Emerson Fit and Finish Addendum

[Apec]

Depends on how many times you dropped it while flipping it around. Was it "defective" when you got it?

Never dropped it. Was not defective when received.

I've dropped other knives and the worst that's happened is a couple dents in the scale, liner/frame, and/or clip.

 

[ssblood]

Really? Did you contact Emerson, what was their response?

I didn't bother. It doesn't at all have an effect on the use of the knife. I like the knife and it really doesn't bother me. I'm not going to lie and say I didn't notice it, just that I really don't care that it's that way. The G10 has laid down thru use and I attribute it to breaking in an Emerson knife. I have no doubts that if I sent it to them and complained it would come back perfect, it's just not an issue and isn't going to stop me from buying his knives.

 

[arjung]

Fit and Finish are not quite the exact same thing

The finish on my Emerson's are ok. However the polish on the liners does not affect the durability of the tool. The Fit seems good on all three of mine. They lock up solid every time. When I dismantle them, they are easy to re assemble with no hitches. Everything fits where it is supposed to. I don't have to spend lots of time being finicky with the pivot screw. Emerson heat treats their screws properly so they don't strip (a real pet peeve of mine)

I don't love every model Emerson releases, and there are some things I'd like different (bigger cutout and a higher mounted pocket clip for the mini A-100) but overall I am happy.

Keep releasing solid knives that fit my needs and I'll keep having reasons to be parted with my money.

 

[IGotStabbed]

Apec, I'll restate what Ernie said before: that knife didn't come NIB like that. So bitch about the previous owner, not EKI,

 

[toker]

I don't love every model Emerson releases, and there are some things I'd like different (bigger cutout and a higher mounted pocket clip for the mini A-100) but overall I am happy.

- You can always get a low rider pocket clip for it.

 

[Apec]

Apec, I'll restate what Ernie said before: that knife didn't come NIB like that. So bitch about the previous owner, not EKI,

No it didn't and I never said that it did. Go out and find me any other USA-made folder that runs 150-200+ that suffers from the same design flaw. Yeah I get it, it doesn't affect lock integrity or usability of the knife, but no knife undergoing regular nonabusive use should end up like that. I'm not looking for a Sebenza, but I'm expecting something that'll hold itself together far better than your average cheap junk knife.

I replied to a post asking for evidence of what could be considered "inferior" fit (not so much finish), and I gave it.

 

[A.P.F.]

Apec, respectfully, I just can't reconcile how a hardened steel liner can bend like that without some physical force being applied. I can see how a small gap originally present could allow the liner to catch on something and bend it out, but other than that, it is a mystery to me.

 

[Apec]

Apec, respectfully, I just can't reconcile how a hardened steel liner can bend like that without some physical force being applied. I can see how a small gap originally present could allow the liner to catch on something and bend it out, but other than that, it is a mystery to me.

I remember speaking with a knifemaker/modder (The Sun) on the phone about the change in liner materials (Ti to SS change after 2007, if I recall) - and that is a 2009 made knife in question. He said that the 300 series they use in the nonlocking liner is inferior to 420J2 in its elasticity properties - and most likely inferior to 6Al4V Ti alloy as well. Given the unsupported end of the scale, I could see it deforming due to tension from the mounting hardware/pivot exerted throughout the knife.

 

[A.P.F.]

...Given the unsupported end of the scale, I could see it deforming due to tension from the mounting hardware/pivot exerted throughout the knife.

Well, if that is the case, I am confident that EKI will fix it up for you. Let us know how you make out.

 

[dragonram7]

Maybe I'm different in the reasons I buy knives. I don't buy knives to sit in some safe to pull out and take pictures and return them to the safe. Fit and Finish. Does the knife fit the job? Does the Knife finish the job? Anything else really doesn't meet the reason why I buy an Emerson. Five minutes after using a knife, it inherits character marks anyway. There are a handful of companies I would have with me if I were in a rough spot. I still tech Emergency Prep and Wilderness Survival to the BSA.

I'll put Emerson's fit and finish against any other knife company. Emerson knives will fit the job. Emerson knives will finish the job.

EE has been there and done it. I knew about him and his company long before I was in SWAT (retired). My buddies that are operators (SF, DELTA, RANGERS, etc) all coincidently know about Emerson. The guy does no advertising and his knives sell out. Adam Smith (Wealth of Nations) would indicate the market has deemed his product superior over the test of time. He has the right to express his opinions and get pissed off as eloquently as any of us do. I hope someday to be fortunate enough to say thank you for making a knife that never quit on me.

