what's so good about emerson knives

Yes I'm aware that f&f aren't their focus, but it beyond what I expected. I agree that the blade is very nice. I see no problems with it besides that the thumb disk is very noticeably crooked on it. Then like you said, g10 not matching up, liners are ugly and sharp in spots, I can actually wiggle one of the g10 scales a little bit on the liner (non locking side), I'm guessing because the hole for the pivot in the g10 is a bit too big. Out of the box there was virtually no detent strength, unless i bend the non-locking side detent ball in so far that the knife is ultra stiff and rough. I put it back to normal and its smooth at least. I realize not of this stuff actually effects the cutting ability of the knife, but i still find it disappointing for the cost.


Not sure if I'm using 'hype' in the way you expected or not. Basically what I means is that I've heard so many great things about the knives, with only small complaints here and there that I just fully expected to love it, even being rough around the edges. Unfortunately that's not how i feel about this one. I guess, it feels like a very nice blade in a very cheap handle to me. Not sure how else to put it.

Like i said, i still want to try a CQC-7 because they can be had for pretty cheap, i'd really like to have an emerson in my collection



cncpro11 said:
Can I ask what specifically about the fit n finish didn't meet your standards, and also what hype were you buying into?

It is common knowledge that the scales don't line up perfectly with the liners, the liners are rough, and some are worse than others with cutout marks around the jimping etc.

But I really have to say that Emerson is in a different class when it comes to his blade grinds. I own five Emersons and a Benchmade cqc7, and the blade grinds are perfect in every regard.
Plunge lines on the V- ground blades are perfectly centered, the lines between the satin finish and stonwashed areas are flawless, and every blade has come razor sharp with no visible grind marks.

I understand that f n f is important to some folks, but in my opinion, he focuses all of the attention to detail where it really counts.
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Thanks for your reply.
It sucks the Commander doesn't suit you, but hopefully you have better luck with the 7.
 
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cncpro11 said:
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Question for the guys who say they don't like Ernie Emerson; how many other manufacturers sub forums allow you to come in, bash the knives and the owner, and not run you out on a rail?
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Spyderco, for one. Not that I don't like EE. Don't know him, haven't read him, so can't say.
 
Atheos said:
Yes I'm aware that f&f aren't their focus, but it beyond what I expected. I agree that the blade is very nice. I see no problems with it besides that the thumb disk is very noticeably crooked on it. Then like you said, g10 not matching up, liners are ugly and sharp in spots, I can actually wiggle one of the g10 scales a little bit on the liner (non locking side), I'm guessing because the hole for the pivot in the g10 is a bit too big. Out of the box there was virtually no detent strength, unless i bend the non-locking side detent ball in so far that the knife is ultra stiff and rough. I put it back to normal and its smooth at least. I realize not of this stuff actually effects the cutting ability of the knife, but i still find it disappointing for the cost.


Not sure if I'm using 'hype' in the way you expected or not. Basically what I means is that I've heard so many great things about the knives, with only small complaints here and there that I just fully expected to love it, even being rough around the edges. Unfortunately that's not how i feel about this one. I guess, it feels like a very nice blade in a very cheap handle to me. Not sure how else to put it.

Like i said, i still want to try a CQC-7 because they can be had for pretty cheap, i'd really like to have an emerson in my collection
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I would contact EKI to see if they'll address your concerns. I think they should at least be given the chance to make it right for you.
 
In my opinion, Emerson knives have a certain gritty, hard core character. It's a knife that you stick in your hand and get it done.
I believe that Emerson design their knives with some of this in mind. I see many markets for superb fit and finish, gorgeous artistic handles, I own many. But I also own Emersons.
To me, the basic Emerson user would open his new box, take a quick look, then see how it feels in the hand. I'm not saying that we are not picky or easily pleased. I'm just saying that Emerson fills a need for a different kind of market when it comes to folders. Also, we all know about the superb customs and special runs that get made, so it's not like they can't do the high end esthetics.
Emerson is a unique company in my opinion. They have maintained their philosophy of design, and stuck to their guns.
Buy one. Get it dirty and use the .... out of it.
This is what I think is so good about Emersons.
Cheers
 
And I agree with that post. ^

One thing that EKI does about as well as or better than anybody else IMHO is make ergonomic grips that compromise in no way whatsoever for aesthetics. The first time I picked up a Commander, I became an EKI fan.
 
Agreed on that ^
And did you know that the Horseman was designed for my hand alone? ;)
Well it sure feels like it.:)
Cheers
 
So tired of hearing about the fit and finish. If you disassemble an Emerson and look at each part individually your see where your money went.
My Emerson's really do feel up for anything, and there ergonomics are so excellent. I've had allot of knives, and allot of them put style ahead of function, or limit the grips you can hold the knife in and try to channel you into a certain grip style.
 
