Never had an Emerson fail me. I have a few. I won't lie. They're not the prettiest knives. But I use for hard use. I won't cry if it breaks. So far, they just work.
They’ve gotten better. So much inconsistency in the past. Their pricing currently is pretty high though for materials overall. $215-225 for newer models, give or take, doesn’t justify it. They are $175-185 across the board would be better. Spyderco has the same problem as of late.
I ordered the Seax partial serrated stonewashed finish last week. I’ve had it in hand for less then 24hrs and so far I couldn’t be happier. The fit and finish on mine is as close to perfect as I’ve seen. I’ll definitely buy more Emerson knives in the future.
Same, I bought the commander and as soon as the seax came back in stock grabbed that, ever since then the commander just sits on my shelf collecting dust
Completely agree with the points in this video. I've got a mini roadhouse and it's one of my favorite knives. I'd put it up against my spydercos, benchmades, and microtechs any day. I think what people get hung up on with emerson is that they have different priorities than other knife makers. Their knives are pure function, no bells and whistles; made to work, not to look at. When you buy an emerson your money goes towards extreme durability, reliability under adverse conditions, and a huge variety of excellent blade grinds. I think emersons really are the most durable for the price; cold steel may have a stronger lock but emerson's titanium liner lock is no slouch plus every other part of the knife is more durable. The blade is always what breaks first and emerson makes the strongest blades. If you don't hard use your knives then you can't fully appreciate an emerson and would be better served by a different brand.
Dude Emerson knives have definitely improved in the past 5 years, there is a reason people didn't think they have quality issues. They are quite good now though. Just make sure you get the newer production ones, like after 2014 or even the newer made probably the better.
Emerson knives are not made poorly, they're actually made very well!!! The issue is that Emerson knives are mostly made with what I consider to be inferior materials(gritty/sandpapery G10). I personally don't want to carry any pocket knife if the handle scale material texturing is aggressive to the point where it will end up sandpapering/destroying my pants pockets like how it is on most Emerson knives!!! Also Emerson uses 154CM blade steel on most of there knives, which is not necessarily a bad steel but 154CM has obviously been long since surpassed by many blade steels that offer much better edge retention and overall toughness!!! Also, I think that for the materials Emerson uses they are overpriced!!! That's just my thoughts and opinions on Emerson knives.
they ARE made poorly lol very few have centered blades out of the box, very few have a smooth action while most are gritty out of the box, hardware is often scratched up from some idiot assembling the knives... and yes inferior materials, cheap steel that they charge you a premium for, cheap g10, shitty thin and unfinished liners, steel pocket clip. It is a trash knife for what they charge.
I like them, used them, carry them....they've been around for a while. Quality is fine...maybe not CRK tolerances but that's not what they are designed for.
Thanks for the video and I do agree with you. I like my Emerson cqc 14 Snubby knife and it does have good fit & finish. I bought it for the full length handle with a short under three inch, street legal for my area, knife blade Also I am really liking the wave feature too. I had been looking for a knife that had a full length handle that has a good finger gaurd and a small legal blade that was tough and not some chinese junk made with decent steel and grippy scales that would not brake the bank and I found it in the Snubby. I had been looking for sometime too. I bought a few different Spyderco knifes that come close to what I want and I like them a lot but for what I wanted the Emerson has them all beat. My taste in knives may not be the norm as I really like my Spyderco Battlestation knife and it works good for what I wanted but it is slower to open and not as comfortable in the hand.
Ive had Microtech m390 chip out on me doing light work, multiple times. Never had that problem with Emerson knives. Idc that theyre rugged, i like that it messes up your hands a bit. Just like how id prefer to shoot an Ak over an Ar or drive Muscle car over an E‐car.
I just got another one and I'm in love. They are so simple and just work as a knife without any overengineered bullshit. It's a breath of fresh air when compared to the basic stuff that's being released these days.
I've always wanted one myself. Can't put my finger on why they aren't "out there" as a brand like others. Maybe it's the lack of budget, behind the glass walmart versions. Atleast I haven't found any yet.
