Emerson fit and finish 2014

jmclfrsh

jmclfrsh

Joined
Dec 1, 2012
Messages
1,379
I received an Emerson Super Commander in the mail today and I'll tell you what, the fit and finish on this knife is great.

Perfectly centered, beautiful grinds and a very attractive knife to hold. I am pretty impressed.

Mine is a brand-new 2013 model and it came with an added bonus; a back spacer! So no stand offs, which is great. Matches my other two Emersons, a CQC 8 and a Horseman.

It was VERY stiff and hard to open as arrived, but 30 minutes fiddling with it (taking it apart, wiping everything down, some WD40 and reassembling) made all the difference in the world. Now it "snicks" into place like it should.

Some may complain about having to take such an expensive knife down upon arrival. No worries here about that.

So don't be squeamish about pulling the trigger on a new Emerson. I did, and it's no problem on this end.
 
My favorite 1911 pistols in the whole wide world are Les Baer's (I've had a bunch, ranging from Wilson's, Brown's, Customshop Colt's, Customshop Springer's, Kimber's, etc, etc) and outside of the startling accuracy Mr. Baer's pistols provide, what I appreciate most is the "intangible" that comes from a purpose built machine that compromises NOTHING to aesthetics or other superfluous traits. I know my next (oh there WILL be a "next") LB will need broken in, cleaned up, and then, only then, fully appreciated. Sound familiar EKIholics?
 
^^^^^ I totally agree. There's a certain appreciation, confidence, and satisfaction gained from breaking in mechanical items that I don't get from things that do not require it. I think it's a generational thing, and not desired by the more "instant gratification and entitled" dominated mindset of today.

I think there's also a correlation to those who enjoy wore in, quality, functional things over buying a replacement at the first sign of a new version.

I'm drawn to Emersons for the same reason. Tried and true, built to last, will provide years of faithful service, and backed by a man of high character.

That's what I appreciate and gladly pay for.
 
jmclfrsh said:
I received an Emerson Super Commander in the mail today and I'll tell you what, the fit and finish on this knife is great.

Perfectly centered, beautiful grinds and a very attractive knife to hold. I am pretty impressed.

Mine is a brand-new 2013 model and it came with an added bonus; a back spacer! So no stand offs, which is great. Matches my other two Emersons, a CQC 8 and a Horseman.

It was VERY stiff and hard to open as arrived, but 30 minutes fiddling with it (taking it apart, wiping everything down, some WD40 and reassembling) made all the difference in the world. Now it "snicks" into place like it should.

Some may complain about having to take such an expensive knife down upon arrival. No worries here about that.

So don't be squeamish about pulling the trigger on a new Emerson. I did, and it's no problem on this end.
Click to expand...


No trying to open up any can of worms but was taking it fully apart, lubricating, nessessary? Was the new knife when completely disassembled, found to be full of dirt, derbies, grime that should have been cleaned during final assembly?

Just what I consider to be a fair question based upon your post.
 
New Emerson's with the black coating come with a grease with what appears to be copper filings. The Emerson rep would know for sure, but I'm guessing it's to wear the pivot area smooth over time. I usually leave it in a while and continuously open an close the knife to break it in. After cleaning and re lubricating they are nice and smooth. I've heard stonewashed blades don't come that way but I'm not sure, I've never purchased a brand new one.
 
I never had a problem with my Emersons. They just need time to break in.
I only took one Emerson apart to clean it but I found that there is no reason to unless one HAS to.
rolf
 
Dear Members,

I was looking through the forums and happen to come across this post. I just finished replying to an e-mail from a customer regarding this subject. I thought it might be relevant here so I've included it below.

Best Regards,

Ernest Emerson



Dear xxxxxxxxxx,

As with everything we do, it is purpose driven. Although many not knowing the history of Emerson Knives think that we are just another Knife Company, the roots of this company are buried deeply in the history of the Naval Special Warfare community.

