Not pleased with Emerson

I find it funny that Emerson calls there knives ( the number one hard use knives in the world ):rolleyes: almost every Emerson I have ever had, the blade would move to the side, sometimes actually touching the liner.
I've heard to many bad things about the emersons.



And what's the deal with the huge gaps between the blade and liners on emersons?.
 
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My cqc7 is perfectly centered and has no bladeplay. It's a 2010 production.
 
We all have our own likes and dislikes when it comes to knives and who makes them, I don't know if any of them are really worth getting angry over though :p

Things like the coating coming off when the knife is used or the blade staining are of little concern and at the end of the day are things that will happen to any knife that is used no mater who the maker is. The pivot screw "problem" is not something I find to be a problem my self but I can see why folks don't like it. As stated a bit of low strength blue LT or teflon tape will stop it backing out. I find that after the break in the pivot screws stay put on all of my users and only need a tweek every so often.

I have had very few problems with Emersons over the years, but that said, I would like to see a touch better F&F for the price. Things like sanding back the laser cutting marks on the edges of the liners and the scales/spacer being flush with the liners would make that extra little bit of a difference IMO.

:):thumbup:
 
My Emersons come to me as-is. All that knife has to do is get me out of a jam.
 
glockfire said:
I dont make this thread to troll, just to state how angry I am that 3 times I have been dissapointed with Emerson Knives.

I post this in here because I dont want the GP to see it and I wanna keep it around people who may be able to help me. I realize that due to people having different experiences or people having bias's I may not get any help. But, here goes....

1st Story: Bought a Super Karambit for MSRP price back in 07, the tip broke off while cutting heavy fabric. I chocked that one up to me being careless with a knife not made for utility.

2nd Story: Bought a used Mini commander in Satin. Blade consistently formed patina on the serrations, but some knives do that so whatever. But, the tension screw habitually came loose to the point where I have to tighten it about once every 2 days.

3rd Story: I figured I was just having bad luck, and I really wanted to like Emerson. I was in the market for a big heavy duty folder, so I bought a brand new CQC 11. It is a great feeling knife with awesome ergos. I was very pleased. The problem started when I began to cut a 1mm thick tin seal band. Every knife Ive ever had has cut through these with ease, but the recurve of my blade chipped in not one but 2 places....AND, the black finish has started to scratch off in only 3 weeks of ownership and light use.

Im sorry Emerson, I have to go back to Strider and Spyderco. A $40 Endura that went to Iraq and back TWICE with me has endured more than these EKC knives have and is still in better shape.

(( rules violations ))
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I sympathize with your feelings. I cannot explain why the K-bit tip would break in fabric but it is possible a hair line fracture or weak spot was in the blade from being ground too thin. $hit happens as they say. Emerson would need to be contacted to get advice on how to proceed with that.

The pivot screw needing adjustment is a common issue with more than Emerson knives unfortunately although Emerson are the ones I experience that most with since I have had so many of my own do this and seen a lot from others guilty of it as well. Some, a majority I dare say, seem to just ignore this and let the thing go because I see quite a few or used to that had a lot of side to side play. Often folks report that the knives Wave open easier with a bit of lateral movement. Since I've stopped doing frame lock conversions I don't see as many now but I can't believe this has changed since I've stopped taking those on. In my own knives I've found Sportsmans Goop works better than Loctite for me. The blue loctite seems to sometimes struggle to hold those screws bigger than a number 2 size but the Goop seems to work well for larger diameter screw sizes. Some like and use teflon tape to help cure this also.

Emerson's Black T finish is not the most durable but its more durable than some, say the Cold Steel line which literally peels right off even when not wanting it to. This is going to happen on a user knife though so I don't see it as anything unusual. As for the edge chipping. Well, thats your first mistake. The edge is chisel grind. While this grind slices well its also thinner at the edge so that equates to being weaker also. Thats why it chipped. The edge is so thin it had no choice. It sounds like its the wrong kind of grind and edge for your uses to me. You really need a good more obtuse grind for that kind of thing and it makes sense you like and prefer Strider better. The Strider will not slice with the Emerson and thats why, the edge is thicker and stronger. Its the same way in the primary grind chisel grind blades such as the Emerson HD7 or SARK. While if we were to slice the blade from the spine to the edge and look, the cross sectional mass of the blade would be thicker to make the blade stronger for such things as prying and what not but the edge portion especially toward the apex is actually thinner than a conventional grind so as it tapers to the edge it will progressively weaken down and you can note this in use if you use it like you would a more obtuse grind.