Kershaw produces budget Emersons. The problem is the genuine Emersons are way overpriced. Knife guys won't fall for it and non knife guys won't spend that kind of money. Thus, they're relatively obscure in carry even if everyone knows the name. You're easily paying double for the Emerson name, elsewhere you can get those materials for around $100 or even less.
@@FactFinderGeneral Knife guys won't spend that kind of money on an Emerson?.lol look at the videos on TH-cam ..some guys Emerson knife collections are In the tens of thousands...someone bought an Emerson knife at a charity auction carried on the Bin laden raid for over 30k.
@@FactFinderGeneral I really disagree with that statement. I'm definitely a "knife guy" been collecting for 25 + years. I have 17 Emerson's. I have 100+ other knives. If you were around when Emerson started making knives, he was one of the only ones doing what he's doing at the time. His customs sell out instantly and are going for $3500+. All these kids talking about price of materials only for a knife. That's like saying an artist should only charge for the cost of the canvas and paint....
The lock stick on Emerson from what I understand is a good thing, not too much though. The inside of my lock has been roughed up to create lock stick, I think on purpose, anyway. Mine has just a tad of lock stick and feels perfect. And the harder you use them, the tighter they feel. Obviously Emerson has their lemons too, and Ernest doesn't seem to care that much about finish like most companies which does bug me a little but I love how they feel in hand.
I had a few Emersons? Only kept the first used cqc 7 I bought and now that's my beater knife. Their F&F isn't amazing but it's not crap like a lot of people say. Their 154cm isn't a cutting champion but it's plenty tough for a stainless and sharpens/touches up easy. I like the huge flathead pivot, allows for adjusting with so many things from SAK to coins. For just cutting I'd take a Millie any day but if I know ill be doing some rough stuff few folders beat out an Emerson from my experience.
Its about the heat treating on the steel, clip point on youtube just did a video on the subject. I got the emerson huck (s35vn) and fell in love with the brand. Hard use
Haha bet you pissed some fan boys off. Good job. I have been wanting an emerson just trying to figure out which one. And I actually like some lock stick, idk why but I do.
For what they offering, they should cost no more than $100. I have one Emerson and it's Kershaw Launch 5. Tool for cutting, for self defense if you really need that. Decent steel, better fit and finish for less money. I had CQC-7, not Kershaw but real one and sold it. Steel was soft like butter, lock was quickly with blade play, overall finish was horrbile, knife was very heavy for that lenght. Kershaw 7600 is worth this money.
hey man..why don t you do a disassembly of the Emerson compared to a disassembly of the Military...i think you would change your mind regarding the quality of that Emerson ..:)
Holy cow, somebody capable of independent thought that doesn’t just prattle off the same things the haters say! “Kershaw makes a better Emerson,” “You can tell it’s an Emerson if it feels like someone put it together with their feet!” Your comparison with Golden is on point. I have a 7 and 8 as well as 2 Para 2s and a Manix 2 and never noted the similarity in grind lines until you pointed it out. I also note that there’s nothing wrong with the fit of my Emerson knives. They just don’t polish the liners. Doesn’t affect function at all.
The EXACT same complaints from all the "new to collecting" people. I've heard this over and over before TH-cam even existed (yeah we use forums and have since dial up internet). I've had emerson's for longer than some you've been alive. They're great knives, built the way they should be built. Some of the best grinds in the industry. Emerson doesn't need to change what he's doing because it works. Emerson is to knives what Glock is to guns. Same song blah blah blah
One thing to note about Emerson is that they don’t necessarily make knives….they make tools. And they are to be used as tools. And they hold up. They’re good “tools” not very many high end knives, that cost hundreds of dollars, can call them selves tools.
I have had a Benchmade for the past decade with no complaints. Same steel at a lower price. I don't understand paying for the name and not the quality.
