How do you feel about Emerson knives?

I love their designs, ergos, and durability, and the materials are "fine." Nothing really special, but they get the job done. I don't like their marketing and feel that they are grossly overpriced given the materials. I strongly recommend buying used and avoid anything over $150 (that's about what I consider fair). It is also worth noting that the black coating does not stand up to wear well, while their uncoated blades tend to look fantastic throughout the lifetime of the knife.
They take quite a bit of time to break in so buying used can help avoid the lock stick and gritty opening they often suffer from. If you do buy new, I strongly recommend an immediate disassembly and cleaning, as they often leave metal filings/dust in the pivot that really make them nasty when breaking in and can cause permanent damage to the washers and pivot if left there long-term.
 
My take:

1 - Mr. amg is pretty much on target.
2 - Emerson knives cut stuff just like every other knife we talk about on Bladeforums.
3 - their G10 and blade steel is no different than everyone else's.
4 - being pretty basic in their materials and construction, they seem pretty durable and tough.
5 - I've been wanting a Super CQC-8 for a long time, but Ernie doesn't like making enough knives to meet the demand. So, I don't have one, and he doesn't have my money.
6 - none of us will ever carry a knife deep behind enemy lines to extract CIA operatives from a Cambodian prison camp, so we don't really need to sharpen our knives on a rock. Therefore, give us a v-grind like God intended.
7 - the wave features is, IMO, pretty hokey. Maybe Seal Team 9 can consistently deploy the blade with the wave feature while engaged in hand to hand combat, but I don't think the rest of us can. But it looks cool when Charlie Mike does it on youtube.
8 - I like Emerson knives, but their intentional failure to meet consumer demand, and the high price for what you are getting (G10 and 154CM steel) is pretty irritating. But I'll still get a Super CQC-8 when I find one at a reasonable price, so Ernie must know what he's doing.

Edit: $264 for a Super CQC-8 online. Eh, I don't think so. I might pay that for a pair of them though.
 
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I like them myself. They are made from good materials in the USA.:thumbup: Rock solid lock up and both mine are perfectly centered and no wobble. People complain about the price but I think they are worth it. Here's mine.
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Emerson custom? or Emerson production? - Sorry to muddy the waters, but one is an iconic must have for all collectors who have the dough. The other is a well designed mid-priced folder made from common materials. There is plenty of company in the second category and many of them are better values.
 
I love my Emersons. First of all they are not pocket jewelry but knives you can use and get dirty with. Second they are 100% American made "down to the screws". Third I have had fantastic experience with the warranty department.

Also marketing has nothing to do with the performance of a knife so I honesty dont understand why people sway away from certain companies just because of a silly video or "theme". Im sure almost all of us have a pair of Levis but dont look like a pretty boy hipster with pants to tight like on there ads now adays.
 
I was never drawn towards the Emerson line until I held one. My business partner who is a retired Marine bought me a cqc7. This was 2006. I was impressed. No, fit & finish were not top shelf but it screamed use me hard. Carried it daily for 4 years until it was stolen during a visit to a hospital er.
Recently picked up a new cqc7b.
Love the brief break in period. Kinda makes it feel like my own. The chisel grind is an either love or hate type
of thing. I find it to be very easy to maintain and is an amazing slicer.
Don't judge the Emerson brand until you have one in the hand.
 
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I don't like the feel of ther liner lock..
A lot of other knives out ther with nicer locks
Comfort wise .;)
 
I have only owned an Emerson until recently, about 3 weeks now. I purchased a CQC-7AW model. And I love it!! Ernest Emerson is a stand up man/maker. He believes in what he does and it shows. Very passionate about what he has done and still does. Quite the humble person. I never knew too much about EKI until I decided to purchase one. The CQC-7 with the conventional V grind always looked cool to me, didn't care to much about the chisel grind. I have only been into CRK and Hinderer for about 2 years now. The CQC-7 is in my weekly rotation. I think that says a lot!!! The knife I received the F&F is very good, lockup is solid, sharp edge, the wave feature is freaking awesome!!! I've watched an interview with Mr. Emerson done by Nutnfancy, which gave me a greater appreciation for Emerson knives. The only thing I actually have to complain about is how much grip the g10 has, which is known to be pocket killers. I solved that with some 600 grit wet/dry sandpaper and the grip is perfect now :) Oh and the break in period for the knife. Doesn't flip as nicley, though I can thumb flick with no wrist, but still a little rough.

But as others have stated, you really don't know if you like a knife until you get one in your hands and use it. I suggest getting one of the exchange. I've seen plenty of great deals lately. The only other thing you need to do is find what style you like :D
 
I used to think they were overpriced too. Then I bought one and I was pleasantly surprised. I've owned 20 plus Emersons, including customs, and I have to say, until you handle one, you won't know if its for you or not.
 
Lots of companies have MSRP way in excess of aftermarket prices. That might indicate prices are high. I've got a few of them, all of them aftermarket, purchased here on Bladeforums.

But Emersons can't be overpriced when he just expanded his production and still can't keep up. He has a large loyal customer base that likes it like that. :)
 
I purchased my first Emerson this winter. Solid basic knife. I can say that I am not disappointed.

Tom
 
Congrats Esav, I know you've wanted one for a while. It is one of the nicest models I own.
 
powernoodle said:
5 - I've been wanting a Super CQC-8 for a long time, but Ernie doesn't like making enough knives to meet the demand. So, I don't have one, and he doesn't have my money.
Click to expand...

http://www.bladehq.com/item--Emerson-Super-CQC-8-BT-Bowie--10979

I love my CQC-15. Emersons are a little more expensive than I think they should be, but that doesnt stop me from buying them. I have a CQC-8 on the way right now and that wont be my last. The chisel edge is very easy to maintain, but as others have said, its love it or hate it. And Im not sure why so many people complain about the materials. How many Benchmades are made of 154cm with G10 or similar handle scales?

Example -
Benchmade Bedlam - 154cm steel, G10 scales, stainless liners, $195
Emerson CQC-15 - 154cm steel, G10 scales, stainless/Ti liners, $195
Benchmade 300SN - 154cm steel, G10 scales, stainless liners, $153
Emerson Mini Commander - 154cm steel, G10 scales, stainless/Ti liners, $147
 
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