The Emerson line is basically a fighting and defense line. They are not the right choice for utility work, whittling on the back porch while you watch the grand kids or precision cuts. These are designed for cutting and slicing into flesh fast and effectively in close quarters combat situations. The cuts need not be anything other than damaging, to hell with neat! I'd suggest a general utility folder that can do the things you prefer to do. Get you a Cold Steel AK47 Triad, Voyager Triad, or American Lawman Triad lock or a Tarani 5.11 Investigator in a lesser expensive more obtuse utility, or even one of the Emerson Hard Wear knives for that matter if money is a factor. If not get a Strider SnG or PT or a Fulcrum II by Extreme Ratio, or a ZT (Zero Tolerance) folder for something able to do what you seem to like.

STR
 
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Sorry to hear about your problems. Id be pretty pissed as well. As far as the coating is concerned, they always wear off with use anyways. IMO it looks kinda cool worn off but you may want to opt for satin blades in the future. I only have one emerson and I really like mine. It has no issues and has served me well. I hope things get righted for you and you are able to enjoy your blades.

-Mark
 
glockfire said:
Not at all too late, for over $600 and still not pleased Ill do whatever I damn please
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Yeah it is...you bashed him publicly before even trying to see if they would take care of you - which they will........

Whatever - stop buying them....more for me. I have 5 and haven't and a single issue with any of them. Sorry you have incredibly bad luck. :rolleyes:
 
I previously owned Spyderco and Benchmade Knives. I'm a huge fan of the Axis lock, but the Wave opening is what originally attracted me to the Emersons.

I'm a new Emerson owner (CQC-10 and Combat Karambit) and I also noticed the blade play and screw loosening issues when I first received the knives. The first thing I did was take apart the entire knife and clean the metal surfaces with Gunzilla. It's the best CLP I've ever used for guns and metal. After a nice cleaning and wipedown, I applied Militec-1 grease to the washers and blades. Now my knives are tight enough where there is no blade play and with the grease, still loose enough to flip open or use the Wave.

I was also showing my friend the Karambit the other day. Unfortunately, I was still playing around with it while walking to my room to put it away. I opened it with the Wave and proceeded to slam it against my wooden door by accident. To my surprise, the tip was unharmed and I simply had to clean the paint off the blade. The door has a large gouge in it.
 
A.P.F. said:
Re the Kerambit, don't feel bad as I think that every person that has ever owned one has shed blood.
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Hahahah ok now I am SERIOUSLY going to make a thick leather arm/hand guard, get a trainer and learn very carefully. These things sound mean (I am still waiting for mine to show. I might just buy some teflon tape in advance.

Also Toker its good to hear you were able to hit a door with one by accident and it didn't fracture. It gives me a bit of faith that the blade might be a tad forgiving if I get one that has no flaws.
 
I've always flipped the pivot screw to the other side of the handle on all my Emersons. Each and every one them had issues with the screw coming loose. After I took them apart and ran the screw through the opposite side, it always cured the problem.
 
rod tak said:
I have had horrible blade play with every Emerson i have ever owned. If you tighten the screw the blade won't open, but if you loosen it the blade will wiggle right off. If you find the median...It's...ok. Compared to his customs, It's like buying the Hinderer Gerber, and thinking your getting the xm-18

I think they are super sharp, great looking blades, but i don't know why i keep buying them

Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting different results.
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i have had dozens of EKI's and have never had blade play issues, not even once, as long as the pivots adjusted correctly.

some might say insanity is buying a production and expecting custom level F&F, it aint gonna happen, not with productions running $250 or so while customs are 2X, 3X, even 4X that, thats just not gonna happen.
 
I've had my share of EKI knives and after adjusting the pivot to the tension I wanted, I've never had a problem with them. As for EKI's service, I'd rate it up there against anyones. You are certainly welcome to spend your money on whichever products you like, but if you still don't like your EKIs, I'll send you my addy and you can send those worthless knives to me.:D
 
My first Emerson (CQC-10) had a loosening pivot screw and if it was loose it was very easy to flip but it also caused the blade to move side to side with finger pressure. The problem? I didn't tighten it adequately. But even when I did the flipping and wave opening which I did seemed to loosen the pivot. Didn't stop me from using it though as it was such an awesome knife.

