Production Emerson Knives Are Not Show Pieces

[WoodenChicken]

They are not fancy, and they are meant to be used. After some experiences I've had on the rare occasion that I put one of my Emersons up for sale or trade, I think some people have the wrong impressions about Emerson knives. A spot or two where the black coating has worn--that doesn't even qualify for a broken in knife.

 

[akula83]

Any "wear" or blemishes should be disclosed though in a transaction, but I agree with you in that people have to Understand that most Emerson's are cutting tools first, and not display art.

 

[symphonyincminor]

That's because the majority of forum-dwelling Knife Folks haven't worked in an engineering environment.

Mr. Emerson has 30+ years as a knife maker and tool/die machinist, amongst other things. This background, along with running his own manufacturing facility, allows him to understand the complexity of making a hard use knife manufacturable at a particular price point. Remember that his knives are constructed from Made in USA sourced materials and put together by your neighbor (figuratively). He knows where to apply higher finishing processes (see the stonewashed finish and satin grinds he puts on the knives now) and where not to (who cares is the liners have waterjet cut marks or if the G10 doesn't line up exactly?) to make a knife that is intended for a rough-and-tumble life. Extra finishing on the liners and G10 costs more $$$. Want to pay more for some nicely brushed liners with lightening holes? I don't and neither does the rest of his customer base or else he would do so.

Consumers have now been conditioned to look for the newest, hottest, bestest (?) steel. The coolest handle materials (zirconium - really?). Thickest locks possible and even thicker blade stock, cutting geometry be damned.

When I pick up an Emerson vs. other brands, there is a highly-refined quality to them gets overlooked by others because the oh my gosh the G10 doesn't mate up to the edges of the titanium liner and the blade is slightly off-center these things bother me and have now skewed my view of this particular knife and now I feel compelled to post a YouTube video or a long forum post outlining why I will never be spending money on these knives again!! mentality is here to stay.

More for me I guess. And good on Ernie for honing his business to cater to people that actually look forward to their purchase because they're going to use the hell out of it. Don't get much better than that :thumbup:

 

[sergemaster]

Amici,
When you're selling any knife if it's been used indicate such. If it's been sitting in a collection, than you can list it as "mint". You don't want to mislead someone who may want what you're trying to sell.. Actually, allota folks like used knives, scratches, dings and all. Another thing about Emersons, there meant to be used since they're what... tools... Not fondled like a Princess constantly wiped and coddled. But then again, to each his own..


Cheers,
Serge

 

[Seilu]

While I like Emersons, it's really overpriced for what you get. You're not paying for high end materials honestly, you're paying for the namesake

 

[cncpro11]

While I like Emersons, it's really overpriced for what you get. You're not paying for high end materials honestly, you're paying for the namesake

Honestly, when are you not paying for a name?
You do realize that several knives costing twice as much as an Emerson use the same materials? I own more than one knife that cost well over $200 that use titanium and G10. Is a different blade steel really worth the added cost?

One of my favorite quotes from Ernie, "yes, American made right down to the screws."

For that, yes, I gladly pay extra.

 

[spyderco lover]

While I like Emersons, it's really overpriced for what you get. You're not paying for high end materials honestly, you're paying for the namesake

What you're paying for is longevity and warranty. Mr Emerson does a great job, like Mick Strider, making sure you always have a working knife. You could buy one commander, and twenty years from now send it in for a spa treatment to get it right as rain

 

[dano]

As with any item, a knife should come from the factory as clise to perfect and without defects.

Would you buy a new work truck with a faulty transmission, or other defect, just because it's going to be subject to "hard use?"

 

[benchwarmer380]

As with any item, a knife should come from the factory as clise to perfect and without defects.

Would you buy a new work truck with a faulty transmission, or other defect, just because it's going to be subject to "hard use?"

I'm a little slow sometimes could you elaborate?

 

[Mossyhorn]

What you're paying for is longevity and warranty. Mr Emerson does a great job, like Mick Strider, making sure you always have a working knife. You could buy one commander, and twenty years from now send it in for a spa treatment to get it right as rain

Please don't compare Ernie to Mick Strider. Ernie deserves more respect than that.

 

[Indiana Joe]

They are not fancy, and they are meant to be used. After some experiences I've had on the rare occasion that I put one of my Emersons up for sale or trade, I think some people have the wrong impressions about Emerson knives. A spot or two where the black coating has worn--that doesn't even qualify for a broken in knife.

I personally think wear-marks and blemishes add character to each individual knife. Yet in the interest of full disclosure & good business practice, you should be honest and disclose any blemishes that may be present. Just let the potential buyer make an informed decision and everyone should be happy with the transaction.

 

[cncpro11]

As with any item, a knife should come from the factory as clise to perfect and without defects.

Would you buy a new work truck with a faulty transmission, or other defect, just because it's going to be subject to "hard use?"

So you equate machining marks or lines not being perfect to a faulty transmission?
I own 5 Emersons and not one has been returned due to mechanical failure, try again.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2

 

[Insipid Moniker]

If I was looking at them as a purely functional tool I would say they're overpriced and move on. As is, they have a certain appeal but when other companies offer knives that are just as good at a much lower price point it's pretty hard to convince me to get out my wallet.

