Emerson knife quality from 2000

[foxdoublegunner]

I posted this on another site but I thought that I would post it here for more input. I just purchased a Mach 1 dated 2000 and have heard from some that Emerson knife quality has varied a bit over the years. How were the knives from 2000? When did Emerson switch from the thicker liners to the thinner ones and what are some of the other manufacturing changes that ocurred around this time. By the way, the knife locks up well and is centered when closed.

Thanks.

 

[Apec]

Knives made after 2007 don't have a Titanium nonlocking liner. Supposedly its 303 stainless or some other 300 series.

 

[Murindo]

Knives made after 2007 don't have a Titanium nonlocking liner. Supposedly its 303 stainless or some other 300 series.

While they said they were going to a stainless non lock side liner they never did. Both liners are titanium. The 1998 through 2000 Emerson's are classics are all all good quality. There never has been an issue with Emerson quality. For a period of time they went to 0.050 liners and some people perceived this as a weakness. In response they took care of the non-issue by going back to a 0.062 lock side liner.

 

[IGotStabbed]

While they said they were going to a stainless non lock side liner they never did. Both liners are titanium. The 1998 through 2000 Emerson's are classics are all all good quality. There never has been an issue with Emerson quality. For a period of time they went to 0.050 liners and some people perceived this as a weakness. In response they took care of the non-issue by going back to a 0.062 lock side liner.

Are you sure about this? It has always been said that the nonlocking liner is SS since post 07. Please confirm with source. Also what is the thickness of nonlocking liner? It's thinner than the locking side. I would really like to see symmetric thickness.

 

[mongomondo]

The Emerson FAQ says this

Why do you use stainless steel on one liner and titanium on the other liner?

We use Aerospace grade titanium on the spring/lock side liner. Titanium is the perfect material for that function and has all of the properties needed to perform the duties of a strong reliable locking liner system. The opposite side (non-lock side) is crafted from a 300 series stainless steel. This side of the knife functions as a handle frame stiffener and has a minimal mechanical function. The stainless steel is truly stainless. It will not rust and does not affect the overall performance, wear, or durability of the knife in any negative way.

 

[CL01]

The Emerson FAQ says this

Why do you use stainless steel on one liner and titanium on the other liner?

We use Aerospace grade titanium on the spring/lock side liner. Titanium is the perfect material for that function and has all of the properties needed to perform the duties of a strong reliable locking liner system. The opposite side (non-lock side) is crafted from a 300 series stainless steel. This side of the knife functions as a handle frame stiffener and has a minimal mechanical function. The stainless steel is truly stainless. It will not rust and does not affect the overall performance, wear, or durability of the knife in any negative way.

Interesting. I've had a few post '07 models & noticed that a magnet doesn't "stick" to the non-lock side liner. Anyone know why? If they're SS, is he de-magnetizing them?

 

[Apec]

Nickel alloys are supposedly nonmagnetic. Something to do with how it interacts with metallic bonds at the atomic level.

And as for the claim that they're truly stainless, my experience says otherwise. I've had my acid sweat stain the blade and the nonlocking liner before. Unless they make them from H1 or a nitrogen steel. 300 series aren't nitrogen steels.

 

[Murindo]

I guess I missed that FAQ. The non lock side liner is 0.050 thick. You really don't notice the difference unless you're looking for it.

 

[EricV]

300 series is the go to series of stainless for most applications outside cutlery. For instance chimney liners are 300 series, stainless automotive skid plates are typically 300 series, its a very common steel series, and every application I've found it in is non magnetic. If it can be a skidplate under my tracker and not get rusty in the salted winters around here its stainless enough for a knife liner IMO.

For the OP if both your liners are the same thickness they are both Titanium. There is also a difference in color between the Ti and steel on the new knives, especially are lots of use when the titanium will oxidize to a darker color.