For some reason, Emerson has never appealed to me.

[sns3guppy]

The blade didn't fail, but did separate during use. Never a good thing.

 

[ROCK6]

This has been an interesting thread. I too own more knives than I need with some higher end folders such as the Sebenza or Hinderer XM18. I don’t know what the appeal is, but Emerson knives just work for me. I do like their liner locks which have never failed me; their “Wave” feature really helps for fast, one-handed opening which has come in handy numerous times.

I’ve carried an Emerson for work EDC over the past 12+years…even started before that with a Benchmade collaboration. I’ve carried them to more countries than I could count with deserts, jungles, mountains and swamps and even urban jungles. They have two combat tours to Iraq and Afghanistan…I’m not a door kicker anymore, but they were used pretty hard. I never really used them much for my recreational outdoor activities in the past; however the A100 and CQC10 have become my most common “go-to” blades for backpacking, hunting and practicing “bushcraft” skills. I really could do without the chisel grind and I know they now have conventional grinds, but I will admit the chisel grind is pretty easy to maintain in the field and a pretty robust working edge.

They aren’t the most polished, they aren’t the cheapest (nor are they the most expensive), they may not have the newest locking mechanism or use the current super cutlery steel. What they are is a functional folding knife that has some unique features which appeal to some; they are also American made if that is a specific criteria you're looking for. For me they have been reliable, tough and perform what cutting tasks I need. I don’t abuse them, but I’ve cut wire, broke glass, hit nails and staples (on accident) without much damage; I’ve cut webbing, cord, plastic sheeting, cardboard boxes, PVC piping and even made feather sticks and powdered tinder for fire starting. They work for me, they fit me and meet my requirements. Sure, there are less expensive knives and more expensive knives…price is a concern, but it’s more about finding one that fits your lifestyle, appeals to you and one that meets your needs. I don't knock all CS products as I do own several; if a CS folder meets all your needs, they are a great deal as are several other very capable and less expensive folders. Emerson just simply works well for me. I will say that I carry two folders when in uniform. One is an Emerson (either CQC8, 10 or 12); the other is the Spyderco Military…that’s another folder that is a pure, functional slicing tool! They both make a great combo.

ROCK6

 

[cevtv]

I will never give Cold Steel any of my money on principle alone.

 

[Mr Smith]

I have met and trained with Mr. E. He is a great guy, a true gentleman and a great instructor. IMHO, his designs are some of the best in the biz. I carry a Super 8 most of the time.

 

[CL01]

This has been an interesting thread. I too own more knives than I need with some higher end folders such as the Sebenza or Hinderer XM18. I don’t know what the appeal is, but Emerson knives just work for me. I do like their liner locks which have never failed me; their “Wave” feature really helps for fast, one-handed opening which has come in handy numerous times.

I’ve carried an Emerson for work EDC over the past 12+years…even started before that with a Benchmade collaboration. I’ve carried them to more countries than I could count with deserts, jungles, mountains and swamps and even urban jungles. They have two combat tours to Iraq and Afghanistan…I’m not a door kicker anymore, but they were used pretty hard. I never really used them much for my recreational outdoor activities in the past; however the A100 and CQC10 have become my most common “go-to” blades for backpacking, hunting and practicing “bushcraft” skills. I really could do without the chisel grind and I know they now have conventional grinds, but I will admit the chisel grind is pretty easy to maintain in the field and a pretty robust working edge.

They aren’t the most polished, they aren’t the cheapest (nor are they the most expensive), they may not have the newest locking mechanism or use the current super cutlery steel. What they are is a functional folding knife that has some unique features which appeal to some; they are also American made if that is a specific criteria you're looking for. For me they have been reliable, tough and perform what cutting tasks I need. I don’t abuse them, but I’ve cut wire, broke glass, hit nails and staples (on accident) without much damage; I’ve cut webbing, cord, plastic sheeting, cardboard boxes, PVC piping and even made feather sticks and powdered tinder for fire starting. They work for me, they fit me and meet my requirements. Sure, there are less expensive knives and more expensive knives…price is a concern, but it’s more about finding one that fits your lifestyle, appeals to you and one that meets your needs. I don't knock all CS products as I do own several; if a CS folder meets all your needs, they are a great deal as are several other very capable and less expensive folders. Emerson just simply works well for me. I will say that I carry two folders when in uniform. One is an Emerson (either CQC8, 10 or 12); the other is the Spyderco Military…that’s another folder that is a pure, functional slicing tool! They both make a great combo.

