Opinion on Emerson quality

[SIFU1A]

the CQC12 isnt out yet i dont think, i want one though when they do.

like i said CS is "ok" as long as ya dont pay retail, i have serious issues with the owner though.

imho probably the "hardest use" folder is ER, my fulcrum looks a little more heavy duty than my 880 buck. the ER folders, though high $$, are something else.

 

[Daniel L]

I find their fit and finish not that great considering the price, but you are basically paying for the design (ergos), the wave and of course the "hype".

I never used to be impressed with their quality (had 2 models before) and I just recently got the CQC8 - waved, but it handles better than any other folder I have, strangely sharper and it waves.

I wish it was an Axis lock!!

 

[Gerberian]

I had only the Commander in hand for a while. I found it a fascinating, massive knife, and -though it was used - it cut like a razor. I was absolutely satisfied with it.

 

[echoscout]

Ok I need some input from you Emerson guys. About two yrs ago I traded for a Specwar folder and was very unimpressed to say the least. First impression was it was so light I first thought I had been ripped off and had a knock off,the blade seemed like it was made from aluminum instead of steel.

Second the overall quality seemed very poor. You could push the handle scales in and they would give,the screws were actually phillips and flathead,liner was thin made a poping sound.

The blade was chissel ground,not razor sharp out of the box and dulled after very little use.

Overall fit and finish was nowhere near the same quality of a BM or Spyderco in its price class.

I carried the knife for a couple monthes then traded it. Last yr I decided after reading so many good things to take a chance and try again with a Commander and same complaints.

I did not dislike them but in no way form or fashion did I feel I got my moneys worth,I would not consider either of them to be worth over 50 bucks.

I was watching the " More Proof" DVD I got with my CS Katana and my first thought was I wonder how many pieces the Emersons I had would be in at the hands of Lynn Thompson .

Don't be mad im just being honest. Give me your input good or bad.

Why do you need input sounds like to me you are already convinced in your own mind and just want to argue.

 

[Morpeus]

Why do you need input sounds like to me you are already convinced in your own mind and just want to argue.

When a knife gets so much hype and then you own two and they both turn out to be kind of a dud you would like to know if anyone else feels the same way or had the same experience. Not here to "argue" but I was warned via email not to talk bad about the Emerson as alot of members here can be defensive. Your post seems to verify this. Of course I never was one for comformity and no matter how respected a name is if I get a bad product im going to ask questions. Not saying I would never own another either,if I get a trade opportunity that puts me in one for what I think is resonable who knows. I will not own either of the models I had previously.

This is input and discussion,nothing more.

 

[mkent20]

Not here to "argue" but I was warned via email not to talk bad about the Emerson as alot of members here can be defensive. Your post seems to verify this.

This is input and discussion,nothing more.

I think a lot of Emerson fans get defensive because it SEEMS that Emerson gets trashed a LOT in this forum. If you've noticed, Emerson has a forum here on the Manufacturer section, but gets little traffic due to MOST Emerson fans have moved on to other sites. I'm not talking bad about this site, it's just doesn't seem Emerson friendly. You never see post dogging Benchmade, or Spyderco, or Busse, or ETC....... I'm sure Benchmade has put out a few bad knives, as has Spyderco at some point or another. All the good companies put out a "lemon" here and there, but you never see post just dragging them through the mud when they do. users just say, "I must have gotten a bad one, I'll send it in and get a new one or get it fixed" However, when an Emerson fails, the 1st thing they do is post that they are having problems, and Emerson's must be junk. If you search the many posts, you'll find that they never seem to send their knives back to get them fixed, even though EKI offers a 100% lifetime warranty, and one hell of a customer service support to back it up. They claim, once a knife has failed, they would NEVER trust it, so what's the point on getting it fixed..... EMERSON"S MUST SUCK.... End of story. If you notice, they NEVER have pictures, they never have any info.... They just claim the lock failed and that's it.... NO PROOF?????? I'm not saying that is ALWAYS the case, I'm sure some here that have sent their knives back, and I'm sure some have really had lock or knife failures, it just seems there are A LOT of "claims" and no proof to their claims...... I am not being defensive, I am just stating what seems to be a trend of Emerson bashing, and not a true discussion on this forum(NOT THIS POST, this post actually seems pretty informative and intelligent)

