I have to ask....

L

longbow

Basic Member
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Jan 9, 1999
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Why are Emerson folders, the production variety so expensive? I look on here and sometimes see them at large prices and especially on the bay. I mean do folks really spend that much on a used Emerson or even new EKI's when you can just go to the website and get'em for the most at a better price. Just wondering. stay safe
 
longbow said:
Why are Emerson folders, the production variety so expensive? I look on here and sometimes see them at large prices and especially on the bay. I mean do folks really spend that much on a used Emerson or even new EKI's when you can just go to the website and get'em for the most at a better price. Just wondering. stay safe
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Hold one in your hand and use it.

It won't disappoint.

Don't own one. Want one.

Ever since I held and used one, it's on my list.
 
You have to watch on any online selling, especially the "bay"
I see people asking crazy prices for complete junk, or sometimes asking for more than you can buy new for some used piece of crap. I guess it could be expected if it is a desirable model that is hard to find, but some folks are just looking for a sucker.
 
It seems that they're out of stock everywhere except buying directly from EKI (they have plenty available).
So, I'd agree with AntDog.... ignorance.
 
chevyrulez1 said:
You have to watch on any online selling, especially the "bay"
I see people asking crazy prices for complete junk, or sometimes asking for more than you can buy new for some used piece of crap. I guess it could be expected if it is a desirable model that is hard to find, but some folks are just looking for a sucker.
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True

Go for the authentic ones
 
I never saw anything special about them personally, always felt they were overpriced for 154cm. Then again, I'm not into tactical type knives.

Ebay, amazon, etc I would avoid. Buy from the manufacturer, reputable knife stores, or the exchange here.
 
Emerson’s are a ripoff for what you get, but they do have awesome designs and great ergonomics though.

The Emerson CQC8 is probably my favorite folder design but the crappy fit and finish ruins it for me :-(
I would love if Emerson gave another company like ZT the rights to make an exact copy of the CQC8.
 
I carried the Benchmade 970 Spec-war for a decade. Great freaking knife! Always meant to buy an Emerson but found CRK and there’s no going back from there…
 
I have to do extensive modifications to my Emersons to make me want to carry and use them. I'm a fan of some of the designs, but loathe the execution.
 
JPD1998 said:
It seems that they're out of stock everywhere except buying directly from EKI (they have plenty available).
So, I'd agree with AntDog.... ignorance.
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It is my understanding that EKI no longer sells their knives through sites like KnifeCenter, BladeHQ, DLT Trading, etc. They only sell direct now.

Also, it should be understood that they produce things in waves, with some models not seeing updates for quite a long time (years sometimes) if ever.
 
Quiet said:
It is my understanding that EKI no longer sells their knives through sites like KnifeCenter, BladeHQ, DLT Trading, etc. They only sell direct now.

Also, it should be understood that they produce things in waves, with some models not seeing updates for quite a long time (years sometimes) if ever.
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Yes, I got that impression when I went on the site and quite few were available. .... it's set up nicely.
But the bad thing is I like the "Appalachian" knife I just saw. :)
 
JPD1998 said:
Yes, I got that impression when I went on the site and quite few were available. .... it's set up nicely.
But the bad thing is I like the "Appalachian" knife I just saw. :)
Click to expand...

That's a model that doesn't come very often. I owned one at one point, but sold it because it was too small. 🤷
 
I'm not criticizing EKI's only the after market pricing of them. I've owned more than a few over the years but looking at the more modern take on folders just leaves me wondering why the high prices is all. The one's I've owned have all been great as far as functionality goes and ergo's. Especially the the 11 and 7a models. But still some of the prices I've seen around seems pretty out there, just sayin.
 
longbow said:
I'm not criticizing EKI's only the after market pricing of them. I've owned more than a few over the years but looking at the more modern take on folders just leaves me wondering why the high prices is all. The one's I've owned have all been great as far as functionality goes and ergo's. Especially the the 11 and 7a models. But still some of the prices I've seen around seems pretty out there, just sayin.
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The Emerson market thrives on hype.
 
I had a mini-CQC-7 Custom. Basically the same as production, but better materials and a bolster. It was a fantastic knife with the best action (using thumb disc) of any knife I have ever owned. I gave it to a deserving person several years ago when I thought I was ready for the Great Beyond. Anyway, I loved the chisel grind. But the thing that opens the knife when you pull it out of the pocket: not a fan. The only negative for me.
 
Emerson is still clinging to a 30 year old legacy, back when the term "tactical" appealed to every armchair commando and mall ninja.

30 years ago, there wasn't much to compare Emerson to, although Strider and Emerson do get credit for creating artificial demand and offering perceived value by coining the terms "tactical" and "hard use" etc. Words which really mean nothing with respect to knives.

Emerson knives were not overly exceptional 3 decades ago, and they have done nothing to innovate or improve anything as the years go by.

In comparison to dozens of quality makers today, Emerson should have fallen off the map by now - but nostalgia and hype are strong with Emerson.

If only his knives were as good as his marketing.
 
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