For the last 3 weeks I've been carrying an Emerson Traveler that I purchased from the Emerson rep at the Buena Vista, CA knife show. Overall, a nice knife for the money. Maybe not quite as refined as the Endura, but still a very good value.
The knife, out of the box, has a shaving sharp edge. After 3 weeks of daily use, opening boxes, opening mail, cutting a few ethernet cables and wires, slicing food, etc. the edge retention is very good for AUS-8 steel, it has remained sharp and still cuts cleanly. They've done a great job with their heat treatment! The lockup is rock solid with no blade play.
My only complaints are that somehow the handle scales seem a bit thin, and the clip is a bit too wide and too shiny (why not use the standard black Emerson clip???).
For a sub $70 retail knife the Emerson Hard Wear knives are a good buy. If Emerson will offer an optional black or matte clip they would be even better!
I've just purchased the larger Emerson Endeavor to see how it does.
Thanks!
ScottK