Emerson Kershaw collaboration shipped today

My 7k tanto showed up in the mail just now.

Initial report:

Centered
Sharrrrrrp
Almost the same size as my Mini Commander
Locks up early with 0 play in any direction
Smooth G10...not like my real Emerson
No finish issues
Typical Kershaw quality for their low end stuff which I think isn't half bad
Nice two tone finish on the blade(polished flat, blasted grind area)

Think I might order a few more since my 5k and 7k are both great little folders.
 
My CQC-6K arrived today and I must say, for being an import, I am blown away by the quality. I know it is Kershaw, so really I don't expect anything less. Put an Emerson design into the building hands of Kershaw and you get this excellent quality, high value for the price tough folding knife! The steel lock side gives the knife a nice weight, the G10 is "skyline grippy"and the action is smooth and solid. Absolutely zero blade play in any direction, locks up at 60% and the blade is dead centered! The grinds are even, including the swedge and the edge is shaving sharp with a very attractive two-tone finish contrasting the flats and the grind.

Personally, I have steered away from Emerson blades mostly due to the higher price for a unique design (the wave in particular) that I was never sure if I would truly like. After experiencing this collaboration, I love it. It is terrific that Kershaw is able to put out such quality work at such a great value so that more people can own and use the designs and innovations being produced by these amazing custom makers. I have been waiting for this Kersaw/Emerson line to be released since they debuted last year and I must say, the wait was worth it! Now for the best part...pictures :)

IMG_1940_zps375a5be4.jpg

IMG_1939_zpsb9b186eb.jpg

IMG_1935_zpsab1750b1.jpg
 
Question for you guys that have gotten your Kershaw Emersons. I read already that there is zero blade play in any direction while open. How about closed? I bought one of Kershaw's Hinderer designs made in China, and it was solid in all directions while open. Closed was a different matter. You could squeeze the blade and it would fold further into the handle than simply at rests. What I discovered was the pivot was actually moving the slightest bit, but it was enough that the tip could hit the plastic backspacer. Fortunately, not a problem, since the steel would just cut the backspacer. And like I said, solid as a rock when open. It was just a little disappointed that the blade pivot was that sloppy. But that is kinda keeping me from dropping the coin on one of these Kershaw Emersons. Plus, I know they are supposed to be coming out with some higher end collaborations later in the year.
 
Thanks for the reply, Connor.
I think, though, based on your reply and my experience, I'll wait for the American made version, or a real Emerson. China GENERALLY can do good stuff, but I think it is always a gamble with them. And while Kershaw's warranty service is a sure thing, I think I'll wait for the sure thing from the starting block instead of worrying about sending it back.

Thanks again.
 
rockspyder said:
Thanks for the reply, Connor.
I think, though, based on your reply and my experience, I'll wait for the American made version, or a real Emerson. China GENERALLY can do good stuff, but I think it is always a gamble with them. And while Kershaw's warranty service is a sure thing, I think I'll wait for the sure thing from the starting block instead of worrying about sending it back.

Thanks again.
Click to expand...


Many US Companies have factory's in China, with their personal overseeing everything. GM is a good example.

Other companies contract for parts, or complete item made by Chinese companies. Some time the QC is great, sometime the QC is like the wind.
 
The Kershaw collabs look great, although I'm not so sure about the satin flats and stonewashed grind, seems backwards. I am looking forward to the ZT collabs. Ti-framelocks...oh yes.
 
Got a CQC-8K today, can't wait to compare it to my Mini CQC-8 that will arrive to me soon!
 
CJZ said:
Got a CQC-8K today, can't wait to compare it to my Mini CQC-8 that will arrive to me soon!
Click to expand...

Might want to start a YOUR IMPRESSIONS, COMPAIRSONS thread with side by side photos for illustration. I have seen the new Emerson's by Kershaw, for the money they what they are. An Emerson Designed by Mr. Emerson, licensed to be made by Kershaw, made in China. Value for price is good, but the knives are not like the real Emerson's made in the USA. In the EKI facility, buy Americans, of real Emerson steel, and parts.
 
