May 12 , 2009 - The Emerson Combat Systems CQC-45 Pistol and CQC-45 Knife Set
One of the great things about my job is that it has given me opportunities to work with some of the greatest names in their respective fields. In fact is has always been more than just about work, as these same greats have also become some of my dearest friends.
If I wrote out the list it would take several pages and it would include experts from the fields of Boxing and Fighting, Knife making, Writers and Authors, Actors and Directors, Machinists and Guitar makers, Government Officials, Astronauts, Kings, Prime Ministers, Lecturers and Combat Psychologists, Shooters, Snipers and Operators, Spooks and Ghosts, Artists and Entrepreneurs, Pro Athletes, Human Prodigies in Strength, Music and Business and always, a family that loyally supported my enthusiasm, craziness, and obsessions yet always kept me grounded and on track.
I have always been a gun enthusiastic and a shooter. I have also pursued this interest with as much enthusiasm as any other interest or endeavor. I have had the wonderful opportunity to train with and at times teach with some of the most respected and renowned combat shooting instructors in the world.
Along the way I’ve learned what works in a gun, what doesn’t work, what’s necessary and what’s unnecessary.
In regards to pistols, specifically the 1911, I’ve been fortunate enough to work with and be mentored by some of the best, Scottie Reitz, Roy Huntington, Hilton Yam, Marc Semos, and John Hollister to name just a few.
My goal in this quest was to be able to build a combat ready, off the shelf, 1911 pistol that would be ready to take into action right out of the box.
It had to be rugged and dependable, stripped of non-essentials and a gun you could stake your life on. It had to look good, with classic lines and possess trueness to the original ideals of John H. Browning while incorporating the best in latest technologies and materials.
Like I said earlier, I’ve been lucky to be surrounded by the best and in regard to building this gun, out of all the names out there, one kept coming to the top. And that name was Les Baer. Les was recommended to me time and time again as this project moved forward and it was always simply put. “If you want somebody to build this gun it’s got to be Les Baer.” So… I called him. After describing this project loosely to him, I remember his enthusiastic response, “I want this project. This is going to be fun!”
I replied to him, “Les, I want a gun that you do not have to take to a gunsmith for any “tuning”, and I want it to shoot just as good after the 10,000th round as it does after the first 200.” His reply was straight and simple; “Ernest, I build those guns.”
We had many good, lively conversations, and some debates, but in the end we were in total agreement on all the details of this pistol. And the Emerson Combat Systems model CQC-45, was born.
I wanted a clean looking, working gun that could run as fast as any competition shooter would want and yet perform as accurate, reliable and relentless as dictated by the harsh realities of life and death combat. When we first started discussing the concept behind this gun, I used an analogy in describing it to Les.
“It has to scream like a Ferrari and roar like a muscle car.” “I understand that completely,” Les smiled. That’s when I found out Les Baer collects muscle cars. So do I. “I guess that explains the logo,” I said. “Yes it does, doesn’t it?” Was his reply.
Anyone who knows me knows I am all about clean lines and high end performance. Les Baer has executed my Close Quarters Combat pistol perfectly… right down to one thousandth of an inch.
See for yourself.
Ernest R. Emerson
This Gun is a Combat Fighting Firearm designed and built to the rigid and precise standards of Les Baer and the combat specifications and requirements of Ernest Emerson and Emerson Combat Systems.
CQC-45 Knife
I think that most people know that Emerson makes Knives,…really good knives. In the middle of the Emerson Combat System , CQC 45 pistol project, Les Baer suggested that I build a matching serialized knife to complete the package. The knife I chose was, of course, the Emerson Nineteen-11, now renamed the CQC-45. This knife was designed from its inception, to embody the simple rugged effectiveness of the iconic weapon it is named after.
A very, famous 1911 historian and gunsmith once told me, “Ernest, if John H. Browning could have asked someone to design a knife to match his gun, he would have chosen you.” I could not be paid a higher compliment. In my lifetime, if I were to only live up to a small portion of that compliment I would be happy.
The Emerson CQC-45 was designed to do one thing and that thing is to perform. There are no frills, nothing that is not absolutely needed and this workhorse of a knife will cut all day long. It is a simple design and it is in its simplicity that makes it such a straight ahead high performance working tool. It is not too big to carry, nor too small to be up to any task. Speaking as the knife maker who is credited with creating and defining the tactical knife industry, I can say with authority, this knife is precisely what a tactical and practical cutting tool should be.
The knife features a classic Emerson ergonomic handle design housing a battle proven and timeless razor sharp, Bowie style blade. The blade is made from Crucible 154 Cm premium blade steel, heat treated to an optimum working hardness of Rockwell RC 57-59.
Knife Specs:
Overall length – 8.755 in.
Blade length – 3.850 in.
Length Closed – 5.125 in.
Blade Thickness -- .125 in.
Handle Thickness -- .585 in.
Heat Treat -- 57-59 RC Rockwell
Materials:
Blade: Crucible – 154 CM Steel
Liners and Lock – 6AL 4V Aerospace Grade Titanium
Handles – Premium Grade G-10 Laminate, match checkered to gun grip
Features:
Patented Hidden Wave or Thumb disc one hand opening
.090 thick Titanium liner locking system
Patented, Safe-D-Tent for safe closed position.
Matched and certified serial number on gun and knife in set.
Emerson Dragon’s teeth serrations.
This unique Emerson Knife is the epitome of what a tactical knife represents and in your hand you will know that whether you need a rescue tool or an edged weapon, no matter what you ask, it is up to the task.
It features the patented Emerson “Wave opening feature” that puts it in the elite class of world’s fastest opening folding knife. And this knife is one of the latest evolutions using the “hidden” wave feature.
The handle is built upon the proven liner lock system with a massive .090 thick 6AL 4V titanium locking bar and a .062 matching titanium liner on the opposite side with the Emerson patented Safe-D-Tent to protect the knife in the closed position.
The handles are constructed of Earth Brown, .160 inch thick G-10 laminate handles custom checkered to match the grips on the CQC gun. Each knife is custom serialized to match the gun in each numbered and certified set.
Emerson Knives, as you know, is committed to supporting America and the ideals that have made this country the greatest beacon of freedom in the history of mankind. That is one of the reasons we are called “Americas Knife Company.” The other reason is that every Emerson Knife is 100% made in America in my own factory, by American workers out of materials 100% made in America right down to the last screw.
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