Kershaw knives and Emerson knives joined forces on a series of knives that combine the precision engineering of Kershaw with Emerson's uncompromising functional design. The CQC-8K features a single-bevel tanto blade, which means it is razor sharp. Black-oxide coating protects the blade and makes it non-reflective. G-10 handles provide secure grip and a locking liner means safe and solid blade lock up. The CQC-8K is a manual opener using either the thumb disk or the patented Emerson "wave shaped feature." This opening feature enables the knife to be opened as it is removed from the pocket. A small wave-shaped tab on the top of the blade is built to catch on the pocket seam, opening it as it comes out of the pocket. the pocket clip is reversible for left or right hand carry.