 

[WoodenChicken]

I've bought used Emersons that looked pretty rough since they had been well-used, and never had a problem. They can also be sent back to Emerson Knives, and for a nominal fee they will give a spa treatment/sharpening and have it back to you quickly. And I've never even done that--just kept using them. As several people have mentioned, they are tools. Some people use these tools, and some don't. Those who don't will never understand. It's just ridiculous when someone says your knife is in lousy condition when it's hardly broken in. I'm no fanboy, I love many other brands; however, I would advise the knife fondlers to avoid Emerson Knives. They will disappoint your "pretty knife" aesthetic.

 

[M.FREEZE]

I just recently got my first Emerson. It's a mini A-100 plain edge, satin finish. Most knives I get, even in this price range I never actually use. With the mini A-100 it was a different story. It begs to be used, and it will possibly become my EDC.

 

[TEFL0N_D0N_81]

I think Emerson designs for a while raised the benchmark for innovation and performance. However, over the past decade I think they've allowed competition to catch up and surpass them.

When I first got into knives, the Super Commander was my grail. Prior to being able to afford that price point, I've owned/used many USA made knives that were very functional, comfortable and served well. One day I mustered the $250 to get one (are they really $300+ now?). I tried for a while to justify how it was worth the price compared to other USA made knives at the price point.

They're meant to be used.. I get it. Maybe they need some new accountants or something because those prices are insane.

 

[symphonyincminor]

The prices are a reflection of the materials, R&D, labor costs, overhead costs for his manufacturing facility, on and on and on and on and on.

Taken in context, the prices (around the $200 mark, less for some models, more for some models) work for the niche Mr. Emerson has created. If anything, the accountants have done an exceptional job.

All the proof you need is to monitor dealer stock as the production runs hit the shelves. Dealers don't hold onto inventory for very long for a reason........

 

[TEFL0N_D0N_81]

The prices are a reflection of the materials, R&D, labor costs, overhead costs for his manufacturing facility, on and on and on and on and on.

That's the $1M question. If prices are a reflection of materials, direct labor, other direct costs, fringe benefits, overhead, administrative, and profit ... these prices are insane to me.

As for "Dealers don't hold onto inventory very long..", your belief in that statement is as valid as my disbelief. It can be a marketing statement alone. I definitely think EKI has a fan base, and that's fine. I like their designs, but really can't fathom the idea of "fair and reasonable" against their pricing.


Now, if the truth is that they're charging what people are willing to pay based on the namesake, then I don't see anything wrong with that. That too is part of the free market.

Just don't sell me the "meant to be used as tools" as a reason to skimp out on the tangibles that warrant the pricing.

 

[cncpro11]

That's the $1M question. If prices are a reflection of materials, direct labor, other direct costs, fringe benefits, overhead, administrative, and profit ... these prices are insane to me.

EKI is a small company that is extremely successful in a very competitive industry, so evidently their prices are competitive or else they wouldn't be in business.

As for "Dealers don't hold onto inventory very long..", your belief in that statement is as valid as my disbelief. It can be a marketing statement alone. I definitely think EKI has a fan base, and that's fine. I like their designs, but really can't fathom the idea of "fair and reasonable" against their pricing.

It isn't a belief or a marketing statement, it's a fact. A few minutes of research will show that the most popular models are regularly sold out.

...again with the pricing?

Now, if the truth is that they're charging what people are willing to pay based on the namesake, then I don't see anything wrong with that. That too is part of the free market.

Again with the namesake thing? Again with the pricing?

Just don't sell me the "meant to be used as tools" as a reason to skimp out on the tangibles that warrant the pricing.

Again with the pricing?
You think other companies are better at the "tangibles" then why are there so many threads touting the awesome warranties from people who have issues with their knives?
Go to some of the other sub forums and read all the complaints about poor sharpening, now look for a thread here, you won't find one.
Why are there so many threads asking "how do I fix...." followed by a ton of responses like "here's what worked for me" or "did you try..."

So don't tell me that other companies charging the same or more for a knife are any better.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2

 

[Seilu]

EKI is a small company that is extremely successful in a very competitive industry, so evidently their prices are competitive or else they wouldn't be in business.



It isn't a belief or a marketing statement, it's a fact. A few minutes of research will show that the most popular models are regularly sold out.

...again with the pricing?



Again with the namesake thing? Again with the pricing?



Again with the pricing?
You think other companies are better at the "tangibles" then why are there so many threads the awesome warranties from people who have issues with their knives?
Go to some of the other sub forums and read all the complaints about poor sharpening, now look for a thread here, you won't find one.
Why are there so many threads asking "how do I fix...." followed by a ton of responses like "here's what worked for me" or "did you try..."

So don't tell me that other companies charging the same or more for a knife are any better.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2

Frankly I was in your position a couple of months back, being I would only carry Emersons and such. But once you start to break things down to the Materials/R&D/Workmanship, you are really NOT getting your money's worth.

Materials - 154cm, G10, 1 titanium Liner, 1 Steel Liner, Screws, backspacer, Thumbdisk.
R&D - What R&D? A lot of those designs have been around for ages and Ernie, being a talented designer can pump out designs as he has proven on his youtube.
Workmanship - Feels as if his knives are rushed out.

Also, I would hope that the "Emersons always being sold out" point be left out because one thing people don't account for is the amount of knives EKI make. They don't make nearly the amount of other knife companies and it's easier to sell out 100 knives then 1000.

That being said, I do enjoy Emerson knives and I might purchase a couple more in the future. But we need to keep it real here, you're honestly not getting 200$ worth.