Does anyone make aftermarket SS liner lock for Emerson? Heard horror stories of their Ti liner lock. How are Emerson’s in general?

[Smiffman]

Super interested in the Cqc7 from Emerson but I’ve heard horror stories of the lock stick and lock failure online. Because I can’t find the ‘XHD” version anywhere, does anybody know if someone with a CNC makes aftermarket liner locks for Emerson? And what are your guys general thoughts on Emerson? Appreciate all the help anyone can give! Thanks

 

[el gigantor]

And what are your guys general thoughts on Emerson?

This is always a hot button issue on BF. Hopefully it doesn’t result in arguments, which sometimes happens.

My thoughts: robust design, less than stellar quality control, absolute pocket destroyer G10, and too much money for the steel you receive. Overall, they’re badass work knives that are meant to be used, but shouldn’t be as pricey as they are.

That said, and against my better judgement, I’ve wanted a Super Commander since I first saw one years ago’

 

[Smiffman]

This is always a hot button issue on BF. Hopefully it doesn’t result in arguments, which sometimes happens.

My thoughts: robust design, less than stellar quality control, absolute pocket destroyer G10, and too much money for the steel you receive. Overall, they’re badass work knives that are meant to be used, but shouldn’t be as pricey as they are.

That said, and against my better judgement, I’ve wanted a Super Commander since I first saw one years ago’

Interesting. Does it seem there are more positive or negative comments on these knives?

 

[Boru13]

Interesting. Does it seem there are more positive or negative comments on these knives?

When it comes to Emerson’s, it’s a love hate relationship with members.

I’ve been using Emerson’s since 98 and have yet to experience the horror stories that seem to be prevalent with some.

As far as lock stick, I prefer to have some… rather there be some resistance to disengaging the lock as opposed to none.

Are they over priced for what you get, in my opinion yes but then again considering their location it’s not surprising.

 

[jbmonkey]

I got about a dozen Emersons or so. 1 had lock stick out of the gate...its gone now. used pencil graphite on it. none had lock failures. that said they are far too much money for what ya get anymore. I don't see them as overly problematic compared to other brands. not from my experiences.

I dont see them as bad and they work fine as knives. I've never had to use their warranty yet. so can't comment on that.

 

[Zornhau]

I had one Emerson and it was a quality tool, just not my cup of tea, so I gave it away. I thought it was overpriced, then. I have no idea what they go for now.

 

[Tsujigiri]

What stories of lock failure are you talking about? Lock stick is kind of the opposite of a lock failure, they use titanium because it galls against steel instead of slipping and allowing the blade to close. I don't see the titanium liners as a compelling reason not to buy an Emerson.

Emerson's knives are known for their ergonomics, wave feature, and practicality. They work, but they also get a lot of flak for being overpriced. You can get the latest supersteels or a titanium framelock etc for the same price. 154cm is an excellent steel but it seems a little basic for what they're charging. Also they use chisel grinds, which some people don't like.

If you like Emerson's designs but want a steel lock, you could save yourself a lot of money by getting one of the Kershaw Emerson collaboration knives.

 

[Locutus D'Borg]

I owned (and eventually gave as a gift) a mini CQC-7. It was excellent. I have never had a problem with Emerson or any other liner lock. But I don't try to make locks fail by hammering them, etc. YMMV.

 

[Grumpy Old Man]

general thoughts on Emerson?

Very poorly finished . Designed and manufactured only thinking about how to get the most money possible (all other manufacturers manage to grind/shape both sides of the blade).

 

[Officer's Match]

I've had quite a few Emerson's, including some of Ernie's handmade customs. I agree that the sum of the parts/materials isn't "competitive" in today's extremely abundantly supplied knife universe, they are a brand driven company that has it's very important place in "our" world. I almost equate them to an old muscle car in a lot of ways. My wife's tuned BMW 335 will absolutely smoke a lot of old school muscle cars, but it is not and cannot be a '69 Camaro.

All that said, of the knives I've owned and still have, none of them say "use me - hard" like my Emerson's.

 

[Officer's Match]

Very poorly finished . Designed and manufactured only thinking about how to get the most money possible (all other manufacturers manage to grind/shape both sides of the blade).

 

[mitchnola]

I’m a pretty big fan of Emersons. I really love his blade designs and he makes the best handle designs for ergonomics imo. The wave feature is awesome. I also like his g10 which comes very grippy but breaks in nicely.

The one thing I feel that separates Emerson from most other knives is that they actually feel like a weapon/tool rather than just a pocket knife or cardboard cutter.

Yes, they’re overpriced compared to others, they’re not a company focused on craftsmanship however there newer models are much better in qc and flipability than in the past. Most of mine had lockstick but went away once broken in and none have it now. These are very much knives that need to be broken in and then used. If you read his mission statement than you’ll get an idea of where he’s coming from and how he operates.

The one and only problem I’ve had is maybe 3 out of the 10 i have, once broken in, the liner lock was almost all the way to the opposite side. I’ve spoken to them and they do cover it as a warranty issue and replace it. I haven’t done it yet cause honestly it doesn’t bother me that much.

His flippers are excellent and i’d recommend the cqc 7 flipper. It’s awesome. But I must say, out of all his handles the 7 is my least favorite imo.

 

[mitchnola]

I've had quite a few Emerson's, including some of Ernie's handmade customs. I agree that the sum of the parts/materials isn't "competitive" in today's extremely abundantly supplied knife universe, they are a brand driven company that has it's very important place in "our" world. I almost equate them to an old muscle car in a lot of ways. My wife's tuned BMW 335 will absolutely smoke a lot of old school muscle cars, but it is not and cannot be a '69 Camaro.

All that said, of the knives I've owned and still have, none of them say "use me - hard" like my Emerson's.

Absolute perfect example!!

 

[mitchnola]

Very poorly finished . Designed and manufactured only thinking about how to get the most money possible (all other manufacturers manage to grind/shape both sides of the blade).

Why so grumpy?

 

[ron finkbeiner jr]

If that fella nathawut is still doing his custom work he would be the fella I recommend.

 

[Blues]

I had a Commander I bought here on the forums. I thought it was a pretty nice knife, but I couldn't resist selling when someone offered what I thought was considerably more than it was worth.

Nothing about it was stellar, but it had style.

 

[J. Doyle]

I've never owned an emerson knife.

But I think titanium for a liner lock is better than steel in just about every way I can think of.

 

[el gigantor]

Also they use chisel grinds, which some people don't like.

Damn! I knew there was a major issue I forgot to mention. Good call.

 

[mitchnola]

Damn! I knew there was a major issue I forgot to mention. Good call.

Don’t see why that’s an issue, I actually like that it’s different and he has his reasons. However I do agree and wish he would do a right handed chisel grind on right handed knives.

 

[Grumpy Old Man]

Why so grumpy?