I want to buy an Emerson

[Fred Sanford]

Yeah, I've been buying nothing but Spydies for a long time now. In fact, in the past I've tried Benchmade too. I've had a Strider, Kershaws, and many others. I've held a couple Emerson knives but never owned one.

I'm seriously thinking of buying an Emerson knife. I'm not sure which one yet but so far I am eyeing a CQC-10 and a CQC-7 (not sure if A or B yet either).

So please, if you can, be honest. Have you owned any Emerson knives? Do you (or did you) like them?

Are the liner locks up to par like Spyderco? Are they good solid knives? Does Earnie stand behind his stuff like Sal does?

Thanks in advance peeps. :)

[aj1985]

I have only one Emerson knife right now and I love the thing.

Reasons I love Emerson

1) Ernie is in a class by himself
2) Wicked warranty he stands behind his product 100%
3) Tough knives that are built to last
4) La griffe is one of the most perfect neck knives ever made
5) Amazing grinds ( I really do love chisel grinds) So easy to sharpen
6) Best k-bits in the business
7) The wave makes any folder better


I have noticed that the brunt of their knives are liner locks. Generally speaking liner locks are weaker than frame lock. All i can say is I have never had a framelock or a liner lock fail. So I wouldn't worry to much about this fact. Their liner locks do have a much different feel than Spyderco.

Spydie liner locks are just classier and feel much more higher end & very smooth opening and closing, and Emerson feel tougher and a bit more rugged. The perception is present because most Emerson designs are designed for Military & LEO. Black blade, black G10, Tanto blades.

Now if you can buy an Emerson and send it to Ferrrk that's another ball game eh.

aj

p.s all good just different :D

[MCM]

Yes, yes , Yes and yes.
Super nice guy too.

Also check out one of my all time favorite folders.
1997-1999 Microtech manual Socom's.

Overlooked by many, but has spent more time in my pocket
than any other over the past 10 yrs.
(out of over 150, 2 1/2" - 4" folders)

Have fun!

[mr.vu]

I've owned quite a few Emersons.

CQC-7 B
HD-7
Super CQC-7
CQC-8
CQC-12
CQC-14
Combat Karambit
SOCFK A

The CQC-7, HD-7, and SOCFK are my favorites.

All my knives have had solid lockup with no problems. All locking liners on EKIs are titanium. I've had one or two that were stiff out of the box, but just needed a couple days to be broken in.

Emerson customer service has been very good in my experiences. I've ordered over the phone, and have had a couple knives sent in for sharpening.

[amen74]

Don't feel bad. I was in the same boat as you. Last year I bought Spydies almost exclusively. I've recently just purchased my first Emersons about 2 months ago. They're definitely worth looking into. The G10 was sort of like Spyderco Golden G10, if you know what I mean. All parts are high quality, and the liner locks on mine were good. Great pocket clip too. I think you're on the right track with the CQC-10 or the CQC-7. The CQC-8 is one I'd like to try out next. I'd love to try a CQC-12. :)

It's okay to try out different knives once in a while. Makes me appreciate Spydercos all that much more. :D

[Dr. Snubnose]

Shame on You!!! LOL..... :p Doc :p

[Agent Starling]

david,

I've heard nothing but good things about Emersons on this forum. My only Emerson is the La Griffe, so I can't speak to the questions that you have, but I can say that I see more Emersons in my future...like one of their kerambits maybe...? :cool:

What the heck, a little variety is good for the soul; however, in most cases I've found that after my forays into the goods of other manufacturers I always come back to those Spydies...they just keep getting better and better...I mean, witness the purple phenomenon that's come about all of a sudden!!! :D

Agent Starling

[224477]

Never owned a single one, but handled a couple, from used ones to NIB in local shops ones.
Difficult to say, PERSONALLY I dont think they are on par with Spyderco, again MY OWN preference strictly!
The ones I like most are CQC10, CQC11 and CQC13, based on the designs.

