Emerson Knives

[FLYBYU44]

I've been a long time fan of Emerson knives, but I hear mixed reviews on them, mostly regarding the lockup. Now I've always wanted to get one but $160 is a lot for a knife that may have lock issues. Anyway I sold some things on ebay and had some spare cash so I decided to buy a CQC-7BW, it will be my first tanto blade knife and my first knife with Wave. I bought it from a good dealer with a good reputation so hopefully it will arrive and be good. One thing I like about Emerson is they don't use a thumbstud, they have that thumb disc instead. Since becoming a Spyderco fan I've really come to dislike thumbstuds. I carry my Para Military most the time now, but I think I'll be splitting time between it and the Emerson now, as the Emerson is similar in size and weight to the Para. Anyway I was wondering if there were any other Spydie fans on here who like Emerson's as well.

[yablanowitz]

I have several Emersons but I'm not really a fan. All of mine have chisel grind edges, and after using them for a few years, I've concluded that I hate chisel grinds on anything but wood chisels and gasket scrapers. I never had any lock problems, but I do not consider them among my better purchases.

[knifedude]

I have several Emersons but I'm not really a fan. All of mine have chisel grind edges, and after using them for a few years, I've concluded that I hate chisel grinds on anything but wood chisels and gasket scrapers. I never had any lock problems, but I do not consider them among my better purchases.

I agree, I have one a mini CQC7 A that I would like to trade off because I do not like the chisel grind either.

[CanisMajor]

I've thought about buying for for about a year now, but every time I have the cash ready for a purchase Spyderco drops a knife on the world and I usually end up getting that one instead of an Emerson(not a complaint :) ). I'm sure one day I will pick up a CQC-7 to see what all the rage is about.

Canis

[Sequimite]

I agree, I have one a mini CQC7 A that I would like to trade off because I do not like the chisel grind either.

Amen on chisel grind. Nothing theoretically wrong with chisel grind, but I hate to have to hold the knife at an angle in order to cut an apple in half.

[JLS]

I've heard of the lock issues but have no experience yet. The only Emerson I've had was a LaGriffe a number of years ago.

I am intrigued by both the Persian and the P-SARK series. They both have great lines and nice blades. One of these days, I'll probably get the Persian as an intro to the Emersons. It at least avoids the chisel grind.

[KaliGman]

I have several Emersons. Spyderco and Emerson are my two favorite brands of folding knives, and for similar reasons. Rock solid warranty, friendly and helpful people working for the company, and d$%n fine knives.

I usually have at least one Emerson with me when I am out and about, along with a Spyderco or two. Today, the Emerson is one of my Fixed Blade Karambits.

As for lock issues, I have had exactly one issue, and that was on a Combat Karambit which I had pretty much abused doing a ridiculous amount of wave and kinetic openings, as well as other things, in martial arts demonstrations and the like. After years of this, I wore the lock down to the point where the liner did not engage enough to give me "the warm fuzzies" when using the knife. I sent it back to Emerson and it was fixed under warranty, even though I told Emerson that I had beat the snot out of the knife, had worn it out, and was willing to pay for repairs. I had the knife back in hand, good as new, in less than seven days. Did I mention a rock solid warranty and friendly service?

[gac]

I am intrigued by both the Persian and the P-SARK series. They both have great lines and nice blades. One of these days, I'll probably get the Persian as an intro to the Emersons. It at least avoids the chisel grind.

I really like the looks of the Persian. I was thinking of getting one of those but instead bought a J.D. Smith. The Persian looks great but doesn't look like much of a utility knife. Since I use my knives for EDC and use I don't think that the Persian blade's sweeping curve and thinness would work well for me.

[nicholaspoole]

my last knife decision was between a mini a100 and the RIL sage, i chose the mini a100 and regret it. the lock up is nice, g10 is superb, love the chisel grind, the simplicity is a plus..... but its no spyderco

[FLYBYU44]

Well I just picked my CQC-7BW up from the post office. I'm glad I went out on a limb and bought this one, it is a really awesome knife. Some impressions:
It's identical nearly in size to my Para Military with the same handle to blade ratio which is awesome, however the Emerson weighs a full 1.2oz more then the Para, not sure why other then the Para has half liners and no back spacer, would that make such a difference? The Emerson is hands down the sharpest out of the box knife I've ever received, sharper then any Spyderco even. I like the chisel grind tanto blade, very beefy and while cutting my buns up for supper it seemed to slice as well as my Para. The thumb disc is cool for opening, it's way nicer then thumbstuds. The handle is super comfy and big in the hand, fits very nice. I don't really know how the wave works, I tried it about 10 times and only got it to open 100% once. The back spacer, liners and scales don't line up 100%, no big deal, but Spyderco always sands their's so they are all flush. Lock up is very good and the locking liner is pretty thick, it feels sturdy all right. Basically I'm very happy with it, so much so that I may purchase another one some time down the road.

