Emerson - what's up?

[GMAHN]

The lum can't be opened by either hand, that is a huge negative. I also doubt that it can be opened quickly because of the design of the tang and placement of the single thumbstud. It is an example of an otherwise great knife handicapped by a design choice that makes no real sense. A fast opening ambidextrous lum tanto from BM would be great but as it stands right now there is a reason that knife only earns a blue class labeling.

The Spyderco Military, with its point down design, is one of the best for opening boxes. Unfortunately that is not what I buy knives for. It also bears mentioning that it has no guard area worth mentioning. Pretty silly for a knife with the name military. Maybe it is issued in the military mail room?

The Tyrade is not made any more according to my research, it looked decent but it was apparently decent enough to not be made anymore.

The ZT 550 is another design with a handle that curves down in the back and a point that points down slightly in the front. It is the exact opposite of the cqc7. I have no idea why people like the 'bent knife' design.

The ZT 300 has great features but looks like it was designed after a whale. Seriously, what was it made to cut that it needed a blade like a spade. That blade, as well as the handle, could have been made significantly thinner and more streamlined if the blade didn't look like it was patterned after a shovel. Doing that would have also made the knife lighter.

I am not going to critique the M1 because I am not sure where I stand on it right now.

As a side note I'm interested where you buy your knives because your prices seem to be around thirty dollars off what I was seeing.

I see ZT knives posted a lot in threads about what to buy when it comes to tack knives especially when anyone mentions an Emerson, but how about if someone is interested in a strider. If the ZT has Emerson's beat then it REALLY has striders beat because they don't even open fast and their designs look pretty atrocious even compared to the ZT ones. From now on in every thread about Striders I want to see the first comment be 'buy a ZT', that would make me happy.

To sum it all up a handicapped design with all the great features in the world is still handicapped.

 

[HAKnPocket]

I have found that once you get to handle an Emerson knife, you either 'get it' or you don't. They are built for use and not beauty, although I find the ergos and design a thing of beauty. Wrap your hand around a CQC-10 or CQC-15 and you will see what I mean.

Pretty sure this wraps up any discussion and if not here

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/859777-Fit-and-Finish-A-Long-Story

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/864753-Emerson-Fit-and-Finish-Addendum

Now as for the hype I can personally say that before I received my lefty CQC7 I was completely against the idea of ever owning another liner lock knife. Why??? Had one close on my finger and came pretty close to cutting it off. After reading the first link I figured I needed to give Mr. Emerson his due and give one a try again. I have purchased a lefty sebbie, strider pt, and now the CQC7 and what is in my pocket??? The 7. Something about it just feels right and I love me some waved action. Give one a try and decide for yourself. Good luck in your search.

 

[RevDevil]

The lum can't be opened by either hand, that is a huge negative. I also doubt that it can be opened quickly because of the design of the tang and placement of the single thumbstud. It is an example of an otherwise great knife handicapped by a design choice that makes no real sense. A fast opening ambidextrous lum tanto from BM would be great but as it stands right now there is a reason that knife only earns a blue class labeling.

The Spyderco Military, with its point down design, is one of the best for opening boxes. Unfortunately that is not what I buy knives for. It also bears mentioning that it has no guard area worth mentioning. Pretty silly for a knife with the name military. Maybe it is issued in the military mail room?

The Tyrade is not made any more according to my research, it looked decent but it was apparently decent enough to not be made anymore.

The ZT 550 is another design with a handle that curves down in the back and a point that points down slightly in the front. It is the exact opposite of the cqc7. I have no idea why people like the 'bent knife' design.

The ZT 300 has great features but looks like it was designed after a whale. Seriously, what was it made to cut that it needed a blade like a spade. That blade, as well as the handle, could have been made significantly thinner and more streamlined if the blade didn't look like it was patterned after a shovel. Doing that would have also made the knife lighter.

I am not going to critique the M1 because I am not sure where I stand on it right now.

As a side note I'm interested where you buy your knives because your prices seem to be around thirty dollars off what I was seeing.

I see ZT knives posted a lot in threads about what to buy when it comes to tack knives especially when anyone mentions an Emerson, but how about if someone is interested in a strider. If the ZT has Emerson's beat then it REALLY has striders beat because they don't even open fast and their designs look pretty atrocious even compared to the ZT ones. From now on in every thread about Striders I want to see the first comment be 'buy a ZT', that would make me happy.

To sum it all up a handicapped design with all the great features in the world is still handicapped.

GMAHN switch to decaf seriously. You sound like you have no objective opinion of anything outside the Emerson lineup. Are you hoping to become an employee or something? Sh!tting on other companies is classless punk move. By the way, the CQC7 is intended for right hand carry only, that is why there is no multiple configuration for the clip to be installed any other way. You should have said you were a metallurgist and knife designer to begin with

 

[JohnnyMayhem]

But more importantly than anything else in the thread.

