Admittedly, Emerson knives <i>are</i> a little rough in the production format. I've never had the pleasure of handling a <i>custom</i> model; but I suspect that the quality would reflect the pricetag. I'd like to put my own .02 on the subject of things coming loose, etc.
These knives are designed to be able to be disassembled so the user can perform maintenance on it himself. A byproduct of this is that the pivot screw will loosen over time with use. I would argue, however, that any piece of gear (especially, line-one gear) should be actively maintained. You change the battery in your wristwatch when it runs low, and empty the cr@p out of your wallet from time to time. Checking the condition of your carry knife should be something you do as well. Care for your gear and it will take care of you.
True, sometimes the knives arrive with the blade not centered and in varying degrees of tightness. But you, the user, are able to customize the action of the knife to your tastes and needs. An off-center blade can usually be aligned with a little time and patience. Enjoy adjusting it to your tastes. I agree that having a brand new knife arrive with a misaligned blade is somewhat annoying. But it is no reason to send it back or lose enthusiasm for this product. There is nothing magical that EKI staff does to "fix" this problem when the blades are returned to them for realignment. They simply take some time and do it.
As for the problem of the screws having their finish rub off... well, I can understand your being disgruntled. These knives aren't cheap and one would expect that even the little details would be more durable. My Commander is a "user" and not a display piece. So I'm not all that worried about having the finish wear off. Wear and tear is to be expected. I will fix it though from time to time to keep the knife in good working order (the maintenaince I previously spoke of). It is simple enough to do. Go to a military surplus shop or the uniform store and pick up a bottle of Re-Nu. This is the stuff used to fix the black finish on the subdued military insignia pins when they get scuffed and dinged with use. Literally, ten seconds work and you are back in business. But honestly, it you are getting the knife as a user don't sweat that sort of thing.
The stripped screws would annoy me too. However, they are just screws. You can probably find replacement screws at a hardware store (though I confess I don't know this for a fact). Contact EKI and they'll hook you up with what you need or send it back for repairs if things are that far gone. Their customer service is pretty darned good from the majority of accounts I have heard.
I'm not trying to be a cheerleader. I have no vested interest in the matter. All I know is that I bought a knife based on its reputation and was not disappointed. Don't get so concerned with the little details that you lose sight of the whole picture. They really are great knives that are endorsed by groups of guys who really put their gear through the paces. But hey, if you are dissatisfied beyond repair, there are plenty of other knife-makers out there who make quality products. But in the final measure of things, Emerson knives are one of a select few who stand out as being good enough to be relied on in professional circles.
except it's too sharp ... but the only moving parts are the beads on the chain!
