Emerson LaGriffe - Comments Please

Mitchell Knives

Mitchell Knives

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Hey guys. I was thinking about purchasing a neck knife to add to my budding collection. What do you think about the LaGriffe? I was thinking about the CRKT Bear Claw but, I don't really like AUS 6 that much. My main concern with the LaGriffe was the chisel grind. I don't really know how well this grind will perform. Any comments would be appreciated.
 
I spend a lot of time wearing La Griffe and I find it's a handy utility knife for packages, envelopes, shrink wrap, string. It is also a subtle, understated, easily concealed potential defensive weapon, especially in reverse/kerambit grip.

The chisel grind is no problem for me, since it is too small and the curve also interferes with food prep, as an art knife, or for dissecting lab animals, anyway.

Like hawksbills generally, it is an excellent harvest tool. Small as it is, it would work fine in a garden or flower shop.

As a collector's item, it is a legitimate classic.

What uses did you have in mind?
 
I've carried mine ever since i got it, to me it's a very competent defensive piece.
I've seen it domonstrated by a french guy that is a friend of Mr. Perrin, t'was a real eyeopener :eek:

Easily carried and with a very secure grip, i cordwrapped mine to get a more comfortable grip.

The best neckknife i've ever used/carried.
 
I love my Griffe. Fits my medium sized chinese hands very well. Only complaint was that the chisel grind was a little too thick. So I worked it to a slightly (probably 2-3 degrees less) thinner profile.

Be very careful to maintain a seriously pointy tip when sharpening. The tip is very important in this configuration of knife.
 
Esav - I was planning on using it as a backup defensive knife, integrate it into my daily carry. Plus, I just think it looks neat. ;) Lately I've been interested in "claw" type blades; the Harpy, Civilian Merlin, etc because they seem like they would be great defensive tools capable of producing large gaping wounds if necessary.
 
EZ, I don't think you'll regret buying one. I'd say La Griffe would be a great choice for you. Two things you absolutely need in a defensive weapon: it has to be with you when the ship hits the sand, and it should be as concealable as possible. You can't beat La Griffe in either category, except of course that concealability goes out the window with metal detectors ... for that, there's Fred Perrin's G-10 La Griffe!
 
I bought a La Griffe several weeks ago from a fellow Formite.I've been wearing it ever since.I like it so much that I purchased a Perrin G10 Le Grife from another Formite(whom I must mail a check to tomorrow)to compliment the Emerson.I've all but quit wearing My Livesay WOO knives that I've carried for years.The Emerson has a wickedly sharp edge and point.Some other thread showed a few people not quite satisfied with the QC on their Emersons but Mine sure is everything I expected.tom.
 
Super little knife- hard to put down after you pick it up. Use is pure instinct. Go w/ the Griffe & cord-wrap the handle to personal specs- the Bearclaw is IMHO too thick for comfortable & stealthy carry. Mine stays on a short cord under the sun visor of my car or IWB on a short static line for strong hand forward or weak hand reverse draw.
 
I've never been a true fan of neck knives until I picked up the La Griffe. I carry it everywhere. If it's not around my neck I take the cord off and tuck it into the change pocket of my jeans. I wear it butt-end forward for a weak hand reverse draw. My Griffe has never cut anything and is used only as a back-up to my Sebenza. An added bonus is that you can personalize it any way you wish.
 

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Johnathan,
I was planning on using it as a backup defensive knife
Click to expand...
What the problem with AUS-6 steel in this case? Bear Claw with thinner, symmetrically ground edge works far better. Also has more comfortable grip. Naturally it's just my opinion but I have tried both...
Downline, BC is bigger and the sheath definitely is not its strongest point, especially for neck carry. But for LG price you can get BC, custom scales, custom sheath and even save a couple of money for beer.
 
Serg - I know that the AUS-6 steel shouldn't matter in a defensive blade just as long as it's kept sharp but, I just wanted something with better steel. I've played around with the bear claw and overall, I liked it. My only concern is the weight. It looks like it would be a lot heavier that the LG. The LG also seems to come with a better sheath. Maybe removing the scales from the Bear Claw would help the weight.
 
Here's a belt sheath i made for my La Griffe:
View


Sorry 'bout the crappy quality.
 
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