The damage dealt by CQC actions, including when using a CQC Choke is greatly increased for each level of the CQC skill. The CQC skill also increases the effectiveness of your ability to break out of a CQC Grab.

Due to how strong using a CQC Throw To Ground into the Stun Knife combo is, I'd recommend practicing this manoeuvre as it can be used as a counter to other CQC users, as well as the Shield weapon.

The requirements for each action are as follows:
Skill Unequipped:  Access to Throw To Ground
LV1: Access to CQC Grab which allows
- Choke
- Throw
- Cut throat with Knife (Requires Blades LV3 skill)
- Insert Scanning Plug (Requires Scanner skill)
- Use captured enemy as a Shield
- Drag
LV3: Access to Knock Weapon Away (Disarms the currently held weapon of the affected player.)

CQC EX: Access to an automatic CQC counterattack, which occurs when another player uses a CQC Grab or Throw To Ground manoeuvre. (This counter will not occur if the player also possesses CQC EX, or attacks from directly behind your character).

The Stun Knife is a powerful tool. It's capabilities shine in the mode Team Sneaking more so than any other game mode.

Animation cancelling with the Stun Knife greatly increases the speed and mobility of attacks made with the weapon, and is essential to making the most of it's capabilities.