Emerson mini-commander or spyderco superleaf

[mumu720]

Hey everyone,
It's about time for a new knife, and there are two that I am kind of stuck on. The Superleaf I have wanted for awhile, but I really like the re-curve of the mini-commander and the wave, however I am a bit worried about some of the stories I have heard about quality control with Emersons as well as the liner-lock. I am leaning toward the Superleaf because it seems like a better built knife as far as what I have heard. Anyone who owns both of these mind comparing them(materials, fit/finish, ergonomics, etc..) or if you only own one, any information would be appreciated. I will be EDCing which ever one I choose, however, I am not concerned with weight or closed size, but more about the actual performance of both. Thanks in advance!

-Jake

 

[EricV]

I love my mini-commander.


The Ti liner lock is very well executed, I've got an A100 that I've used with a hammer to chisel out a lock face. Still locks up solid and has never failed me. I don't expect any different from my mini comm.

154cm is a good steel very tough with pretty good retention, a dull knife is still a knife but a broken knife is handle. The chisel edge takes some getting used to but once you do they are fast to sharpen and take a keen edge. Ergonomics on Emersons are the main reason I'd look at them. The 8 has a great handle, the commander does as well, and the specwar handles are comfy too.

I like the simplicity of Emersons, but they are rarely 100% cosmetically perfect. There is usually a little scale misalignment (typically a papers thickness at most) or in my mini comm's case the back spacer sits very slightly recessed. I took me two days to notice that.

This comes down to the owner though. The backspacer doesn't bother me at all, but to some guys it would be enough to send it back it seems. Same thing goes for scales not lining up, or off center blades (easily fixed with two minutes of time and some know-how / searching) I'd gladly trade that for Emerson handles and blade designs, a well built liner lock (my favorite locking system when done right) and the WAVE, which is in fact the best thing since sliced bread for a guy who usually needs to hold something to cut under tension in one hand and deploy the knife with the other.

Honestly Emersons make great work knives, and they love to be dirty and beaten.

Did i mention they have a built in bottle opener? :applouse:

 

[Sonnydaze]

I have a CQC-7 that is rock-solid. I have a ton of confidence in Emerson's liner-lock.
I enjoy Spydies also, but don't have the SuperLeaf, although the design seems well-done.
Sonny

 

[mumu720]

Thank you for the info!
After looking some more at Emerson and looking at interviews with Ernest, I am starting to lean toward the mini commander. A couple questions though as far as dealing with Emerson is concerned. How is their customer service? I have heard that the liner locks wear somewhat quick because they are titanium, and when that happened people have been able to send the knives in to get the serviced to fix that. Can anyone confirm this? They seem like a good company to work with as far as warranty goes, but I want to make sure.

Thanks,
Jake