I'm going to start off by saying Emerson knives are some of my all-time favorites. For a while there I was buying them and selling / trading them like crazy when I was going through my knife craze a year or two back. I've probably owned about 40 +/- variations of Emersons. But I really scaled the collection down about a year ago and was down to 3 folders just 'cause they were the ones I always carried (CQC7, Griptilian, and Mini Starbenza).
I picked up a couple more over the last year - the Jungle Commander was one I regretting selling so I acquired another. And I couldn't resist the ZT/Emerson collaboration variant I found with a Green Micarta Frag pattern scale (awesome, awesome knife - and I'm a real sucker for Micarta scales)
I was intrigued by the Sheepdog design and function when they were released, but I'm not much of a flipper guy so I resisted the temptation even after adding to my shopping cart on numerous occasions.
THEN - my brother in law (member here) sends me a link to a dealer exclusive Sheepdog variant with Micarta scales (just google it, I don't wanna name drop) - needless to say I just couldn't resist so I ordered one with Green Micarta scales, Black part serrated spear point blade.
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This knife is incredible. Of all the flippers I've owned (granted I'm not a "flipper guy" but I've owned many from ZT, Kershaw, Hinderer, Spyderco etc. before I made that opinion) this one has the smoothest, most effortless action to date. Whatever Emerson did the ball bearings in the pivot - he did them right. It just glides open. And its incredibly smooth to operate with the thumb disk too (my preference) and Waves open better than any other Emerson I've owned because of the pivot as well!! (2nd favorite way to open).
The knife design itself is a real winner. Sheepdog gets my vote.
But this edition especially - I also don't prefer super rough G10 scales as they just destroy my pants pocket (I know, cry me a river - but it bugs me a bit). These Micarta scales are nice and smooth. But not slippery. Definitely appeals to my preference. Color doesn't hurt either!!
Oh - and finally - did I mention this version's blade is S35VN instead of 154? In my (albeit limited) experience - I do prefer that steel. Its kept a better edge for me with the knives I've used than 154. So this knife is a real step up!
Now - the price tag is almost $100 more than the normal Sheepdog (which I might have to acquire now that I know what kind of awesome knife I'm getting...) but taking into account a better, more expensive steel, 2 upgraded scales, and the fact its a bit more "limited" than the normal production - I think it was worth it.
Speaking of worth it - I liked the first one so much I picked up another one in a Brown Micarta / Bowie configuration and got me a matched Serial #'d set.
Here they both are, along with their Emerson companions in my collection:
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I picked up a couple more over the last year - the Jungle Commander was one I regretting selling so I acquired another. And I couldn't resist the ZT/Emerson collaboration variant I found with a Green Micarta Frag pattern scale (awesome, awesome knife - and I'm a real sucker for Micarta scales)
I was intrigued by the Sheepdog design and function when they were released, but I'm not much of a flipper guy so I resisted the temptation even after adding to my shopping cart on numerous occasions.
THEN - my brother in law (member here) sends me a link to a dealer exclusive Sheepdog variant with Micarta scales (just google it, I don't wanna name drop) - needless to say I just couldn't resist so I ordered one with Green Micarta scales, Black part serrated spear point blade.
This knife is incredible. Of all the flippers I've owned (granted I'm not a "flipper guy" but I've owned many from ZT, Kershaw, Hinderer, Spyderco etc. before I made that opinion) this one has the smoothest, most effortless action to date. Whatever Emerson did the ball bearings in the pivot - he did them right. It just glides open. And its incredibly smooth to operate with the thumb disk too (my preference) and Waves open better than any other Emerson I've owned because of the pivot as well!! (2nd favorite way to open).
The knife design itself is a real winner. Sheepdog gets my vote.
But this edition especially - I also don't prefer super rough G10 scales as they just destroy my pants pocket (I know, cry me a river - but it bugs me a bit). These Micarta scales are nice and smooth. But not slippery. Definitely appeals to my preference. Color doesn't hurt either!!
Oh - and finally - did I mention this version's blade is S35VN instead of 154? In my (albeit limited) experience - I do prefer that steel. Its kept a better edge for me with the knives I've used than 154. So this knife is a real step up!
Now - the price tag is almost $100 more than the normal Sheepdog (which I might have to acquire now that I know what kind of awesome knife I'm getting...) but taking into account a better, more expensive steel, 2 upgraded scales, and the fact its a bit more "limited" than the normal production - I think it was worth it.
Speaking of worth it - I liked the first one so much I picked up another one in a Brown Micarta / Bowie configuration and got me a matched Serial #'d set.
Here they both are, along with their Emerson companions in my collection:
