Emerson or Millie?

M

missin_hobo

Joined
Aug 9, 2007
Messages
761
So work has been a bit slow this summer, and I probably won't have the money for every single knife I want. A couple of folders and maybe a fixed blade is going to be it.

One of those folders is sure to be the new 'Zaan, if only I can get my bloody hands on it, but the other option has me conflicted. I think I've narrowed it down to two options, in either case a plain-edged all-black knife. I'm thinking either the Spyderco Military or one of the many Emerson knives out there. At first the Millie was winning me over with that amazing size-to-weight ratio and the remarkably sturdy lockup. On the other end I recently handled a CQC-10 and was thoroughly impressed. I'm not a fan of thumbhole opening and I'm really not a fan of chisel grinds, but there was this 'ahhhh!' feeling that I normally only get from a really nice 1911. SO...I dunno.

I know a lot of folk are wise to tell me that I'll be happy with either choice, but I'm looking for insight from people who've actually used either knife. Plus, these comparative threads are a guilty pleasure of mine, :jerkit: and everybody loves a chance to laud their favorite knife.

Cheers,

Mike
 
i can't comment on the 10, but i have owned and used many emersons.

i also have owned and used several militaries.

1. both have thumbhole openers (10 and military), though most emersons use the disk, which i prefer.

2. most emersons are not true chisel grinds, but have a sabre v grind on both sides, though the actual edges are chisels. i have not noticed any difference in cutting or sharpening.

3. i prefer tip up carry, and had both my militaries modded for same.

4. i would prefer a slimmer profile on the military. it is fairly wide, and doesn't fit in all my pockets with my wallet. in general, emersons are narrower.

5. i like that spyderco uses different steels and scales on the militaries. i currently have a d2/fg and a s90v/cf. emersons all have the same steel and scales (excepting customs), which many people like.


my current "favorite" emerson is the cqc8. and emerson has the wave, which i really like.

i also find emersons more comfortable in hand than the military, though the military is far from uncomfortable.

not sure if i helped or not, i dont really think i can recommend one over the other.
 
Get both and do the drawer test. In a short time, only one knife will come out of the drawer and clip on your pocket.
 
I have had several Millies and traded them all off. I now have a CQC-7A and always will. It is by far (to me) a better knife regarding ergo's and strength. Again this is just my opinion. I can't find fault with the military, I just find the Emerson to be a better knife for my day to day uses. One of the few folders I have ever owned that I never worry about. I just plain trust it!:thumbup:

DSC05795.jpg



:)
 
Millie is a much better cutter. But for me the handle is way too long. Emersons look more tactical, but the Millie's FFG blade makes for a great utility/camp knife.

If there was such a thing as a framelocked paramilitary (the framelocked Millie is gonna be out soon), that would be my dreamknife.
 
I like the slim profile of the Military in the pocket.

I prefer the round hole and the execution of the liner lock on the Military.

I also love the ergos and tip down carry.

I think the fit and finish of the knife is much better.

The wave feature is nice, but it restricts to tip down carry.

Most of that is personal preferance. I believe the Military to be a better all around knife then the CQC-10. I heard all the hype about Emerson knives, but after owning a few, I don't feel they are worth it.
 
Both are excellent knives, so it really comes down to personal preference. To me, there is no question, the Millie wins hands down for a number or reasons. :thumbup:

  • I dislike the appearance of the "wave" feature, and don't see any real need for it on a knife that already has one-handed opening capability.
  • I prefer circular thumb hole from both an aesthetic and functional sense.
  • For me, the ergonomics of the Millie handle are far superior to the CQC-10.
  • To me, the aesthetics of the Millie are superior. I just think its a better looking knife.
 
I would go with the Millie. Better blade and slimmer carry for EDC, IMO.
 
Josh K said:
I like the slim profile of the Military in the pocket.

I prefer the round hole and the execution of the liner lock on the Military.

