I think the main reason people buy these is that they just look fuckin cool. Even after this video and reading about other people's experience with emerson knives, a part of me still wants one.
This is a slightly older Emerson. New/current ones don't use the double detent any more. The blade logo has changed a little on the newly produced models.
I've never thought there was a strong reason to buy an Emerson-produced Emerson over a Kershaw-produced Emerson. The F&F and construction just seems to be better in the latter. Jeez... $40 vs $200 +
Nick I highly suggest looking into investing to a set of japanese vessel screwdrivers their phillips head are amazing in standard american Phillips head screws, Craftsman actually used to rebrand a set from them to market to the USA as a extractor screwdriver because it grips so well.
Jonathan Spear Well shit, I stand corrected. The quality of this knife had me completely convinced that it was a cheap Kershaw and that should speak volumes about it
On most Emerson knives now only the lock bar/liner is titanium. The opposite side with the secondary detent is stainless. On the very recent ones they have done away with the secondary detent as well but possibly not on every model.
7:10 Nick, why are you putting FrogLube on Titanium liners? Must be because a Frogs ass is water tight ... surely not a corrosion issue. Love your videos, keep up the great works of art.
Because titanium is very resistant to corrosion is it necessary to add frog lube to the liners? Just received my first Emerson and looking forward to it’s first pulling apart and Lubrications session. Adding to my comment I watched your video, did what you did on my CQC7 and took it from a squeaky low drag action to perfection. Cheers.
I know this may be blasphemy but on my cqc8 super. The lock bar had moved way across. I took it apart and bent it back and it actually worked. My be the luck of the dumb though!
Good old Emerson. They try to claim they are the best, but they're way behind the times and way overpriced. Not to mention opening it with the wave feature (the main reason you buy one mind you) in a public place will ALWAYS get people looking at you funny.
The4cp That's not a small dog to have pissed off at you, so I'd stick with with PM2 for sure. That would be my choice anyway, wave feature is cool and Spyderco and ZT do it well, but realistically I don't see them as all that practical. My ex had 2 pitbulls and a Rottweiler, mastiff and bloodhound mix (also about 160 pounds). None of them liked this cheap OTF auto that I had gifted to me, every time I messed with it they'd get really pissy, especially the Rottweiler mix.
It works really well on the Fox Dart I got today but it's just a because I like it knife. I pretty much carry a PM2 Shaman or tenacious. Fortunately for me it's just a growl and he loves me so I don't push my luck with the big guy.
The4cp The Pitts would get super concerned and the Rottweiler mix would growl. I can see how they might be useful for hard use type jobs, as long as you have coworkers that don't freak out over it. My co-workers don't bat an eye at me when I use my high end flippers (for admittedly fairly mundane tasks I might add), and I use some hard firing knives like my ZT0562 and Reate Hills. I do however know there are times when its probably not a good idea to use them, especially in public places.
I think that is his issues is just an immediate knife and he's not sure what's going on. My coworkers don't care what a carry lol. I accidentally brought a Kershaw Launch 7 to work and they were like yep knife. I'm not the only one who carries so it makes it easier. In public I try to stay discrete myself. Some people just freak out over knives.
I don't know if you noticed but the detent side of the liner, the detent Bar did not seem to be properly cut into shape in the factory... It seems that the cut didn't make all the way to the full length of the detent Bar...
Design looks unchanged from 20 years ago. Mine eventually developed up down blade play from the impact of the wave, and the flat head screw stripped. Hopefully they aren’t made exactly the same way now.
I'm watching this vid again, because I wanted a little brush-up on disassembly of this and other Emerson knives, of which I'm kind of a fan. For those who are similarly inclined, or just those who are interested in trying Emersons, remember all knives have shortcomings and advantages. In other words, they are compromises. I've had a lot of knives over the course of 65 years, and I don't think a single one of them has been perfect. In fact, I generally alter them in one way or another to suit me (a Dremel tool is your friend). So anyway, I like Emerson's because of the general feel in hand, the appearance to some degree, the ease of disassembly and maintenance (I've had Emerson's since they came out and have never stripped a phillips head screw), and the performance in rugged situations. In fact, my favorite Emersons are the ones that are beat up, scraped, have some finish missing, and are well broken in (you get the idea). Mostly I like them because of the feel, function, and ease of disassembly and maintenance. So, two objectives and one subjective. I don't care about the eyewash aspects so much. So, if you want a knife for the other reasons, an Emerson might just be the ticket for you. I think the more banged up it gets, the more you may appreciate and value it. JMHO, of course. But it deserves saying as another point of view from this vid. Thx.
Mark Martinez it helps reduce lock stick temporarily as the lock breaks in. Since the liners in these Emerson’s are titanium and they lock against the hardened steel blade until they break in they have some lock stick.
I think I own an Emerson that would change you’re mind... if you’re interested in reviewing it message me an s35vn sheep dog flipper on bearings micarta scales..
I used to have that exact knife, but serrated. It was rubbish, especially for what they charge. I'd take a D2 Cutjack over this even if both were the same price.
Thank you for this insight to an Emerson knife. Now I know they are way overpriced and to never buy one unless non biased people prove that improvements have been made to the company
I love Emersons, but they seriously need work before they're functional EDC blades. I had a Commander modded with a FFG regrind, phosphor bronze washers, and a single detent conversion. Infinitely better, and now it is my most carried knife- but it came out to around $500 all in. Too expensive for what it is.
Chris Poy interesting ideas for mods. I have a commander too. Where did you get the regrind and bronze washers? I don't think krien does individual regrinds anymore
I've spent the last 2 months dealing with Emerson with my Sheepdog. what a hassle. I live 15min away from Benchmade. I really should have stuck with my local.
Mine just came in today with similar problems . The wave opener works fine though . I was nervous to take it apart but im glad to find this video and to bought the kershaw verson with d2 steel first.
My emersons occasionally come in jank, stiff, etc. Why do I prefer emersons then? The grip texturing is unbeatable and the wave feature is essential. If you are just using a knife to cut open boxes, that's one thing. But as far as tactical folding knives, there isn't a brand that makes them. Plenty of companies that claim they do but 99% of them the grip is slippery and the opening mechanism is slow.
You can do a "field strip" of Emersons by using a dime or a flathead of a multi tool to take out just the pivot. I think benchmades can have just the pivots removed as well
Sending you an email. If your interested in reviewing the A100. To me the least tacticool Emerson. And has clean lines. But inside looks about the same.
qtpie senpai My sister loves hers. She talked about buying a true Emerson (thinking it MUST be better). I convinced her not to do so because she already had a much better knife, and I did so with gusto. ZT also makes better Hinderers than Hinderer does, my ZT O562 is one of my favorite knives in my collection.
Tom Brooks Not anymore, mine didn't flip worth a damn, and I'm far from the only person who says this either. ZTs are also usually like half the price at minimum, and often with better steel, better materials and better action. Hinderers are arguably built for harder use and you can customize them... if you spend a lot more money, so they have those pros. You're very much welcome to your opinion, but for my money I don't really see it. Maybe I just didn't get the right one, I love Hinderer designs (one of my favorite designers overall actually), but I didn't find the action to be all that great on the Hinderer I bought so I sold it. I've handled other Hinderers that flipped much better than the one that I had, but still not better than my ZT 0562 and at those prices it was total no go for me. And as i stated earlier: I'm not the only one who's had this experience, that's why people say it.
And I won't lie, I don't buy their S35vn because it's not well done. I however have had great luck with their ELMAX (bought mine after they got it right) and their CTS-204p and their 20cv (both pretty much the same steel, but both well done regardless).
Tom Brooks they flip better yes, I did make that modification on the Hinderer I bought actually, but it still wasn't as good an action as my ZT. The ZT O562 just has it beat in overall value in my book. What can I say? I kept the knife I liked more and I sold the other.
Can someone please explain why Emerson knives have a reputation of being “hard use” folders? I mean, what makes them inherently stronger than any other linerlock? They have this crazy reputation, and fanboys are always screaming about it, but I just don’t see it
One time use screws on an Emerson. The hardware is horrible. Great ergos and designs. The problem is, they've cheapened production to the point where the customer isn't getting the same quality they got back in the late 90s and even early 00s. One titanium liner and one stainless? Why not give your customer two titanium liners for the $250 cost and better hardware? Machining is minimal and modular. Everything can be replaced as long as it is still in production.
Glenn056 depends on the knife. I've got plenty where the detent is strong enough and the action is smooth enough that it just flies open with a stud/disk
*Very* sloppy finishing, freakin' Teflon washers on a $200+ knife, burnt steel on the lock bar interface, inferior hardware, poor action, no detent... Where is his head charging as much as he does for these? It's not just ridiculous, it's borderline theft.
Just got my CQC 15 out of the drawer. Yup… It’s still a turd. Not sure what I was thinking years ago when I tried to get into Emerson knives, they are just too crude and sloppily put together.
I refuse to admit that my Emerson’s are a piece of crap no matter how true it is. Also that my custom striders come perfect out of the tactical sandwich bag as well!
I handled one of these at Blade HQ and it was by far the worse knife straight out of the box. The lock stick was crazy and the G10 felt cheap. I have no idea how people buy these knives.
I think the main reason people buy these is that they just look fuckin cool. Even after this video and reading about other people's experience with emerson knives, a part of me still wants one.
DownzyTheBear zt
This is a slightly older Emerson. New/current ones don't use the double detent any more. The blade logo has changed a little on the newly produced models.
I can already hear the phrase "non-committal recurve" in the full review.
FreeState Fellow is
This could be one of the last remaining artifacts that uses Phillips head. Wait...this is a current model?
BirdShot IV cricket M16 too.
Yet another point of support for the old "if you want an Emerson, buy the one ZT makes"
The days when I thought Emerson’s were the top of the line knives.
I've never thought there was a strong reason to buy an Emerson-produced Emerson over a Kershaw-produced Emerson. The F&F and construction just seems to be better in the latter. Jeez... $40 vs $200 +
Nick I highly suggest looking into investing to a set of japanese vessel screwdrivers their phillips head are amazing in standard american Phillips head screws, Craftsman actually used to rebrand a set from them to market to the USA as a extractor screwdriver because it grips so well.
I love my Emerson’s.
They want $175-200 for that? 'kin 'ell..
Ekybob This is not a Emerson custom, it's a Kershaw- Emerson which are about $26
Jonathan Spear Well shit, I stand corrected. The quality of this knife had me completely convinced that it was a cheap Kershaw and that should speak volumes about it
@@ShellShock794
It's a proper Emerson. Worth every penny.
The liners are titanium. No corrosion possible.
On most Emerson knives now only the lock bar/liner is titanium. The opposite side with the secondary detent is stainless. On the very recent ones they have done away with the secondary detent as well but possibly not on every model.
7:10 Nick, why are you putting FrogLube on Titanium liners? Must be because a Frogs ass is water tight ... surely not a corrosion issue. Love your videos, keep up the great works of art.
Because titanium is very resistant to corrosion is it necessary to add frog lube to the liners? Just received my first Emerson and looking forward to it’s first pulling apart and Lubrications session. Adding to my comment I watched your video, did what you did on my CQC7 and took it from a squeaky low drag action to perfection. Cheers.
I know this may be blasphemy but on my cqc8 super. The lock bar had moved way across. I took it apart and bent it back and it actually worked. My be the luck of the dumb though!
Good old Emerson. They try to claim they are the best, but they're way behind the times and way overpriced. Not to mention opening it with the wave feature (the main reason you buy one mind you) in a public place will ALWAYS get people looking at you funny.
cameron utt my girlfriend's dog hates a wave feature. Angry 160 pound Great Dane not cool. No Spyderco Endura 4 when he's around. Have to use the PM2.
The4cp That's not a small dog to have pissed off at you, so I'd stick with with PM2 for sure. That would be my choice anyway, wave feature is cool and Spyderco and ZT do it well, but realistically I don't see them as all that practical. My ex had 2 pitbulls and a Rottweiler, mastiff and bloodhound mix (also about 160 pounds). None of them liked this cheap OTF auto that I had gifted to me, every time I messed with it they'd get really pissy, especially the Rottweiler mix.
It works really well on the Fox Dart I got today but it's just a because I like it knife. I pretty much carry a PM2 Shaman or tenacious. Fortunately for me it's just a growl and he loves me so I don't push my luck with the big guy.
The4cp The Pitts would get super concerned and the Rottweiler mix would growl. I can see how they might be useful for hard use type jobs, as long as you have coworkers that don't freak out over it. My co-workers don't bat an eye at me when I use my high end flippers (for admittedly fairly mundane tasks I might add), and I use some hard firing knives like my ZT0562 and Reate Hills. I do however know there are times when its probably not a good idea to use them, especially in public places.
I think that is his issues is just an immediate knife and he's not sure what's going on. My coworkers don't care what a carry lol. I accidentally brought a Kershaw Launch 7 to work and they were like yep knife. I'm not the only one who carries so it makes it easier. In public I try to stay discrete myself. Some people just freak out over knives.
I almost got suckered into one of these when I thought 154CM was top of the line 😁
Do these take specialized pivot bolts?
I don't know if you noticed but the detent side of the liner, the detent Bar did not seem to be properly cut into shape in the factory... It seems that the cut didn't make all the way to the full length of the detent Bar...
It’s finally fucking happening!
You know that when Nick is putting the knife back together, but there's still a third of the video left, that things are about to go downhill.
Design looks unchanged from 20 years ago. Mine eventually developed up down blade play from the impact of the wave, and the flat head screw stripped. Hopefully they aren’t made exactly the same way now.