When is the A100 with a swing guard gonna come out? And also the EKI balisong too.

 

[Apec]

The lum can't be opened by either hand, that is a huge negative. I also doubt that it can be opened quickly because of the design of the tang and placement of the single thumbstud. It is an example of an otherwise great knife handicapped by a design choice that makes no real sense. A fast opening ambidextrous lum tanto from BM would be great but as it stands right now there is a reason that knife only earns a blue class labeling.

Yeah, got it.

The Spyderco Military, with its point down design, is one of the best for opening boxes. Unfortunately that is not what I buy knives for. It also bears mentioning that it has no guard area worth mentioning. Pretty silly for a knife with the name military. Maybe it is issued in the military mail room?

The CQC7 you revere doesn't have a lower guard either, nor does the wave/thumb ramp offer that much protection (what, are you going to really going to parry a BG's knife attack by catching it with the wave?). What's to stop your hand from sliding forward onto the blade if you stab hard enough with wet or sweaty hands? A real guard is something along the lines of the lower flipper commonly seen on Kershaw/ZT models.

The Tyrade is not made any more according to my research, it looked decent but it was apparently decent enough to not be made anymore.

Yeah, I suppose every discontinued knife is unworthy of current manufacture. I guess discontinued Emersons (i.e. the SOFCK) aren't decent enough to be made anymore either. Interestingly you say the Tyrade appears to be a decent knife, yet you criticize the ZT 0300's blade shape. Both have similar blade shapes and the Tyrade only weighs about 1.5 oz less than the ZT.

The ZT 550 is another design with a handle that curves down in the back and a point that points down slightly in the front. It is the exact opposite of the cqc7. I have no idea why people like the 'bent knife' design.

Tell that to Rick Hinderer's customer base.

As a side note I'm interested where you buy your knives because your prices seem to be around thirty dollars off what I was seeing.

I see ZT knives posted a lot in threads about what to buy when it comes to tack knives especially when anyone mentions an Emerson, but how about if someone is interested in a strider. If the ZT has Emerson's beat then it REALLY has striders beat because they don't even open fast and their designs look pretty atrocious even compared to the ZT ones. From now on in every thread about Striders I want to see the first comment be 'buy a ZT', that would make me happy.

To sum it all up a handicapped design with all the great features in the world is still handicapped.

Those prices are accurate and reflect current pricing at competitive dealers, not MAP or MSRP. About 1.5 years ago, I actually paid less than 200$ shipped for my ZT0301 NIB from kershawguy, a ZT/Kershaw dealer on these forums.

 

[GMAHN]

GMAHN switch to decaf seriously. You sound like you have no objective opinion of anything outside the Emerson lineup. Are you hoping to become an employee or something? Sh!tting on other companies is classless punk move. By the way, the CQC7 is intended for right hand carry only, that is why there is no multiple configuration for the clip to be installed any other way. You should have said you were a metallurgist and knife designer to begin with

So being honest about the fact that many of the designs of the most beloved companies on this board have issues is shitting on other companies?
Although there is no multiple clip configuration on the 7 it can be waved into lefty reverse. The Lum can't, it cant even be opened by a left hand.
I like how you say that I 'shit' on other companies while at the same time trying to insult me with snide remarks.

 

[GMAHN]

Originally Posted by Apec View Post
Yeah, got it.

So you agree that the Lum tanto has a bad flaw.

The CQC7 you revere doesn't have a lower guard either, nor does the wave/thumb ramp offer that much protection (what, are you going to really going to parry a BG's knife attack by catching it with the wave?). What's to stop your hand from sliding forward onto the blade if you stab hard enough with wet or sweaty hands? A real guard is something along the lines of the lower flipper commonly seen on Kershaw/ZT models.

It is the combination of the banana shape and total lack of a guard on the military which doesn't have near the width nor the flared bottom like the 7 that makes it undesirable for me. This doesn't mean that the seven is perfect just that it is better than the Military imo.
Oh and I noticed that you mentioned parrying a knife attack and catching a blade in a wave, I am not even sure how to respond to that silliness.

Yeah, I suppose every discontinued knife is unworthy of current manufacture. I guess discontinued Emersons (i.e. the SOFCK) aren't decent enough to be made anymore either. Interestingly you say the Tyrade appears to be a decent knife, yet you criticize the ZT 0300's blade shape. Both have similar blade shapes and the Tyrade only weighs about 1.5 oz less than the ZT.

And I suppose that you think that suggesting out of production knives in a discussion about what to buy makes logical sense. In that case if you are ever looking for a good new car let me suggest a 1960 corvette.

Tell that to Rick Hinderer's customer base.

I am sorry, I did not realise that just because a bunch of people like something that it has merit.

 

[Murindo]

I don't much care for &*%$ slinging contests since there are never any winners. My first comment is stop pins were not designed to rattle. If yours does send it in.