ROCK6

Excellent post. I always seem to go back to an Emerson & have used mine through an awful lot &, yes, into other countries as well. I can't say I carry 2 folders in uniform, though unless you include a slip-joint that I have most of the time. I've found it handy to have a folder & a FB.

All that aside, I just got a CQC 10 a few days ago. I'd have to say the F&F is excellent, grind, stonewash finish, G-10, centered blade, etc. I can't complain.

As to Emersons prices, that seems to come up quite a bit. They don't seem to be any more expensive than Benchmades of comparable size & most of those are using the same steel (154CM). And as to the blade steel, look at Chris Reeves knives. I'm not comparing Emersons to Reeves, but he seems to use the same steel for quite a # of yrs & one can argue that he's not using the "best" steel nor at the "best" RC hardness, but they work very well.

Some are going to love them, some hate them, & some in between, but I for one am glad to see a U.S. company doing well, especially at this time.

 

[Apec]

As to Emersons prices, that seems to come up quite a bit. They don't seem to be any more expensive than Benchmades of comparable size & most of those are using the same steel (154CM). And as to the blade steel, look at Chris Reeves knives. I'm not comparing Emersons to Reeves, but he seems to use the same steel for quite a # of yrs & one can argue that he's not using the "best" steel nor at the "best" RC hardness, but they work very well.

Only if the Benchmades are priced at MAP. They can be found for less.

For example, a CQC-10 runs for about 150-160 from a reputable dealer. A dealer doing an extended sub-MAP discount on a Benchmade 755 MPR (m390 blade, Ti-framelock) will sell it for 165. For a Benchmade Subrosa 790 (S30V blade, Ti framelock, assisted), I've seen prices as low as 150.

 

[CL01]

Only if the Benchmades are priced at MAP. They can be found for less.

For example, a CQC-10 runs for about 150-160 from a reputable dealer. A dealer doing an extended sub-MAP discount on a Benchmade 755 MPR (m390 blade, Ti-framelock) will sell it for 165. For a Benchmade Subrosa 790 (S30V blade, Ti framelock, assisted), I've seen prices as low as 150.

True, the ones you listed have come down in price from, say, last yr. I'm not saying $ for $ they're priced the same, but that from reputable dealer to reputable dealer (Say, the same dealer carrying both), they're pretty close in price.

Unfortunately, Emerson's direct dealer program is going to drive the prices up like BMs went up when they decided to deal more with brick & mortar stores. I will say that Emerson's seem to be getting more expensive than they used to be (In relation to other knives, not just that prices go up, because they do). That aspect of them along with the apparently sub-standard F&F is what the detractors don't like. Fortunately, I must have handled all the good ones because the F&F of the ones I've had, handled, &/or just looked at, have been excellent.

They're certainly not the end all of knives, but they're pretty decent. On that note, I've had more than a few Spydercos (& not low end ones, either) that had issues, too (Blade play, not centered blades, uneven G-10 to liner match-up, etc). For me, the Emersons I've owned &/or handled fit well in my hand & work. I still have a '99 CQC 7 (SFS) that saw daily carry for 6-7 yrs & even abuse. It still works great. Lock-up's at about 60-70%, but there's not blade-play & the blade's centered. It's worked for me, but admittedly, that doesn't mean anything, as knives are so subjective.

 

[sns3guppy]

Only if the Benchmades are priced at MAP. They can be found for less.

So can Emersons.

 

[IGotStabbed]

yes Emersons can also be found at street prices that are much lower than MSRP but it's harder and restricted to ONLY old models since all new designs are through this "prestige dealer" system that essentially fixes all prices to MSRP.

I have 9 Emerson knives now; and out of the new designs I'm really liking the gentlemen jim, but I'm having hard time justifying dropping the set $200

 

[sns3guppy]

So don't buy a Gentleman Jim.

The CQC-7 is still going strong and it's been in production for some time.

Same for the Commander.

An Emerson Endeavor on ebay right now is one seventy eight in price, new. A roadhouse two twenty. I'm not sure why either is better than the other offerings, but if that's what you want, then you can get them for under MSRP. I've bought several new knives from dealers on Ebay, and have had excellent service.

You can also find a Gentleman Jim there for nine hundred bucks. I wouldn't pay it, but there are plenty of buyers who would.

 

[Apec]

So can Emersons.

Reread my post. I was comparing the street prices of knives. MSRP hardly has any relevance anyways. Most dealers don't price at MSRP.

Anyways, extended discounts on Benchmades still count as street. But I've never seen such discounts on Emersons from reputable dealers, not drop-shippers or sites that never keep any stock. If I am wrong, would you mind showing me where I could find a CQC-10, 11, karambit, or commander (normal sized) below 150-160$? For the last 2.5 years, I've been watching dealers and I've never seen anything of that sort sell below 150$.

Granted that doesn't say every knife in Benchmade/ZT/Spyderco/etc's lineup has superior steel/handle material at Emerson's price points. What I am saying is that Emerson doesn't offer anything comparable in the 150-200$ range that has at least one of the following: 6Al-4V Ti framelock, S30V blade, 3d machined scales and more. Every Emerson production folder has a 154CM blade, no exception, always sharpened on one side, some are chisel ground. Yes there were Ti framelock models in the past, but they don't make those anymore.

 

[sns3guppy]

What I am saying is that Emerson doesn't offer anything comparable in the 150-200$ range that has at least one of the following: 6Al-4V Ti framelock, S30V blade, 3d machined scales and more. Every Emerson production folder has a 154CM blade, no exception, always sharpened on one side, some are chisel ground.

Emerson also doesn't offer 35 different colors, built in parachutes, and optional jet engines.

When I want to buy a Dodge product, I shop for a Dodge, and I don't complain that it lacks Toyota features. I really don't care about the Toyota features, you see, because I'm shopping for a Dodge.

If I'm shopping for an Emerson knife, I really don't care what's in a Benchmade or a Spyderco, because I'm not attempting to buy one. In a few cases, I've had some of my Emerson knives modified, such as blade regrinds, to suit my particular needs. I doubt they'd be warrantied at that stage, they're not as they came from the factory, and I don't care. I bought the knives for my use, and got what I wanted.

If the knives fit your need, buy them. If they don't fit your need, don't buy them.

If I am wrong, would you mind showing me where I could find a CQC-10, 11, karambit, or commander (normal sized) below 150-160$?

I'm not in the habit of doing other's work for them, but try ebay. You can find good deals all day long, and you can find them from numerous other sources, too. Some of the regular Emerson dealers sell on ebay, and often one can get a great deal. I've had several there, and I'm sure you can too.

Another poster recently whined that I should sell him a Super Commander for a hundred dollars, because he couldn't find one. Ironically nearly the same day one came up for sale on that site, and sold immediately. Go figure.

When I was in Iraq, I lost one of my most used knives, a mini-commander. I compensated by buying a bunch of them via the internet from a number of different sources. I got a good deal on every one. Some used, some new, but I didn't pay remotely close to retail.

 

[IGotStabbed]

KnifeCenter has CQC 10s for $150 even and I think you get free shipping. You will have to pre-order and wait though. I pre-ordered 4 Emersons about 6 months ago and 2 have been delivered so they do get them.

 

[Striderco]

got a mini cqc7 tanto recently. not wild about the chisel grind, but overall it seems like a solid knife! cant say ill hurry to buy another em!

 

[Apec]

I'm not in the habit of doing other's work for them, but try ebay. You can find good deals all day long, and you can find them from numerous other sources, too. Some of the regular Emerson dealers sell on ebay, and often one can get a great deal. I've had several there, and I'm sure you can too.

Been there done that. I got my CQC-11 for 167$ shipped via buy-it-now. Regardless, 165-180 seems to be street for that model and I doubt I would have gotten it cheaper unless it was used or on a relatively unnoticed auction.

We're straying from the original argument. I replied to a post that mentioned how detractors of Emerson brought up the prices of its knives and the materials/steel in equivalently priced knives from its competitors. But I fail to see how bringing up ebay accomplishes anything. If I can find Emersons cheaper on ebay, then I can find its competitors' knives (with fancy materials and features) even cheaper as well.

For that 167$ I could have gotten a DPx HEST, a BM755, BM790, a M390 BM710, or a Spyderco Military/Paramilitary. If I decided to go on the secondary market/ebay, it wouldn't be unreasonable to assume that I could save even more. Say I was looking at a prestige Emerson CQC7 for 220$ and up. That's enough to get a ZT0551, ZT0301, preorder M390/CF BM AFCKs, and the S90V/CF Spyderco Paramilitaries/Militaries back when preorders were open for them.

 

[OBJ Viking]

Many (if not most of you) have more experience with collecting knives than I, as I only started to do so in earnest back in May 2010 as a hobby after I retired. Prior to that, a knife was a tool to me and that was it. Now i do collect ones for "fit and finish", etc, but at heart, a knife is still just a tool to me, to be used.

I just read all 11 pages of this thread while trying to decide whether to buy another Emerson and have decided that "you either hate them or love them". Put me in the "love them category". I currently have two CQC 11s (one PE and one combo, both black finish), two CQC 8s (regular size, combo edges, black finish), a Horseman (combo edge, black finish), four CQC-7s (various finishes and blades, and one without the wave), and just bought a Commander with a PE blade and satin finish after completing this thread. (and I found it on the secondary market for less than $150. ) My primary EDC of all of my Emersons is the PE bladed CQC 11. The other knives I have put up (along with other brands) and only occasionally carry, but they are mainly to give to my children one day. I think I will add this Commander to my EDC rotation for myself.

I am no longer a "door-kicker" nor do I go into dangerous places if I can help it since I retired from 26 years of service and two wars, but I can honestly say that if I were to go back into harms way in service to my country, I would take my CQC-11 in my pocket or on my gear, and my old Kabar (which accompanied me throughout my service) and not worry about how they looked, only that they both functioned in the capacity I required of them as field knives and tools of the trade. That is what is truly important to me in the end. Function and durability.

I have knives that are made by other manufacturers, that are shiny, and the fit and finish are perfect, and they sit in my safe and wait to eithe be given to my kids one day, or sold if I decide to go that route.

My favorite CQC-11 (2004 model) developed some issues and I sent it back for work back in Dec. It was returned rather quickly, and the issues were not corrected and in fact were worse. I sent it back with a letter explaining the problems with it, and it was kept for a longer time this go around. When I received it back, it was like a new knife, except for the obvious signs of wear from use. I could not be happier with it and there was no charge for the service the second time. I attribute it not being "up to par" the first time I sent it off with EKI changing locations/buildings, and it may have just been overlooked. It now sits on my dresser as an EDC rotation with a Spyderco Military that I recently purchased, and a Benchmade 806 AFCK I bought in 2003 or 04. I bought the Spydie Military to test it out and can honestly say that it is (IMO) fine for an EDC in CONUS, but if I took it overseas, it would be in my ruck as a back-up in the event something happened to my CQC-11. After the CQC-11, I would carry the AFCKD2 as my primary folder. The Spydie is prettier, and the AFCK is rugged, although not as rugged as the Benchmade 970 I was carrying when I bought it, and not even close to what I consider the CQC-11 being capable of handling in the field, though I love the ergos on the AFCK, I carry the CQC-11 more often. I occasionally carry one or two other knives for variety, but not many.

The bottom line to me is as Mr. Emerson stated. His production knives are not designed to be pretty, but are designed to be used. They are tools, and are made to be used as tools by people needing a tough knife. I will use the ones I choose for their intended purpose as the need arises, and I will pass the others down as users to my children to be used as well by them. My other expensive knives that I bought for looks, fit, and finish, will not be used by me and will go to my kids for whatever purpose they choose, or be sold by me if the whim hits me.

 

[TEFL0N_D0N_81]

Been there done that. I got my CQC-11 for 167$ shipped via buy-it-now. Regardless, 165-180 seems to be street for that model and I doubt I would have gotten it cheaper unless it was used or on a relatively unnoticed auction.

We're straying from the original argument. I replied to a post that mentioned how detractors of Emerson brought up the prices of its knives and the materials/steel in equivalently priced knives from its competitors. But I fail to see how bringing up ebay accomplishes anything. If I can find Emersons cheaper on ebay, then I can find its competitors' knives (with fancy materials and features) even cheaper as well.

For that 167$ I could have gotten a DPx HEST, a BM755, BM790, a M390 BM710, or a Spyderco Military/Paramilitary. If I decided to go on the secondary market/ebay, it wouldn't be unreasonable to assume that I could save even more. Say I was looking at a prestige Emerson CQC7 for 220$ and up. That's enough to get a ZT0551, ZT0301, preorder M390/CF BM AFCKs, and the S90V/CF Spyderco Paramilitaries/Militaries back when preorders were open for them.

AMEN. Competitors of Ernie Emerson offer so much more for the price. At $150-$200 range, some combination of S30v (minimum), ti liners (or a stronger locking mech), assisted opening, great F&F and even some fluff and buff should be expected. Emerson offers NONE of them for that price. I can get a Spydie Navaja AND a CS Recon 1 Tanto for the price of one Super Commander (yes, I bought the Spydie and CS instead). These other companies have USA lines as well that still offer better value on quality vs price. I was interested in the Super Commander because I think the blade shape looks wicked. But that price is too steep for just that. I tried to lie to myself and I can't. It's just foolish economy.

And for those that claim the old "you should try it before you judge it"... There are things in life that you shouldn't have to try to know you'll regret it. For example, I shouldn't have to stick a nail in my foot to know it's going to hurt.

If Ernie (from one grown man to another, I have no reason to call him Mr. Emerson) says his knives are designed to be tools, he should price them closer to such.

 

[MHGeckos]

AMEN. Competitors of Ernie Emerson offer so much more for the price. At $150-$200 range, some combination of S30v (minimum), ti liners (or a stronger locking mech), assisted opening, great F&F and even some fluff and buff should be expected. Emerson offers NONE of them for that price. I can get a Spydie Navaja AND a CS Recon 1 Tanto for the price of one Super Commander (yes, I bought the Spydie and CS instead). These other companies have USA lines as well that still offer better value on quality vs price. I was interested in the Super Commander because I think the blade shape looks wicked. But that price is too steep for just that. I tried to lie to myself and I can't. It's just foolish economy.

And for those that claim the old "you should try it before you judge it"... There are things in life that you shouldn't have to try to know you'll regret it. For example, I shouldn't have to stick a nail in my foot to know it's going to hurt.

If Ernie (from one grown man to another, I have no reason to call him Mr. Emerson) says his knives are designed to be tools, he should price them closer to such.

How can you knock the lock type and then say you instead bought a knife that is also a liner lock? Especially considering that with the Navaja's features it's more of a novelty then a work knife. Comparing apples to oranges is great. Titanium liners and stronger locks? All Emerson locking liners are Ti and I really don't think the opposite side needs to be Ti considering it's a solid slab. Just because cheap liner locks have failed doesn't mean most will. If they were so weak then why does Spyderco use them on your Navaja and the Military, among others? I'd also wager that the locking liners are as thick, if not thicker, on comparably sized Emerson models. As for assisted opening, it's just one more thing that can go wrong (like when the torsion bar on one of my Kershaws cracked) and the Emerson Wave more than makes up for it. Don't get me wrong, I love me some spydies but; that said, I don't own any Cold Steel products on principal alone.

 

[EricV]

One knife company will not satisfy all of your wants and needs. People mention spyderco but also mention Emersons not having assisted opening, well neither does spyderco yet somehow thats not a negative for them? No one is a one stop shop, why ding somebody because they are just the same as everyone else, with some things they don't do well. For instance Spydercos are typically much better slicers than most, but are not nearly as tough as most Emersons blade wise, Kershaws are great middle ground knives and offer some high ends that are phenomenal but the handle ergos usually aren't there for me compared to Emersons.

And if all you do with a knife is open mail, cut up some boxes, maybe sharpen a pencil every once in a while, you won't get why Emersons are so loved by some. Its like buying a Jeep Wrangler and driving it around the city, its just not going to make sense unless you take it to the woods and beat on it, but some people complain about terrible gas mileage and ride quality in Jeeps.

 

[sns3guppy]

I was interested in the Super Commander because I think the blade shape looks wicked.

There you go. You're buying knives for looks.

Some of us buy them for function. Emerson's knives are sold for function. After taking them all over the planet and beating them to death in quite literally some of the worst places on earth, I'm confident in them.

I don't really care what they look like. "Wicked" just wasn't on my shopping list.

You apparently shop by looks, and you don't like what you see. Fair enough. That you got two knives for the price of the Commander doesn't mean you got a bargain. You only think you did.

For example, I shouldn't have to stick a nail in my foot to know it's going to hurt.

You didn't stick your cold steel knife in your foot before you bought it, did you?

Why would you make such a ridiculous analogy with the Emerson, then?

If Ernie (from one grown man to another, I have no reason to call him Mr. Emerson) says his knives are designed to be tools, he should price them closer to such.

He does. It may be that you don't understand the difference between a cheap tool and a good one.

At $150-$200 range, some combination of S30v (minimum), ti liners (or a stronger locking mech), assisted opening, great F&F and even some fluff and buff should be expected. Emerson offers NONE of them for that price.

You're really hung up on the steel, though it's one of the better steels for knives, and one used by a lot of knife manufacturers.

Assisted opening it has; it's called a "wave." You could try it and find out, but you'd have to stick a nail in your foot first, or something along those lines. It's probably best that you take someone else's word, in that case. The knives do come with titanium liners. The knives don't need "fluff and buff." They work just fine right out of the box.

I just bought another Commander, incidentally. It was under a hundred bucks. When you were whining before about wanting me to sell you a Super Commander for that price, one came up on the same forum, and sold quickly, as Emersons tend to do. Go figure.