingly, the 10K and 11K are the only ones by my estimation that are exact copies of the existing models. The 11k is the same as the Emerson Rendezvous and the 10k is the Appalachian. I recommend this knife if you like big blades. Probably my only knock is the traction on the G10(?) handle its just lacking in that department.

[@tunguskalumberjack9987]

I never heard of anyone complaining about the flathead pivot- how ridiculous! Like you said, the convenience of being able to adjust it with the most widely available tool (or failing that, being able to substitute a non-tool item) totally outweighs the artistic factor- and that doesn’t even really hold much water, as it’s just a matter of taste and preference, and some people will prefer the flathead look. The following isn’t important, just a funny story- growing up, my best friend was a kid named Phil, and through whatever weird genetics were flowing through him, he had a really noticeably large head. Took a lot of teasing for it all throughout school, too, poor kid. To the point where even my grandmother used to refer to him as “Bighead”- not to his face of course, she wasn’t that mean! But for years, people in my immediate family have referred to really large screwdrivers as “Phillip’s Head”, and Phillips head screwdrivers as “cross head”. True story! 😆

[@salalbanese3525]

I own this knife and love it. I wanted to try the wave feature and for $30 it was worth it. It carries really shallow but it is pretty thin for its size so it’s not awful to carry. And yes, I can deploy it with my toes😂. Those gaps do bug me though

[@londiniumarmoury7037]

I don't understant people prefering torx over flat head or even hex allen wrench, in my experience torx screws actually strip out easier than flat head and allen key holes. I'd actually prefer if all folding knives didn't use torx bits, especially not T6-T7 If they all used T10 or higher that would be nice.

[@jeremyd2003]

Any of the Kershaws similar to the commander?

[@nathanholland5668]

Looks like you might be able to use the nub (not the wave/unicorn horn) that sticks out when the knife is closed to deploy the blade as a front flipper too.

[@baloneylorddonkeyhammer2273]

Oh my God jumped off the scaffolding and bringing the rubber duck down on your head I've never laughed so hard I just spit coffee all over my steering wheel

[@metal_complex]

Oh god I'm sorry! Haha. Hope it didn't make too much of a mess 😅

[@Bearded_Tattooed_Guy]

I find I have to adjust the grip when opening the knife with the wave. What I gain, timewise, I lose again. I like the wave,. and it can come in handy, but if your life depends on your knife and the time it takes to deploy, you should carry a fixed blade. And anyways, the best knife for selfdefence, is a pair of running shoes.

[@andrewhannam.]

Emerson about until about 6-7 years ago were really good, wave feature, over build knives, Titanium frame locks and 154cm.... But now..... I don't know. ohh and the pocket clip location could help with gripping the knife out of pocket?

[@Abby_Normal_1969]

I have the XL in 14Cr and the 6K in D2; haven't had my hands on the 11K. Kinda like 'em, actually. The 6K is pocket friendly and a pretty good slicer. The 11K looks much closer to the XL in size, not so pocket or public friendly. But not something bad for throwing in a pack or keeping in a truck.

[@christianbaker1330]

Might seem extreme,,, but when I think of even this knife being a combat knife,,,, i like the wave style,, curve to the blade. Not necessarily a stab, or a jab, this knife would be effective… but a strike,, like a slice, is the most realistic move we do when fighting… if you have a straight edge,,, after a certain rotation in the strike,, you lose the blade because of the angle of your hand going downward…. This knife you have almost a 180 rotational blade… and you can fit more blade into the frame because of the curve in it. So ,, less spine and power in the tip, and more-so all energy dispensed evenly throughout the downward motion…

[@williamleidy6713]

Emerson opening options are annoying to me tried to own a couple and I just can't do it . I carry a small fixed blade so I don't have to depend on my pants to open my knife.

[@davidtate166]

It different for me I try one the wave also .just got one .

[@RubleInnawoods]

I have that knife. Love it and the CQC10K. Definitely not things (knives in general..) I’d ever use for defense but great tools. The clip is placed lower so you can grab it substantially and pull it out. A little too low, could be higher

[@darkru8913]

I actually really like the blade shape minus the the Emerson wave. I would preferably have a firearm though for self defense

[@Ephem13]

It's a similar blade shape to my xm18 skinner. Honestly works as well as most blade shapes for day to day. I don't mind disks and even the wave isn't a deal breaker for me, not that I would use it...ever.

[@johnwest4492]

Hey MC, I know that knifes are built with very specific tolerances , but could you change out the Nylon for Phofer bronze washers ? Also is that even possible lol

[@metal_complex]

Ya as long as the washers have the correct dimensions

[@holdernewtshesrearin5471]

I have a Kershaw/Emerson CQC-7 I think. Mine is about a 3.25" tanto blade. I love its ergos but the "wave" is just dangerous imo. And the Chinesium blade steel leaves much to be desired. Fully agreed about the huge chasm around the frame lock. WHY? Just WHY? lol. But overall its a good solid well made knife for the price. I will definitely buy another model, maybe the CQC-15 if i run across one.

[@irenastoyanova2790]

Are you sure its discontinued man, because I can't believe.Last week I saw it in three shops in my country, so it's not discontinued dude and I think it's not an old model.

[@CertifiedSunset]

I retracted my order of this knife after this video, after seeing all of the details I'de feel better dropping my money on a different knife. I don't need the wave or the thumb disk. I guess I'll keep looking for a different work knife to replace my tenacious.

[@gric111]

Hmmm just pays 35 for d2 after tax and shipping for a beater knife when I don't feel like carrying a gun

[@AnthonyHow94]

“I can open it with my toes”

[@billyspahr808]

I’ve only owned real Emerson’s but I’d have to imagine they are good users for the price.

[@Jweg]

Where was this review several months ago when I was looking for it before I bought one. Honestly its a decent knife. i have the 8cr14mov one, and its great except it cant hold an edge to save its life.

[@francismartino6890]

Get it in D2?

[@poncho151]

If I’m the 20th person commenting this then I apologize but the clip is not interchangeable with Benchmade clips because the Kershaw Emerson screws are huge compared to the screws Benchmade uses, therefore they unfortunately won’t fit through the clip. I didn’t check any other brands that usually are compatible though but I have to imagine it’s the same.

[@disturbedlife5691]

I borrowed the clip screws from my cqc6k used them in my Spyderco resilience

[@a2thak1981]

Use the wave to top flip.

[@Pharto_Stinkus]

It's an Emerson design for 40 bucks. And it's made for people that want an Emerson for 40 bucks. It's not going to appeal to anyone else, and that's ok. All of the complaints I've heard about these (the Kershaw Emersons), are about the Emerson specific design features. It's like buying a Porche, and then complaining that it looks like a Porche. Related note: I LOVE knives that use standard and phillips hardware. I wish more companies would do it.

[@jordan-dl2or]

Thanks for the vid I was about to buy one. 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@gabriellytle9309]

Yes the chances of having to defend yourself from being attacked aren't very high, emerson knives are made specifically for self defense. Hense a lot of the features it has.

[@nathannettik685]

Even sanrenmu uses wire edm to cut their frame locks.

[@sweetdrahthaar7951]

Thanks for the vid MC 👍🏻

[@GrumpyGrunt]

You can use another knife to tighten the pivot on your Emerson (kidding, sorta)...interesting feature. 😏 Thanks for the look, MC, but still a nope for me.

[@gabriellytle9309]

You really nitpicking the gap of the frame lock?😂

[@Ww-dl7vr]

I love Emerson wave openers.

[@georgecostanza2695]

I call bs. The wave will work… if you make it work. If the situation you’re in has devolved to a point where your survival depends on whether or not the wave will open your knife literally fractions of a second quicker than no wave… you’re toast. For the wave to work: first, it must be in the rearward most position in your pocket. Second, you must pull it straight up while keeping it against the back of your pocket. Third, the knife then has to come out and back to hook the seam of your pants before the wave is engaged. That’s a pretty specific set of positions and motions. If I’m in that messed up of a situation, my knife could be anywhere in my pocket, I’m going to get it out however I can, and it’s going straight toward the threat… not back and away from it. The Emerson may open faster, but a switch or flipper will be faster to get on target.

