My guess is that the tanto is a weapons design for trusting (into soft tissue, where right or left side chisel wouldn't matter). Other designs are better suited for bushcraft.
--Larry
Some classic misinformation there.
One piece being that a lopsided blade won't cut/stab just as crooked in flesh as it would through anything else. Of course it will.
Emerson fans all know the supposed reasons for doing the chisel grind. None of the proposed advantages, including ease of sharpening, are accurate. Neither are the company's statements that the chisel edge makes no difference in cutting. You could use all EKI's chisel marketing to pitch a Spyderco if you said it right. Other side of that is intended use.
In Emerson's tests, the grind made no difference. Well they obviously weren't doing the kind of cutting that thousands of other knife users are. So they can say things that aren't necessarily true, but aren't necessarily false either. Careful wording.
In the end, how any knife performs depends on your type of cutting and your preferences.
Will these knives cut?
Yes.
Will they perform?
Yes.
Is the chisel edge going to affect your cutting?
Yes.
Of course a thick, lopsided knife can be used for anything you want, but it's going to excel I'm certain areas. Slicing vs shaving. So I wouldn't take an Emerson bushcrafting.
But I do carry my 7A every day whether urban or woods. No other knife feels right.
Match the tool to the job.
EKI makes knives that are DIFFERENT. Not BETTER or WORSE. But claiming any specific advantages is somewhat misleading. Ultimately that's gonna be in the eye of the beholder.
I personally love Emersons. I love the looks, style, the people, the employees, and the unique cutting and sharpening techniques they require!
Main point being, don't drink marketing kool-aid of any kind. Or any brand. Staying objective keeps away delusions and disappointment, in all areas of life!
☺
Thx.