After a few years use I send it to Emerson for lock wear repairs and it came back with perfectly tightened pivot that doesn't loosen. Im a happy camper :)
 
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I would agree with this statement although the 8, 10, 11 and 12 can also work pretty good as utility knives. ;)

STR said:
The Emerson line is basically a fighting and defense line. They are not the right choice for utility work, whittling on the back porch while you watch the grand kids or precision cuts. These are designed for cutting and slicing into flesh fast and effectively in close quarters combat situations. The cuts need not be anything other than damaging to hell with neat! I'd suggest a general utility folder that can do the things you prefer to do. Get you a Cold Steel AK47 Triad, Voyager Triad, or American Lawman Triad lock or a Tarani 5.11 Investigator in a lesser expensive more obtuse utility, or even one of the Emerson Hard Wear knives for that matter if money is a factor. If not get a Strider SnG or PT or a Fulcrum II by Extreme Ratio, or a ZT (Zero Tolerance) folder for something able to do what you seem to like.

STR
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Have been daily using a single CQC-14 for about 6 months now. Don't care for wave - so sawed it off ( understanding this is now my knife - Emerson very reasonably will no longer service it.). Have pried ,pounded and tip gouged stuff with this tool - sharpens back up easily. The non-symmetrical grind isn't my favorite design element - but it cuts well.
My blade has lots of scrapes,scratches and worn areas in it's blade finish - don't care. No chips.
I have contacted Emerson CS for parts - they were helpful and efficient and their prices for replacement parts seemed reasonable - shipping was prompt.
Washer was damaged on my first 14 ( all three of mine were purchased used) - obtained replacements from Emerson - when I installed and adjusted the pivot I set it pretty tight - this seems to leave a very smooth and tight action after a couple of months of daily use ( in most knives - not just Emersons).
A point about blue Lock-Tite use : 1.) Very,very little needs to be used. 2.) Once you've put the parts back together - let them sit ( I usually go for overnight) - if you're exercising the joint the threadlocker won't achieve complete strength.
 
Buffalohump said:
I would agree with this statement although the 8, 10, 11 and 12 can also work pretty good as utility knives. ;)
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I'm sure a lot of people do that with those models and more but my point is not that some cannot get away with this if they just want to make whatever they have on them work, its that the "CQC" name kind of tells you right there what these folders are designed for. I also believe the Wave should tip folks off as to what these folders are all about. I mean how often do we have to get our folder out fast to scrape off old caulking from a window sill or carve some corners out better to fit a hinge on a door being installed? ;) Many times people can make what they have on them work, its just that there are better choices and while a pair of pliers may turn a nut you will find it much better all around to use the proper tool and find the socket set or adjustable wrench to do the job. :thumbup:

STR
 
I've got a lot of respect for Emerson knives. I've got quite a few of them. None custom; all utility users, no collector items. They're not perfect. They're not fancy. I don't know that they're the best knives in the world, and I would never believe the self-promoting and self-affirming claims of any manufacturer. This said, I carry Emerson knives because they've proven themselves in use...and yes, in hard use, to me over the years.

I've had a few complaints. A couple of workmanship issues. The pocket clips haven't proven exceptionally durable, and for whatever reason they seem to catch on things more than other knives. My CQC-15 blade developed a series of knicks without ever having been used for anything...only snapped open and closed, with a nick appearing in the edge here or there. Perhaps a steel quality issue, or something along those lines. I have no idea.

I've taken my knives into some unfriendly and trying places. With the exception of my favorite, a mini-commander, they've all returned. My personal favorite, and perhaps my most abused, was a mini-commander that's been all over the map. It disappeared in Mosul last year, but was serving well up until the end.

I managed to cut off the tip of my thumb while closing a commander in a tent in Basrah. I trusted my life to them, and I still do. I'm not a cool-aid drinker, and my interest in them is strictly utilitarian. I've never had one of my Emersons fall apart. I've done little to them save for oiling them and sharpening them, though I'm no fan of the single bevel edge. I've recently sent one off to Tom Krien and I'll see it when I get home (I'm in the middle east at the moment). I'm looking forward to it. if ti's as good as I expect, I'll probably send quite a few more in for work...though honestly, Emerson's knives are good just as they come from the box and I've carried them for years with full confidence.

