Questions, thoughts and a muse!

The General

The General

Joined
Jun 6, 2000
Messages
3,625
Those that know me, know that I have been incredibly unlucky with my attempts to buy an Emerson Commander. The first one I agreed to buy from a person second hand fell through because the person did not want to part with a 98 model (whatever that means?) The second arrived and was shockingly wobbly so I returned that, finally I have had one on order for an age with my local dealer and he has not been able to get one, so I gave up and bought a Para Military and BM 806 axis instead.

However after all this time, the cool factor of seeing Ed Mose's waved commander still has me wanting one. My next thought is are they (the current models) really improved over past models? I appeciate the design and features like the Wave, but as a collector of custom knives (mostly now) and as the reviews moderator of britishblades.com I find it difficult to find the time to really investigate this model, esp as I cannot see one before buying it (being in the UK does not help matters)

Thing is, if I buy a Sebenza (I have 3) I know it will be perfect, same with my Spyderco's (I own 20+ very few problems)

My thoughts are wandering off topic now... :(

Can you guys generate my interest by telling me some characterful stories of your Commanders in action? I would really like to hear such tales of adventure and interest. Give me a kick up the ass and get me looking for another Commander! Don't let me off the hook! Convince me Suspects! ;)

Thanks!
 
Hello,

I LOVE my 2004 Commander! It's tied with my Gen 5 Strider SnG Drop Point for my favorite knife!

It feels so great in the hand, the Wave kicks butt, the blade looks and performs very well. A lot of cutting power in the recurve.

I have 4 Emersons now, and I have had zero issues with them. Customer service is one of the best out there btw.

It really is a sweet, awesome, powerful, knife. Again - I totally love it.

---
About the 98 Commander.... Almost all Emerson's are marked with a year on the blade. 1998 was the first model year for the Commander.... It had thicker liners and G10 scales. Also (I think) had something called "a single dent" making it super smooth. Few years ago (2001 I think), there was the 5 Year Commander, which had the thicker liners and handle.

98 and 5 Year Commanders are very collectable items....
One web site (very good prices - $178 for a Commander vs $219 direct from Emerson Knives) is selling a 5 Year Commander for $450!!!!!!! '98 would probably draw more!
 
Also.... some early 1999 Commanders also had the thicker liners and G10 scales... The about mid-1999 both became thinner.

Due to they were having a hard time, getting supplied the thicker Ti liners.
 
I got mine from Heinnie Haynes of Penarth (UK)
tel 08707407070 but I had to wait a couple of months. Totally worth the wait. If I had to give up all my knives but one I'd keep this. Only drawback £183.00 and a 2 month wait I'm so scared of losing it.

Wave is lovely & ease of one hand opening is amazing I am sad enough to simply enjoy the silky smooth action with a heavy click as it locks.

Heinnie are really helpful I'm sure they would send you one on trial basis.

Object of total desire.
 
Hey Wayne! :D Great to see you here! If you are used to the quality of the Sebenza, getting a commander that will make you happy will be tough. IMHO the commander is not practical for everyday cutting because of the chisel grind and the curve of the blade. I'm sure that many here would disagree and that's OK. The framelock CQC 7 that I was able hold at the Solvang knife show seeemmed really nice. I have a custom Emerson of order (I was lucky enough to get my order in before Ernie stopped taking names). I think that any good knife collection should have a couple of EKI knives, A CQC 6 would be the ultimate! :) :eek: :D :p
 
I've heard that earlier Commanders had lock up problems etc.!
My 2004 Emerson Commaner from Heinnie Haynes.com is perfect!
Sharp and Heavy with a great lock up and grippy G10 handles,this "ugly black knife" is one I'd hate to be with out ever since I got it after my four month wait!
I cannot fault Heinnie however, they have even phoned me when I've ordered same stuff a coupla times to make sure I didn't make a mistake!I am a knife addict but Heinnie are my dealers of choice!Never had a bother with them and they care that my orders are filled! My Commander came with a note apologising for the wait for Gawds Sake!!Cheers to the girls at Heinnie and you know I'll be back soon!!
Eric.
 
I have 4 Commanders- all are terrific! No problems whatsoever. My latest is a 2004 from TAD gear (I believe they heve some in stock). It is a true "V" grind Commander and is perfect. It had a black blade which I can take or leave, so I satin polished it and it is awesome:) I still get a rush after seeing peoples reaction to a waved Commander- it is so cool!
 

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Thanks for the comments! I don't expect it to be a Sebenza, but then my Strider Tac AR has opened my eyes to the fact that a knife does not have to have perfect fit and finish to be brutally efficiant as a knife! :p

The V grind Commander has my interest! I will have to drop Bruce at H/H a line! :)
 
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