I also love the ergos and tip down carry.

I think the fit and finish of the knife is much better.

The wave feature is nice, but it restricts to tip down carry.

Most of that is personal preferance. I believe the Military to be a better all around knife then the CQC-10. I heard all the hype about Emerson knives, but after owning a few, I don't feel they are worth it.
Click to expand...

What he said.


The millie is also "ready to go" right out of the box, something the emerson is not.
 
I have never had a new emerson that you could open without having to loosen the pivot. Any knife over $100 that needs adjustment right out of the box is unacceptable. I don't have a problem with sharpening a new knife and usually I don't even use a knife until I sharpen it but emerson is not known for sending out a knife with good edge geometry anyway's.

I hate to knock emerson's but there is too much hype surrounding a knife that does not live up to its claims.
 
mmarkh said:
How is an Emerson not "ready to go" right out of the box?
Click to expand...

I own(ed) a cqc8, cqc7, cqc12, and a Commander. They all required weeks of breaking in for the liner lock or I had to adjust something to get the blade centered. I have a s30v and s90v Military and both came perfect.
 
knifenut1013 said:
I hate to knock emerson's but there is too much hype surrounding a knife that does not live up to its claims.
Click to expand...

There are just better products for your money.

Look at the Manix 2. :thumbup: 154CM (Same as Emerson), G-10 Scales (Same as Emerson), full liners (But skeletonized unlike Emerson), BBL (better in someways then a liner lock, I still prefer the Military liner lock to any other knife lock), tip down clip, large opening hole.

Only thing it's missing is the wave feature, and with a large number of people grinding the waves off I don't think it'd be missed much.

Best implementation of the wave feature would be on the Spyderco P'Kal. Long, but not sharp. Easily waved out of slacks and delicate dress pants without harm.
 
Only thing it's missing is the wave feature, and with a large number of people grinding the waves off I don't think it'd be missed much.
Click to expand...
It's a gimmick and not a very reliable way to open a knife, it's also kinda dangerous if someone is behind you. As for the speed of deployment, its about the same but the main difference that I see is where the knife ends up. The millie always ends up out in front while the waved knife sill needs to rise to the ocasion :D
 
knifenut1013 said:
It's a gimmick and not a very reliable way to open a knife, it's also kinda dangerous if someone is behind you.
Click to expand...

Try Spyderco's implementation of the "wave feature" before you swear them off for good. You may be surprised by the results.;)

Regards,
3G
 
Try Spyderco's implementation of the "wave feature" before you swear them off for good. You may be surprised by the results.

My only Spyderco right now is an Emerson Endura...I've gotta say, that's been a good beater knife, and while it gave me great respect of Spyderco, the wave was the feature that sat particularly well with me. That was also one of the things I liked about the CQC-10.

My qualms with the Millie:
-Tip Down Only
-No Wave (and even a bit of zip-tie couldn't fix my problem, being as it's tip-down only)

My qualm with the Emerson Line:
-Inconsistent quality control

Has anyone used both knives, or had any otherwise comparative experiences with them?
How are they, maintainence-wise? Hard to take apart?

Keep it going, folks :)
 
In the past i was a big Spyderco fan, but now i sell step by step all of my spydercos and buy new and new emersons as a replace. Now i have my MIllie for sale: i want a 10. Millie is a great knife IMO. But i dont like tip down:( thats the biggest disadvantage for me.

Same with the para. I replaced my 2 para with 2 CQC 7B :D and i love my 7's.

If you want a user, spyderco is a great choice, but for utility and SD use the emerson is better i think. Wave feature is kick ass, and lightning fast.
 
3Guardsmen said:
Try Spyderco's implementation of the "wave feature" before you swear them off for good. You may be surprised by the results.;)

Regards,
3G
Click to expand...

I have a D4 wave that's usually in my back pocket, yes it work good and IMO much better than the emerson. My opinions of the spyderco wave are much different than the emerson's.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top