Spyderco valloton or Emerson gentleman Jim???!!

A

Aprophet20

Joined
Aug 31, 2013
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I am looking for a knife in the 200 dollar range. What I want out of it is everyday use but also some sleek/gentlemanly that is straight edged and has a mean but sexy look. I've been tossing around the spyderco and Emerson. For one I would like options on both but would also like to hear some opinions on knives that fit that script. The market is to vast for me to look at every knife. Any input is greatly appreciated

~the butcher
 
I highly recommend the Emerson they have the best customer sevrvice in the business period bar none. Also they build a wonderful knife which I would say is more of a mid-tech than a production the quality is that good. I have carried them for 20 years and swear by them. I carried an Emerson Commander with me through two tours in Iraq and it was an invaluable tool to me and tough as nails. It still works perfectly to this day. Ernie makes some of the finest customs on the planet also!! In my opinion there is not a better knife for the money period.
 
Considering build quality, materials used, and price, I'll go for the Vallotton every time.
 
Both are quite capable. They don't come much sexier than the Vallotton with one of the best-looking polished G10 handles. Plus it has the better S30V blade steel (thicker too) and overall priced lower (by about $50). With the Gentleman Jim you need to dress it up with nice scales (bottom picture).

C149G_L.jpg

Gentleman-Jim-SF1.jpg

Gentleman-Jim1.jpg
 
I don't have the Emerson but I do have the Vallotton. It's an extremely well made knife. It feels great in the hand, is very stout including the liner lock. Not something I'm used to saying about the Emersons, at least the ones I used to have. IMO, it looks as good as it feels and works too. I can't directly compare the two but I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a Vallotton to anybody who liked it or was thinking about purchasing it.

Joe
 
I don't own the GJ, yet, but carry other EKI knives. Had the Valloton and while it is pure sexy the reality was that the overall thickness/roundness of the handle was too much to overcome. I like big knives mind you but it just didn't carry well for me. If you're looking at the EKI you may want to look at the Journeyman as well.
 
I would own the Valloton if it didn't have that extremely awkward Spydie hole, I mean it really ruins the looks of the knife. I do own a GJ and quite like it, but again I'm a big Emerson fan and have already gotten past the usual Emerson turn-offs.
 
Misanthropia said:
I would own the Valloton if it didn't have that extremely awkward Spydie hole, I mean it really ruins the looks of the knife. I do own a GJ and quite like it, but again I'm a big Emerson fan and have already gotten past the usual Emerson turn-offs.
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Yeah, EKI can be hit or miss in overall F&F but they are quality built pieces. Unfortunately I just tried a Super Roadhouse and a Standard Roadhouse and both had functional issues. I know EKI would take care of them but I just returned them.

To be fair my Valloton had slight lock rock, which I'm sure Spyderco would have fixed. The blade thickness wasn't helpfull for slicing and the way the lock protrudes beyond the cutout so far was awkward.
 
What Ceptor781 said. You might want to look at the Journeyman. Didn't want to like it for the first couple of weeks. Made myself carry before selling. Haven't sold the knife and it hasn't left my pocket since. Blade shape is one of the best I have used. Does everything I need and I can pimp the knife how I please without affecting the warranty.
 
Misanthropia said:
I would own the Valloton if it didn't have that extremely awkward Spydie hole, I mean it really ruins the looks of the knife.
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Seriously. I'd really consider it if it just had thumbstuds. The spydie hole looks totally out of place on that blade. To be honest, I can say the same thing for a lot of their other models as well. I guess thats why I'm not a huge Spyderco fan.
 
As an alternative for a large Gentleman's folder of around $200 check out the LionSteel SR-1A with anodized aluminum handle and a 3.7" blade of D2. The handle is made out of a solid block of aluminum. There are various handle colors to choose from like black, green, orange, purple and red. The blade can be satin or black. BladeHQ has a special version with a Bowie blade. Here's one examples:

lion-steel-black-satin-blade.jpg
 
Misanthropia said:
I would own the Valloton if it didn't have that extremely awkward Spydie hole, I mean it really ruins the looks of the knife.
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jonnyt16 said:
Seriously. I'd really consider it if it just had thumbstuds. The spydie hole looks totally out of place on that blade.
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That's my biggest gripe on the Vallotton as well. The BIG Spydie interferes with the clean lines and aesthetics of the design and makes it much wider than it should be. It's almost like a tumor! That's the reason I don't carry mine. It's still a very capable beast of a folder.
 
I'm loving all the responses. Taking what I'm reading so far into consideration, i think I'm leaning toward the Emerson. Unfortunately every time I look at the pix of the vallotton, I second guess myself l haha.
I really want my decision to be able to handle all tasks. From box cutting to camping/hiking/climbing to self defense. All in a sleek sexy package. Loving the input guys keep it coming!!
 
Aprophet20 said:
I'm loving all the responses. Taking what I'm reading so far into consideration, i think I'm leaning toward the Emerson. Unfortunately every time I look at the pix of the vallotton, I second guess myself l haha.
I really want my decision to be able to handle all tasks. From box cutting to camping/hiking/climbing to self defense. All in a sleek sexy package. Loving the input guys keep it coming!!
Click to expand...

I would like to help you so I'm going to be honest about Emerson's (being a fanboy doesn't blind me to the truth), they don't always come 100% out of the box. You might have an offcenter blade or have the lock wear in much too quickly and develop a bit of play. While the incidence of this happening has dropped dramatically for the 2012 and 2013 runs of their knives, I'm not going to lie and say that you can be 100% confident that it will be completely perfect out of the box. Unfortunately that just isn't the case. HOWEVER, when Emerson's are functioning 100%, they're incredible knives; extremely solid, smooth, and ergonomic. Sometimes it just takes a (pretty quick) trip back to Emerson for them to be that way.

Note: The Mini Commander I had developed vertical play, but the lock was still extremely solid in that it wouldn't disengage. I sent it back to Emerson and it came back even smoother, with a strong detent, and perfect early and rock solid lockup.

What I think you should do is go for the Gentleman Jim first. Handle it for a few days and see how you feel about it. If you don't like it, either return it or sell it here, I don't think you'll have an issue with either. If it's just not your thing, and Emerson's certainly aren't for everyone, than go ahead and get the Vallotton.
 
The decision is made. And thank you misanthropia for your honesty, is the vallotton. The size of the handle did it for me in the end. I am 6'3" and wear an extra large glove so I think the extra bulk will fit well in my hand. And it's just so damn sexy haha. But Christmas is right around the corner so I know what I'll be asking earnest clause for. ;)
Thanks again everyone. This is my first post and I'm glad I joined. Everyone was very helpful.
Thanks again.

~the butcher
 
You made the right choice.
The Valotton is far and away the better made knife.

If you ever get a chance, check out an Emerson, any Emerson, and you'll understand.
 
The Spydie was a big miss for me. The hole kills the looks, and makes the thumb ramp a bit uncomfortable. And while the lock bar does stick out, and is uncomfortable, its easily nodded while retaining its strength. But its well made and a lot of knife for the money, just not my money.
 
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