Is an Emerson Combat Karambit $160 better than this copy?

Cotherion said:
I'm a bit worried cause back locks are dis-engaged by pressing the back which is what will mostly be experienced by a kerambit (being pressed on the back). What I mean to say is that the dis-engage (which is at the middle, even more vulnerable to hand pressing the lock) will be a risk when ever you use it.

However since the force during use is in the opposite direction of the closing direction, I also think the risk is canceled out. Basically I think kerambits are more suited to something like a liner/folder lock or an axis lock.

I may be wrong though :)
Click to expand...



We have a 5.11 dealer here in town, and I fingered that exact piece last week.
2 reasons I didnt buy it were
The placement of the lock--as you mentioned
and the lack of a "wave"

It looked like a solid piece, but if I cant deploy it like the Emerson, then it looses a lot of its appeal.
Also, as you mentioned, the lock placement is a poor location, especially if you are using a reverse grip.
 
I know of someone who ground himself a wave notch on his folder's blade. SOG Vulcan I believe. It was reported to be an excellent 'waver' after the DIY wave notch. For this tarani's kerambit there is more than enough material on the blade to create a wave notch.

Placement of lock is the biggest no-no though. However I recommend Tarani's fixed kerambits (which I believe there is one in evil bay under kerambit or karambit at a decent price/steel/design).

Post some opinions of the kerambit (emerson) when you get it ok? An honest review comparing the knock off against the emerson without the people-pressure. I'm not trolling, just interested since I own no knockoffs so far :)
 
This is a sorry Emerson knock off and do not mistake Emerson quality for what you see in this knife. There is a BIG difference

:jerkit:
 
I agree. Instead of just saying "emerson/spyderco/kershaw is the best and non-higher-brands are crap (followed by the occasional jerkoff smiley for added class)" they could have just elaborated on why are they better. Yeah I know knock offs are mostly and crap and honorless and etc but the point is to have a proper discussion. You know, to while away the dateless friday evenings for example? :)
 
NO F-Bdy Bs said:
We have a 5.11 dealer here in town, and I fingered that exact piece last week.
2 reasons I didnt buy it were
The placement of the lock--as you mentioned
and the lack of a "wave"

It looked like a solid piece, but if I cant deploy it like the Emerson, then it looses a lot of its appeal.
Also, as you mentioned, the lock placement is a poor location, especially if you are using a reverse grip.
Click to expand...

Personally, I would prefer a lockback over a liner lock especially on a knife with which you might strike with the spine of the blade. That is just me though. Since the 5.11 has a hole you can always use a poormans wave (zip tie in the hole). From what I can tell from pictures (I don't own the Emerson) I think the 5.11 has a better curvature. Considering the designer (Steve Tarani) of the 5.11 I wouldn't worry too much about lock placement.
 
A less than knowledgeable friend , bought one of these at the swap meet , to give to me , he was certain he had scored for $10 , thinking it was an Emerson , it was an M-TECH. After waving it from the pocket a total of 3 , yes 3 times , the lock overtraveled completely off the blade , thus the lock up was total crap.

It wasn't worth the $10 he spent on it , and now he knows why. He learned a valuable lesson in you get what you pay for that day. It's still in my toolbox for when people come in the shop and ask " what makes a knife crappy ? "........ " here look at this.... "

:)
 
John T Wylie Jr said:
* snipped;

It wasn't worth the $10 he spent on it , and now he knows why. He learned a valuable lesson in you get what you pay for that day.

:)
Click to expand...

And that's the absolute truth and can not be put in a better way.

You get what you pay for...........................................
 
I don't recommend "knock-offs"- but, Emersons tend to be Over-rated in this industry. If your going into combat- don't sacrifice on a knock-off...but, if your carrying everyday...and cutting cardboard- get a box cutter....I've owned (many) Emersons, Microtechs, Kershaws and Spyderco's.... A knife- is a knife- is a knife......ITS basically up to what you- the individual like. I carry the (ZT) Zero-Tolerance 0400 matches up to any Microtech- or Emerson and is less pricy...and hey- part of the bargin is they provide a portion of the proceeds to the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)- how can anyone argue with that.... Everyone should have at least ONE Emerson...they're USA made and Emerson his self will back it up 150%.
 
NO F-Bdy Bs said:
We have a 5.11 dealer here in town, and I fingered that exact piece last week.
2 reasons I didnt buy it were
The placement of the lock--as you mentioned
and the lack of a "wave"

It looked like a solid piece, but if I cant deploy it like the Emerson, then it looses a lot of its appeal.
Also, as you mentioned, the lock placement is a poor location, especially if you are using a reverse grip.
Click to expand...

ive handled most of the 5.11 knives, including both kerambits.

they felt solid, and the grinds and fit/finish looked to be adequate.

the rep i spoke with said their knives and holsters are all manufactured by blade tech. the similarities are undeniable, but i have no proof other than what i was told.
 
the 5.11 K-bits are the same ones BladeTech was making , cant remember what the 5.11 rep said exactly at SHOT show , either they bought the design or having them made for them thru blade tech who no longers sells them.

I have on , its pretty solid. Not being one who uses or is trained how to use it for self defense , it serves its mundane life trimming my wifes flowers and makes a killer Copenhagen can opener too !!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top