Why or what do you like about the Emerson knife, or knives you own?

I like them because they work when you need them to work. I like what Ernest Emerson stands for, I like their Customer Service. I like that you can take them apart and clean them yourself. I like that if you buy a model you don't like, you can sell it and make back most of your money. I like that if you are going to keep the knife and void the warranty, you can pimp it out however you want.
 
you can also try an emerson designed knife by Kershaw for $30 or less! if you like them in the cheaper version, then you will most certainly like the nicer models.

I have the Kershaw CQC4k, and I love it. it's small enough to fit in my pocket, very sharp, perfect pocket clip, and the steel side (with the frame lock) slides easily without abrading my pants, which is important to me. I love how quickly they open, not only for SD, but also for fishing, or opening a package I'm holding... Additionally, I have beat the crap out of it (wood carving, fire prep and other camping tasks, food prep etc.) and outside of wear on the finish, it works just like new.

I bought my son the CQC2k for Christmas this year. It will be his first knife (outside of SAK), and he will have it for a long time.
 
A lot of the reason for me is the basic and utilitarian nature of them. Although Mr Emerson designed them to be mostly for tactical purposes, I find they for perfectly in the role of a firefighter's knife. The ability to easily disassemble and maintain my tool is huge for me, and a major reason I dont but certain brands because they void your warranty. I've rarely used Emersons customer service but when I have they are courteous, helpful, and friendly. My problem gets fixed, period. No questions asked. Not to mention Mr. Emerson is a great guy and is passionate about his craft and his customers and it shows in every facet of his business. The knives are simple, they aren't flashy pocket jewelry, they don't claim to be anything they aren't. They are tools, and encouraged to be used.
 
For me it's a little more personal. Emerson is local to me and all my dealings with Ernie, his wife and staff are the epitome of professionalism and patriotism. They stand for all the values that are in line with what I believe, the knives are hard use, but they are secondary to level of quality of character that this company holds. And that is why I will always have an Emerson in the herd.
 
after wanting an emerson cqc8 for years i finally got a custom cqc8 for my first emerson this summer

the ergonomics, fit and finish, lockup, blade shape, the grind, hardcore sharpness - everything is top notch - but the most important thing is the "emerson feeling" - i dont know - but as thelogicalone once pointed out, they feel as they have a soul - i just love to handle it, cut stuff with it - and above all- just carry it and feel the great confidence - also my emerson has a much greater weapon than utility feel to it somehow

of course the great customer service - and Ernest Emerson being a great guy (judging by the video interview - still hope to meet him in person one day)

anyway, talk me out of ordering a production hattin, persian or OD 15 :D - i feel the strong urge to do it...
 
I don't really have anything to add other that what was already said. Easy to service and sharpen but the ergonomics is what sold me on their knives. Not just the shape but the overall girth/thickness of the handles inspire confidence with a secure hold of the knife. I have never had a Emerson slip on me during use with water, oil, grease, dirt and other substances/filth on my hands working as a mechanic and carpenter. Something that you need to handle to truly understand what some of us know and love.

The Wave feature is a huge plus for me. Ease of opening the knife is amazing.
 
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I like the the fact that Ernie builds no non-sense knives designed to be used not looked at. I like knowing if for some reason I have a defect in a knife I will treated fairly and with respect by their customer service. The wave is also a huge plus. I will always support Emerson knives.
 
The thing I like the most is, that out of all of the models, you will find one that would seem like it was built for YOUR hand.
Honestly, the Emerson spec.ops. Team must have sneaked into my bedroom when I was sleeping, just so they could come up with...The Horseman!;)
Cheers
 
Well my Emerson collection, is not really a collection, as it is only a 2013 Left Handed CQC-7 with Serrated Blade.

Took me a long time to part with the funds for the purchase because, I had difficulty pulling the trigger on a $200.00 Plus Folding Knife with a Tanto Blade, and Chisel Grind.

Well the longer I own the knife the more I like it, as it does everything I have asked it too do so far. It gets daily carry, (EDC) and that was why I purchased it.

Honestly the Fit & Finish is great. Those who complain about the G-10 being ruff, or hard on clothing. Let me say the G-10 make the knife not slip out of my hand in Hot, Cold or Wet climates, and winter has not even come to where I live.

The longer I own the knife the more I understand the thinking or idea behind Emerson knifes, that being they are not safe queens.

They are tools, they are made for work, and made to with stand punishment.

Simple in my eyes are 1, 2, 3.
 
U.S. Made, 154Cm steel, G-10, and the Liner Lock. This was the typical Tactical knife from the 90's. Love that style.
 
I like the way that the man whose name is on the knife is a real person who occasionally participates in these and other forums, and he'll interact with his customers.

