Emerson vs Benchmade

M

MK23

Joined
Oct 22, 2002
Messages
9
I'm looking for a new folder less than 4" closed, fairly light, spear point or similar and good quality. So far I've narrowed it down to Emerson mini CQC7 and BM 770 series.

I like the thumb hold on the Emerson but the overall design of the BM and the locking system and weight make it a little more attractive even though the cost is about $20 - $30 more.

I know almost nothing about metals and what is better even though I've read a few threads here. Ideally I would like something that is not prone to rust and holds an edge for a while.

I currently own Spyderco, Buck, Gerber, Victronix and an older Puma as well as a varitey of unknown brands.

Any advice from the experts would be appreciated.

p.s. - This is a great forum and I've learned quite a bit here in a few days.
 
definitely go with benchmade, i've had two emersons before and i don't like them at all, the grinds are bad, too low, and only shapened on one side, liners are thin, and i know this might offend a lot of people but from their construction they sure don't seem like the #1 hard use knife. i know a lotta people like them and i'm sure they have their reasons but they're just not my cup of tea, maybe because they are TOO tactical, utility use is not too great on the emersons but i'm guessing they make great self defense knives.
 
Go with Benchmade. The best Emerson knife ever made was done by Benchmade. You will get great service along with a great knife with BM.
 
Originally posted by The General
Neither are the Paragon of QC. Have you looked at the Spyderco range?
Click to expand...

??? emerson QC i agree is erratic but benchmade QC is really top notch, nowadays at least, awhile ago some of their stuff wasn't up to par either but imo all their new stuff is excellent, basically if it says 154cm then it's good to go, if it's ats34 meaning the older stuff then it's iffy.
 
I would go with benchmade, Ive owned two emersos, that had bad grind lines, and uneven scales. benchmade quality is better in my opinion. :)
 
Thanks for the replies. Looks like Benchmade is the winner. Any thoughts on the carbon vs aluminum handles?
 
Specs taken from respective websites (www.emersonknives.com / www.benchmade.com):

Emerson Mini CQC7A
Overall Length 7.75 in.
Blade Length 2.90 in.
Handle Length 4.250 in.
Blade Thickness .125 in.
Weight 3.75 oz.

Benchmade 770
Overall Length: 6.5"
Blade Length: 2.8"
Blade Thickness: 0.11"
Weight: 1.8oz.
Closed Length: 3.75"

The Emerson might be a little bit too big - handle length is 4.25" - .25" over your limit.

Just out of curiousity, why is the closed length of 4" important?

As for my preference:

I like Benchmades. I've had many of them. But, I do not like the 770. Why? Because it's just too small for my hands. I was ready to buy one on the internet, a while back, when I decided to go handle one at a brick and mortar store (with some intent of buying it right then and there, I might add.) It's a nice knife. I love carbon fiber. The blade is a nice shape and size. But, IMO, the handle is just too small.

Honestly, I'm not sure what application would require Axis level lock strength with a handle that small. I would bet that pretty much anything that could force a liner lock closed in that size would probably rip the knife right out of your hands first. I could be wrong.

The axis lock bar is very small as well. If you have very small hands, it may be the one for you. But, I'd personally rather use a slipjoint with a bigger handle than use the 770.

You may want to look at the 705. It has a slightly larger blade and handle, but still meets your requirements. It also has the axis lock.

--------------

As for the Emerson, the Mini CQC7A is a nice knife. I have found Emerson quality to be top notch. Some people don't like Emersons. That's just the way it is. Others prefer them, including myself.

Check out the differences between the warranties. Emerson allows you to take the knife apart. Emerson is a lot more relaxed about things. Taking a benchmade apart voids the warranty. I have a hard time with not being able to clean the steel springs in the axis lock mechanism - a little rust could leave you with a faulty lock.

The Mini CQC7A is a tough knife. I don't mind the liner lock - it's more than strong enough for 99% of tasks. Can it fail? Sure. Any lock can fail. The liner lock is simple, and effective. The axis lock is complex, and requires two omega springs to function correctly. Which is stronger? The axis lock for sure. Which is better? It's a matter of opinion. I like both.

Between the 770 and the Mini CQC7A, I would go for the Emerson.