I'm sorry the original poster has had poor experiences, but I'm quite serious when I say I've trusted my life to them, continue to do so, and plan to do so in the future.
 
STR said:
its that the "CQC" name kind of tells you right there what these folders are designed for.STR
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I'm not sure I buy that. A knife's name might imply what its function is, but that only holds so much truth as its construction can bear. I've seen cheap Taiwanese knock-offs sold under the name of "fighter", and I wouldn't trust one of those things to cleanly cut my sandwich in half, much less protect my life.

A name is just marketing. Only empirical testing can prove the value of something.

That being said, most of us Emerson users have had great experiences with their knives. This gentleman has had less-than stellar performance, and came in here to vent. It may have been in violation of the terms of the forum, but I think we can all empathize with, if not understand, the frustration of spending close to $1000 and not seeing satisfactory results.
 
TheBleedingEdge said:
I'm not sure I buy that. A knife's name might imply what its function is, but that only holds so much truth as its construction can bear. I've seen cheap Taiwanese knock-offs sold under the name of "fighter", and I wouldn't trust one of those things to cleanly cut my sandwich in half, much less protect my life.

A name is just marketing. Only empirical testing can prove the value of something.

That being said, most of us Emerson users have had great experiences with their knives. This gentleman has had less-than stellar performance, and came in here to vent. It may have been in violation of the terms of the forum, but I think we can all empathize with, if not understand, the frustration of spending close to $1000 and not seeing satisfactory results.
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The only violation of the rules of the forum was trying to sell without a paying membership. He is perfectly entitled to vent all he wants about his experiences here though. I think its normal to be upset over bad experiences and that most people would vent in one way or another if they had three strikes with a company they were really trying to like, particularly after spending upwards of 800 or more bucks yes I agree with you.

Come on now, we're not talking about cheap Taiwan made or China made knock offs here but I see your point about a name. That is not the case here at all in fact. Most people buying Emersons know they are the real deal. We're talking about one of the best combat knife designers in the industry and his products. CQC is more about realism than it is marketing or hype although I'm sure the name helps to sell the knives. Ernie's products are used by professionals all over the world. Again, it doesn't mean some folks are not pulling the utility work off insisting their recurve chisel edge Commander or HD7 tanto blades work just fine for that kind of work. More power to them. My point is and has been that there are simply better choices for a utility folder.


STR
 
STR said:
The only violation of the rules of the forum was trying to sell without a paying membership. He is perfectly entitled to vent all he wants about his experiences here though. I think its normal to be upset over bad experiences and that most people would vent in one way or another if they had three strikes with a company they were really trying to like, particularly after spending upwards of 800 or more bucks yes I agree with you.

Come on now, we're not talking about cheap Taiwan made or China made knock offs here but I see your point about a name. That is not the case here at all in fact. Most people buying Emersons know they are the real deal. We're talking about one of the best combat knife designers in the industry and his products. CQC is more about realism than it is marketing or hype although I'm sure the name helps to sell the knives. Ernie's products are used by professionals all over the world. Again, it doesn't mean some folks are not pulling the utility work off insisting their recurve chisel edge Commander or HD7 tanto blades work just fine for that kind of work. More power to them. My point is and has been that there are simply better choices for a utility folder.


STR
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glockfire's post had been marked by Esav Benyamin for a rules violation, so I assumed it was for attempted trolling. I didn't see his post as a trolling attempt, but one of the moderators apparently did.

Edit: I now see the reason for the rules violation tag. I assumed the tag was applied to this post specifically, rather than globally across all of his comments.

I agree that most people wouldn't equate foreign knock-offs with Emersons. But that's precisely my point: the difference between two knives does not become apparent until they are put to the test. We know the quality difference between a Taiwanese-made knife and an Emerson only because we have direct experience using both. In our search for facts, we must not begin with what is written, but with experiments and demonstrations.

This is why Emerson is so paranoid about keeping quality assurance under such tight scrutiny - he understands that a name is only worth the weight of the tests it passes, and he doesn't want anything with his name on it being an embarrassment to him.
 
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