I like the way the knives are clean and simple, yet not plain.

I like the way they have a variety of blade and handle styles, and that there's something for all tastes and purposes. Yet at the same time, they all have a common look and feel. You can take two very different Emersons and know that they were designed by the same guy.

I like the way they just work, period.

I like the way that when I show any other knife to any of my friends, they'll glance at it, hold it for a second or two and say, "Nice," but when it's an Emerson I show then, they actually take it, look at it from all angles, play with it bit, fondle it, and say in a sincere tone, "That's really nice!"
 
Honestly, first and foremost for me is the wave feature. I love the deployment for all practical applications.

I like the fact that I can get the 154CM steel back to shaving sharp pretty easily (& much more easily than some comparable 'super-steels'.

I love the feel of most of the handles in my hand. For me, some of my Emersons are the most comfortable, secure folding knife handles I have ever felt. I just can't decide between my Commander or my Roadhouse! ;)

I am ridiculously drawn to the stonewash/satin finishes on various blade grinds. The work is stunning and the choice is fantastic.

I have grown to love the overall utilitarian looks.

Could not be happier and I can honestly say that since I bought my first Commander, I have never not carried an Emerson. On occasions, I will add another knife (typically a SAK Pioneer, but sometimes a Spyderco slicer like the Caly series) - but I always have an Emerson (or two) on me now.

Go ahead call me a fan-boy but I have actually tried lots of knives in real use (Spyderco, ZT, Fallkniven, Benchmade, DPx, Hogue, etc.) and I'm extraordinarily happy with my Emersons as my go-to folders...

Ben
 
Not much I can add to what Silvanus said. Emersons just check all the boxes for me for what I want in a folding knife.

I'll add, though, that I won't be satisfied with the Kershaw/ZT collabs. I don't like half-and-half knife handles, I don't particularly care for metal handles of any type, and I'm not interested in the blade steels they use (low or high end). I'm glad Emerson did the collaborations and I have no doubt that they're well done. I've had Kershaw & ZT products and they're well made knives. My only point is that they'll never replace an Emerson for me because they aren't an Emerson and they aren't made like an Emerson.
 
The Emerson knife is; simple in design, tough, good looking and they feel fantastic in the hand.
I favor the 7B because of the minimalistic chisel blade.
rolf
 
Another angle:

I just snagged a 2005 Commander for a pretty good (=cheap) price. Looks were representative of the price. I detail stripped it, and gave all the parts a good cleaning, including a thorough toothbrushing the scales with a few drops of Breakfree CLP. Got her all back together, and man what a sweetheart of a knife. Probably no way I'd even want to put a hour into another brand in the same condition, especially since the manufacturers I've got in mind would discourage such an activity - far be it for me to disrespect their wishes. So now I'm attached, smitten by my newly adopted Commander; just trying to decide if I'm keeping the pre-loved satin finish, or if it's being replaced by a Custom-type polished/brushed flats and grind line bevels plus old school type swedge...



 
I own 7 CRKs and only owned one Emerson until recently, a CQC8 I modified to look like a Journeyman, because only one Emerson was all I needed.

I carried it every day after work (because it was too obvious at the office in dress pants) and I felt guilty if I ever left the house carrying anything else but it.

It was more than a knife, unlike the CRKs and the ZTs and the Spydercos and the Benchmades I have. They might get carried also, but the Emerson HAD to go with me. It was my last line of self defense.

Then guys like Silvanus and others got me thinking about a 15. I got one, and immediately fell in love with it. The 8 sat at home, and the 15 took its place. The blade shape is one of the best-looking blades I have EVER seen. I also picked up a backup 15, a Super Commander ("now THAT's a knife" in stature) and a Special Journeyman I have not shared the story of to you guys yet.

So I gifted the 8 to a guy who really appreciates it like I used to. I still get to see it from time to time, and it is providing to him what it once provided to me. Peace of mind you are carrying something that has your back if the chips are down for whatever reason, and quickly. I feel very good to have gifted it, it was not getting what it deserved on the "back lines" in my dedicated knife storage toolbox.

Emersons are more than knives. They are a tool that you can depend on to open faster than anything out there, hold up to tough use and keep on keeping on. With ergonomics that no one else can match. Simple to maintain, and more of not only a knife but a true weapon as well.

With a maker unmatched in my eyes in passion for what he does and a well-earned reputation of both being a gentleman and one tough SOB at the same time. Who wouldn't want Ernest Emerson backing you up in a fight?

Carrying an Emerson is the next best thing. He might not physically be there, but he still has your back in the knives he provides you and I to be able to carry. And that's good enough for me.

Like a large-framed .41 or .44 Magnum Smith & Wesson revolver, nothing else is like an Emerson.
 
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