Commander - Is it worth it?

J

JH225

Gold Member
Joined
Feb 7, 1999
Messages
1,145

I am seriously thinking about getting a Commander and would like to hear from actual owners if they think the quality is up to par.

I like the "wave" feature, the blade shape, handle, etc. but I have heard both good and bad things about the quality control of these knives(stop pins,grind lines,sharpness,etc).

Any comments would be appreciated.



------------------
C.O.'s-"It takes balls to work behind the walls "
 
I have one and I think it is worth the cost.

I purchased mine directly from Emerson Knives so I paid full list. They are available on the internet now; it is just a matter of finding a dealer who has them in stock because they are so popular and they are not made in huge quantities.

I also own an Emerson Specwar folder. Their knives are more expensive then say Benchmade but their quality is a lot better.

 
I purchased a Commander from a fellow 'Forum-ite', (for substantially less than retail)and feel it is the best knife for daily carry out there. I used to carry either a Raven or BM Ascent daily, but the Commander goes with me everywhere now. I have had none of the QC problems described by others here, and I hear Emerson is fixing any problems people have with the knives. I would do it. Seriously. You won't find a better knife for the money. The "wave" is an absolute mindblower when it comes to fast opening...I can get my Commander drawn, opened and ready for business in less time than my cop buddy and his Microtech auto. And like many LEO's, he practices daily... Just my honest opinion: BUY THE COMMANDER!!

------------------
"They sicken of the calm, who know the storm."
RFrost5746@aol.com or Robert_Frost@ars.aon.com

 
A big yes! This knife is awesome and if you don't like a grind on only one side both sides of the blade are the same. You can grind the other side so you have a true V-grind unlike the CQC-7 in which one side of the blade is flat and you are stuck with a chisel grind.
 
I have had two Commanders and had problems with both. Both seemed to have alot of play in the blade and no matter how much I tightened the pivot the blade would rub the inside of the handles. They both also had a hard time staying closed. I think overall they are good knives but I would prefer to hand pick one since apparently the QC isnt the greatest. What I did like about them was the blade shape, the thick liner, and the handle shape. Could be a good knife if you get a good one. I definately dont think they are worth full retail though. For the money I would rather have a Microtech.

------------------
-Dennis-


 
Guy's,

Thanks for all the comments.

Shootist 16,

What did you do with your knives? Did you send them back to be fixed, and if so, were they?
 
I traded one and I still have the other. I didnt send either one back. The one I have is sitting in my gunsafe.

------------------
-Dennis-


 
I have owned two, sold one (see above) and still have one. The one I kept is an early production mil spec with green-T that is actually heavier and with thicker scales and titanium than "current" production models. There were no QC problems with either, though I did tighten the pivot screw on my keeper as the blade didn't like to stay shut-I don't consider folder deployment speed as being very important since I consider ANY folder to be utility first and foremost.
There's no doubt that it is a great knife, but if you're looking for a light 3-4" blade defensive knife, a Kozuka, Pesh Kabz or Lightfoot fixed blade might be a better idea. If you value the Commander's utility and don't mind carrying fixed, you can get an incredible fixed with a great belly from Bob Dozier. I just had to give my fixed-blade biased $.02.
 
My 2 have functioned flawlessly.One has to spend upwards of twice as much money to find an equal.It locks up tight and has the smoothest action of any knife I own.The part serrated black ti version is my favorite.
If I had a problem,I`d send it back to them,They have a good reputation for standing behind their work.

David

AKTI# A000150
 
I just bought a black-t commander yesterday and I must say it appears that the quality control standards at Emerson are great.The action is smooth, the lockup is tight.The knife feels like a fixed blade when open.I am pleased with it
smile.gif
, my girlfriend on the other hand.....
frown.gif
 
Well worth the Money

I would say it's the strongest feeling folder I have - even feels tougher than a Sabenza (no offence)

 
If you have the patience and $, I feel the the ES1-M is even a better choice. Not many know about it. It is a larger version of the Commander. It's acronym means I'm told Emerson SEAL mod.1 - Military. If you can find one they are awesome. Good Luck!

------------------
"This is the law:
There is no possible victory in defense, The Sword is more important than the shield, And skill is more important than either, The final weapon is the brain. All else is supplemental."

 
The ESM-1 is an excellent knife. It's big, all black and very nasty. The blade is huge and the real chisel grind makes it incredibly sharp!

Jason
 
Without a doubt. Put it like this, the Commander replaced the DA SOCOM as my daily carry knife... it's one of the best knives I own, and I have #150 of the Satin Finish Commanders...

Spark

------------------
Kevin Jon Schlossberg
SysOp and Administrator for BladeForums.com

Insert witty quip here
 
Tom, what I meant was that my girlfriend was'nt pleased with my purchase of another knife.She hates my knife collection.
 
REKAT - Oh, I get it :-) My wife is somewhat numb with my knife buying. Whenever the UPS guy stops at our house my wife's first comment is "so, you bought another knife.".
 
Jailhack, I would recommend buying a Commander only if you could check it out first. This very day, I looked at six of them and they were all a little different. The differences were blade wobble, ease of opening and closing, fit of G-10 scales, grind lines, sharpness, blade alignment and buggered screws. If you choose to mailorder try www.skylandscutlery.com they sell them for 175.00
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top