The Emerson Commander help?

A

AMOK!Rules

Joined
Nov 1, 2006
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The Emerson Commander, ok so i am considering to get this knife in a few days. Can anyone convince me that its a good SD knife and all that.
Hows the liner?

What makes this knife so good?????

thanks guys
 
In my opinion, it is overrated. It has the wave, which makes it unique and extremely quick on the draw (faster than an AO). I just think it's a lot of money for what you get. If you want the wave, Emerson did it first, and does it best. If you want a SD/Utility knife, I'd go for something else such as an Axis-lock Benchmade, or a Spyderco Manix. To answear your question though: Emerson makes an excellent SD knife.
 
I just got a Waved Mini Commander last month. It's a 2006 production model and my third Emerson folding knife. IMO the fit and finish is better than my older Emerson knives and although I don't have any measuring device to prove it, the liner appears to be slightly thicker than my older knives too.

I like the texture of the G10 scales and the double detent used to keep the blade securely closed. The lock-up is secure and there is no blade play on any of my Emerson knives.

There isn't anything bad I can say, except I keep wanting to buy different models and from what I understand their warranty / service is excellent too. Luckily I've never had to contact customer service.

Here's a picture of two of my other Emersons , one is a 2001 production Blackbird and the other is a SOCFK ( I got earlier this year)

COMP5.jpg
 
Yes, Emerson Commander is a good SD knife. I wanted to get it and did some research on it sometime ago. It has chisel blade grind, which makes it not so convenient for utility use. If you only carry it for SD, that might not be a problem though. I personally would get Benchmade 710 or Spyderco Manix instead.
 
I've never liked the blade shape of the Commander but prefer that of the CQC8 AKA Bannana which I find very appealing. The newer knives do sport thicker liners than the old ones with the exception of the 97/98 models that had the thickest of them all. I also personally prefer the traditional V grind but I do have some of the chisel and I'll say one thing for them. They cut and fast. As a pure slicer utility they are hard to find fault with.

STR
 
well i'm looking at the emerson as a SD knife more, i carry a BM rukus or a m21 special force. so for utility i can use them as well.
just wanted to know more about what people think of these knifes, cause i can get a custom made blade exactally like it but no g10 for like half the price.

Should i go for the emerson.
 
I would say do it and being that you are involved in SD you can later better answer this same question for the next guy that asks. I know many Militrary, Police, Rescue, and Firemen that use Emerson knives hard, as well as several that use them for just the purpose of what you are asking about. For that matter many have owned one and used it just to buy more. Most of them frequent another forum though. Contact me privately and I'll turn you onto it if you are not familar with it already.

STR
 
I'm not a fan of the Commander myself. to me it's unnecessarily heavy, and I don't like the edge profile. Makes it a real PITA to sharpen, even after you get used to it. To give due credit, the heavier blade does open real well when it's waved, but there's alot of nicer Emersons out there that can also pull double duty as a work knife.

I'd be more prone to go with a different design such as the Super CQC-7, P-Sark, or CQC-10,11, 8.

Emerson knives aint bad altogether, I just don't care fore that one particular model. YMMV...
 
The Commander has a v grind for its primary bevel, not a chisel grind. The secondary bevel is a chisel grind, which is much less of a problem, and easily turned into a true v grind with a bit of judicious resharpening.

The Commander also has as secure a handle shape as you will find anywhere. The CQC-8 uses the same style handle.
 
As an s.d. tool I think the comm is ok. I have "pimped" Comm. that I have taken a shine too but I still don't like the wave no matter what anyone says. I also have a mini Comm that I like better. Not that mini either. Just is a bit lighter in the hand. I also have a couple of 7's that I like better than any of them. Just a better edc/s.d. knife, especially the B modle. The tanto tip is an excellant penetrator and the junction where the main blade and tanto tip meet is a ripper for sure.

Now all this being said I have found that I am carrying a 710 in ats34 or a MOD Trident p.e. more than any of my EKI's or other knives for that matter. This particular 710 is awesome. Have the sharpening thing down patt with it and the tip is effortless for peircing. Either way you won't go wrong with any EKI. If you really want an EKI for s.d and edc get the 11 my favorite of all of them. The only knife I really regret selling of all the better prod. model knives I have owned. keepem sharp
 
Yes, I think it's a good knife for your purposes. Of course, you never know how comfortable you will be with a specific knife until you actually handle it. If you have particularly small hands, get the mini, otherwise go for the full size Commander.
 
The commander is a good knife. The mini commander is also a good knife. I actually find that they both fit my hand well, and are comfortable and secure. I've never had a problem with an emerson lock. The wave is very handy. -The mini is good for most daily chores, but for sd you should probably grab a full size.
 
I like the Mini ok as far as the blade size and length but found the handle to need about 3/8" more to make my hand happier. I'd buy the CQC14 over the Mini Commander due to the handle difference. In fact I believe I did. :D

Here is a pic of the handle difference between the new Snubby CQC14 and the Mini Commander that I snagged from somewhere. Wish I could remember where and I'd reference it. I just grabbed it for reference so I hope if its seen the owner of these knives won't mind.

STR
 
I wished I liked the Commanders more than I do. I once fell for them because of their cool looks and they do have a good feel in my hand. However, I've never gotten to a point where I think their fit and finish and overall utility on a day to day basis is worth their cost. They just don't feel that solid to me with their skinny liners I don't care much for the blade grind. To each his own and plenty of guys like their commanders.
 
Give a look to the 11 too. Great reach, fast in the hand and easy to sharpen and comfortable to carry. The Commander, like most recurves works much like the last few inches of a kris. Slashes need to be spot on or you will get a rebounding or skipping effect and penetration won't be as deep, especially if slashing through clothing, etc. A great blade though, made with SD in mind first and foremost IMHO. Practice the "escala" striking patterns a bit so your cuts and slashes will be exacting.

Matador-
 
though i would prefer a CQC12,13 or 8 to a commander the commander is "ok" its just not my fav EKI.
 
Slatts said:
I wished I liked the Commanders more than I do. I once fell for them because of their cool looks and they do have a good feel in my hand. However, I've never gotten to a point where I think their fit and finish and overall utility on a day to day basis is worth their cost. They just don't feel that solid to me with their skinny liners I don't care much for the blade grind. To each his own and plenty of guys like their commanders.
Click to expand...

My Mini is excellent in the fit and finish dept. and the liner is noticeably thicker than my older Emerson knives.

I'll try to take a good side view pic.

It's a 2006 production knife.
IMO it's definitely worth the $116.00 I paid for it.
 
$117 for the CQC10 satin finish plain edge, is that a good buy. I already have the full size commander and the CQC7 original wave. I tend to go towards Benchmades, particular the 710 which I find to be very quick and comfortable.
 
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