Badass Knife of the Week: Emerson Mini CQC-7

If there’s one knife that perfectly defines the tactical folder, it’s the Emerson Mini CQC-7. For that reason alone, the knife deserves to be the latest Badass Knife of the Week, but it also offers so much more.

The Emerson Mini CQC-7 is a reasonably sized folder with a black 2.9-inch 154CM steel blade that packs as much punch as any knife out there. This version comes with a versatile partially serrated tanto blade and a chisel grind that puts other knives to shame.

Don’t be fooled by the “Mini” part of its name either. The knife may be a little smaller than the original, but it’s also easier to carry and conforms to more knife laws. (Many places have knife laws that require a blade to be less than 3 inches when carrying openly.)

Continuing down on the knife, the durable black handle is made with G-10 epoxy and glass laminate that comfortably and securely stays in the hand in nearly any condition.

But to truly understand just what makes this knife so badass and why it has a cult following, we must go back to the knife’s predecessor: the CQC-6.

Custom knifemaker Ernest Emerson essentially popularized the tactical folder with his CQC-6 when it was adopted by the Navy SEALS. The knife was so respected and revolutionary that owning a CQC-6 became a status symbol among members of elite military units.

At the encouragement of others, Emerson decided to mass produce the knife as the CQC-7 in order to keep the CQC-6 a custom exclusive.

The CQC-7 is still used in action, but the Mini is better suited for everyday carry and travel, since it won’t get you in trouble in many municipalities.

If you’re still not convinced of the knife’s bona fides, this Mini CQC-7 features Emerson’s patented Wave opening device built into the profile of the blade. As you pull the knife from your pocket, the wave will catch the edge and engage in one swift motion.

To leave no stone unturned, the Mini even boasts a reliable linerlock made of aerospace grade titanium. The knife will never fail you when you need it most.

Experience what everyone else is talking about by checking out the Mini CQC-7 product page.