Emerson...What's the big deal?

SmedleyButler

SmedleyButler

Joined
Oct 20, 2014
Messages
410
I just got my first Emerson knife. I had never bought one because despite all of the hype, they just never looked good to me. I don't love liner locks. The wave seems unnecessary and looks awkward. But everyone seems to love them so I ordered a Jungle Commander. I'm holding now and just don't get it. There is a little side to side blade play. The liner lock is super sticky. How/why is this better than other less expensive knives? Not trying to start a flame war but I just don't get it. This Emerson is the most underwhelming (for the price) knife I've bought in the last 6 months - and I've bought probably 30. What am I missing?IMG_20150112_113326.jpg
 
I've never owned an Emerson but I have handled a few and they seemed like solid knives, just not sure if the value is there.
 
And here is where you find out that Emersons aren't for everyone. Some guys around here swear by them, others can't stand them.

Are they priced high for what you're getting? Maybe.
Are they bad knives? Nah.
Are there more competitive options out there? Definitely.

I've owned a few and found them to work for me at the time. I no longer own any. Looks like they may not work for you. No worries, we're just lucky to live in a time with plenty of awesome manufacturers and custom makers.
 
Think if you asked your question on the Emerson Sub-Forum, you woulkd get replies from people who can answer better than me. BTW I own an Emerson CQC-7, and it is simple, I like the wave feature, and find the blade keep an edge well.
 
If you don't like the way they look, you should have stopped there and moved on. Why bother to get something you don't like from the start? I've had, and still have a lot of knives. Emerson was the last of the 4 popular brands that I got into. These days, aside from my customs, they're mostly all I hold on to and use. To each his own.
 
Tactical fantasy. They are just knives. People often report that the fit, finish and materials aren't worth the price. If you feel that way too then sell off the knife and scratch another brand off the checklist.
 
Try another brand, as mentioned.
My Emersons have never let me down.
rolf
 
I dont use or carry Emerson knives myself and they do have some issues I dont need to discuss. However, they fill a gap in the market that fills the needs for many. They are just as different and individual as Spyderco, Benchmade and Kershaw. No one else offers what they do. One of a kind designs just like any other high end production company.
They also have very nice grinds. Just not for everyone.
 
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Unlike the thread starter I do like the look of most Emerson folders to the extent that I own six. However I do agree that they are overpriced. The most off center blade I ever saw was on my CQC 11. In contrast my much more reasonably priced Cold Steel folders all have blades that are dead center or almost so.
In any case I'll never buy another Emerson unless the price comes down drastically which will of course never happen.
 
SmedleyButler said:
I just got my first Emerson knife. I had never bought one because despite all of the hype, they just never looked good to me. I don't love liner locks. The wave seems unnecessary and looks awkward. But everyone seems to love them so I ordered a Jungle Commander. I'm holding now and just don't get it. There is a little side to side blade play. The liner lock is super sticky. How/why is this better than other less expensive knives? Not trying to start a flame war but I just don't get it. This Emerson is the most underwhelming (for the price) knife I've bought in the last 6 months - and I've bought probably 30. What am I missing?View attachment 504726
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You should have followed your gut instincts, friend. Never buy a knife you don't like just because others rave about them. Emersons aren't for everyone. Some people don't like them the same way some people don't like Benchmades or Spydercos. Doesn't mean the all Emerson knives are bad. You don't like them, plain and simple. Nothing wrong with that. If you can't return the knife, I'm sure you'll be able to sell it or trade it for something you do like.
 
SmedleyButler said:
I don't love liner locks. The wave seems unnecessary and looks awkward.
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I agree on both counts, but Emerson's liner locks are usually fit properly and function just fine.

I far prefer non-waved Emersons, for several reasons, mostly because I think waving is borderline abusive to the liner lock.

SmedleyButler said:
There is a little side to side blade play.
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Tighten the pivot.

The pivot will be rough at first, then 'wear in' and be very smooth.

SmedleyButler said:
The liner lock is super sticky.
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Use it.

The lock will 'wear in' and the stick will go away.

SmedleyButler said:
How/why is this better than other less expensive knives?
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The warranty, and the history. They might not be as pretty or well put together as other knives, but once tested and worn in I've found Emerson knives to be completely trustworthy cutters.

Maybe you just got the wrong Emerson for you, there are something like eleventy-billion different EKI models, most of which are very very different from one another.

I, personally, dislike the Commander, the grip feels limiting in my hand (only works in a forward grip) and folded up it takes up a lot of space in my pocket because the blade sticks so far out of the handle. However, I find the CQC-8 to be one of the best folders ever designed. If you dislike the wave I highly recommend that you try a CQC-7A and the A-100, both are sleek, efficient designs available without the wave.
 
I just started getting into Emersons and wonder if it may be a question of the right fit. I have and enjoy the 7 spearpoint, Gentleman Jim and Persian. They all fit my hand well, are smooth and have great lock up. To me, they are tough folders and cut well.

I also tried a CQC 8 and Horseman and they weren't for me.
 
From what I've seen the Kershaw/ZT Emerson's are better than anything Emerson themselves have put out.
 
I only own 1 emerson. I like it but with that being said I cannot justify another one due to the pricing. the quality on mine is fine but I guess I just didn't fall in love with it
 
I too bought an Emerson despite having some hesitations. I don't think re curve blades or Tantos are practical for me. Most Emersons have one of these blade types. And I am not familiar with chisel grinds. I settled on the CQC 8. I had to scratch the itch. I do like the way the knife feels, and fit and finish is great. I also wanted to try the wave feature. They fill a role that I Personally don't need, but I don't regret getting it. They seem to hold their value pretty well so getting rid of it, if you don't dig, it should not be too painful.
 
Sounds like you didn't like the Emerson before you even got it. I have had a few Emerson's and they were decent knives, but not really my cup of tea.
 
I've read the "Emersons aren't for everyone" posts on this and other forums, and although I generally don't care for the look of most models, I bought a Mini A-100 because it had a number of features I like without the aesthetic attributes of some Emersons that I dislike. Well, I have been a bit underwhelmed to be honest, mainly because of what I paid vs. what I feel I got. Will it be a solid, reliable knife? I think so, yes, but I have other solid, reliable knives made in the US of comparable materials that cost a lot less.
 
SmedleyButler said:
I just got my first Emerson knife. I had never bought one because despite all of the hype, they just never looked good to me. I don't love liner locks. The wave seems unnecessary and looks awkward. But everyone seems to love them so I ordered a Jungle Commander. I'm holding now and just don't get it. There is a little side to side blade play. The liner lock is super sticky. How/why is this better than other less expensive knives? Not trying to start a flame war but I just don't get it. This Emerson is the most underwhelming (for the price) knife I've bought in the last 6 months - and I've bought probably 30. What am I missing?View attachment 504726
Click to expand...

I don't understand the hype either...Emerson, Hinderer, and Strider so much hype and tacticool, and in nearly 30 years of active duty, I not once ever met an enlisted, Warrant, or Line Officer who owned one, or could afford one...either one.
 
Now I've only owned one for a week now, but my reasons:

1. Wave hook flies open, much much faster than an auto, and easier to
2. Grind is different (V, double V, chisel) than other manufacturers
3. MADE IN THE USA
4. no thumb stud
5. people that stand behind their product
 
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