(3) Emersons I have Been Researching. . .

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Sep 27, 2011
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Folks,

You don't see me hanging around the Emerson sub-forum much, I tend to lurk in the CRK sub-forum a good majority of the time, but my interests have been turning toward Emerson Knives as of late and I find myself desiring to make my first Emerson purchase. I have read quite a bit on the general details of Emerson Knives and have familiarized myself on what to expect from them regarding, usage, fit and finish, materials, customer service, etc. However, there are three models that intrigue me that I can find little information in the way of usage reviews, size comparisons, etc. This is where the Emerson-a-holics come into play. . . If you have experience with, knowledge of, information on the following 3 models I would love and appreciate your input. I am aware of the SPECS of these models, but interested in hearing your experiences with them. If you have pictures that would be extra tasty! As a frame of reference and as a comparison tool, I generally carry a small Sebenza 21 Insingo about 99% of the time and my knife usages are basic EDC type tasks. Such tasks as opening mail, cutting cardboard, slicing up treats for the Dobe, yardwork duties, etc.

Here are the 3 models I am interested in exploring:

Mini A100
Mini CQC7A (non-tanto)
Traveler


Thanks for your time and input!
 
I should've known you would have checked them out already. Sorry I don't have any first hand experience with these knives to share. They all look reaaly cool.
 
Very nice, newknif.
These are three fantastic knives. You know what I'm going to say. Mini CQC7A. But, try the Emerson that appeals to you.
btw, I had a Sebenza, back in the day. A classic folder!
rolf
 
Very nice, newknif.
These are three fantastic knives. You know what I'm going to say. Mini CQC7A. But, try the Emerson that appeals to you.
btw, I had a Sebenza, back in the day. A classic folder!
rolf

Thanks for the input--I am glad you had a Sebenza--you should get another!

It seems that the only readily available one of these three is the Traveler model--the only ones I can find in stock on the other two are serrated (no thanks)!

Any tips on shops I can try besides the big boys we all know and love?
 
You are welcome.
I used to loathe serrations but no more. They serve a good purpose. Think "tool."
I would get another Seb but my HD7 took over my pocket.
PM coming.
rolf
 
If you're going to get a mini A100, you best act fast as they are discontinued.
 
I have had a couple of Emerson's, but the Mini A100 SF is still with me & not going anywhere. It has become one of the smoothest knives I have. I like the size, and the blade style. Can't believe they are discontinuing this model since it one of Ernie's original designs if I am not mistaken.

 
I have had experience with a Endeavor which is a little larger than the Reliant. It's a great knife that takes up little pocket space, but can handle any task thrown at it. I had it pimped and my Fiancé carries it as her edc.
 
I stumbled on your thread here and just thought I would give my personal experience with emerson knives. I am mostly into spyderco, CRK, and Hinderer but beefier, bigger knives are my favorites. I initially was attracted to the emerson designs some time ago but was thinking they werent worth it because of blade steel, fit and finish issues etc.... but nevertheless decided to try out a couple. I got a mini commander, didnt like it at all. Got a cqc 15 and hated it. I honestly can't remember why but I didnt like it in the least. Then I laid off for about a year, got a journeyman a month ago and love it, bought a cqc 8 and its fantastic. Maybe my tastes have changed but for whatever reason these blades fit me perfectly. I use the crap out of my knives and dont feel bad about putting these through their paces. But then again I use all my knives equally no matter what the price tag on them. The emersons I own have quirks but I appreciate them and enjoy using them. The wave feature is something i never cared about but the more i played with it, the more I saw it useful. I think for me finding the emerson blade shapes that were the most useable from an EDC perspective was the thing that let me find my appreciation for them.

Id definitely grab an emerson if you have an opportunity. Moral of my experience is that every emerson is different enough to make you love or hate it, gotta try them all until you get the one that fits :)
 
Here's pics of my Fiancé's Endeavor
uploadfromtaptalk1401761130044.jpg
 

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All--thanks for your input so far--this has been great!
Although the mini a100 is a particularly clean and simple design--one of the reasons I love my Sebenza--I think I am now deciding between a mini CQC 7a and the Traveler. The price is a little more for friendly on the Traveler and I think I like the looks of these two over the mini A100.
 
Although the mini a100 is a particularly clean and simple design--one of the reasons I love my Sebenza--I think I am now deciding between a mini CQC 7a and the Traveler. The price is a little more for friendly on the Traveler and I think I like the looks of these two over the mini A100.

The cqc-7a would absolutely be my choice.

I have a bunch of knives (I have at least 10 Emersons including a regular cqc-7v and a super 7) including a lg. snakewood sebenza 21.

I the sibby used, but the previous owner had never carried it or cut anything with it so it looks brand new.

The thing is amazing (lock up in incredible) but the damn thing is so beautiful I can't bring myself to use it LOL.(I don't have that problem with Emerson's or the one strider I own)

~John
 
STR, can you tell me about the pocket clip on that Endeavor?

It's an anodized Steel Flame stamped Crusader clip. It's anodized blue and the Crusader cross is gold. I got it from Steel Flame. If you're looking for one contact them to see if they have any in stock. They look great and are a great company to deal with!
 
And I think the stamped ones run somewhere around $65-$75, which is much more reasonable than their standard offerings.

Looks great by the way.
 
The cqc-7a would absolutely be my choice.

I have a bunch of knives (I have at least 10 Emersons including a regular cqc-7v and a super 7) including a lg. snakewood sebenza 21.

I the sibby used, but the previous owner had never carried it or cut anything with it so it looks brand new.

The thing is amazing (lock up in incredible) but the damn thing is so beautiful I can't bring myself to use it LOL.(I don't have that problem with Emerson's or the one strider I own)

~John

Thanks for the input brother. . . I will keep my eyes peeled for one.
 
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