Aftermarket Custom Prices

E

Eric Bland

Joined
Dec 11, 1998
Messages
27
Many of us with very lenghty (5 years or more} waits for customs direct from Emerson, are coming to the dreaded realization that we lose. Therefore, the decision to buy on the aftermarket {so great is our need} has to be evaluated. We hear about extraordinary prices being asked. But what do they actually bring? How about it Les? you have the inside track. How about a current market value on the CQ'S 5-6-7. The 8&9, The Viper series, and a 5 inch fixed blade {trivector etc.} All knives of standard configuration and recent mfg. By having a working knowledge of ballpark prices. Those of us with orders unfilled and those of us tempted to foolishly place an order can make an informed descision about wheter or not to take the immediate plunge. Thanks.
 
Hi Eric -

I'm sure Les will weigh in with his opinion - and it is unquestionably the most authoritative on the question of Emerson pricing - but I figured to give you my two cents, too. Fixed blades are virtually non-existent, so the best guess is between two and three times Ernie's price- if you can find one. On folders, they were holding quite steady at about 1.75 to 2 times his price until right around the NYC show. Then boom! A CQC6, the most sought after knife, is now at least $1,000 and usually more. It raised the others up along with it, so almost any CQC knife is $900 or more, and rare ones like a 5 can go for $1200. Obviously, odd knives like prototypes go for much more. Ernie raised the price on a full dress 6 from $1400 to $2000 in twelve months, so they now command $2500 - 2700 where a year ago they were $1800. No sign of it slowing down, either, as repeated concerns about who is actually making t he knives continue to be raised. Knives predating 1999 clearly enjoy a premium over the newer ones as a result. That's my experience - I look forward to hearing everyone else's.
 
Eric,

The prices for Emerson customs will continue to rise some models more quickly than others.

Right now the cost for a bolstered CQC model will on average bring $1,200. A CQC 5 may bring more. Any Viper series knife would bring between $1,000 and $1,200.00.

CQC8 would probably bring $1,000+ and the CQC9 (according to Emerson only 11 made) again around $1,000.00.

What makes this all tenative is Emerson's repeated threats to customers. You know, that he will actually make the knife. Last spring right here on Bladefourms and he also told this to a very well known Knife Magazine Editor that he would be making 50 CQC'6.

Well as usual, Emerson was a man of his word (you know, the one he doesnt keep). To date these 50 CQC'6 have not been made. How do I know this you might ask. Because if 50 were made I would get 35 phone calls from people wanting to sell them.

It is my opinion that the majority of the people on the waiting list are now there just to profit from the sale of the knife they receive. It is no longer to "feel like a Navy Seal". Hell, even Marckino doesn't want Emerson knives. Although I understand he has gone now to a Mad Dog. Im starting to wonder who is picking the "Rogue Warriors" cutlery. Whoever it is, Dick tell them to pull their head out of their "fourth point of contact".

Emerson is now threating again to make 50 CQC's and 50 CQC 5's this year. Now lets suppose that he does this (LOL). Boys and girls the value of your knives will drop like a rock. Fortunately, we all know this won't happen. Mostly because he is working on that Titanium knife that is going to sell for $1,200. It may be awhile as Im sure Emerson would fill his previous orders before he would embark on another knife!!

The Emerson custom aftermarket is on the rise. Fortunately the only given we have is that Emerson in fact will continue to extend his delivery times. This trend will continue until all you people come to the realization that he is not going to make your knives!

In fairness to Emerson I did hear from one person who did get his knife last year. As he called me about 10 minutes after he opened the box (only to close it back up and ship it to me).

As JBravo said, fixed blades are virtually non-exsistant. Although an interesting occurance happened at the New York Custom Show.

Emerson brought 15 neck knives. The price was $125.00 each. It took till Sunday to sell the last ones of these knives. I can only surmise that most people thought they were factory knives and were not going to pay that price.


I was pleased with them, as I received several.

So to sum up, if Emerson stays his course the price should continue to rise in the aftermarket.

However, should he get a wild hair and head back into the shop. The prices will come down.

There is still a good after market for Emerson's. Best to get them now, as the prices are sure to go up!

Les
 
Folks, please dont take this as a slam, because it is not. It is just my honest opinion after using and collecting knives for 25 years.
If you are getting an Emerson in order to turn around and sell it at a profit-then go for it!
But if you are actually looking for an exceptional using or even collecting knife, then do yourself a favor and check out a Carson,JW Smith(unbeleivable quality),Terzuola,Lightfoot,RJ Martin folder, or one of a few others. Most can be had from dealers with no wait, or if you go to the maker, you will get honesty and integrity concerning delivery times.
Yes, most Emerson's are well made(though not all), but why let somebody play with you like that an enlarge their ego even more?

Just my opinion.

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lifter
Phil. 4:13

Dave
Wharton,NJ


 
Thanks Les. I guess since scarcity drives the prices, we can all look forward to 5 figure custom Emersons soon. As a former associate {displaying} member of the guild, I went through the joy of lengthy order delays with Loveless, D.E. Henry and Moran. The thing is, we actually DID receive our knives from these makers. I harbor no such hope for my Emerson order. Ed Henry ended up angering so many customers that his "15 year backlog" evaporated, and his knives went unsold on his table. Loveless acted like he was doing us a real favor by fulfilling our order, and would not provide his listed options. Moran, of course, was the gentleman as always. No deposits and always willing to talk personally. Although he was unable to fill a lot of his tool steel knife orders,preferring to work in damascus after '74, customers understood and applauded his honesty. Emerson might take a lessn from him.
 
Wow, the prices have really gone up in recent years. Les, when are you getting the Vindicator?

Jason
 
This is one of those things that happens to many makers. They all start out as nobody's, and some get real popular. I was buying Mad Dogs when he was a nobody, and know I can't get them like I used to. Same with my current favorite, Strider. Years ago I turned away bunches of Emersons because I was into other things (most of those went to Les from an old mutual source). I cherish the ones I have now and they are great knives. If they weren't, nobody would wait the time or spend the money they do for them. I daily carry my CQC8, the SWAT paramedic who I sold my CQC6 to (because I knew he would truely appreciate it and not sell it) is still carrying it every day. Many people who may depend on using their folder as a deadly weapon will continue to use them. Unfortunately they became a fad, and know there is huge demand,live with it. Those of us who demand the best will pay for what we believe is the best.

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He who advances is sure of heaven-He who retreats of eternal damnation.
 
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