Emerson Commander BT or Hogue EX-A01???

U

usmcbassman

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Aug 25, 2013
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I'm in the market for a new EDC. I'm currently carrying a Benchmade Auto Presidio (issued gear) and have a Benchmade Auto Stryker as my other EDC; however, I've wore both out. The Presidio auto opener is completely broke and the Stryker opens extremely slow. They need to be sent in for repairs. Not wanting to be without a blade I haven't sent them in while doing my research and have narrowed it down to the two in the title.

I've handled and "played" with the Commander, I have not had any hands on time with a Hogue.

If you had to pick one which one would it be and why?

I like the auto openers; however, the wave feature on the Emerson's functions just as well for me.

Both have G-10 handles

Blade lengths are almost the same.

Both blades are of 154CM.

I'm not dead set on either and still look at ZT, Strider, etc. These are the 2 that I keep coming back to though. I may have missed something that falls within or close to the same category as the 2.

Thanks
 
Standard Emerson knives are not even in the same league as Hogue knives.
They may have name & bragging rights, but when it comes down to pure quality it's Hogue all the way.
I've handled & sold literally dozens of Emersons & Hogue's and this is the way i see it.
 
If you want a working-man's knife, get the Emerson. The G10 is grippy, the liners are unpolished and many know by now that some require a breakin period for it to smooth out. This may require you taking the knife apart, cleaning and lubing it. Keep that in mind if that will be a problem for you. It was made to be a combat knife, and in carrying it (especially with the wave feature) it may one day save your life.

I have no personal experience with Hogue knives. If I remember right they use the button lock with a safety switch so that it does not open by itself. I'm not a huge fan of safeties (nor automatics or even spring assist for that matter) but I can see how it would be useful.

Catch the wave on your pocket and it will open up as soon as its pulled out, ready to rock and roll. If you're not using it in an emergency you can turn the wave away from the edge of the pocket and open it more discreetly. Whether or not you choose to use the safety on the Hogue, it might take an extra second or so after you pull it out to disengage that and open the blade.

Emerson's come standard with a right hand pocket clip, tip up only (to get the benefits of the wave). They can be sent to Emerson to be tapped for left hand tip up carry. Hogue, as far as the Autos go, comes right handed tip up or down. Both are within the same price range but you can always shop around and save a bit of money.

Best of luck. :thumbup:
 
Emersons are good knives, they might not have the same attention to cosmetic detail asnother knives in their price range, but to some people that's part of their charm. I keep telling myself that I can get better materials and workmanship in that price range, but every time I hold an Emerson I end up buying it. The designs are just great, they fit my hands perfectly and hold up very well to hard use. If you need (or just like) a knife that cuts with very minute precision, the chisel edge on the Commander might take some getting used to (or you can have it reground). Nothing opens faster than a Wave.

The Hogue, in either auto or manual version, would be my choice for EDC over the Emerson, only because the blade grind lends itself better to the kind of cutting I need to do. The manual version is also cheaper than the Commander. Finnish tends to be a bit better as well.

So, in a nutshell, if fast deployment is more important than precise cutting, go for the Emerson. Otherwise get the Hogue. The right answer is, of course, buy both.

Other knives you might want to consider are the Benchmade Adamas and Contego ;Zero Tolerance 0200, 0300, 0560; Spyderco Military, Paramilitary; Microtech and Protech if you fancy autos.
 
I don't own a houge I do however own 4 Emerson's,I just love them. Great designs and I love the wave opening. The chisel ground edge will take a bit of getting used to but it's not a big deal. I have to say I do really like the houges I've seen. Very cool looking. You probably can't go wrong either way. Good luck man.
 
I would go with the Emerson, but not by a great deal. I think either or you will like just fine. However lately I have had very good experience with ZT knives and would recommend the ZT 0560 and ZT 0550. You can find some good deals on them. Check out Kershawguy.com if those interest you, but I am not sure how much you are into titanium. The Emerson will definitley have more traction with the G10 and screams utilitarian to me. The Commander is one of the only Emersons I like however and I hear great things about the Hogue knives though I have not handled any Hogues.
 
Sold my Hogue EX01 a long time ago. I thought I wouldn't like Emersons, until I held them. Great designs, and feel really good in-hand. Reprofile the edge if the left-side assymmetric grind isn't your thing. Its what I did on some of mine.
 
I appreciate the feedback everyone! I was hoping for a demanding response of one over the other to help push me in one direction...LOL! That didn't happen. Francisco I think you may hit the nail on the head in buying both, granted I can only afford one now, but there's always mom and mom always wants to make sure I have what I need when deploying ;)

As for the Adamas I will be purchasing the fixed blade one for my kit/to carry as a back up. I like both the Microtech Currahee and Crosshair (which I'm leaning towards one as my "outside the wire" fixed blade) and if I want to change it up carry the Adamas fixed or my Nimravus.

Granted that Strider SLCC has caught my eye too and Kramer has a few I dig for that purpose.

Time will tell, granted I'm short on it, and not to be greedy but both seems like the better option...LOL!

Anyone else have a say in the matter? Hogue or Emerson?
 
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