However, I would recommend looking at other knives as well. The 705 is very nice. In Emersons line up, the Mini Commander is not that much bigger. There are a number of other offerings out there. Check out Spyderco - the Ti Salsa is highly recommended. If possible, go to a brick and mortar, and look at/handle the knives before you buy.

Good luck!

-- Rob
 
Hello,

Framar Knives (www.framarknives.co.uk) still have a few of the original Benchmade Emersons available. These were superb knives, in my opinion, one of Benchmades best ever.

I also have a few Emersons, and find them to be of superb quality. OK, many may not like the grind, but at least it's a slight improvement on the CQC7s chisel grind. I have found no liner, or scale flex, and the liner engages 1st time every time, for it's complete width, on the blade ramp. In my opinion, a great knife.

Here are a few from the collection....

Regards,

Doug
 

Attachments

  • tactical 2.jpg
    tactical 2.jpg
    16 KB · Views: 178
Just to show that there is no favouritism!!;)
 

Attachments

  • tactical 1.jpg
    tactical 1.jpg
    17.8 KB · Views: 180
The BM is a more traditional knife design and typically gets more support on this forum, where many prefer plain edges, standard grinds, and traditional blade styles.

The EKI chisel edge is constantly criticized, but in fact it cuts very well - it's just different and takes getting used to. The locks on my EKI products have all been excellent, and I have not witnessed the problems some on this forum have mentioned regarding EKI QC.

BM makes a great knife. I have several products from both mfrs, but my EDC is an EKI Mini Commander.

As to which is better, I'd worry more about which one suits your needs in terms of blade design more than concerns about steels, QC, or locks. Either one is a quality knife that will perform well.
 
BM

(even though i'd go w/ a Spydie)

i haven't handled an Emerson yet that had a decent lockup. even the CQC7 i had that i thought was 'sticky' closed up when i dropped it on grass. i don't know if it's a QC thing or design. i like their designs but....

M
 
I would definitely go with BM comparing designs and execution quality. I have more than dozen BM’s and no one Emerson although I saw and have played with practically each their model. More, I do not want any of them by the reasons already mentioned here, not worth to repeat.

But I’m curious also – why are you pointing 4 inches closed as limit?
If you are limited to blade length in certain, say 3-inche limit it is quite another matter...
Model 770 is sweet but I couldn’t recommend it for another role excepting true gentleman’s knife. The handle is too small to provide any decent leverage when cutting so you would be limited to light use only.
Unfortunately for BM fans they do not offer too much knives within 3-inche limit of blade length what could be considered as decent cutters. Excepting Mini-Griptilians 555 and 556 I have no ideas something else to mention in these limits...
Did you think about one of Mini-Griptilians?
 
Originally posted by Metis
even the CQC7 i had that i thought was 'sticky' closed up when i dropped it on grass.
M
Click to expand...

I'm sorry, but I don't believe an Emerson closed up by dropping it on grass. Sounds like one of those "I'll interject one of my personal experiences to help add validity to my opinion" posts that trolls tend to use. I just find it extremely hard to believe, especially if the knife wasn't defective (you did say you thought it was "sticky"). How can a knife that is "sticky" as you referred close up by dropping it on "grass" no less? I don't see any quality knife doing as you described if it hasn't been abused beyond what a knife is designed to do.

I would get the same kind of reply if I said I had a Sebenza fold up on me during normal use. Plenty of people would say I was lying to try to back up a dislike for Sebenzas (which BTW, I do not have any opinion of as I have never held one).

Mike
 
I find it hard to believe a 3 1/2 yr. old account is a troll.

Anyway, I say BM. I handled a couple of Emersons-PSARK and Commander, and saw the same thin liners and mismatched scales/liners that others post about. But I don't think the 770 series is so hot for utility, compared to others available.

I also noticed how you say you already own Spyderco, so I won't add another recommendation for them.
 
Originally posted by hardheart
I find it hard to believe a 3 1/2 yr. old account is a troll.
Click to expand...

Wasn't calling him a troll, but that is the very tactic that trolls use. They always have a "been there done that" experience to help enforce their opinion on something. His sounds like one of those.

Mike
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top