Emerson Custom Quality

T

The Towcutter

Joined
Jan 16, 2001
Messages
166
I am looking for opinions on the quality level of E.Emerson's custom knives, say CQ series.

Are they worth the money from a quality stand point only, without consideration to collector value?

Retail is approx $550.00 are they worth it?

Are they worth it at market value?

I know this is a dangerous question to ask on some forums so I hope I can get some honest replies :D
 
I collect Custom Knives.I bought a couple Emersons a few years back. I do not own any Emersons at this time. Only an opinion. There are a lot of custom makers out there.
Randy
 
I think they're at least worth the maker's price. I have all but the CQC7 which is on order. I like the look, and they are well made. To me it's like owning a piece (well five pieces) of knife history. The CQC series defines tactical folders, to me. There are folders which are as good for a similar price. As to whether the aftermarket prices are acceptable (what are they going for these days anyway?) it depends upon how much you want one, I guess. I ordered mine several years ago direct from Mr. Emerson, so I'm paying retail.
 
From my very limited experience with them, the newer knives seem to exhibit a better build quality. The older knives command more money on the secondary market due to collectibility issues. On sheer build quality alone, I do not find the older knives to be in the highest levels of the industry (being tactful here) and believe other makers offer better built knives at the same or a lower price.

Style and collectability are much different then build quality itself. If you want a knife with the highest build quality at the same retail price level, I would look elsewhere. Kit Carson Model 4's come immediately to my mind but, he is one of several who exhibit build quality at the highest levels. Style and collectability are a very subjective thing so, I'll leave that one to you.
 
I believe they are worth the retail price. IMO, there are other knives with better build quality for similar money or even a little less. As stated above, they have a style all their own, which is the reason to buy one. I personally can't see paying over a grand for one, but to each his own. I wish I would have bought a CQC 6 or 7 for $500, but those days are gone now. They are cool and have their own good points. My short list of makers who make superior liner locks are: Carson, Obenauf, AT Barr, Greg Lightfoot and Charles Marlowe. I own a Marlowe folder and have checked out numerous folders by the other makers listed. All meet my criteria for liner/tang engagement and no blade wobble in any direction when locked open and with the lock bar depressed. Just my two cents.

Leo G.
 
One thing for sure, Ernie stands behind his product 100%. If you have a problem with ANY Emerson knife, send it back and the problem will be remedied. You can take that to the bank!!!!!
 
IF, you can get one at $550, I think you will be pleased. I have had several of his knives go through my hands and haven't seen any problems. The ergos on his handles are excellent! With his MA experience, he understands what is needed for that type of knife. The fact that they easily cross over for utilty is another +. If you like a zero ground blade, that is no edge bevel, the primary grind forms the edge. Ernie is the best I have seen.

It might sound strange to praise his work and keep selling his knives. I generally sell them first when I need some cash. Good secondary market value!:D
 
The more I think about it, the more I would have to say no.
Look at all of the other knifemakers out there and the quality you can get for the same price or less. Let me point out Elishewitz, Lightfoot, Tighe, Terzuola and many others.......
 
Quality and Customer service are both important but it all boils down to; What do you like? I am not qualified to say if they are a good investment or not but my basic rule has always been to buy what you like and would like to carry. If Emerson floats your boat, go for it.
 
Fit and finish are consistent with the maker's price level.

If you are interested in a zero-grind, chisel-ground blade (CQC-5, 6, 7) then buy away if you can get it at that price.

I happen to like the proportions of the bolster to the scales, and the overall character of these designs. They are a bit chunky, so if you like a slimmer folder, these may not be for you.

The one I had (and sold) cost far more than $550. I just didn't like having that much money tied up in one knife that I could not realistically use.
 
Originally posted by Walking Man
The more I think about it, the more I would have to say no.
Look at all of the other knifemakers out there and the quality you can get for the same price or less. Let me point out Elishewitz, Lightfoot, Tighe, Terzuola and many others.......
Click to expand...

But then again the Emerson is the only with with a good resale value. None of the makers you name most likely won't be sold higer than list price.
 
Well, so far, i have avoided this tiger trap of a thread, historically, anybody who says anything against Emerson has taken crap for it, but, i can stay quiet no longer! :)

I honestly do not think that the build quality, and F&F of his customs is at all commensurate with their very high prices. I realize his list price is half what they actually end up selling for, but so what, the fact is, if you want an Emerson, be prepared to spend around $1250 and frankly, thats way too much for the build quality you get. There are knives less than half that that are far higher quality knives.

Now, before you string me up, let me say that with his knives, its not really exceptional build quality and beautiful F&F and materials youre paying for, his knives are expensive because of other, less tangable reasons. Like, people LOVE his designs, and a good design goes a long way. People also appreciate the history behind his knives, their close association with actual military and tactical use, there is an Emerson mystique that continues to draw in new fans and keep his knives in demand and they do have great resale value.

If you are looking for a beautifully made knife, like a fine automatic swiss watch, one which astounds you with its smoothness, its uncanny precision, its attention to the smallest detail, dont get an Emerson, because youre not going to find it in his knives and you will feel cheated, but if you like the design, the history, the man himself and dont care that you can get a much higher quality, better constructed knife for $325 (Obenauf) or $425 (JW Smith), or Mayo ($700-$1,000) or even a Carson ($500-$600), then get one. But i tell you this, if you take an Emerson and a $425 JWS folder and compare them side by side, examine the build quality and fit and finish, it will be a real eye opener for you.
 
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