Emerson was on the short list - WAS

Advantages to the 806D2 or 710 is that they are flat & light & easy to carry, less heavy/bulky than the SERE or a Spydie Chinook for example. You can also manufacture a "wave" opening device out of zip-ties on the 806D2, which makes for super-fast opening for those times when you can clip it to your pocket.
 
With a $150 budget, you can afford any good quality knife that goes along your taste...
just trust your feelings and senses to determine which one fits your hand best!
The only point I really agree is the liner lock issue, but it is just because by its conception, this locking system is the one that is the most sensitive to dust and mud, and the one that creates the biggest amount of friction between the contact surface of the liner and the pivoting area of the blade, I don't even mention the fatigue of the spring, but in the lenght of time,
all of it plays its determining role in the dependability of your knife.
The native is my edc, and when I go for outdoors, I carry a spear point CS recon1 (the recon1 is a bit too bulky for an edc use, as I prefer to avoid the OH NO... public situation...), both of them have most reliable locking mechanism (lock back for the native, and a axis lock for the recon1)
 
Kurt, so what can you recomend that is not a liner lock, street price of $150 or less, 3 to 4" in blade length. I have heard many negatives on liner locks.
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Well, now you've heard one more. Sorry for trying to warn others of a dangerous misconception. IMO no one should trust a lock 100% unless it's a fixed blade. For your requirements I like the Spyderco ATR. It may be a bit over $150 retail right now, but it can be found on the forums for less. The Lil' Temperance it great as well, just a little smaller with a 3" blade.
 
Al Mar SERE 2000, the best folding production knife I own, it's solid, rides very nice in your pocket even for it's size and I have never had a problem with the lock on one, I don't care for the spine whack testing I don't really think it proves anything how goes around using the back of the knife blade to hammer with anyway? the test really doesn't duplicate normal use of a knife anway.

Another nice knife or two actually are the Benchmade 705 and 710's both priced nice and both have the BM axis lock, G-10 handles and very well designed.
 
Originally posted by NGK-Webmaster
I don't care for the spine whack testing I don't really think it proves anything how goes around using the back of the knife blade to hammer with anyway? the test really doesn't duplicate normal use of a knife anway.
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Tom, I should specify that it was not "hammering" that caused my SERE's liner lock to fail. All it took was a light - to - moderate smack on the palm of my hand to cause the blade to snap closed. I'm not a knife abuser, but I do think that a survival folder should be able to withstand a moderate tap to the spine.
 
I have never had a liner lock fail a spine wack test. I have owned an Emerson Commander, and played with maybe 10 other emersons in my time and everyone had locking problems. My commander suffered significant blade play (fore aft and side to side), and just didnt inspire confidence, but it always passed the spine wack test.

I have had much better luck with Steel liners, since for a given volume steel is much stronger than Ti (as opposed to a given weight), it is also much stiffer. The advantage of Ti liners is that they are stickier, when they engage the blade tang. So Ti liners have to be much thicker than their steel counter parts, (the MT LCC has thick Ti liners for example).

The SERE 2000 also has a steel backspacer, and that gives it some more added advantage over other liner locks, but i do not own a SERE 2k so i wont comment on specificly. I do have a BM TSEK liner lock, with steel liners and it has fantasic lockup.

If i were to buy a folder in your price range right now it would probably be a BM 520.
 
While I think one would be crazy to pick any liner lock over the likes of the 806 or 710, I think in particular Emerson's liner locks are a real crap shoot. Too bad, his designs otherwise are super solid, IMO.

For me, in this type of size range and robustness, I'm looking at the Benchmade 806 or 710, and though I haven't handled one yet, I'd certainly check out the Camillus Dominator. In addition, the SOG Vision (if you don't mind a *cough*fad*cough* partially-serrated tanto blade) is a solid performer that competes well with all of the above, but for some reason gets little recognition. Maybe SOG deserves it for not coming out with a better working blade shape (and plain edge, please!) on that knife.

Joe
 
the spine whack test matters a great deal - a GREAT deal - if you ever want to rely on your knife for self-defense. If the blade will not remain stable under a pretty forceful spine impact, then the danger to your own fingers renders the knife useless for SD purposes.
 
Sounds like I did the home work project OK with not going with the Emerson product. I'm not into buy it now and if it doesn't preform you can send it to get repaired. How many of you would buy a truck that comes off of the assembly line like crap, but it looks cool, and you could send it back to the dealer to get it fixed? Bull, yes I am looking at production knives, but these are not $21.95; they should be built right the first time.

Joe, thanks for the vote of confidence in the 710 or 806. As far as blade styles goes, I am looking at a plain blade no serations. I carry a Leatherman for those applications.

Kurt, the Spidie ATR I had never seen before today (pictures only today). There are probably not a lot of these in people's pockets and it would be something very different. I need to find out more about the compression lock - I'll visit the Spiderco web site. I have found that I could (with diligent shopping) buy two 806D2 for the cost of one ATR - I am sure with more shopping I can find the ATR for less that $180+. $95 on an 806D2 sounds great. I just don't like buying something and saying to myself weeks later that "I should not have tried to save a couple of bucks and just bought what I wanted.

Clay
 
Clay, the Compression lock is one of the few that I trust nearly as well as a fixed blade. It's basically foolproof, and very smooth when executed properly, as it was on the ATR that I got on a pass-around. It's on my short list as well.
 
I have now eliminated all linerlocks from my sole-knife carry rotation.

None of them hold up, even $600+ custom ones, EVEN after coming back from servicing and tweaking.

As many have said before me, it's not enough to test your linerlock once and put it to use.