Emerson knives are badass I got the combat karambit the thing is the fastist deploying knife out there and there sharp as fuck they have super clean cuts I think it’s the only knife I’ll buy honestly I’ve never bought a spiderco or any of those other brands but after getting my karambit I’ll never go back Emerson makes a great knife
Great knife. I've a particular love for Bowie styles and straight razor styles. I went with Red Horse knives for my straight razor. I went with Emerson for my Bowie.
Notice all the haters are always on Emerson knife videos regurgitating the same shit... they hate them so much but watch all the videos. They never owned or used one and certainly can't afford one. Every hobby has these losers..they are mad because they can't afford nice things so they shit talk it to justify to themselves why they don't have it.
I love the Emerson Knives more than 10 years ,also was collect knives more than 17 years ago. Only a few to collect production brand in my collection. Emerson, Hinderer, CR , Strider. Others all custom knives. Emerson was good design and not expensive price also quality was fine and that’s hard use tools & tactical style. Not all model like but had my favorite some model. That’s my opinion. My Instagram sioncool
I have 3, I like it a lot....as a weapons. They are really good knives. OVERPRICE? as hell yes IMO. My $287 super cqc-8 or my $280 super karambit can be easy $187 and $180.
I've never had a problem with Emerson. The way I see it if theirs a problem with it Emerson will fix it no questions asked. Emerson has the best warranty out there or at least one of the best.
I own them. They’re not poor quality; they’re just outdated designs and materials. I liken them to the AK-47 which is an outdated platform, but they still reliably go bang when you pull the trigger. They are nicer blades out there though.
ppl do not praise golden colorado for their fit and finish infact they complain about it becouse taiwan is far better, golden makes great knives with bad fit and finish except for the military for some reason.
@@zexzubrin7244 very good designs but most spyderco's i had that were not centered, bevels off etc are from golden, this does not include the military's i got becouse they were spot on. did not have this happen to any taiwan spyderco yet.
@@zexzubrin7244 thats great becouse they design some outstanding knives! i had the sprint shaman in cf s90v and kinda disliked becouse blade came way offcenter so send it back, i hope they stepped it up and the shaman sprint in cru-wear gonna be taiwan f&f standards. still spyderco is my favorite knife company! together with microtech.
Kershaw make better than emerson, Zt make more great than emerson.. Emerson make high end knife just for money, quality very-very poor.. Fit and finish lot of gaps, not solid than others maker.. Very lazy (chisel grind) cut plastic bottle also very bad with chisel grind.. Hard use knife famous in bad places? Who will survive with liner lock? Batoning with liner lock emerson? Hell no.. Fan boys always say YES! All emerson knife is good.. They totally blind..
Hit me with those dislikes!
Never had an Emerson fail me.
I have a few. I won't lie. They're not the prettiest knives. But I use for hard use. I won't cry if it breaks. So far, they just work.
I've had one, the same one, for 11 years. I've absolutely abused it and carried it consistently. No issues. Emerson roadhouse
They’ve gotten better. So much inconsistency in the past. Their pricing currently is pretty high though for materials overall. $215-225 for newer models, give or take, doesn’t justify it. They are $175-185 across the board would be better. Spyderco has the same problem as of late.
I ordered the Seax partial serrated stonewashed finish last week. I’ve had it in hand for less then 24hrs and so far I couldn’t be happier. The fit and finish on mine is as close to perfect as I’ve seen. I’ll definitely buy more Emerson knives in the future.
Same, I bought the commander and as soon as the seax came back in stock grabbed that, ever since then the commander just sits on my shelf collecting dust
It's for the after market thumb disc I figured it out when I bought a damascus one from @grayprecision
Completely agree with the points in this video. I've got a mini roadhouse and it's one of my favorite knives. I'd put it up against my spydercos, benchmades, and microtechs any day. I think what people get hung up on with emerson is that they have different priorities than other knife makers. Their knives are pure function, no bells and whistles; made to work, not to look at. When you buy an emerson your money goes towards extreme durability, reliability under adverse conditions, and a huge variety of excellent blade grinds. I think emersons really are the most durable for the price; cold steel may have a stronger lock but emerson's titanium liner lock is no slouch plus every other part of the knife is more durable. The blade is always what breaks first and emerson makes the strongest blades. If you don't hard use your knives then you can't fully appreciate an emerson and would be better served by a different brand.
i can get "pure function" for way less $$$, and with an actual working detent.
