Any Experineces with the Hardwear Knives

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Oct 28, 2000
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I'm thinking of getting one of the knives from Emerson's Hardwear series. I speak specifically of the tanto point Reliant with PE. Has anyone had any experience with the Hardwear series? Are they as tough and solid as advertising suggests? Is sharpening done with ease with a Sharpmaker? Any info is, of course appreciated. Thank you.
 
i have handled the hardwear EKI's but dont own one, i would say they are about like any other knife in this price range (ie CRKT/low end spyderco) and i am sure they are perfectly servicable knives, i know the serrations on them look wicked for sure.

i am sure a sharpmaker would work on them, IIRC they are chisel grind like all other EKI's.

i would probaly just as soon have a spyderco endura/delica but the hard wears are ok imho,


greg
 
I own many Spydercos and several "Hardware" Emersons. Two Travelers and an Endevour- all spearpoints. They have very aggressive serrations and the AUS8 steel holds a decent edge that can be resharpened easily. IMHO, the Emersons have better ergonomics and are a little "beefier" than the typical FRN handled Spidies. They are made in the same factory. The Emersons are a good "beater" type knife that you can abuse. I feel they have stronger locks, but most of the Spydercos' have better steel, for the money. Confusing, is'nt it? :confused:
 
Not confusing at all. I planned on using the Emerson for an all around knife and 'beater.' Thanks for the info.
 
And here is a pic for the uninitiated.
And by the way, they are full hollow-ground on both sides, not chisel-ground.
 

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I purchased one of the Emerson Travelers 4 months ago. I find it to be a very good knife for the money. While my EDC knife is a CQC-7 I still find myself using the Traveler for routine cutting around the house (boxes, twine, etc,) as well as on steak or anything else I may have for dinner. The blade seems to hold an edge pretty well and the feel is sturdy. Not necessarily my choice for defense but certainly worth the money.
 
i have had a reliant for about 6 months, dam thing is imposible to get dull, i think its an awesome knife.
 
After initially asking about the Emerson Reliant, I got one a couple of months ago and have used it extensively. I write this as I've noticed others have asked the same questions I asked about the Hardwear line.
The knife first impressed me with its ergonomics. They were great and the handle provided an adeaquate hold for me. The ridges allowed for a good grip while cutting. The finger choil near the blade allowed me a bit of control for detail work. The reversible pocket clip was a bit better than average as it stay clipped to my pocket with little to no slipping while walking around.
The blade itself is great. I stabbed at boxes (regular and broken down ones stacked together), cut braches, sliced foods, ropes, twine, old clothes and hard plastics. The blade held up and kept a nice edge after a couple of months of abuse. I regret there was noticeable, but tolerable blade plae after hard use. To me, the millimeter to either side was neglible. I touched up the blade witha Spyderco Shaprmaker. It needed very light sharpening after all my whacks and cuts. The blade's grind seemed, to me at least, more sharpening friendly and better for cutting as opposed to the flat chisel grind of the Emerson Specwar.
I think the knife is great for those wanting a 'beater' or a general purpose knife for an admirable cost (mine cost 40.00 on ebay from Razorsharpknife). It has become a daily carry for me for those abusive and messy jobs. If tis knife were from Benchmade, it would definitely be in the Red Class series. For the occasional knife buyer, this one is great for low cost and high servability. For experienced knife knuts, it offers the same qualities and a nice beater to save on the more extravagant pieces. Hope this helps the next knut thiking about getting one.
 
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