[KaliGman]

Most of my folding (and quite a few of my fixed blade) knives are Spyderco or Emerson. Only Spyderco and Emerson folding trainers are allowed to be used in Albo Kali Silat training classes where we use folding, rather than fixed blade, training knives. The Emerson warranty is honored just like Spyderco's warranty, the knives are high quality, and Mr. Emerson is a class act.

I have many Emersons and have only had to send one in for warranty work. It came back good as new in less than seven days and at no charge to me. The liner locks work well. The frame lock on the HD-7 model also works well. Good service, great company--buy one or more and enjoy.

[gac]

I've read nothing but good stuff about Emerson.

I think the Persian is way neat-o. But, I don't carry a knife strictly for self-defense and I think that knife would be wasted on utility usage.

Besides, I have a Native. Do I really need anything else?

[boboakalfb]

They're built like a tank. I currently have a Mini Commander, Horseman, CQC-7A and Mini CQC-7B.

[raven]

Hi David, Like already mentioned the Emerson's are Very Good Folders and Very Durable. I have the Raven and the CQC-7. One thing to consider on the CQC-7 ...it's a "chisel grind" on the blade. Not sure about the others and not sure how you feel about this type of blade grind. Just thought I'd mention it. Take Good Care and Be Safe Always.

God Bless :)


-raven-

[jujigatame]

I have a 10 and a La Griffe. Love them both. The 10 is very solid and has excellent ergos. Smooth action, solid lockup, came super sharp and has held its edge very well. The La Griffe is a great necker or backup piece. I'd recommend both of them highly.

[duff72]

I have a cqc-10 (#14) and it is a great knife and Ernie is a great guy-I bought it from him at the chicago custom knife show about 5 years ago -never needed warranty work but I'm sure he's good for it.I carried it for a long time but it is in retirement right now- :D

[Jimd]

They are outstanding. Ernie does stand behind his work and is one of the nicest guys you could ever speak with. I talked with him for about 1/2-hour at the NYC knife show a few years ago, and it wasn't like I was bothering him; he genuinely just really gets into talking knives and other stuff!

I currently have a CQC-8 and a 14, and both are excellent knives. I've owned a few dozen over the years and never had any major problems with any of them. And if you do, send them in and they'll fix them right up for you.

Can't say enough good stuff about them!

[Fred Sanford]

Well, thanks everyone.

Jim, coming from you, that means a lot. I'll be grabbing one up tonight. Gonna hit that "add to cart" button and purchase one. Just not sure if I should get black or satin finish as I'm not sure if Emerson's satin finish is like bead blasted and would be more prone to rust. Either way, I'm ordering tonight. I'll let you know what I chose soon. :)

[jujigatame]

The Emerson satin is not like a bead blast. It's a coating with a dull finish and a bit of texture to it. You could take it off to expose the raw steel underneath and then change it to whatever finish you want, if so inclined.

Edited to add: This isn't the best picture but it should give some idea.

[boboakalfb]

I believe the new 10's are also swedged and with the new stonewashed finish.

[tortoise]

Several years ago, an "E" faced Spyderco's lock breaker, and the #1 hard use knife in the world rated medium duty on Spyderco's scale.

It should be noted that I felt a little bad posting this, (and I got over it) because I got the feeling at the time that Sal may have been on the fence about letting that out.

But David asked, and this forum has always been about straight forward honesty. (-And I think I was the 33rd member registered here, so I do remember.)

Anyway, it's another view. :spyder:

[Jimd]

In consideration to what Tortoise posted, I'd agree that Emersons aren't necessarily the toughest, most durable knives in the world. Rather, they fill a different niche.

For me, they rule for taking apart bad guys, in addition to being good for utility.

If I'm looking for a tank in knife form, to take apart objects, I'll go to my Striders. For taking apart people, I like my Emersons.

My CQC-8 has a long enough blade to be realistic for self-defense, and has lots of belly for slicing/dicing various materials. Excellent knife.

I like my '14 because it's short blade is legal almost everywhere that knives are legal. The full-size handle (possibly the most comfortable of any Emerson, or any knife, for that matter) guarantees that I can get a good hold on the handle.