I plan on getting an Emerson Tiger. It will be my first Emerson.
Great to see an honest review of a great American knife! Thanks👍😊
I 100% agree with your video, I highly recommend the Emerson Rangemaster Sheepdog. (By the lock stick goes away with use from my experience)
Dude Emerson knives have definitely improved in the past 5 years, there is a reason people didn't think they have quality issues. They are quite good now though. Just make sure you get the newer production ones, like after 2014 or even the newer made probably the better.
I owned a 2012 gentleman Jim that had a retarded amount of lockstick and would squeak like a pig when opening it.
Emerson knives have gotten worse the last 10 years while the rest of the industry, especially chinese knives, have vastly improved in quality.
@@jdmbeaner182 you just described 90% of all emersons out of the box.
My 2009 is still working great
Emerson knives are not made poorly, they're actually made very well!!! The issue is that Emerson knives are mostly made with what I consider to be inferior materials(gritty/sandpapery G10). I personally don't want to carry any pocket knife if the handle scale material texturing is aggressive to the point where it will end up sandpapering/destroying my pants pockets like how it is on most Emerson knives!!! Also Emerson uses 154CM blade steel on most of there knives, which is not necessarily a bad steel but 154CM has obviously been long since surpassed by many blade steels that offer much better edge retention and overall toughness!!! Also, I think that for the materials Emerson uses they are overpriced!!! That's just my thoughts and opinions on Emerson knives.
they ARE made poorly lol very few have centered blades out of the box, very few have a smooth action while most are gritty out of the box, hardware is often scratched up from some idiot assembling the knives... and yes inferior materials, cheap steel that they charge you a premium for, cheap g10, shitty thin and unfinished liners, steel pocket clip. It is a trash knife for what they charge.
I like them, used them, carry them....they've been around for a while. Quality is fine...maybe not CRK tolerances but that's not what they are designed for.
Thanks for the video and I do agree with you. I like my Emerson cqc 14 Snubby knife and it does have good fit & finish. I bought it for the full length handle with a short under three inch, street legal for my area, knife blade Also I am really liking the wave feature too. I had been looking for a knife that had a full length handle that has a good finger gaurd and a small legal blade that was tough and not some chinese junk made with decent steel and grippy scales that would not brake the bank and I found it in the Snubby. I had been looking for sometime too. I bought a few different Spyderco knifes that come close to what I want and I like them a lot but for what I wanted the Emerson has them all beat. My taste in knives may not be the norm as I really like my Spyderco Battlestation knife and it works good for what I wanted but it is slower to open and not as comfortable in the hand.
Ive had Microtech m390 chip out on me doing light work, multiple times. Never had that problem with Emerson knives. Idc that theyre rugged, i like that it messes up your hands a bit. Just like how id prefer to shoot an Ak over an Ar or drive Muscle car over an E‐car.
I just got another one and I'm in love. They are so simple and just work as a knife without any overengineered bullshit. It's a breath of fresh air when compared to the basic stuff that's being released these days.
I've always wanted one myself. Can't put my finger on why they aren't "out there" as a brand like others. Maybe it's the lack of budget, behind the glass walmart versions. Atleast I haven't found any yet.
Kershaw produces budget Emersons. The problem is the genuine Emersons are way overpriced. Knife guys won't fall for it and non knife guys won't spend that kind of money. Thus, they're relatively obscure in carry even if everyone knows the name. You're easily paying double for the Emerson name, elsewhere you can get those materials for around $100 or even less.
@@FactFinderGeneral Knife guys won't spend that kind of money on an Emerson?.lol look at the videos on TH-cam ..some guys Emerson knife collections are In the tens of thousands...someone bought an Emerson knife at a charity auction carried on the Bin laden raid for over 30k.
