Few folders have been around as long as the CQC6. Over the past 16 years, it has undergone many changes, large and small, too. One of the typical descriptions of an old school, real deal 6 is that it has "all the bells and whistles" (a description first used by, and attributed to, the reprobate Lance). Here is a list of the usual characteristics included in that phrase, which are the identifyers for a truly rare CQC6:

Halfmoon logo
Single bevel grind
Thumb recess on both bolsters
Serrations on top and bottom of bolsters
False temper line buff-out
ATS-34 with Bos heat treat
Handcut notches on lockbar release
Straight sided clip/'Benchmade' clip
Blunter shaped boat tail butt
Aggresive grind shape

Additonally, there are few out there with these ultra-desired features, too rare to be fairly called standard:

Checked scales
Left handed/left hand grind
Toothpick relief
Black scales

And there is only one each with these:

Thumb stud opener, ratcheting lock, "ERE" engraved on bolster (only one!)

The dates and times when each of these features stopped being used - although some made a re-appearance later on - are too lengthy for this post. But when you are chasing the Grail knife, hopefully this will give you a sense of things to look for. And, of course, a sense of price for the object of your desire! Its going to be a pretty penny for that left ground, HM, buff line 6 with double thumb reliefs, etc........


Jbravo

These features can be seen here:

RARE CQC-6 PICTURE GALLERY