 

[CPettersen]

I am by far no Emerson expert, actualy I am new to EKI. I recenty recieved a CQC-7B, I was a little skeptical at first, but curious as to the hype I have been reading on Emerson knives, and I must say I am very impressed with this blade. It is very light weightand locks up solid. I then handled a CQC-11 and found the same thing. As far as the chisel grind, yes it is a little different, and does need time to get used to, but if thats not your style they offer standard grinds such as the Commander model.

I think all manufactures have a certain % of defects, whether it be Emerson, Benchmade, Spyderco, or even Buck. But from all the write-up's I have seen, all of these manufactures stand behind their products. As far as Cold Steel is concerned, I agree, they make some OK blades, I have nothing against their product. But check thier warranty, I think you will be dissapointed. A company who makes the claims such as they do, should stand behind their product. Of course I am not implicating doing what they do in the "More-Proof" DVD, a knife is a cutting tool and should be used as such.

And thats just my two-cents.

 

[STR]

They all have issues at times with certain models.

You never see post dogging Benchmade, or Spyderco, or Busse, or ETC.......

I fail to see the truth in the statement that Emerson is treated any different here than any other company. Maybe some of the guys feel that way but I haven't seen it. There certainly have been posts here dragging Spyderco, and Cold Steel and Chris Reeve knives as well as others through the mud at times. Some quite recently.

One of the biggests issues is defensiveness. It seems to me based on the limited one years worth of observation that I have been hanging here since retiring full time that the Emerson crew are tighter knit and come together in mass when Ernie or one of his products is talked of in a negative light. Spyderco too to a large extent. I'm not saying this is a bad thing but it does tend to bring emphasis to the posts and probably attention that would otherwise go unnoticed. This is especially true when things get "loud" for lack of a better term to describe it.

There have been many gang ups on guys simply starting out asking a legit question that was taken out of context though and I think that has been the problem and is probably the reason some think the way you do. Just my take on it and I may be off but that is what I see.

I don't want to stir up trouble anymore than anyone else but it seems to me if there is one thing that stands out about the die hard fan of any knife regardless of name or maker it is that they don't take critisism well at all on something they feel that strongly about.

 

[SIFU1A]

EKI inspires strong feelings be they positive or negative for some reason lol.

imho its not like that with most brands (ie BM/SOG/etc), mostly sebenza's, spyderco and EKI.

 

[mkent20]

EKI inspires strong feelings be they positive or negative for some reason lol.

imho its not like that with most brands (ie BM/SOG/etc), mostly sebenza's, spyderco and EKI.

I agree with that.

Maybe because these owners get out and meet their followers and talk to them and post here and on other forums. This makes their followers feel more personal and close to the maker... They are more likely to group together to defend him when someone bashes him or the company??

 

[Quiet Storm]

the screws were actually phillips and flathead

IMO that constitutes a big advantage in an EDC knife, much easier to disassemble and clean it in a situation when a few regular screwdrivers are the only tools you've got to take care of the folder. It also makes adjusting the pivot very easy.

 

[wolfmann601]

I think a lot of Emerson fans get defensive because it SEEMS that Emerson gets trashed a LOT in this forum. If you've noticed, Emerson has a forum here on the Manufacturer section, but gets little traffic due to MOST Emerson fans have moved on to other sites. I'm not talking bad about this site, it's just doesn't seem Emerson friendly. You never see post dogging Benchmade, or Spyderco, or Busse, or ETC....... I'm sure Benchmade has put out a few bad knives, as has Spyderco at some point or another. All the good companies put out a "lemon" here and there, but you never see post just dragging them through the mud when they do. users just say, "I must have gotten a bad one, I'll send it in and get a new one or get it fixed" However, when an Emerson fails, the 1st thing they do is post that they are having problems, and Emerson's must be junk. If you search the many posts, you'll find that they never seem to send their knives back to get them fixed, even though EKI offers a 100% lifetime warranty, and one hell of a customer service support to back it up. They claim, once a knife has failed, they would NEVER trust it, so what's the point on getting it fixed..... EMERSON"S MUST SUCK.... End of story. If you notice, they NEVER have pictures, they never have any info.... They just claim the lock failed and that's it.... NO PROOF?????? I'm not saying that is ALWAYS the case, I'm sure some here that have sent their knives back, and I'm sure some have really had lock or knife failures, it just seems there are A LOT of "claims" and no proof to their claims...... I am not being defensive, I am just stating what seems to be a trend of Emerson bashing, and not a true discussion on this forum(NOT THIS POST, this post actually seems pretty informative and intelligent)