@@FactFinderGeneral I really disagree with that statement. I'm definitely a "knife guy" been collecting for 25 + years. I have 17 Emerson's. I have 100+ other knives. If you were around when Emerson started making knives, he was one of the only ones doing what he's doing at the time. His customs sell out instantly and are going for $3500+. All these kids talking about price of materials only for a knife. That's like saying an artist should only charge for the cost of the canvas and paint....
The lock stick on Emerson from what I understand is a good thing, not too much though. The inside of my lock has been roughed up to create lock stick, I think on purpose, anyway. Mine has just a tad of lock stick and feels perfect. And the harder you use them, the tighter they feel.
Obviously Emerson has their lemons too, and Ernest doesn't seem to care that much about finish like most companies which does bug me a little but I love how they feel in hand.
I had a few Emersons? Only kept the first used cqc 7 I bought and now that's my beater knife. Their F&F isn't amazing but it's not crap like a lot of people say. Their 154cm isn't a cutting champion but it's plenty tough for a stainless and sharpens/touches up easy. I like the huge flathead pivot, allows for adjusting with so many things from SAK to coins. For just cutting I'd take a Millie any day but if I know ill be doing some rough stuff few folders beat out an Emerson from my experience.
Man, you got guts!!! Comparing it to a Spyderco, hate mail is a coming!! But not from me, I love me some Emersons!
Its about the heat treating on the steel, clip point on youtube just did a video on the subject. I got the emerson huck (s35vn) and fell in love with the brand. Hard use
Haha bet you pissed some fan boys off. Good job. I have been wanting an emerson just trying to figure out which one. And I actually like some lock stick, idk why but I do.
Great, honest and concise. Subscribed :)
For what they offering, they should cost no more than $100. I have one Emerson and it's Kershaw Launch 5. Tool for cutting, for self defense if you really need that. Decent steel, better fit and finish for less money. I had CQC-7, not Kershaw but real one and sold it. Steel was soft like butter, lock was quickly with blade play, overall finish was horrbile, knife was very heavy for that lenght. Kershaw 7600 is worth this money.
Is that Phillips and flat head screws?
hey man..why don t you do a disassembly of the Emerson compared to a disassembly of the Military...i think you would change your mind regarding the quality of that Emerson ..:)
It's not my knife, going to be buying an emerson cqc 8 and making the video.
Holy cow, somebody capable of independent thought that doesn’t just prattle off the same things the haters say! “Kershaw makes a better Emerson,” “You can tell it’s an Emerson if it feels like someone put it together with their feet!” Your comparison with Golden is on point. I have a 7 and 8 as well as 2 Para 2s and a Manix 2 and never noted the similarity in grind lines until you pointed it out. I also note that there’s nothing wrong with the fit of my Emerson knives. They just don’t polish the liners. Doesn’t affect function at all.
Couldn't agree more, just got another emerson in today. Damn near perfect fit and finish.
Then why would they also use the wave
Who?
Spyderco
Hilton Yam seems to like them... That should tell you something.
The EXACT same complaints from all the "new to collecting" people. I've heard this over and over before TH-cam even existed (yeah we use forums and have since dial up internet). I've had emerson's for longer than some you've been alive. They're great knives, built the way they should be built. Some of the best grinds in the industry. Emerson doesn't need to change what he's doing because it works. Emerson is to knives what Glock is to guns. Same song blah blah blah
That's what I like about him. You can complain night and day and he will just keep making simple knives for people who need them.
One thing to note about Emerson is that they don’t necessarily make knives….they make tools. And they are to be used as tools. And they hold up. They’re good “tools” not very many high end knives, that cost hundreds of dollars, can call them selves tools.
I have had a Benchmade for the past decade with no complaints. Same steel at a lower price. I don't understand paying for the name and not the quality.