Per the requirements set to us by NAVSPECWAR, all of our materials were dictated to us by the environment they were to be used in. Since SEAL operational duties require exposure to marine environments, all of the materials chosen for our knives had to both function and not degrade upon exposure to salt water.

You may note that we were also the first company to use Nylatron washer bearings for that same reason. Although they may be smoother, bronze or brass washers degrade and oxidize almost immediately upon exposure to salt water. Just another reason that Emerson Knives are different from the other knife companies that just claim to be "hard core."

The lubricant that we use is a graphite grease impregnated with copper specifically used for its waterproof and stability (longevity) properties. This lubricant does not wash out or break down even under years of exposure.

I do not build knives for collectors or casual users. I build them for the hardest users and the most extreme environments on this planet.

The reason that there are people who take their Emersons apart to clean or re-lube is simply, because they can. Emerson Knives was the first Knife company to make knives that could be completely disassembled by the user. This was impossible for any other production knives at the time and voided the warranty for most production knives. Once again, knowing both the purpose and the environments our product would be serving, I built the knives to be just like a gun. You can take it apart, clean it, tune it and replace parts as needed. No other so called "hard core" knife company even understood that simple need.

On my own knives, I have never ever changed the lubricant on any of them and some I have carried daily for over 5 years. They are knives that I simply picked up off the assembly table and put into my pocket.

I build my knives to a different standard. A standard unknown or perhaps ignored by other knife companies and a standard probably not understood by those who are casual users of Emerson Knives. That standard is so that any and every Emerson Knife can be carried into the harshest and most extreme environments on this planet and perform anytime, anyplace, without concern.

So in the end to answer your question, what purpose does it serve? I hope I have given you an answer.

Thank you for your support of Emerson Knives.

My Best Regards,

Ernest Emerson
 
Alright, I'm off to buy my first Emerson. Thanks for the letter. No bull$hit. Just facts. The way it should be.
 
I do not build knives for collectors or casual users. I build them for the hardest users and the most extreme environments on this planet.

The reason that there are people who take their Emersons apart to clean or re-lube is simply, because they can. Emerson Knives was the first Knife company to make knives that could be completely disassembled by the user. This was impossible for any other production knives at the time and voided the warranty for most production knives. Once again, knowing both the purpose and the environments our product would be serving, I built the knives to be just like a gun. You can take it apart, clean it, tune it and replace parts as needed. No other so called "hard core" knife company even understood that simple need.

I build my knives to a different standard. A standard unknown or perhaps ignored by other knife companies and a standard probably not understood by those who are casual users of Emerson Knives. That standard is so that any and every Emerson Knife can be carried into the harshest and most extreme environments on this planet and perform anytime, anyplace, without concern.
Click to expand...

You're being so dishonest here Ernie. I would be considered a collector or casual user and you cannot tell me that you didn't design the Commander that I have for me. So you must build for the collector or casual user as well.

Everything else you talk about is true and spot on. I could see it in my Commander. That's why I'm working on getting a 2014 Super with standoffs.

Thank you for building me these knives, Ernie.

From,
A collector and casual user
 
I think what he meant was he didn't build them with the collector and casual user in mind, but if they buy them too, then that's fine!
I like that Ernie comes on here and you hear it straight form him. I too had always wondered why the lube on the black coated blades was gritty, now I know.

Ernie, Thank You for your increased forum participation and for having an "EmersonRep" to answer and moderate the forum.:thumbup:
 
I've always wondered about that black rough grease, but it never bothered me because I simply clean/lube every new Emerson I buy and that solves the problem.

Now, I don't have to wonder anymore. That explanation makes perfect sense to me.

~John
 
Ernest Emerson said:
Dear Members,

I was looking through the forums and happen to come across this post. I just finished replying to an e-mail from a customer regarding this subject. I thought it might be relevant here so I've included it below.

Best Regards,

Ernest Emerson



Dear xxxxxxxxxx,

As with everything we do, it is purpose driven. Although many not knowing the history of Emerson Knives think that we are just another Knife Company, the roots of this company are buried deeply in the history of the Naval Special Warfare community.

