Tell me about Emerson customs

colubrid

colubrid

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Nov 26, 2005
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I have owned dozens of Emerson over the years., Had several pimped but never owned a true custom from him. Been wanting to pull the trigger on one but heard stories of them also having issues.

Are ALL the customs absolutely perfect? Or do they also have problems like lockstick, leaning blades ect?

Would really like to hear from folks who owned a few or specialize in them.
 
I for one actually MUCH prefer a bit of "stick" in a linerlock (or RIL "framelock") folder. I'd much rather error on the side of lockup security than wonder if a stress-induced slip is imminent.

That said, I've only had two real Customs (to go along with about 40 productions and 3 "Po'boys"). Both my Customs (Super Roadhouse and CQC-7B-W) have been spot on, with the 7 having just a bit of wonderful "lock stick". It is just enough that there is the slightest audible "tick" when it disengages. Just PERFECT.
 
I've had A-100, Hattin, CQC-13, CQC-8, Persian, and CQC-12 and all but he 8 were perfect. It had a tiny spot in the Micarta along the backspacer that was not right. Only a perfectionist would notice it.

I carry my 12 often.
 
Do customs ever have leaning blades? Or are they all perfectly centered?
 
The reason I asked about the liner locks is I have always had problems with liners on the stock production Emersons. I have to go through several purchases to find one that does not stick real bad or have lock failure. I would have to spend over $1000. and have the same thing. That is why I asked.
 
I'll be honest with you and no offense to you by what I'm about to say , just take it for what it is but Emersons, production or custom may not be for you .

These knives are made a little different from flippers or other knives , I'd even say they are meant for the folks that open a knife and use it few times a day or once a day, but not folks that constantly play with knives that's where your lock issues come from . Emerson wear but the stick is a good thing , no stick means no friction and that liner can come right off .

If productions don't do it for you I doubt customs will either to be honest. Sure they have a thicker lock better f&f but they still aren't perfect and knives can be had a lot cheaper and may be more what your looking for . Basically Emerson is love it or hate it if you like the productions you'll like the customs .

A few drawbacks on owning a custom is if something does go wrong you may wait a while to get it back . Only Erie works on them and it takes time . It's common for a custom to be gone 6 months well maybe not common but I know of 3 knives sent back to eki for spa treatments and they took between 4-6 months to get back.

Don't get me wrong I love Emersons . I have a lot have owned a lot more and I'll buy more in the future. However and I'm just being honest here if I have 1k-1200 to spend on one knife it wouldnt be on a custom emerson. Too many other options with better materials that fit my needs better. Not a knock on emersons again .They have their place in my rotation . Best overall knife , not exactly . A no bells or whistles tool in don't mind getting dirty absolutely.

Honestly I think a lot of owning the customs is more of the cool factor associated with Mr. Emerson reputation and just knowing he made that knife you know . If it didn't have the history of EKI and Mr. Emerson behind it for example a new maker comes out with say any emerson custom knife , same materials same craftsman ship he'd probably get laughed off the block. Thing is Mr. E earned his stripea and has that reputation so he can pull it off. Now his knives at table price are a deal IMHO . Secondary market though I'd look elsewhere just my opinion you may be dissatisfied with it .
 
I highly recommend you find the model you like and use a production version long enough to know that's the custom you want to go after.

There is a lot of wisdom in Spartan00's post above.

If you don't like Emerson productions, don't buy a custom. I love my custom CQC-12 but I carried a production version for 12 years before I was able to get my "knife money" and the right custom 12 to come together.

There is something very special about Emerson customs but not all knife people feel it.
 
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