Emerson Hard Wear - lockbacks?

Daniel L

Daniel L

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Nov 2, 1998
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Hi all,

Does anyone know anything about this series of lockbacks - looks like it is an Emerson "sub brand" called Emerson Hardwear. Essentially they are lockbacks with oval-ish opening holes and FRN handles that look like the Mach 1 with Raven pattern grooves... in other words, a lock back that features a finger guard!

Are they made by Emerson? What is the release date?

Cheers,
 
The Emerson Hard Wear, from what I can gather from my distributor, is a sub-brand of Emerson. The knives are made in Japan, Blades are AUS-8, and there are three models right now. The endeavor,the traveler, and the reliant. As with Emerson, some are tanto and some are clip/spear point. They look pretty good....I'll have to "field test" one when they come in. Prices are around 70.00-75.00. Hope that helps.... Jimmy The Blade
 
I have been told that the handles will be zytel, so they aren't too shabby. They are designed by Ernest, so the ergonomics will be superb.

They seem to be on par with Spyderco, etc. I guess Emerson wants to take a piece of the lower cost market.
 
I am a big Emerson fan (check my past posting history). Isn't it odd for a company who touts itself as an All American Product company to have a line of products made in the orient? Just curious of your opinions.
 
I saw them at Moteng too - bascially you get Emerson ergo design in a lockback (I'm one of the odd ones who prefers lockbacks to liner locks) - with a spydie-type opening hole all at a decent price!

Now if only there was a waved version.... (bet you that the wave will only remain on the more expensive, current models).
 
Hmm...very interesting. Only the plainedge versions were viewable, but they look pretty good.

I have no problem with them being made in Japan (probably Seki). If Mr. Emerson wanted a separate line of his made outside the U.S., I couldn't think of a better place to have them made.

Jim
 
These knives are the Cerrara line that Ernest introduced at the SHOT show in January.

quote JayHarley:
I am a big Emerson fan (check my past posting history). Isn't it odd for a company who touts itself as an All American Product company to have a line of products made in the orient? Just curious of your opinions.
Click to expand...

:D

Emerson Knives Inc does make <U>ALL</U> thier knives in the USA.

Let me say that again . . . All of the EKI knives are made by thier employees, in the United States of America. That's the reason for the distinction between "EKI" and "Cerrara" or "Hard Wear"

Ernest has been very open about this point. It's actually a LARGE point of contention with him.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with having knives made in Japan or other contries. Seki City Japan produces many great knives, as do other locations in the world.

Ernest wouldn't have a Company in Seki make the Cerrara/Hard Wear line if they were not capable of making it right.

That having been said, and this is the big point guys, you will not see the knives imported from Japan by EKI bearing a "Made in the USA" banner. Unlike a few other companies, EKI <U>will not</U> attempt to deceive it's customers by making false claims about the origin of the products they sell.

I would not be surprised as a matter of fact if this issue didn't come out in some of EKIs ads in the near future.

John
 
Before I buy anything I make sure it passes these 3 rules:

1. It's a darn good product

2. It's made in a Country with good labor laws

3. The business that makes it treats their employees good





If EKI and this company in Seki city passes those rules then I'll be sure to buy it.

EKI passes #1, #2, and I'm pretty sure #3

Seki City passes #1, I think #2 (not too sure on Japan's labor laws), but I don't know about #3, anyone know? heh




It just pisses me off when they got slave laborers and little kids makin crap. What's worse is when we buy the crap knowingly supporting it. I'm guilty, darn
 
Wow those look interesting. Anyone know if those are chisel ground or V ground?
 
John Hollister: You bring up some good points. I am really not questioning the quality of the Japanese product, nor Emerson's business planning. I am certainly not speaking of any deception of the buying public. I am also sure that Ernest Emerson did a lot of company growth planning, soul searching, and financial planning before reaching the decision to have product made in the Orient.

It reminds me of when Harley Davidson came out with their Italian line of smaller motorcycles (now defunct and made by Aermachi (sp?)). See: motorcycles and knives are my two hobbies. In fact, in my past posts I have compared Emerson Knives to Harley Davidson. Why? Simply because both are American made and a source of huge brand loyalty and huge ongoing debates.
 
Being into Harleys, point well taken.

But I'd also point out the popularity of "Less Expensive" knife lines. (I hesitate to call them "Cheap" knives.

The actually market for people looking to spend $50 on a quality knife is vastly larger then those people that are willing to pay $100, $200 or more on a knife.

Taking you vehicle example to heart, there are US car companies that are having models made overseas.

It's really a win/win for all involved:

EKI is filling orders on thier "Premium" line of knives just as fast as they can. They are coming out with new designs, collectors pieces as well as thier tried and true catalog items. Business is good.

The "Premium" line isn't really effected. People that would buy the "Lower Price Point" knives, more then likely are not the loyal EKI customer base.

Consumers buy the "Lower Price Point" knives and some eventually move up into the "Premium" line. Much as the Production line has moved many into the Custom knives.

Consumers looking for "Lower Price Point" tool knives get additional choices of designs and manufacturer.

Again, to make it perfectly clear . . . EKI has made it perfectly clear from "Day One" that these knives were to be made outside the US. They have NEVER tried to claim anything else. It's simply a matter of broadening a customer base and broadening thier price point spectrum. This does not effect thier premium brand in the least.

John
 
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