Per the requirements set to us by NAVSPECWAR, all of our materials were dictated to us by the environment they were to be used in. Since SEAL operational duties require exposure to marine environments, all of the materials chosen for our knives had to both function and not degrade upon exposure to salt water.

You may note that we were also the first company to use Nylatron washer bearings for that same reason. Although they may be smoother, bronze or brass washers degrade and oxidize almost immediately upon exposure to salt water. Just another reason that Emerson Knives are different from the other knife companies that just claim to be "hard core."

The lubricant that we use is a graphite grease impregnated with copper specifically used for its waterproof and stability (longevity) properties. This lubricant does not wash out or break down even under years of exposure.

I do not build knives for collectors or casual users. I build them for the hardest users and the most extreme environments on this planet.

The reason that there are people who take their Emersons apart to clean or re-lube is simply, because they can. Emerson Knives was the first Knife company to make knives that could be completely disassembled by the user. This was impossible for any other production knives at the time and voided the warranty for most production knives. Once again, knowing both the purpose and the environments our product would be serving, I built the knives to be just like a gun. You can take it apart, clean it, tune it and replace parts as needed. No other so called "hard core" knife company even understood that simple need.

On my own knives, I have never ever changed the lubricant on any of them and some I have carried daily for over 5 years. They are knives that I simply picked up off the assembly table and put into my pocket.

I build my knives to a different standard. A standard unknown or perhaps ignored by other knife companies and a standard probably not understood by those who are casual users of Emerson Knives. That standard is so that any and every Emerson Knife can be carried into the harshest and most extreme environments on this planet and perform anytime, anyplace, without concern.

So in the end to answer your question, what purpose does it serve? I hope I have given you an answer.

Thank you for your support of Emerson Knives.

My Best Regards,

Ernest Emerson
Click to expand...

:thumbup:
 
If I may. Some folks complained about Phill Hartsfield's finish and the quality of his knives. Here's what Phill said. This relates to Ernest's style.
"I use a duty finish that looks good wether the knife is used or not and will not easily scratch and devalue the blade. As far as quality, I judge a knife on how well and how long it cuts."
Emerson is going to get busier due to Ernest's last post.
rolf
 
Who is going to be the first one to get some Graphite Grease and impregnate it with Copper?!?! :-D

I have a tube of grease (heavy duty) and I have a film canister filled with graphite. All I need is a way to get the copper shavings.

In all serious need. When I took apart The7 I knew it was grease and had an idea there was graphite....heck- some of it was added by me for the sticky lockbar. I Did See the copper because at first glance I thought the pivot area had rust - and of course it wiped away.

I wonder. Ernie if you happen to see this feel free to answer. If I were to put some grease back into the pivot area with graphite....will it then Slow Down the action in the opening and closing? If not then I would incorporate it back into the knife ( CQC -7BW). As for the copper? Anyone? A Penny? I am not ever in a saltwater environment but may when we go on vacation. Thoughts?
 
jmorton10 said:
I've always wondered about that black rough grease, but it never bothered me because I simply clean/lube every new Emerson I buy and that solves the problem.

Now, I don't have to wonder anymore. That explanation makes perfect sense to me.

~John
Click to expand...

I know!!! Damn You John for cleaning the Super7 before even asking me if it was OK. Ha!!! That grease combo doesn't just go on the black blades does it? I unfortunately don't own a stonewash yet.

Hey if it's good enough for Ernie. Maybe I'll start scraping a penny.
 
MrPocketsOfSteel said:
I know!!! Damn You John for cleaning the Super7 before even asking me if it was OK. Ha!!! That grease combo doesn't just go on the black blades does it? I unfortunately don't own a stonewash yet.

Hey if it's good enough for Ernie. Maybe I'll start scraping a penny.
Click to expand...


The graphite is slippery, the grease is water resistant and slippery, the copper is an anti siezing agent.

Edit to add: Everything is purpose driven.
 
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