Nagging Question. Need Advice, Please

[Rotte]

Use the Recon...hard. If it lets you down, you'll have a chance to test an Emerson. I find that when I really use a knife hard for a while I develop a deep appreciation of its abilities and come to like it much more. ...Or it disappoints, and I trash it. Most knives from reputable manufacturers are way more capable than the average user would ever know.

[matt123abc]

Use the Recon...hard. If it lets you down, you'll have a chance to test an Emerson. I find that when I really use a knife hard for a while I develop a deep appreciation of its abilities and come to like it much more. ...Or it disappoints, and I trash it. Most knives from reputable manufacturers are way more capable than the average user would ever know.

I agree with this completely.

[slight]

+ 1 rotte

Now correct me if I am wrong, but while the triad lock is crazy strong (like holding up 400lbs) I think that a liner lock would be more reliable as far as debris is concerned.

I certainly haven't had any problems with the lock engagement like I have with lockbacks from many different companies.

[JPD1998]

IMO some other part of the knife would fail before the Triad lock.
Now comparing an Emerson knife with a Reckon, you're not going to say to yourself that the EKI knife is far superior. I know that wasn't my reaction when I bought my 1st EKI years ago. But an EKI is more about a product lasting a lifetime vs a disposable one. Plus for me the ergonomics of an EKI is perfect, they just fit my hand.
I'm also going to recommend the Horseman, it's a perfect work knife. I didn't care for the blade shape of my mini com so I sold it.

[docbp87]

How about the warranty difference. If anything ever happens to your Emerson, EKI will make it PERFECT again. Cold Steel doesn't offer that...

[KBar666]

Lots of good advice, thanks.

Horseman seems to have a lot of fans.

This is a tough one. I am still about equally divided between Commander and Horseman; and before somebody pipes in "buy them both", NO, I cannot afford both, ha ha

No stores nearby to try one out. Also, not allowable to post a favorite seller but if anybody wants to PM me with an online store that has a good selection, that would be appreciated.

KBar666, you mentioned above that all Emerson knives have a chisel grind at the bevel. Does this mean for example that even though the Commander has a V grind, it has a secondary chisel grind? I did not know this.

Hey sorry I took so long to get back on this, have not been on.

But yes thats what I mean your actual edge grind will still be a Chiseled edge

[matt123abc]

How about the warranty difference. If anything ever happens to your Emerson, EKI will make it PERFECT again. Cold Steel doesn't offer that...

That's one reason there's such a big price difference, you get what you pay for usually....

[roughneckrob]

I hate to do this to you briz but I have a lot of Emersons and the Horseman and the commander with be more than adequate for you needs but I am going to have to point you in a different direction and thats the CQC-13. I have found that this is the best of the Emerson line up for real world tasks, this is just my opinion and it is something to really consider.

[gatorzingo]

Commander.
I have sever EKIs and others. I almost always choose my Commander to carry and for chores. I have used my Commander for many tasks around the jobsite without a second thought.

[brizbane]

More good points especially about better ergos and warranty.

roughneckrob, you are right about the CQC13 as I do like the looks of it and probably suitable for my tasks. I think I'll place it on my shortlist.

[KBar666]

Look its pretty clear I say Emerson All the way.

Man I say go for it, if you can spend it.

[Jamesh Bond]

Love my mini commander, but sadly, my work requires cutting tape and cardboard. Don't wanna get gunk all over me knoife, and the chisel grind veers my cut when cutting cardboard. So I carry a 20 dollar buck nobleman (which is fricken awesome btw) for work, and my overbuilt emerson rarely..... How backwards is that hahah!

Gotta factor in the fact that your work may screw up your knife, and buy accordingly. As cool as emersons are, they are also expensive, and won't neccessarily out perform a cold steel for the money. So why spend $200 when you can spend $40 for a knife that is in no way inferior to an emerson (besides perception)? You pay more for emersons for 3 reasons:

Coolness
Name
Made in USA

Another thing to consider is emerson's warranty. I've never had to use it, but I've heard some say that its the best thing since sliced bread, and others say that it's worthless. YMMV...

Anyway, it may sound like i'm reccomending against the emerson. I'm not. Just trying to bring other factors to the table. Good luck and enjoy whatever blade you get!