[JediKnight86]

Emersons are very high quality. Most guys on the USN swear by them. I'm starting to use them again and I don't mind the one-side edge. It actually works really well for sharpening on Japanese water stones because Japanese kitchen cutlery is also only sharpened on one side (like the new CRK Sikayo).

The only one that is actually chisel ground (one side is totally flat) is the CQC-7 (or CQC-6 custom). And the 7 is the most popular model. I had a Mini CQC-7 that I didn't like at the time, now I wish I still had it. They just released a whole bunch in stonewash satin finish with swedges! I'm trying to get some, only have a Commander so far. Apparently this is replacing the old bead-blast satin finish!

[markg]

I have close to 50 Emerson knives. For me the on thing that stands out about them is ergonomics. That man is an artist with ergonomics.

[hickster]

I really like that Super Raven-A
hickster

[FLYBYU44]

Emersons are very high quality. Most guys on the USN swear by them. I'm starting to use them again and I don't mind the one-side edge. It actually works really well for sharpening on Japanese water stones because Japanese kitchen cutlery is also only sharpened on one side (like the new CRK Sikayo).

The only one that is actually chisel ground (one side is totally flat) is the CQC-7 (or CQC-6 custom). And the 7 is the most popular model. I had a Mini CQC-7 that I didn't like at the time, now I wish I still had it. They just released a whole bunch in stonewash satin finish with swedges! I'm trying to get some, only have a Commander so far. Apparently this is replacing the old bead-blast satin finish!

My CQC-7 has the stonewashed finish with a swedge. This is my first Tanto blade and chisel ground blade. I actually don't mind it at all. The wave throws me off a bit though. I'm not used to it yet and pull it out to do something only to realize that I don't have to unfold it.

[FLYBYU44]

I have close to 50 Emerson knives. For me the on thing that stands out about them is ergonomics. That man is an artist with ergonomics.

Tell me about it! It doesn't matter what way you hold the thing it fits like a glove. I never thought I would say this, but the handle better then most Spydies I have

[jimbo@stn24]

Tried a mini Commander once and am currently grinding a replacement blade for it out of a scrap of CPM 154. Gosh I wanted to like it, but every time I used it I didn't enjoy it like my other blades. There is alot of good things happening with it, but cutting efficiency wasn't one of them.

His customs I really like, especially the micarta and ti bolstered models but when I can swing that kinda cabbage, I'll probably get a Jeff Hall, Terzoula, or a Wilkins. I hope. :)

[Water Bug]

The ergonomics of Emerson knives are outstanding. The grip of my Emerson CQC-8, 10, and 15 remind me of the grip of my Spyderco Manix.

[Jimd]

I have a lot of experience with Emerson factory folders, and overall, I've been thrilled. I own or have owned the 7, 8, 10, 12, and 13, along with the Commander.

All sharp as ****. Fairly easy to resharpen. The warranty is outstanding with customer service that's second to none. Durability is good.

As has been mentioned, ergonomics are absolutely phenomenal.

I love my Spydercos and my Emersons. To me, variety is the spice of life. I don't see one company as being necessarily "superior" to the other; they're both outstanding, with excellent products.

[FLYBYU44]

I actually starting to prefer the "7" to my Para, it just feels more lively in the hand. I think a lot of it has to do with the wider handle, it fills my hands better and just feels good. Here's some pics:

[Fred Sanford]

Well, I had a CQC-10 and I really liked it. I however was able to squeeze the knife handle hard and have the liner lock come very close to unlocking. I am able to "white knuckle" a lot of liner locks. I don't know that it's something wrong with the knife as I just have big meaty hands.

Regardless, I got rid of it due to that. I liked the knife a lot though. I also wish I had it back now. I think that I am way more picky than most people and that can be looked at as a good thing and also a downfall.

I think Emerson's are fantastic. I however don't think they have as good of a fit and finish as a Spyderco.

Here are my thoughts on the '10' before I got rid of it.
http://spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38427

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