- Joined
- Jun 23, 2012
- Messages
- 2,846
The Emerson Combat Systems Fighter (CSF) is one of the knives in the Emerson Signature Series of blades. Knives in this series are personally inspected by Ernest Emerson, and signed by him before leaving the factory. They are limited editions.
Note the Emerson Combat Systems logo, and Ernies signature on the blade.
Having owned a CSF for just shy of a month, I thought it was time to give my impressions.
This CSF was carried for about two weeks straight, and has been used daily for various tasks around the house. Nothing heavy, just ordinary mundane tasks that you use a knife for. Like cutting stuff.
The CSF is a very pocketable knife, as when closed it is more compact than many other EKI's in its blade length range. I attribute this to a more equal blade to handle ratio than, for example, my CQC-8. As far as my larger size Emersons go, this takes up less pocket real-estate than my Super 7, ETAK-B, or my CQC-8. It about even with the Iron Dragon, and a bit larger in pocket than my CQC-7V, and A-100, but actually fairly equivalent to my Specwar, which actually has a shorter, thinner blade. The weight on the CSF is about the same as similar sized Emersons, somewhere between 5 and 6 ounces.
The CSF (top) with a CQC-8 (bottom) for overall size comparison. Note that the CQC-8 not only has a longer handle, but a slightly longer and slimmer blade. (I had Ernie Emerson sign my CQC-8 at Blade Show. It is not a signature model.)
Ergonomics in the hand are where the CSF really shines for me. I wear large size gloves. The fit for my hand is simply outstanding. The CSF is one of the most comfortable knives I have ever held in either forward or reverse grip. There seem to be no hot spots whatsoever, and it seems to just melt in to my hand. Some of this may be due to the fact that the edges of the G10 scales are beveled a bit more than my other EKI's. Despite the fact that it has a shorter handle than some other EKI standard size knives, I have no trouble getting a solid full four finger purchase in any grip. If you've ever held a standard size Roadhouse it should be similar, as the handles appear to be the same. It took just a short time to get used to the low slung blade style of the CSF, and I find that I actually like it for slicing tasks.
Here is a bad cell phone pic of the CSF in hand.
The blade, by my measurement (end of scale to tip of blade), is 3.75". The cutting edge, with its sweeping curve offers lots of belly, and measures about 4". The blade shape is similar to the CQC-8, and apparently the same as the Tiger. I find it very useful for EDC type tasks, and it slices well.
Fit and finish on the CSF is on the high end of the spectrum for EKI, with liners, scales and hardware, all flush, and even. The handle is flow through pillar construction, using 4 stand offs. Very solid. Blade centering perfect, blade grinds are all flawlessly executed, and the blade finish is a beautifully executed stonewashed flats/satin bevels. The edge came razor sharp out of the box. The lockup is solid, with no play side to side, or lock rock/slip.
You can see here the pillar construction using 4 stand offs. Very sturdy.
Note the blade centering on the CSF.
Right out of the box, the pivot was stiff, and the lockup was very early (about 10%), and there was some aggressive lock stick. In my experience, this is the typical condition with Emersons right out of the box. After breaking in, the pivot is smooth, and the lockup moved to about 50% and remains there. This seems typical for all my Emersons, with lockup settling at about 25 to 50% and staying like that forever. The lock stick also goes away once the lock bar wears in, and settles.
Notice the lockup on the CSF, also notice the deeper bevel on the scale edges of the CSF, compared to the CQC-8 (bottom picture).
All in all I really like the CSF. It is a solid, useful design, and I intend to carry it in my rotation, and enjoy it for years to come.
Note the Emerson Combat Systems logo, and Ernies signature on the blade.
Having owned a CSF for just shy of a month, I thought it was time to give my impressions.
This CSF was carried for about two weeks straight, and has been used daily for various tasks around the house. Nothing heavy, just ordinary mundane tasks that you use a knife for. Like cutting stuff.
The CSF is a very pocketable knife, as when closed it is more compact than many other EKI's in its blade length range. I attribute this to a more equal blade to handle ratio than, for example, my CQC-8. As far as my larger size Emersons go, this takes up less pocket real-estate than my Super 7, ETAK-B, or my CQC-8. It about even with the Iron Dragon, and a bit larger in pocket than my CQC-7V, and A-100, but actually fairly equivalent to my Specwar, which actually has a shorter, thinner blade. The weight on the CSF is about the same as similar sized Emersons, somewhere between 5 and 6 ounces.
The CSF (top) with a CQC-8 (bottom) for overall size comparison. Note that the CQC-8 not only has a longer handle, but a slightly longer and slimmer blade. (I had Ernie Emerson sign my CQC-8 at Blade Show. It is not a signature model.)
Ergonomics in the hand are where the CSF really shines for me. I wear large size gloves. The fit for my hand is simply outstanding. The CSF is one of the most comfortable knives I have ever held in either forward or reverse grip. There seem to be no hot spots whatsoever, and it seems to just melt in to my hand. Some of this may be due to the fact that the edges of the G10 scales are beveled a bit more than my other EKI's. Despite the fact that it has a shorter handle than some other EKI standard size knives, I have no trouble getting a solid full four finger purchase in any grip. If you've ever held a standard size Roadhouse it should be similar, as the handles appear to be the same. It took just a short time to get used to the low slung blade style of the CSF, and I find that I actually like it for slicing tasks.
Here is a bad cell phone pic of the CSF in hand.
The blade, by my measurement (end of scale to tip of blade), is 3.75". The cutting edge, with its sweeping curve offers lots of belly, and measures about 4". The blade shape is similar to the CQC-8, and apparently the same as the Tiger. I find it very useful for EDC type tasks, and it slices well.
Fit and finish on the CSF is on the high end of the spectrum for EKI, with liners, scales and hardware, all flush, and even. The handle is flow through pillar construction, using 4 stand offs. Very solid. Blade centering perfect, blade grinds are all flawlessly executed, and the blade finish is a beautifully executed stonewashed flats/satin bevels. The edge came razor sharp out of the box. The lockup is solid, with no play side to side, or lock rock/slip.
You can see here the pillar construction using 4 stand offs. Very sturdy.
Note the blade centering on the CSF.
Right out of the box, the pivot was stiff, and the lockup was very early (about 10%), and there was some aggressive lock stick. In my experience, this is the typical condition with Emersons right out of the box. After breaking in, the pivot is smooth, and the lockup moved to about 50% and remains there. This seems typical for all my Emersons, with lockup settling at about 25 to 50% and staying like that forever. The lock stick also goes away once the lock bar wears in, and settles.
Notice the lockup on the CSF, also notice the deeper bevel on the scale edges of the CSF, compared to the CQC-8 (bottom picture).
All in all I really like the CSF. It is a solid, useful design, and I intend to carry it in my rotation, and enjoy it for years to come.
Last edited:
