Emerson knives, good or bad?

jocawalk

jocawalk

Joined
Feb 24, 2009
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I just ordered two Emerson knives, the mini-commander and the horseman. I have been reading mixed reviews and I am a little concerned (considering the price of them). Many reviews touting Benchmade a more superior knife. Could anyone please help?
 
jocawalk said:
I just ordered two Emerson knives, the mini-commander and the horseman. I have been reading mixed reviews and I am a little concerned (considering the price of them). Many reviews touting Benchmade a more superior knife. Could anyone please help?
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In my opinion, nobody makes more ergonomic, just plain
bad a** knives. They are expensive but worth it. The Emerson
warranty alone is enough to buy over a Benchmade with their
"no disassembly" warranty. How can you say you can't disassemble your
knife if it's dunked in salt water or another corrosive substance without voiding the warranty?
 
Welcome to Bladeforums! :)

It's hard to say which knife is "better" since people have different expectations from their knives. Are you looking for certain capabilities, durability, or looks? Each of these is important, and a certain knife may do it for you.

I like Emersons, Funny enough, my first Emerson WAS a Benchmade, the BM 975, which Emerson now makes themselves as the CQC-7. I've also go a Raven, Commander, LaGriffe, and CQC-12. I like variety, too!

You've got 2 good knives on the way. The grip on that style of handle is very secure.
 
When I teach Albo Kali Silat, students are allowed to use only two types of folding training knives--Spyderco (Delica or Endura trainers) or Emerson (any except karambit trainer--we use a karambit trainer in the karambit portion of the syllabus). The reason these are specified is because of the quality and durability of these products and the fact that Emerson and Spyderco stand behind their products and honor their lifetime warranties.

You are discussing "live" blades. I have quite a few Emersons and recommend them to fellow law enforcement officers, martial artists, and those interested in tough knives that can be used in self-defense "if bad stuff happens." You will not be disappointed.

To be blunt, I am not a big Benchmade fan. I am a huge fan of Emerson and Spyderco products. Just to put Emerson service in perspective, let me say that after years of abusive openings and martial arts demonstrations, my first-year-of-production Emerson Combat Karambit needed work on the liner lock. I sent it in to Emerson and told them to contact me so I could pay for repairs (this should not have been warranty work, in my opinion, as I wore the lock out doing stuff that was pretty "out there" compared to what most would consider normal use). Not only did Emerson repair the knife for free (as good as new--new pivot, new liner, etc.), but the company returned the check that I had enclosed to pay for postage, sent me a couple of Emerson stickers, and gave me a couple of catalogs. The invoice said "No charge." Good customer service I expect when I deal with a company. For the company to eat the postage fees and get my knife back to me, good as new, in less than seven days is not good customer service. It is phenomenal customer service.

If you don't love the knives when you get them, PM me. I'll be glad to give them a good home. Emerson knives are made with pride in America and the handles define the word "ergonomic." In general, they move like they are an extension of your hand. Now, if I could just find a Rhino that didn't require me to sell my left leg or get Mr. Emerson to make a stonewashed Persian for me...:p
 
I got the horseman a few weeks ago and just love it. It feels very solid, and is a great size. I also have the mini cqc-7 and that one has been great also.

The action/washers may take a week or so to break in, but feel free to read and ask questions here. Mine are now super smooth now and were always very solid.
 
Emerson's good. I have the Super Karambit, the CQC-12(Comrade), and 2 Lagriffes. All very nice.:thumbup:
I also like Benchmade a good deal, as they also make a quality knife. Emerson TENDS to have better handle ergonomics; my only beef is that they don't still produce their frame locks(too bad; they're awesome:)).
Can't go wrong with Emerson, Benchmade, or Spyderco as long as the design of the particular knife suits you and your needs.
 
Im scared to count the Emersons I have :eek:

Every one has put forward good points, kaliGmans CS experience is fairly
typical from what I hear but i wouldnt know as I have never needed to send
a knife back out of all the user knives iv owned over all the years :):thumbup:

I'v never been a BM fan but I did buy a few Balis and have an auto that was a gift.
They are good knives but I just dont seem to like the rest of their line up.......
 
now this being the EKI forum ya dont really think anyones gonna say "oh they suck" do ya lol??

i have a lotta EKI's, a few BM's too, imho the BM's have a wee bit better F&F while the EKI's have a lot better ergo's, & i also like the EKI designs a lot better than BM, not a lotta the recent offerings by BM have grabbed me, it just dependfs on what ya want and what ya like, EKI and BM are both perfectly serviceable knives.
 
Very good. Two thumbs up. If you don't like the blade grind, you can always send it away to be "Krein'd" (that is, ground a little bit thinner which makes it easier to cut things) which will make a great knife even better, in my opinion.

Believe it or not, the price point is actually pretty good when you get into the Emerson arena. Less than 1/2 of what many other knives in the same category go far. You made a great choice!
 
I own Benchmades, a Cold Steel, a Spyderco, and Kershaws yet I'm an EKI newbie. I just got my first Emerson two days ago, a CQC-14 Snubby in black, p/e. I already love it. I, too, was worried about getting an Emerson because of all the quality-control issues I heard about. But, I took the plunge and am very, very happy I did. I now EDC a very solid, very ergonomic, knife. It definitely won't be the only Emerson I buy. I think you'll be happy, too.
 
I recently purchased an Emerson HD-7. Awesome knife! I've been carrying a Benchmade Emerson design Spec War model CQC7 for more than 10 years and it's my favorite edc, but the Emerson HD-7 is way cooler. Picture a CQC7 on steroids.
I also have an Emerson collectors association 2002 persian folder. Really a great knife, too.
I think you'll like your Emersons.
 
Thank you all for the great input. I just received my Horseman today. Quite possibly the sharpest knife I have ever bought. It seems to need the break in period that most everyone has talked about but other than that it is a great feeling/looking knife. I own many knives from many companies and this and my Endura being my favorites. Can't wait to receive the Mini-commander.

Once again, thank you all for your time in addressing the concerns that I had.
 
I have 3 Emersons, and 3 Striders, several Spydies, etc. The Emersons are the equal or superior to nearly anything out there. I got my CQC-14 and A-100 pimped by Tom Krein and Ferrrk, and they are unbelievable. I have a Mini-7 that is also very sharp. Emersons are like half the price of a Strider, (I love my Striders with a passion) and are just as rugged. Emersons are used daily by SF operators who demand a knife that won't fail. I have met Mr. Emerson several times and he is a truely great man. I have supreme faith in these knives and im my mind superior to most Benchmades. Just my 2 cents. Enjoy your Horseman.
 
I just ordered a CQC 8. Love that blade shape! I got tired of waiting for the HD7 which keeps being delayed :(
 
Mon---You should have swiped mine!
You have a nice Emerson Incoming. :thumbup:
 
Lycosa--I'm not going anywhere. Too much good info here for me to leave.

Back on duty today, had a few "ooh's and ahh's" as I showed off the Horseman. I'm still waiting for the Mini-commander.
 
The Emerson Forum stalled there for awhile but now she's going good. :thumbup:
 
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