Custom Emersons

J

jceckrosh

Joined
Mar 2, 2016
Messages
1,177
So, again, new to Emersons.

Where do custom Emersons normally come up for sale? I have seen quite a few for sale online and they typically say "from BladeShow 20** lottery", or something like that. Do customs only show up at shows, generally? Or do dealers get some now and then?

Are customs done 1 at a time(ish), or is it more like MT/MCK where "customs" can be a run of 20 or whatever? Is that why the supply is a trickle, since they are actually done in very very small numbers?

Thanks.
 
Last edited:
New Emerson Customs are sold thru a lottery system, a couple times a year online and also at certain premier shows. I do not have specifics on either, but typically the secondary market for "as new" Emerson Customs is substantially more expensive than "table price" for the lottery winner. So if your ticket is pulled, you have the right to purchase at a price that will be substantially lower than what the market will pay for one.
 
Every thing @Officer’s Match said, but you need to join the Emerson Collector Association (ECA) in order to be eligible to ener the twice a year lottery. The one time, $50 fee not only allows lottery entry, but often gets you first crack at new Emerson’s. IMHO, worth it, if you are into Emerson’s.
 
What are ballpark table prices? Curious as to what kind of markup I am seeing on the secondary market. For the record, I don't mind the markup, since the customs do in fact seem to be rare/low production numbers. Just want to know what I'm looking at.
 
I've never been lucky enough to have my name drawn but Emerson's lottery announcements say table prices are approximately $750. I think some knives are higher.
 
KOTR said:
I've never been lucky enough to have my name drawn but Emerson's lottery announcements say table prices are approximately $750. I think some knives are higher.
Click to expand...
About right, with Supers and certain other notables a little higher.
 
Unused and from a dealer it is common to see the price double. From a private seller you may get a better price, especially if you know them.
I have owned a few customs and even though they have some of the same "issues" as the production models, I believe that they are worth the price. You just have to decide which model you want and don't settle for another.
 
Yes, table price is approx 750. I've got the original invoice that came with my Commander showing the price. I can double check when I get home. I picked mine up on the secondary market and paid more. Not double, but definitely more than table.

For me it was worth it because I bartered up a partial trade. With low odds of winning the lottery vs getting my grail knife, brand new from 2017 X-mas Lottery, shipped to my door by the end of the week, already smuggled into the country by the way (as I'm in Canada and we currently have BS regulations), so it was a no brainier.
 
mt666tm said:
Yes, table price is approx 750. I've got the original invoice that came with my Commander showing the price. I can double check when I get home. I picked mine up on the secondary market and paid more. Not double, but definitely more than table.

For me it was worth it because I bartered up a partial trade. With low odds of winning the lottery vs getting my grail knife, brand new from 2017 X-mas Lottery, shipped to my door by the end of the week, already smuggled into the country by the way (as I'm in Canada and we currently have BS regulations), so it was a no brainier.
Click to expand...
And a Commander, especially a full chisel grind one, is a true classic.
 
I got my Custom Super Roadhouse today. While I did pay more than $750, that number seems pretty reasonable as the original price for the knife I got. It's not "perfect", but it is a beautiful knife.
 
So, they're sold only through the lottery system? I can't order one and get on a long wait list or something? I'm happy to do so.
 
Ghostmeat said:
So, they're sold only through the lottery system? I can't order one and get on a long wait list or something? I'm happy to do so.
Click to expand...
Based on replies to this thread, lottery via Emerson website and at various shows. For the Emererson website lotto you have to be a member of the ECA. Looks from IG like they do some auctions too, but my guess is those knives go for big money.

The obvious direct, don't wait for a lottery option is to buy from collectors/secondary market. I saw a list of lottery winners from 2016 or so, it's not a lot of knives, 30ish maybe. And when they draw your name they draw the knife too, so if those rules are still in effect, you don't pick the knife you want, you can either buy or pass on the one drawn for you.
 
Last edited:
KOTR said:
If you are drawn and do not follow through with purchasing the knife you are prohibited from participating in future lotteries.
Click to expand...
Good to know. I did see on the lotto rules that passing was frowned on since it kept someone else from being drawn. I think I like that rule.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top