It's an aftermarket thumbdisk. I switched it out for a titanium
Emerson knives are badass I got the combat karambit the thing is the fastist deploying knife out there and there sharp as fuck they have super clean cuts I think it’s the only knife I’ll buy honestly I’ve never bought a spiderco or any of those other brands but after getting my karambit I’ll never go back Emerson makes a great knife
the seax and bulldog are my fav emersons
Emerson knifes are good as long as someone else is making them.
The thumb stud is factory
it opens out of your pocket......one handed no thought open......save your life!!!!
I love the look of this model BUT wish Emerson made their knives with at least CPM 154 rather than just 154 CM steel.
Getting intimate with it........eh..
You need to get a cqc-15
Wow really nice looking knife!!! :D
I hard use a mini 15 its my favorite its been run over twice
Long history with Navy Spec Ops. Who cares about social media?
What?
Spyderco edges are always uneven and no good warranty .
ESPECIALLY with sprint runs. Absolutely no backing on those knives.
Try a cqc 15,I've had an 8,super 8,commander,15 is my favorite.
Love Emerson! CQC 13 is one of my all time favorite blades.
Just got one for myself 🤘
Great knife. I've a particular love for Bowie styles and straight razor styles.
I went with Red Horse knives for my straight razor.
I went with Emerson for my Bowie.
Notice all the haters are always on Emerson knife videos regurgitating the same shit... they hate them so much but watch all the videos. They never owned or used one and certainly can't afford one. Every hobby has these losers..they are mad because they can't afford nice things so they shit talk it to justify to themselves why they don't have it.
Love me Emerson sheepdog ,fantastic hard use knife 🔪 😀
I love the Emerson Knives more than 10 years ,also was collect knives more than 17 years ago. Only a few to collect production brand in my collection. Emerson, Hinderer, CR , Strider. Others all custom knives. Emerson was good design and not expensive price also quality was fine and that’s hard use tools & tactical style. Not all model like but had my favorite some model. That’s my opinion. My Instagram sioncool
I have 3, I like it a lot....as a weapons. They are really good knives. OVERPRICE? as hell yes IMO. My $287 super cqc-8 or my $280 super karambit can be easy $187 and $180.
I've never had a problem with Emerson. The way I see it if theirs a problem with it Emerson will fix it no questions asked. Emerson has the best warranty out there or at
least one of the best.
I own them. They’re not poor quality; they’re just outdated designs and materials. I liken them to the AK-47 which is an outdated platform, but they still reliably go bang when you pull the trigger. They are nicer blades out there though.
Emerson = Highly overpriced poor quality sold under the false pretense of being tactical-fighting knives.
Sick 👊😎💯
ppl do not praise golden colorado for their fit and finish infact they complain about it becouse taiwan is far better, golden makes great knives with bad fit and finish except for the military for some reason.
Golden makes one of the best engineered knives in the bussines imho..
@@zexzubrin7244 very good designs but most spyderco's i had that were not centered, bevels off etc are from golden, this does not include the military's i got becouse they were spot on. did not have this happen to any taiwan spyderco yet.
i hear you.. from what i see it seems like Golden stepped up their game this year in overall quality (with their factory expansion and all)...
@@zexzubrin7244 thats great becouse they design some outstanding knives! i had the sprint shaman in cf s90v and kinda disliked becouse blade came way offcenter so send it back, i hope they stepped it up and the shaman sprint in cru-wear gonna be taiwan f&f standards. still spyderco is my favorite knife company! together with microtech.
If only Taiwan could do more than just fit and finish.....
Kershaw make better than emerson, Zt make more great than emerson.. Emerson make high end knife just for money, quality very-very poor.. Fit and finish lot of gaps, not solid than others maker.. Very lazy (chisel grind) cut plastic bottle also very bad with chisel grind.. Hard use knife famous in bad places? Who will survive with liner lock? Batoning with liner lock emerson? Hell no.. Fan boys always say YES! All emerson knife is good.. They totally blind..
This post hurts my brain on 17 different levels
I wouldn't buy any knife that uses shit fasteners like this Emerson....not worth any price just for that reason. YMMV