Old Emerson vs New

M

M.Link

Joined
Dec 26, 2014
Messages
91
Years ago (maybe 15), I remember my cousin having an Emerson, I loved it, it seemed very sturdy and well made. The other day my friend showed me his new Emerson, it looked pretty cheap.

What's the deal, when did they change? I'd love to get one, but don't want to be disappointed in it. What should I look for? I like the A100-BTS and CQC-7-BTS, which looks a lot like I remember his looking.
 
Times change, materials and techniques evolve. But the quality remains.

I hardly believe that Emerson's quality has changed. I have a small army of them. One (won't answer) has been put through its paces while on duty, and another has been used to the point of of a void warranty (It's not my Horseman). I couldn't do that with my old Delica, or Ti-Lite, or 5.11 Scout.
 
I'd like to know which emerson he showed you! We had a hardware version made in Japan that was cheaper and made of molded plastic handles and the Kershaw/Emersons look different than a regular production Emerson, not cheap looking though. The materials haven't changed in many years so I'm very curious. The only recent changes are the stand offs instead of backspacers and a wider slot on the pivot bolt.
 
There are also knock offs being sold on eBay. I'd love to see a picture of your friends "cheap" Emerson.
 
Amici,
I find it hard to believe and do not agree that the Ernie made line
of Emerson knives look or feel in any way cheap.

He's gotta be referring to the chicom/Kershaw hybrids, or maybe even a clone, but definitely not a 100% made in USA Ernie. .


Cheers,
Serge
 
You guys explained it. It's a Kershaw/Emerson. He got it at the factory Kershaw sale they have here in Tualitan, OR. It looks to be about the same quality as the CRKT knives that Big 5 always has on sale. I was under the impression that these Kershaw/Emersons were all that was around now.

Thanks!
 
Glad the mystery is solved... but I'll add my .02 anyway. My Emersons go back to 2006 (Commander) and up to 2014. I can't tell any difference in the quality of them. The thickness of the materials varies just a bit, but the action, the edge, and the overall quality look very much the same on all of mine. They seem very consistent to me.
 
1999 through 2014 for me, with a bunch in between. Consistent quality all the way, a bit of a dip in aesthetic finish for some in the '08 to '11 period occasionally, but flawless function all the way.
 
I own a span from 10 years, 2004 to 2014. The newer ones I feel are actually much more sturdy. I'm going to try and scoop a Tiger in the next couple weeks, so I'll let you know.
 
Hey RevDevil--kinda miss the old avatar... But I get the Evil Super Mod vibe of this one... Flame On!
 
I'm the opposite. I had Emersons in the far past that I really wanted to like, but just didn't feel right. The newer ones feel much better to me.
 
I can't say to much because I just recieved my oldest Emerson today, the mini-8 from 2009. Just like all 2013 and 2014 ones I own this one is a great knife the only difference I feel is in the g10 the 09 feels softer.
 
RevDevil said:
I own a span from 10 years, 2004 to 2014. The newer ones I feel are actually much more sturdy. I'm going to try and scoop a Tiger in the next couple weeks, so I'll let you know.
Click to expand...

Absolutely agree 100% , have 2014 karambits , and a cqc-8 and the quality is getting better , my first emerson was from about 16 years ago, carried that blade my entire time active duty and I still have her tucked away in a safe place. That cqc7 went through hell and even an ied blast and I could if I wanteded to sharpen her up and throw her in my pocket and carry her for another 16 years and be gtg. Holding the older emerson to the new they are definitly made and fit.together better. My 2014 cqc8 is a lemon with 95% lock engagment after 2 weeks , I did buy it from a brick and mortar so it may have been fingered to death before I got it , either way an eki employee and myself had a talk I explained how late it was , but told them it was a solid late lockup and that I really didn't want to.part with it until it got play and asked if that was still acceptable, she said of course and if or when it wears out send it in for a fix up. Bottom line knife companies send out lemons I get it, but if one gets to you or your emerson goes south EKI has your back and they stand behind their product. That IMO makes them hard use knives , not because they can withstand a beating , but if during that beating they fail the maker stands behind his product, so people aren't scared to do with an emerson what you might hesitate with another brand. Just my 2 pennies.
 
Old & new:
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