Their time-to-failure is extremely rapid -- they will be fine, then just one day, slippage.

Some people ask, when will you ever hammer with the spine? Mine have slipped and closed accidentally while I was wiggling it through 2-ply cardboard.

Lockbacks are too rough and the springs usually too tight. I'm not terribly fond of the AXIS only because it gets gummed and gritted up really quickly, especially with tip-up (pivot-down) carry. Furthermore, I've had bits and pieces of one rust on me when I was at the sea for ONE day (granted, my Emerson stained some, but it cleaned up nicely.) I'm loathe to see how the steel-filled portions of the AXIS would fare over weeks.

A Spyderco ATR might do the trick for you, or if you don't mind waiting, the Spyderco Paramilitary (also compression lock.)

You can also check out the new Microtech Mini SOCOM Elite -- an aluminium framelock with steel insert. It has a lot of potential.

Full disclosure: I carry an Emerson Commander, but as my "light/daily duty" knife, accompanied by something else, usually a BM 806D2. The Spyderco Gunting has moved into being my conversation piece. It has held up to just about anything I can throw at it. If I have my "man purse" with me, I can slip in a fixed blade... much, much better (especially if the fixed blade is a 4" bladed, 1/4" thick piece of O1 ;) )

-j
 
I guess you guys haven't heard of the upcoming Emerson HD-7 (a Ti framelock)?

btw, of the four Emerson's I own, I use the A-blade Specwar the most. For my use, the knife has exhibited no shortcomings. (Note: Three of the four Emersons are 1999 or earlier models).
 
I guess I'll throw in my 2 cents.

I own a BM710HSSR. I own a lot of knives and this is my EDC. Why? I can open it faster than any other knife I own, except my other 2 axis locks. Why don't I carry the other 2? I like the blade on the 710 better. If I ever had to use my EDC for self defense I'd want the 710. I trust the Axis lock more than any other lock. Even the frame locks make me a bit nervous as if you twist the handle while the blade is stuck in something you could disengage the lock. The way the Axis lock works is a pin slide over the back of the blade. It would take a lot of force to shear that pin through the steel liners. More force than I think I could apply. Also the handles are tough and don't get all scratched up when I carry my keys in the same pocket. I made the mistake of carring my Sebenza with my keys, now it's all scratched. Oh well. I got a Camillus Dominator, great knife, very solid. However I'm sure it's handles would scratch easy too. Why don't I carry the Sebenza and Dominator more? I can't open and close them as fast. Even with the Robo assist on the dominator I can still get my 710 into motion and open quicker. There's also something to be said about being able to disengage the axis lock and flip the knife closed as easily and quickly as it can be opened. When you're in the middle of something you can whip the knife out and open, make your cut, whip it closed and put it away in no time. No fumbling around with a liner or frame lock and keeping an eye on your fingers as you close the blade. Your fingers stay on the handle of the Axis lock knives and never get in the blade's path, a big plus all around.

So I'd recommend any Axis lock that catches your eye. I'm probably getting a BM806D2 for Christmas, and maybe a Al Mar SERE 2000, Spyderco Military, and who knows what. :) Maybe I'll find something I like more than the 710 for EDC.
 
I have to admit that I actually bought an Emerson Raven. It was a gift from the EBay guys that wanted to give it away. I bought it for $56 - brand new never used, never sharpened and it was in the box with papers. Like I said they gave it to me.

I have had it for a couple of weeks. What that really means is that I have shopping for a new knife before this one was ever shipped. Two weeks plus and nothing else has been in my pocket. It is much bigger than the little Griptillian but I picked up the BM GPTL today and the Axis is so much smoother that the Emerson doesn't even compare.

There is a 940-02 limited run that keeps calling my name along with two of her sisters: 806D2 and 710M2. The Emerson is a great addition to the start of a small collection especially for the price, but I would love votes on which of the three BM products above would be a great new addition. I almost put money on the 806 until I read something like the 710 is more versital regarding different grips. Your thoughts are appreciated.
 
A Microtech manual would be nice, but I am just pushing the budget.
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Follow your first instinct and get the new Microtech Mini Socom Elite. It's a framelock and the fit and finish are top notch!! They can be had for around $110 or so. Don't let the "mini" fool you, its a decent sized knife. :)

I have owned the 710, 806 and the Sere 2000. The only one I currently still have of the three is the Sere. All three were awesome, but when it came to getting some knives I REALLY wanted, the two Benchmades went up on the block and the Sere stayed put.

You would be more than happy with all three of them. I would take any of the four knives mentioned over an Emerson. Not that Emerson makes unreliable knives, I guess its just that you got to hand pick one;)
 
By the way, thanks for the info on the Emerson HD-7. I had to go investigate it and I will definatly have to purchase one.
 
I have had two Emerson's and I sold off both. I know that isn't a representative sample of that brands knives but both models I had presented problems. I suggest you go with the Benchmade or Spyderco of your choice. You mentioned Microtech and they are very fine knives and you can usually find a non-auto for sale used here on this forum. I have a Mini-Socom, LCC, and Amphibian and all three are well made and finely crafted knives.
 
Good thing you didn't get the Emerson.
Cons: Titainum liners(wear out fairly quick. got this from Emerson himself).
All the knives have only one side of the secondary bevel sharpened.
The price of his knives are too high. You can get almost any Benchmade for that price plus they come with a satin finish and an axis lock.
Pros: The handle ergonomics of the knives are outstanding.
You can take apart the knives with a screw driver. no need for torx wrenches, allen wrenches or some specialty tool.
I really like liner locks so I don't have anything bad to say about Emerson liners other that they are a little on the thin side for my liking.
 
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