I've owned hundreds of folders in my 64 years including all the brands mentioned. I prefer Emerson's. Are they perfect, no. They are well designed and well made using knives that take a lot of use before you truly appreciate them. Some people don't have or take the time.

 

[Apec]

So you agree that the Lum tanto has a bad flaw.

Sarcasm.

It is the combination of the banana shape and total lack of a guard on the military which doesn't have near the width nor the flared bottom like the 7 that makes it undesirable for me. This doesn't mean that the seven is perfect just that it is better than the Military imo.
Oh and I noticed that you mentioned parrying a knife attack and catching a blade in a wave, I am not even sure how to respond to that silliness.

I really don't like the handle of the 7. The spine side feels too flat and unsupported if I hammer grip it instead of resting my thumb on the ramp. Now my Auto-Commander and CQC-11 are far more comfortable to grip (in my opinion).

I am sorry, I did not realise that just because a bunch of people like something that it has merit.

And there's merit to believing that "non-bent" knife designs like the CQC7 are superior? It's still personal preference.

 

[Apec]

So being honest about the fact that many of the designs of the most beloved companies on this board have issues is shitting on other companies?
Although there is no multiple clip configuration on the 7 it can be waved into lefty reverse. The Lum can't, it cant even be opened by a left hand.
I like how you say that I 'shit' on other companies while at the same time trying to insult me with snide remarks.

The detents on the 760 aren't that strong. They'll flip open smoothly with a bit of wrist action, either hand.

 

[Mountain Mike]

One of the great things about knife collecting is trying out and using many different styles and brands while you search for the "keepers", the ones that YOU like and fits YOUR needs. Another great thing is if you don't like it, someone on forums such as this will buy it from you! It's nice to research things and get others opinions, but until you handle and use a knife, you'll never know if it's for you.

Also remember that what you like today may change in a year or 5 or 10. If you like it buy it, there is an aftermarket if you are disappointed. Knives are not perishable!

 

[cevtv]

My first comment is stop pins were not designed to rattle. If yours does send it in.

Maybe you should contact Emerson and ask them about this before telling people to send in knives with nothing wrong with them. The stop pin is designed to float/rotate so that it doesn't get hit in the same place all the time.

 

[dano]

I don't much care for &*%$ slinging contests since there are never any winners. My first comment is stop pins were not designed to rattle. If yours does send it in.

I've owned hundreds of folders in my 64 years including all the brands mentioned. I prefer Emerson's. Are they perfect, no. They are well designed and well made using knives that take a lot of use before you truly appreciate them. Some people don't have or take the time.

A liner lock cannot function with a floating stop pin. To say that a knife is designed that way is nonsense....

 

[arjung]

To the OP, I think you'll find bladeforums to be interesting in that regard. Most of the negative press about Emerson seems to collect here. Maybe they had a bad stint a few years ago, I'm not sure. Other places of discussion on this brand tend to be quite positive.

But generally speaking I've had nothing but good experiences with emersons. My Mini A-100 is one of my favourite production blades. Right up there with my small sebbie, Strider SnG and Para 2

 

[snowreaper1]

The ZT 550 is another design with a handle that curves down in the back and a point that points down slightly in the front. It is the exact opposite of the cqc7. I have no idea why people like the 'bent knife' design.

If the design of the knife is slighly curved down you get a better angle and leverage when cutting. When the blade and handle are exactley in line with eachother
your going to have to tilt and angle the blade down and will get good leverage on the tip but it will be difficult to cut with the rest of the blade.

The Spyderco Military, with its point down design, is one of the best for opening boxes. Unfortunately that is not what I buy knives for. It also bears mentioning that it has no guard area worth mentioning. Pretty silly for a knife with the name military. Maybe it is issued in the military mail room?

The military has a choil and thumb ramp and Spydercos jimping is probably the best on any production folder on the market. Coupled with great ergonomics your hand is locked
in and provided a great grip.

 

[abcdefg]

Would you trust the tendons in your fingers to jimping or an actual physical barrier between the handle and blade?

 

[Buck_110]

deleted

 

[abcdefg]

I've seen a guy that injured his tendons on a knife that had some pretty good jimping. He says that he didn't even feel it happen. He needed reconstructive surgery to repair the damage.

 

[cevtv]

A liner lock cannot function with a floating stop pin. To say that a knife is designed that way is nonsense....

You really have no idea what you are talking about, do you? Call Emerson and ask if you don't believe me.

 

[Mountain Mike]

Excuse my ignorance but:

1. How can a liner lock not function with a floating stop? It locks into place when the blade is open.

2. Why would a knife designed to be used by the military employ a floating stop, when they constantly preach "noise and light discipline"?

I find most stop pins can be easily rotated manually without even taken the knife apart. Not trying to cause any aurguments, just curious. Thanks!