Emersons as EDC?

Comeuppance

Comeuppance

Fixed Blade EDC Emisssary
Joined
Jan 12, 2013
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I apparently have a thing for overbuilt folders - I figure I might as well try the brand that has been doing it since before it was cool. There's a local blade length restriction of 3.5", so I'm limited to the "mini" versions. I'm looking at the commander, horseman, or maybe even a roadhouse (if I can convince myself to try a tanto).

I've strayed away in the past because I've heard of some QC issues, but I've recently heard stellar things about them. One thing that seems consistent is the need for a break-in period, so I'm prepared for it to be a bit sticky. What have your experiences been in regards to older:newer Emersons?

Also, is it possible to avoid chisel grinds on all bevels with any of those models?
 
I have a mini commander and i really like it. Out of those I would get the horseman or comm. They are solid knives.
Also, they are pretty stiff and the grease they use is kind of gritty so when i got mine i took it apart and cleaned and lubed it. Now its perfect.
 
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I would go with the mini CQC 15. One of the most comfortable knives I have ever owned.
 
Every 2013 Emerson I've had has had excellent fit and finish. Break-in period is not really necessary on the newer ones. Every Emerson has a chisel edge, even if the primary bevel is V-ground.
 
Back around 2002 or so I acquired a Commander. Loved it, especially the Wave feature. The liner lock wore in fairly quickly and it eventually developed some up/down play. I sent it back to get it fixed, then ended up trading it for another knife. Never had issues with fit/finish or QC. Now, I do have a 2012 CQC-7V with tan G-10 scales. The linerlock appears thicker than that of my old Commander. Funny thing is that on the CQC-7 the linerlock barely engaged and even after countless opening and closing and waving, the lock has just started to settle in properly. Lockup remains solid with no wobble in any direction. Incidentally, the blade on mine is ground on both sides, but sharpened only on one side with a micro bevel on the other. Hands down one of my favourite tactical folders.
 
All production Emerson folders are sharpened on one side of the edge (left), whether they're chisel or V-ground. I reprofiled a couple of mine so they now have symmetrical edge bevels.

As for break-in, open and close them a dozen or so times, take it apart to clean off the pivot, then put it back together dry. The nylatron washers don't need to be lubed.
 
How different is sharpening/stropping a v-ground Emerson? Heck, how would one begin to?
 
I just bought my first a Mini CQC 7 a few weeks ago. No problems with the fit and finish and it came stupid sharp. Mine needed a little break in time. I did take it apart and clean it too and now it's nice and smooth. I have been beating mine up and it takes it. I was a skeptic but I am very pleased with my emerson.
 
I forgot to mention that the lock on my CQC-7V sticks a tiny bit, but I kind of like it that way. It lets me know the lock is securely engaged with the blade tang.
 
I currently have a CQC-15 and a Horseman, both are great and I want to get more Emerson's.
 
I have two Emersons, but both are Karambits. One is the older design and one is the newer. I like the thicker liners on the new one, but extension isn't quite as slick with the larger ring diameter. The next one I get will be a mini-roadhouse with the V grind. I've been putting it off, but I need the wave feature and I really like the looks of that knife. There was a good article on the origins of the Commander. I'll see if I can find the link, but it started with an order for Special Forces for a knife that could be drawn and used in a kill stroke in one motion. Not that the Commander will serve that purpose, but that's where it came from.
 
Got 4....often get carried. When I change to another brand...it doesnt last long before I go back to carrying an emerson again. No issues with mine. Fit is just about as good as other similiar priced brand offerings on my 4.
 
I own 7 Emersons from 2006 - 2013. No issues with any of them.
A Commander gets the bulk of use and I rotate between a Horseman, Gentleman Jim, and A-100 for out on the town fun stuff.
I own and enjoy folders from the most popular companies but for some reason just seem to gravitate to Emerson.
 
I've owned the horseman and currently carry a roadhouse. Never had any QC issue although I was not a fan of the secondary grind when I got it. After a re profile it is my favorite edc.
 
My current Emerson is a Horseman . I have other brands of similarly sized knives , liner locks as well as frame locks , some much more expensive and some less expensive . The Horseman is the one that gets the most use because I am not afraid to use it . Never any issues .
 
I just recently got my first Emerson, a mini-commander.
I carried it for a few weeks and I really liked it.
In fact I liked it so much I sent it out for a little pimping.
fastlt1nos (of BMF & USN) made Ti bolsters & micarta scales, bead blasted the bolsters & Ti liners & installed the LH clip mount. He does awesome work
Now, it's even better
Mine has definitely made it into my weekly rotation, along with my ZT0350M390 & M2 710.
Needless to say I have had no issues.
 
^^^^ I think it says a lot if a pimp master sends it out to be pimped. I have 3 and carry them all. They just feel correct.
 
Update: ordered a mini CQC-15. I'm all pumped now - I thought that the 15 and the commander were on and the same, but, once I saw the less-pronounced recurve and tanto tip I knew it was the compromise I was looking for.
 
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