Your opinion on Emerson knives?

Berickson47

Berickson47

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Hey guys, I'm looking into buying a Emerson mini CQC-8 or CQC-7AW. I think they're really awesome blades. But I've read a lot of mixed views on Emerson quality and fit and finish, especially on the titanium liner lock. What's your guys thoughts?

Thank you!
 
I like the designs, but they are ground on the wrong side for right handed users.:thumbdn:
 
The guys who bad mouth the fit and finish expect perfection and no small issues-forgetting these are handmade. Many of us buy from Emerson because of the owner and his family, stand up people. I have seen occasional quality control problems but their customer service is great to fix whatever you might have to complain about. When you spend your $200, you'll know who gets the money. Period.


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I already have a post in the Emerson forum. Just thought I'd get some different opinions in a general forum. Thanks though!
 
I don't trust their liner lock, actually I don't trust any liner lock for the most part. That said from time to time I still get drawn in to some of the designs.

You'll probably have to get one and figure out if it's for you. Some guys swear by them. Others have had bad luck with them.
 
Get the Emerson. I have only ever had problems with one of my Emersons, the Super Roadhouse. It has bad lockslip but I can send it in any time I want them to fix it. I should really send that sucker in.

All my other Emersons have been great sturdy knives that make excellent knives for self defense as well as EDC use. All the liner locks on them have been excellent, starting off with a little bit of stick but wearing to a point where they stop wearing and just hold the knife locked open securely without any issue.

There is something just special about Emerson knives, they just feel tough and rugged like a real tool. I would do things with my Emersons I wouldn't dream of doing with my Chris Reeve or Spyderco knives.
 
All of my folders are currently ZT or Emerson.

I just had my Super CQC-8 reground with a zero edge---holy shit its a laser.
 
Berickson47 said:
I already have a post in the Emerson forum. Just thought I'd get some different opinions in a general forum. Thanks though!
Click to expand...

Open forum questions can lead you down a path where many of the folks who chime in May not have owned one or are trolling. My two cents.


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Emerson knives have simple designs that are durable and easy to maintain. They typically are very ergonomic. Ernie has brought a lot to the knife community, and is as good a guy as you can find, and is dedicated to supporting America and American products.
 
Took me a long time to get into them, but I enjoy mine a lot. I don't see quality issues, but can see an arguement being made around materials and price. The designs and feel do it for me though...like Lapedog said- they have a special quality.
 
As I have said before an Emerson is like an old Camaro. There may be newer and shinier knives and cars but the Camaro and Emerson just has something about it that is unmatched.
 
I love my Mini CQC 15.

A year and a half of carry (and use) it does everything I need it too.


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And Emerson's Ti liner lock works just fine thank you..

Just because I could..

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Is the fit and finish flawless?

Nope. Though I worry more about ergonomics and performance than wether or not my liners are polished.

Fits me like it was made for my hand.

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The only other company that comes close to ergonomics and function for me is Spyderco.

( I'll never give up my Military, Para 2, or Police either)
 
Emerson handle ergos are the best. Just as good in a regular grip as they are in a reverse grip. I love them.
 
I have owned, carried and used them. I still have a cqc8. Nothing special about them to me. I don't carry them anymore.
 
fit and finish complaints are typically only cosmetic. emerson makes good user knives. many dont think they are worth the premium in cost. many dislike the chisel edge. other type reasons, etc. they arent for everyone. i like mine.

oh and rolf approves emersons and that is all that matters.:)
 
Ive only owned cqc7's as far as emersons go and really liked them. Only personal complaint of mine that gets harped on quite a bit is that the chisel grind is on the wrong side for me. But they offer v grinds so not really an issue. Even with that i still found them to be very well built and fun to use. Ive been thinking about getting one again myself. Im thinking a commander, cqc7 (v grind), or cqc13.
 
Emerson horseman (mini cqc8) My favorite. Nothing mini about the knife. Full 3.5 inch. blade (3.54 inch). Carries really well in the pocket. Grind lines were perfect. Edge was perfect.
 
I've had bad luck with them. I bought a new CQC-7 a while back that had such bad lock geometry that you could push it closed like a SAK. Also, the gas station cheapo-bin level fit and finish is hard to justify at where the knives are priced.

Different strokes for different folks, though. Lots of people here love them, though, so they must not be all bad.
 
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