Kershaw Emerson CQC-4KXL or other CQC with 3.5" + blade length . Worth buying ?

[DocJD]

Considering buying but somewhat put off by reported washer problems effecting function in the 4KXL .

Any input pro or con ?

 

[spykez]

I have the 4KXL, 6K and 8K. The 6K is what I have used most and the problems I have had is that centering can go off when the pivot screw gets loose. Centering bad enough to cause the blade to scrape the scales. I have a feeling this is in part due to lateral pressure from the somewhat late frame lock. There is no lock stick, but the lock is late engaged, I'll try and get a pic later. Tightening the pivot solves this problem but makes the thumbflick deployment more difficult albeit not impossible. The wave is fine.

I have no issues with the 4KXL - lockup is about 50%. Nor the 8k, liner lock, early. They both flick open early enough.

I guess for the 30 odd bucks, QC can vary.

The steel is ok.

I'd buy one again. I like the 6K because ergos.

 

[Lapedog]

Considering buying but somewhat put off by reported washer problems effecting function in the 4KXL .

Any input pro or con ?

I haven't heard of any problems with Kershaw Emerson washers. Of the multiple examples I have owned I have not had a single problem. Unless you count the one my friend broke prying things he shouldn't have.

These Kershaw Emersons are amazing knives for the money. They're at the top of the pile when it comes to knives in this price range sharing the peak with Rat folders and Byrd knives. Honestly my real Emersons are hardly better for nearly ten times the price. The framelocks are awesome because they are Emerson knives that are thinner and better in the pocket than thick Emersons. I still gotta get an HD-7 though. That is my grail knife as it stands.

 

[DocJD]

I have the 4KXL, 6K and 8K. The 6K is what I have used most and the problems I have had is that centering can go off when the pivot screw gets loose. Centering bad enough to cause the blade to scrape the scales. I have a feeling this is in part due to lateral pressure from the somewhat late frame lock. There is no lock stick, but the lock is late engaged, I'll try and get a pic later. Tightening the pivot solves this problem but makes the thumbflick deployment more difficult albeit not impossible. The wave is fine.

I have no issues with the 4KXL - lockup is about 50%. Nor the 8k, liner lock, early. They both flick open early enough.

I guess for the 30 odd bucks, QC can vary.

The steel is ok.

I'd buy one again. I like the 6K because ergos.

Thanks spykez ! Thats the details I need . Sounds like your problem is similar to what others have had to replace the washers to fix . I'm looking at the 6K also but I normally like the longer blades . But the 6k is attractive now at ~$20 .

I've never had anything Emerson based . So curious to try .

 

[DocJD]

I haven't heard of any problems with Kershaw Emerson washers. Of the multiple examples I have owned I have not had a single problem. Unless you count the one my friend broke prying things he shouldn't have.

These Kershaw Emersons are amazing knives for the money. They're at the top of the pile when it comes to knives in this price range sharing the peak with Rat folders and Byrd knives. Honestly my real Emersons are hardly better for nearly ten times the price. The framelocks are awesome because they are Emerson knives that are thinner and better in the pocket than thick Emersons. I still gotta get an HD-7 though. That is my grail knife as it stands.

Thanks Lapedog ! I already got me plenty of pryers . I'm not committed enough to spend real Emerson money for a brand with frankly a problematic reputation considering their price point . I'm much encouraged by your experience with the Kershaw versions .

 

[Armadew]

I have three Kershaw Emersons. All are great! 4KXL especially.

 

[spykez]

Some pictures. Sorry about The optical distortion, mobile phone lens. CQC 4KXL, 6K, 8K from left to right. The 4KXL is slightly off centre closed but the picture exaggerates it, it's smooth, no play, no interference. I think if the lockup on the knife you get is like my 4KXL, you'll be fine. As stated, my 8K is fine, it looks really odd as it's a chisel grind.

If the lockup is like my 6K, you may be like eh.. I need to run it a bit stiff to avoid the lip or base of the primary bevel glancing off the non-lock liner side.... and you'll be like me wondering should I look at new washers, but fine to use. I'm not a stickler for dead centre within a few MOA, but not glancing off the liners is definitely desirable!

closed

open

Gratuitous leet op 8k shot. Sorry, no bananas.

