Recommendation for an Emerson..........(can't believe I'm asking this)

S

Strong-Dog

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Mar 1, 2014
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For the longest time, I've been "prejudiced" against Emersons. To me, they seem like they have absolutely no value, and are pieces of crap. The soft 154cm, lack of F&F, and overall lack of value has stopped me from even considering them. However, for no other reason then that a lot of you guys seem to like them and then my opinion of them will be more valid once I own one and use it, I may just have to buy one. I will try to be objective when handling and using it, and post my results back here if I end up getting one to experience. My expectations couldn't be lower, but I want to give it a fair chance. So anyways, do you guys have any suggestions for both where to buy one from, and what model to get? Just for general use, none of them look especially appealing to me so I want to see what you guys like. Thanks
 
How about that... I would suggest a Commander or 7 as they are the most popular. The "mini" size really isn't that mini. Good luck...
 
Smokinape said:
How about that... I would suggest a Commander or 7 as they are the most popular. The "mini" size really isn't that mini. Good luck...
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I figured if my opinion of them is gonna be negative, I might as well own one first. And who knows, I doubt it, but maybe my mind will be changed. If it is in fact a piece of crap, then I can tell people from my own experience. Besides, I hear they retain their value relatively well so if I don't like it I don't think I'll lose too much.

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll look into those.
 
The Commander and the CQC7 are iconic Emersons. That's what most people think of when they think "Emerson" so they'll certainly represent what Emerson does best. The CQC15 series (full-size and mini), however, are less of a recurve blade than the Commander if that's a concern to you. The belly is also closer to a traditional curved belly and the dropped tip is pointier than the Commander but still very strong.

I'd say look at these three models and pick the one that looks like it might work best for you. Give it a fair test of its performance doing the things it was intended to do and then tell us what you liked and didn't like. And yes, it will most likely sell quickly if you decide you don't like it.
 
The CQC 8 and the mini CQC 8, also known as the Horseman are popular as well.

Tom
 
Strong-Dog said:
I figured if my opinion of them is gonna be negative, I might as well own one first. And who knows, I doubt it, but maybe my mind will be changed. If it is in fact a piece of crap, then I can tell people from my own experience. Besides, I hear they retain their value relatively well so if I don't like it I don't think I'll lose too much.

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll look into those.
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When I got my first; Emerson, Sebenza and Strider I expected to be underwhelmed and all have become my favorites. I don't expect your story with Emerson will be much different...
 
Right now on BladeHQ, you can pick up a Horseman for $149.95, or a Mini Commander for $145.99
Two of my personal favorites and on the lower end price - wise.
 
My vote is for a Commander or CQC-8. I bought a Commander, and much like you I had heard a lot of negatives about their F&F. But I went ahead and got one anyway, I just couldn't shake the Commander bug and I also wanted to see for myself. Well 6 months later, I have carried it almost every single day since I got it in hand. Yeah there are some spots that aren't that nicely finished, but it has performed very well and fits the hand oh so well. I've used it for everything from opening boxes, to whittling (pro-tip...re curve chisel grinds don't make the best whittlers...), to chopping out a small block of thick lake ice. At the end of the day, I feel that mine has been a quality tool, and will continue to serve me well. Emersons warranty will back you up if you have any problems.
 
I would say choose one of the models that attracts you the most. Mini commander gets my vote; the most comfortable knife I personally ever held.
 
I'm more of a traditional blade shape guy, so I like the A-100, CQC-7A, or maybe the Horseman. Mike
 
A roadhouse or cqc10. Amazing knives, very comfortable and the fit and finish were actually stellar.
 
CQC-8 or a Horseman. I have some of the same complaints you do about Emerson, but I still own a Super CQC-8 because it's just an all-around solid design.
 
My Super CQC-8 is surprisingly useful.
A bit on the big side, but not into "clown knife" territory.
 
First of all, thank you guys for the recommendations. I've looked around, and I'm liking the Mini CQC-8. I will most likely purchase it in the next one or two weeks, and I'll keep you guys posted.
 
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