I've owned my fair share of production Emersons, going back to the late '90's. 7s (both EKI & Benchmade), 8s, Lagriffes, full & mini Commanders & I get what they are about. I sent a well-used '99 Commander back to the shop for a fix (after some good, hard & honest utilitarian use- camping, food prep, etc) & it came home as good as new. They stand by their products. Some of them are dedicated people-openers & I understand the purpose to the specific grind & can put a good edge on one if I want/need to. I have no need for chopping bad guys in half, but I get the idea. The Wave is nice, but if you spend any time at all w/ your EDCs, you know how to drive them like you drive your car. Not every vehicle is a dragster & not every vehicle can haul cargo & rip a stump out of the ground. They are damned good at what they do. (I can tell you that a sharp LaGriffe will eat the ass out of tight zip ties like there is no tomorrow.) There may be some folks who can trim their nails w/ a chainsaw & some who can use a Victorinox Champ as a splitting maul. There is no "perfect" anything- knife, truck, woman, whatever. If it works for you, it's right. If not, then you probably have something else for the job that you are happy with. Most folks here probably own an embarrassing array of knives, & many of them won't see the light of day outside of a safe or dresser drawer. That's great. That's our "thing". We mess around w/ knives. Safe queen or beater- they all have a place. Use what you want.
 
OnionPoptarts said:
If you disassemble an Emerson and look at each part individually your see where your money went.
.
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Wasn't my experience at all. I took apart the commander I had briefly and looked everything over, cleaned and oiled, and the only part that didn't look/feel somewhat cheap and unfinished to me was the blade. The blade was beautiful and basically immaculate besides the crooked thumb disc. All of the other parts didn't seem to match the quality of that sexy blade. But yes, ergos were great.
 
Atheos said:
Wasn't my experience at all. I took apart the commander I had briefly and looked everything over, cleaned and oiled, and the only part that didn't look/feel somewhat cheap and unfinished to me was the blade. The blade was beautiful and basically immaculate besides the crooked thumb disc. All of the other parts didn't seem to match the quality of that sexy blade. But yes, ergos were great.
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You also didn't void your warranty by taking it apart. Most companies will. They're not for everyone, but if you give it a chance and use it as intended, I think you'll be pleased. The commander has some of the best ergos around.
 
That IS nice. I think its ridiculous that spyderco tells me my warranty is void if i disassemble a knife so simple as a military. I understand that taking apart my OTF knife is probably not a great idead.....but a simple folder?

But....actually ended up selling it off quickly for only a small loss. I want to try a smaller simpler design. I'm going to pick up a waveless qcq 7, since I'm really not a fan of the wave anyways. I like the look of the commander but i think its not an ideal design for me. im still driven to try more Emerson though because of their reputation, and since EE seems like a cool guy to me.


MasterPisaster said:
You also didn't void your warranty by taking it apart. Most companies will. They're not for everyone, but if you give it a chance and use it as intended, I think you'll be pleased. The commander has some of the best ergos around.
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Emerson's are like a classic Harley or a gorgeous red head...You either get it or you dont. I have had nothing but great performance with standout ergonomics with all my Emersons. The wave is outstanding especially in the woods hunting. They are not for everybody and I share Emersons political stance. I loved the knives before I knew what Ernie was all about but after learning about the man and his political convictions, I will support them for life....

 
It's all marketing: they are overpriced for what you get. All his knives run at least $100.00 more than they are worth in terms of materials and craftsmanship.
 
ilovekershaws said:
I'm thinking of getting a tactical and of all the knife companies out there, I have to say that Kershaw has most of my interest(i do love kershaws...).
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Kershaw makes a good knife, I'm sure you'll be happy with that choice.

However, I've heard tons of dudes saying that Emersons were good too so I checked them out. They seem to have fantastic customer service which is great but their knife designs aren't really what I'd expect for $200+ knives. Yeah, the wave feature is cool but I don't think it makes the knife worthwhile. I find the designs to be really simplistic actually.
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You should probably stick with some other brand. The fact that some people like Emerson knives and you don't is not the end of the world. I don't like Kershaw knives but you do - see how that works? :)
 
Thats true about every higher end knife. Design makes up as much as the price as build material. No one mentioned the fact that Emerson's are used by elite tactical teams for a reason and marketing aint of of them. That is free marketing other companies wished they could buy.


mctrinket said:
It's all marketing: they are overpriced for what you get. All his knives run at least $100.00 more than they are worth in terms of materials and craftsmanship.
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mctrinket said:
It's all marketing: they are overpriced for what you get. All his knives run at least $100.00 more than they are worth in terms of materials and craftsmanship.
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You are certainly welcome to your opinion, mctrinket, just don't expect it to be shared by most people in this forum.
 
You could argue that all American made knives cost more than their individual parts warrant, but you are discounting the overhead and intangibles: paying reliable workers a good wage, amortizing design and manufacturing costs, and the cost of great customer service. I'd say Emerson, CRK, and other American knives are priced fairly: if they were over-priced demand would shrink and sales would be hurt.
 
I have had my eye on Emersons for a while now too. I've handled a few of them and was always confused as to why they were so popular as well. I always thought the fit and finish was a little rough on them and noticed on more than one of them that unless the pivot screw was cranked down, there was a fair amount of blade play with them. That being said, I just recently picked up a Mini CQC-7 and have been carrying it for a few days. I have to say that I am really starting to appreciate Emersons more and more. I really don't think I gave them enough credit initially and I'm really happy with my new Emerson so far.
 
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