Much as I like my two Emersons, one the Commander, the other the Karambit, I think they are not worth the money or the hype that many pile on. Yes, they are good, but I wouldn't call them excellent. I like them, but almost never carry them. I have them for backup, as it were. Truth be told, while 154 CM is a good steel, it's nothing to get excited about. It's ok, nothing against it, and Ernie Emerson stands behind his knives.

These days, I get more excited by some of the Benchmades and ZTs... And for absolute bang for the buck, it truly is hard to beat Cold Steel.

That said, in the past month I've dropped hard earned cash on a Benchmade Adamas folder, a ZT 560, a Buck Paradigm Pro, and three Cold Steels: the XL Holdout, the XL Voyager Tanto, and a Large Voyager tanto that will be given soon to a friend when he retires.

Of these knives, the Adamas and ZT 560 are really my favorites. If i were to get caught in a dangerous situation, the one I'd go with would be the Cold Steel XL Voyager tanto.

Note, I didn't pick up any Emerson. I have nothing against them, but they aren't convincing me these days to part with the dough, at least not for now.
 
Define, Hype.^
Don't get fooled by the new steel hype either.
Folks come to appreciate an Emerson knife for what they are. A well designed, simple, tough knife that has withstood the test of time.
 
Lycosa said:
Define, Hype.^
Don't get fooled by the new steel hype either.
Folks come to appreciate an Emerson knife for what they are. A well designed, simple, tough knife that has withstood the test of time.
Click to expand...

Agreed! To me they are the real deal to which other knives are compared. Now that's just me and my personal standard. I know there are many other knife enthusiasts who may find this funny.

I just see them as hand assembled, no two alike, and crafted insanely well. No bling or fancy anodized this or that with the latest technological breakthroughs incorporated and all that jazz. A straight up work horse or canvas if you desire the bling affect and collect them. Which is one of the most gratifying things when accomplished as envisioned.

Or left plain and collected they are just as fascinating to me. Use them and they'll confide in you their secrets along the way as to why this is like this or that is like that. I'm still discovering and can't wait till I'm able to get another.

You laughin at me?
 
Lycosa said:
Define, Hype.^
Don't get fooled by the new steel hype either.
Folks come to appreciate an Emerson knife for what they are. A well designed, simple, tough knife that has withstood the test of time.
Click to expand...

While hype has numerous definitions (please see www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hype

: publicity; especially : promotional publicity of an extravagant or contrived kind <all the hype before the boxing match>)

my use of the word is primarily regarding publicity, although in this case it is neither extravagant nor contrived. A LOT of advertising these days is really hyped up, to the point of "turn off the radio, already, will ya?!"

I agree with you about the qualities of the Emerson, "A well designed, simple, tough knife that has withstood the test of time" which is what I would call a classic. However, most of the time, that which is classic doesn't really excite. That's the sense of my post.

Actually, I wish Emerson would come out with some splashy, tough running stuff, you know the "high speed, low drag" stuff, and give me a real reason to buy some more of his knives. Perhaps he has and I just haven't seen it.
 
Folderguy said:
Much as I like my two Emersons, one the Commander, the other the Karambit, I think they are not worth the money or the hype that many pile on. Yes, they are good, but I wouldn't call them excellent. I like them, but almost never carry them. I have them for backup, as it were. Truth be told, while 154 CM is a good steel, it's nothing to get excited about. It's ok, nothing against it, and Ernie Emerson stands behind his knives.

These days, I get more excited by some of the Benchmades and ZTs... And for absolute bang for the buck, it truly is hard to beat Cold Steel.

That said, in the past month I've dropped hard earned cash on a Benchmade Adamas folder, a ZT 560, a Buck Paradigm Pro, and three Cold Steels: the XL Holdout, the XL Voyager Tanto, and a Large Voyager tanto that will be given soon to a friend when he retires.

Of these knives, the Adamas and ZT 560 are really my favorites. If i were to get caught in a dangerous situation, the one I'd go with would be the Cold Steel XL Voyager tanto.

Note, I didn't pick up any Emerson. I have nothing against them, but they aren't convincing me these days to part with the dough, at least not for now.
Click to expand...


Your post has merit, and people have choices when they spend their money. Like over 50 or more brands of knives, lots of choices.

I like Spyderco's but sold off a few to buy my first Emerson when the model I want is available again. I am a Lefty, so I only have two models to choose from. Commander, or CQC-7.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top