 

[Knifein]

I'll put Emerson's fit and finish against any other knife company.

You obviously have not had much experience with other knives have you? :jerkit:

 

[A.P.F.]

You obviously have not had much experience with other knives have you?

Stick the 'jerk it' where it belongs, Knifein...in W&C. I have had 50 years experience with other knives and I have yet to be disappointed with any of my Emersons. The fit and finish is commensurate with the designed purpose of the knives. EKI are not building pianos, they are building hard use tools, which live up to their name.

 

[Knifein]

The fit and finish is commensurate with the designed purpose of the knives. EKI are not building pianos, they are building hard use tools, which live up to their name.

Every reputable knife brand builds their knives as hard use tools. The difference between them and Emerson is the fact that they offer a hell of a better f&f than any production Emerson and at the same price if not even cheaper. And you know a good fit contributes a lot to the usefulness of a tool, especially if it is a knife. You can even get knives with better locking mechanisms than a simple liner lock for the price of an Emerson. I have owned 8 Emersons and none of them have impressed me as much as other knife brands do. I have even found the $30.00 Ontario Rat 1 to be an overall better knife than my Emersons.

 

[Wunderbar]

Every reputable knife brand builds their knives as hard use tools. The difference between them and Emerson is the fact that they offer a hell of a better f&f than any production Emerson and at the same price if not even cheaper. And you know a good fit contributes a lot to the usefulness of a tool, especially if it is a knife. You can even get knives with better locking mechanisms than a simple liner lock for the price of an Emerson.

I agree. That's what this topic was all about, the fit and finish, not "Who uses Emersons" or "How well they work". I've had several "cosmetic" issues with my Emersons ranging from grind marks to crooked thumb disks, to failing locks. Emersons are what I would classify as not a "Best Bang for the Buck".

 

[dragonram7]

You obviously have not had much experience with other knives have you? :jerkit:

If your going to quote me, you might as well use the entire quote with my definition of fit and finish: I'll put Emerson's fit and finish against any other knife company. Emerson knives will fit the job. Emerson knives will finish the job.

I will extrapolate from your gesture that we use knives differently. For me, a knife is a tool not a piece of art to be locked away in a safe. I use my knives to cut people out of burning cars or to back up my primary weapon system when I was on duty. I have been shot, stabbed, chained, hit with a car, and bitten. I have been in knife fights. I should have listened to my college football coach to see when the sport would take me, I would have been hurt less and paid more. Again, I've never had an Emerson quit on me. That is my litmus test for any knife company. I have had other knife companies fail on me. But like I said, we must use knives for different things. I use mine to help save people's lives, how about you?

BTW: All of my Emerson's came to me flawless. Perfect lock up, fit, and finish by your definition. Read Masterpieces.

 

[Knifein]

Firstly, all knives are tools not just Emersons. I guarantee you that any other knife from a good company would perform the same if not better than your Emersons at the cutting tasks you do. Secondly, I indeed do use my knives as tools for everyday cutting chores. But why should I use an Emerson? I have owned 8 of them and have not been fully impressed with one. They have nice designs, but for the price I can absolutely get something with better steel and a better locking mechanism, something that I can trust more.

I posted this in another thread regarding some titanium framelock knives that are in my honest opinion completely superior to a production Emerson and are around the same price:
Combative Edge M1 $170.00
Spyderco titanium Military $200.00
Kershaw Tyrade $190.00
Zero Tolerance 0550 $200.00
Zero Tolerance 0300 series $205.00

Now, these are only ti framelocks. I can list a whole array of different non ti framelock knives that I still find better than an Emerson. I love Ernie's designs but until the day he starts upgrading his knives with better locks and newer steels I will be gladly giving my business to other companies who offer more knife for a lower price.

Lastly, I am an ER doctor so don't try to lecture me about life saving.

 

[dragonram7]

Again kind sir, I am taken out of context. I wrote that we use our knives for different things. If you truly use you tactical knives in the ER to save lives, I humbly apologize. After having worked in an ER for several years, I've never seen it. I commend you for taking your valuable time in this forum. Most board certified ER physicians I know, don't have the time or inclination to spend time discussing knives.