Nah...Emerson is well represented and well recieved on other forums. While there are many EKI fans [I love em] on BF, there are certainly the detractors. It is just not BFC that is utilized by the die hard experts.

Maybe in years past EKI got hit hard here over delivery times and QC but in recent years the QC has improved to the superb level and the wait for an ordered custom from Ernie has been reduced to just eight years!!

If you were to visit another forum and voice a negative opinion of EKI you are likely to be shown the door. Here however it will garner little interest.

Probably the same way here with the Infi guys and Busse

 

[ekillian]

My first Emerson wasn't...I purchased one of the first combine effort peices from Benchmade back in 94 or 95. It kept stripping our the liner/scale screws. So I bought another one after they did the upgrade of adding nuts to the scales rather than just a threaded liner. After many happy carefree months of carry, it disappeared. Luckily, Emerson released the Raven line soon after and I owned my first real Emerson (sort of). It is still my rough duty EDC. I LOVE it. I wish I could afford one of the upscale ones...maybe down the road.

Eddie
www.k5tactical.com

 

[Tbilisi]

I received a new HD-7 Satin Finish today. It, along with my other Emerson's (CQC-12, Mini-7 and Mini-Commander) work flawlessly. I have a couple of Chris Reeve folders, several Spydercos and Benchmades but I continue to reach for the Emerson's for purposes of an EDC.

The quality of these knives have been proven to be excellant as far as I am concerned. My Mini-Commander needed a couple of days to smooth out but now it is like butter.

Tbilisi

 

[puukkoman]

the blade seemed like it was made from aluminum instead of steel.

The blades are 154CM.

the screws were actually phillips and flathead

This is not a sign of poor quality. Why should it be interpreted as such? It's actually intended as a beneficial feature; do knife users always have a set of torx drivers or allen keys handy? No. Is it much more likely that some standard tools will be available? Yes. Even if all you have is a SAK, you can maintain your Emerson.

The blade was chissel ground,not razor sharp out of the box and dulled after very little use.

Chisel ground blades vs. v-ground blades.... A debate that could rage forever. In most users' experience (and according to the rules of elementary geometry and physics), chisel ground blades actually take a sharper edge when ground at teh same angle as a v-ground blade. A chisel ground blade with an angle of 15 degrees has a total angle of 15 degrees, while a v-ground blade with an angle of 15 degrees actually has a total angle of 30 degrees. Get it?
They're also easier to sharpen in the field.

Overall fit and finish was nowhere near the same quality of a BM or Spyderco in its price class.

A matter of opinion, and perhaps best judged on a case-by-case basis. My Emerson(s) have all been finished very nicely.

I did not dislike them but in no way form or fashion did I feel I got my moneys worth,I would not consider either of them to be worth over 50 bucks.

Again, opinion.

I was watching the " More Proof" DVD I got with my CS Katana and my first thought was I wonder how many pieces the Emersons I had would be in at the hands of Lynn Thompson .

In my experience, Emerson makes an excellent working tool that can take as much abuse as anyone can dish out. It may not be a Strider (read: may not be able to pry open a Panzer), but an Emerson is at least as robust & sturdy as a Benchmade or a Spyderco. I've used Emerson knives for all kinds of tasks: fixing cars, camping chores, routine mundane daily cuts, construction & landscaping work. There has not been a single moment when I have doubted the capability of this tool to perform.

I hope your Emerson experiences turn out favorably this time... They're really quite good.

Peace.
Alex.