Edit:Incidentally, if someone has any bright ideas to help me smoothen out my 6K further, I'm all ears.

 

[spykez]

Thanks spykez ! Thats the details I need . Sounds like your problem is similar to what others have had to replace the washers to fix . I'm looking at the 6K also but I normally like the longer blades . But the 6k is attractive now at ~$20 .

I've never had anything Emerson based . So curious to try .

I should add, I'm not fully certain the washers are to blame. I think there may be some contribution from the lockbar pressing on the ricasso in the closed position. I opened up my 6K and found the washers, to mk 1 eyeball inspection, looking quite symmetrical and undamaged. I may strip mine again for pictures but I don't have a macro lens. Something has to be pushing the blade to the non lock liner side, at least in my knife. I haven't checked the trueness of the pivot screw, don't have the gear, to be frank, but I doubt that is it either.

Also, in my honest opinion, fwiw, the 6K fits in my 501's better. As such, gets out more often. The 4KXL is nigh 4 inches, almost a mora companion in length, which is the main attraction. The 6K is more controllable for EDC for me, cutting fabric, cloth. The 4KXL somewhat less as the curve of the belly much further away from the pivot, no way to choke up on it. More tacticool, I guess.

The 8K is surprisingly nice, the jimping on the spine of the 8K makes the tanto somewhat fugly IMO, but helps you choke up on the blade, surprisingly ok despite the lack of a finger choil on the blade. But it cuts funny, you have to drive it.

Or you can wait. I think there are more kemersons on the way, 2 I believe, something that looked like a horseman and the other looking a bit bowie/clip pointish..l if I'm not wrong. Again in that 3 1/2" range. But none AFAIK announced bigger than the 4KXL.

 

[jstrange]

I just ordered a 4kxl and have my fingers crossed. I don't really expect it to be ball bearing smooth and as long as it's not rubbing the sides then I will be satisfied.

 

[DocJD]

I should add, I'm not fully certain the washers are to blame. I think there may be some contribution from the lockbar pressing on the ricasso in the closed position. I opened up my 6K and found the washers, to mk 1 eyeball inspection, looking quite symmetrical and undamaged. I may strip mine again for pictures but I don't have a macro lens. Something has to be pushing the blade to the non lock liner side, at least in my knife. I haven't checked the trueness of the pivot screw, don't have the gear, to be frank, but I doubt that is it either.

Also, in my honest opinion, fwiw, the 6K fits in my 501's better. As such, gets out more often. The 4KXL is nigh 4 inches, almost a mora companion in length, which is the main attraction. The 6K is more controllable for EDC for me, cutting fabric, cloth. The 4KXL somewhat less as the curve of the belly much further away from the pivot, no way to choke up on it. More tacticool, I guess.

The 8K is surprisingly nice, the jimping on the spine of the 8K makes the tanto somewhat fugly IMO, but helps you choke up on the blade, surprisingly ok despite the lack of a finger choil on the blade. But it cuts funny, you have to drive it.

Or you can wait. I think there are more kemersons on the way, 2 I believe, something that looked like a horseman and the other looking a bit bowie/clip pointish..l if I'm not wrong. Again in that 3 1/2" range. But none AFAIK announced bigger than the 4KXL.

Hey spykez ! Thanks for the pics and further details . They all look pretty sweet . I've gotten so used to carrying my huge 5.5" blade Cold Steel folders that anything less than 3.5" feels ... inadequate , toylike .

I'm not real fussy with my value folders , so long as they function .

"Kemersons" ...heeya , I like that ! Yes, I've been looking at 10k and 11k also .

 

[spykez]

I get ya. I prefer fixed blades myself but they pose interesting problems. So the small guys (folders) are what I'm looking into.

Go buy, so!

If you have the spare cash!

FULL DISCLOSURE: I bought another 4KXL inbound in the mail, just in case I can never get another one this big again. If the QC is up to scratch, I may get another 6K. Just because I beat on my 6K a bit, it's showing a bit of wear. All luxury purchases, mind you! I've other knives, but I just seem to like these.

P.P.S. Yes, the HD-7 is on my radar, as is the ZT-0630.