The knives you listed are all excellent knives. The Zero Tolerance line is awesome. Sal and Eric make a awesome knives. I prefer the 154CM to the S30V. I find my ZT 200 series chips less than the ZT 300 and ZT 350. My favorite Spyderco Military is the BG-42 steel (discontinued).

Again, I have had premium knives fail me that were direct competitors to Spyderco (same material and price point). Again, my Emerson knives have all been flawless. They have never failed me in EMS, Military, Law Enforcement, or as a Scout Master for the Boy Scouts. I'd agree with you to stick with the knives you have faith in. I'll be happy to distribute any unwanted Emerson's to my Eagle Scouts or my friends in SF/Delta. Pun aside, your still a knife brother in arms and I apologize if my comments were defamatory in any way.

 

[BBW]

Firstly, all knives are tools not just Emersons. I guarantee you that any other knife from a good company would perform the same if not better than your Emersons at the cutting tasks you do....

I posted this in another thread regarding some titanium framelock knives that are in my honest opinion completely superior to a production Emerson and are around the same price:
Combative Edge M1 $170.00
Spyderco titanium Military $200.00
Kershaw Tyrade $190.00
Zero Tolerance 0550 $200.00
Zero Tolerance 0300 series $205.00

Do you know what happens if you break the blade of your titanium military framelock? you are F'ed up. That's right! they wont replace the blade for you. They can re-grind the blade and give you a "short" blade version. (a friend of mine broke the tip of my Spyderco BTW). Do you know what would happen with an Emerson? well, you wouldn't brake the tip just like that but in the even that it would happen, you can replace the blade.
I take that over "finish"
On the other hand if you happen to be an ER doctor then buy a custom Emerson and STFU
Cheers

 

[Jester60]

Did not want to quote all the newspapers so I used wikipedia instead, anyway thats just as reliable as Mr. Emerson story about what was or wasn't used during the raid maybe they should also mention on wikipedia that an Emerson knife was used to cut out OBL's bone marrow....because no other knives were present!
By the way the HEST pirate kill was very funny :d

You know, I own a few Emersons, as well as about 10 other brands of knives. The f&f of the Emersons I have suit me just fine. I don't flash them around, or show them off at my job or put them in display cases for show and tell when my buddys come over for poker on Sat night ... I use them. If the finish is perfect, it won't be after the first time I use it. If the fit isn't right, Mr. E will make it right. I just got an old CQC-13 back from EKI, it had been beat to hell and back. It was put back ship shape (not LNIB shape but 'ready to go back to work' shape) in less than two weeks and all it cost me was shipping. As long as his knives do what I ask of them, I'll keep buying them (actually I have a Super Commander on the way to me now).

I will say one thing, what you said about the reliability of his story is just about as close to coming out and calling the man a f****** lair as you can get. Like Mr. E said in his post, if he says something you know he said it and he doesn't hid behind a screen name to do it. You know his name and where he works and I'm sure he'd love to meet you for a cup of coffee, emely, and see if you have the testicular fortitude to call him a lair face to face. Actually, give me the date, time and place and I'll buy breakfast for both of you just so I can watch. I'm not going to say I'm Billy Bob Badass and would kill someone for calling me a lair, but I do know that it's happened before and it happens still. Don't believe me, come to Chicago or LA, find the nearest Latin King and get in his face and tell him he's a f****** lair.

Jester

 

[Jester60]

Every reputable knife brand builds their knives as hard use tools. The difference between them and Emerson is the fact that they offer a hell of a better f&f than any production Emerson and at the same price if not even cheaper. And you know a good fit contributes a lot to the usefulness of a tool, especially if it is a knife. You can even get knives with better locking mechanisms than a simple liner lock for the price of an Emerson. I have owned 8 Emersons and none of them have impressed me as much as other knife brands do. I have even found the $30.00 Ontario Rat 1 to be an overall better knife than my Emersons.

But why should I use an Emerson? I have owned 8 of them and have not been fully impressed with one. They have nice designs, but for the price I can absolutely get something with better steel and a better locking mechanism, something that I can trust more.

I understand that this is about f&f but I'm curious about something, if the f&f bother people so much and if a $30 knife has better f&f that your Emersons, why not get rid of the Emersons and buy a bagful of the $30 knives? (and I did notice that you said 'Emersons', plural)

If, after buying the first one, you realize that the f&f are not going to be up to your high standards, why would you buy a 2nd, 3rd, 4th, ... one?

(Yes, those quotes came from 2 different posts, I couldn't figure out how to quote them separately)

Jester60