[@helpdeskjnp]

I wish you could swap out the metal “keeshaw” side of the knife… I really don’t care for the two tone combos like those. I love the design of them though.

[@argyle1812]

I had one of these. Was ok but heavy pocket hog and didnt do anything well

[@notoriousene9880]

Carried cold steels most my life so to me it is a teeny tiny knife lol

[@jolness1]

"leave me a lengthy comment" hahahaha. Well played

[@jolness1]

I like the emerson wave because it is slick but I've never loved his designs. I carry larger knives but the emerson's feel chunky. I always took the thumb disk off of the ones I had but they always went to other homes. Thought about trying the sheepdog but eh. I think the pocket clip sits where it does so it easy to get a good grab on it quickly but I don't like it either.

[@busbus76]

I watched the whole video. I liked it. 😆

[@JohnSmith-ym3zq]

MC please could you go back to your black background was much better. Thanks for all the cool content 👍

[@metal_complex]

I actually did. You just haven't seen those uploads yet 😉

[@Ephem13]

A finger choil would of made this knife vastly better. Alteady losing that space to the disk might as well make ise of it.

[@brauss878]

15:18 CRKT

[@thechristiansamurai8459]

Man this video of the Kershaw CQC 11k is so funny man Metal Complex bro you had me dying laughing. The voice about the wave feature you did and when you talked about the thumb disk and said some people can flip it with their toes. Bah hah ha ha ha it was hilarious serously you need a show making jokes about knife related things besides what you do now bro you are really a good comedian. Seriously!!

[@jessesibley4001]

I have a suggestion metal complex it might seem dumb at first but think it through. I suggest cutting the front and back pocket out of a pair of old jeans that way you can put the knives in the pocket on camera to show how they seat in the pocket..... and I say back pocket because some guys carry knives in their back pocket maybe their secondary knife.. there is no one doing knife reviews that does this I always upon reviewing a knife want to know what it looks like and how far down it seats in my pocket.... By the way great job I love your reviews and have bought a couple of knives based on your reviews

[@metal_complex]

That's not a bad idea. Thanks 👍

[@Yoti_W7C1K0]

I got my D2 for 76

[@artomix7]

I don't think being picky about the hardware is as absurd as you think, I mean philips is pretty ugly IMO. There is a roughly 0% chance that I'm going to need to adjust my pivot on the go on my hinderer, not unless it's a hard use work knife, so there's really no benefit to using flathead or whatever. If I spend $500 on a knife I want everything to look perfect, obviously I don't care about maximizing usefulness.

[@nathannettik685]

The wave works great until you don't want it to work.

[@BParker55]

Is ugliness subjective? Yes Is this knife objectively ugly? Yes

[@The4cp]

It's good to see a knife with SIZE. This slim ,mini, baby, micro fad needs to stop. I absolutely HATE thumb disks. You pointed out exactly why. You lose so much cutting area and really aren't a good replacement for thumb studs.

[@SuperSteelSteve]

Attention Knife Fighters: AHEM........ 🖕😁🖕

[@SemperFi_EDC_Guy]

This is the first knife I bought before finding your channel...honestly, not happy with it. Too heavy and cumbersome for an edc. Being in the "self defense" community though, the wave function is neat but honestly those Milla seconds aren't gonna make a difference.

[@alexcole596]

This whole video is “I don’t like the Emerson wave.” Lol

[@metal_complex]

Lol I mean... you're not wrong

[@-trmxzer0-235]

Too bad it's not a T6 or a T8 because I like all my hardware completely stripped tf out

[@Rusonekox9]

Glad you pointed out that in distressing situations pulling your knife out would be near impossible, even fixed blades are hard to use under stress 🙅‍♂️😂🙅‍♀️

[@paultorgerson8776]

When I look at the flathead screw I feel the reassurance of familiarity and simplicity. D2 is hard to get and keep sharp. I stayed away from D2 because of that myth. This knife (in D2) broke the myth. Smith pull through sharpener and 5 minutes. Sharp again.

[@epicsasquatch452]

The first time I saw a kershaw emerson I thought in my head, Who the hell puts a bottle opener on the spine of a blade?

[@JustKnifeThings]

Horse? Unicorn? Nope, warthog. This knife is warthog ugly!