Johny Ricco all of my Emersons developed that too. pretty crazy that the knife literally breaks itself
I'm watching this vid again, because I wanted a little brush-up on disassembly of this and other Emerson knives, of which I'm kind of a fan. For those who are similarly inclined, or just those who are interested in trying Emersons, remember all knives have shortcomings and advantages. In other words, they are compromises. I've had a lot of knives over the course of 65 years, and I don't think a single one of them has been perfect. In fact, I generally alter them in one way or another to suit me (a Dremel tool is your friend). So anyway, I like Emerson's because of the general feel in hand, the appearance to some degree, the ease of disassembly and maintenance (I've had Emerson's since they came out and have never stripped a phillips head screw), and the performance in rugged situations. In fact, my favorite Emersons are the ones that are beat up, scraped, have some finish missing, and are well broken in (you get the idea). Mostly I like them because of the feel, function, and ease of disassembly and maintenance. So, two objectives and one subjective. I don't care about the eyewash aspects so much. So, if you want a knife for the other reasons, an Emerson might just be the ticket for you. I think the more banged up it gets, the more you may appreciate and value it. JMHO, of course. But it deserves saying as another point of view from this vid. Thx.
Does anyone know how to clean the black part without ruining the knife. I put it in my pocket and got all dust and lint stuck in the little holes.
Are you putting that voice on? What an accent. If it's real, I salute you. Amazing.
What does the Sharpie do to the operation?
Mark Martinez it helps reduce lock stick temporarily as the lock breaks in. Since the liners in these Emerson’s are titanium and they lock against the hardened steel blade until they break in they have some lock stick.
Sorry for the rookie question but what was the sharpie for.?
I'm pretty sure the liners are titanium. not steel. I could be wrong tho
I think I own an Emerson that would change you’re mind... if you’re interested in reviewing it message me an s35vn sheep dog flipper on bearings micarta scales..
take out detent ball and rotate it. and aren't the liners suppose to be titanium?
Jeez Nick how long ago did you film this? We haven't seen the liquid loctite in forever! I feel like Marty McFreakinFly over here!
This is an antique, almost a year old. But it's been waiting for a nice companion piece, which you'll see on KnifeNews soon...
That blade shape reminds me of a Rubicon.
I used to have that exact knife, but serrated. It was rubbish, especially for what they charge. I'd take a D2 Cutjack over this even if both were the same price.
Thank you for this insight to an Emerson knife. Now I know they are way overpriced and to never buy one unless non biased people prove that improvements have been made to the company
I love Emersons, but they seriously need work before they're functional EDC blades. I had a Commander modded with a FFG regrind, phosphor bronze washers, and a single detent conversion. Infinitely better, and now it is my most carried knife- but it came out to around $500 all in. Too expensive for what it is.
Chris Poy interesting ideas for mods. I have a commander too. Where did you get the regrind and bronze washers? I don't think krien does individual regrinds anymore
see also: "How to repackage and return the Emerson Mini CQC-15" :)
I've spent the last 2 months dealing with Emerson with my Sheepdog. what a hassle. I live 15min away from Benchmade. I really should have stuck with my local.
What was the issue?
FYI that blade is centered af at the end
I thought the liners were Ti. Shouldn't be any corrosion on the liners.
Only the locking liner is titanium.
cloudcleaver23 ah
Kinda sad the $50 Kershaw version of this in D2 is just as good.
Mine just came in today with similar problems . The wave opener works fine though . I was nervous to take it apart but im glad to find this video and to bought the kershaw verson with d2 steel first.
Well you're coming out with some interesting knives
I can't people actually buy these.... So many other options at this price range.... Another good vid Nick!
My emersons occasionally come in jank, stiff, etc. Why do I prefer emersons then? The grip texturing is unbeatable and the wave feature is essential. If you are just using a knife to cut open boxes, that's one thing. But as far as tactical folding knives, there isn't a brand that makes them. Plenty of companies that claim they do but 99% of them the grip is slippery and the opening mechanism is slow.
You can do a "field strip" of Emersons by using a dime or a flathead of a multi tool to take out just the pivot. I think benchmades can have just the pivots removed as well
Emerson or Kershaw?
lastgunslinger3759 Manix 2XL
We will sell you Robertson screws and matching drivers. You're welcome 😎
Sending you an email. If your interested in reviewing the A100. To me the least tacticool Emerson. And has clean lines. But inside looks about the same.
when zt makes better emersons than emerson
qtpie senpai My sister loves hers. She talked about buying a true Emerson (thinking it MUST be better). I convinced her not to do so because she already had a much better knife, and I did so with gusto. ZT also makes better Hinderers than Hinderer does, my ZT O562 is one of my favorite knives in my collection.
Tom Brooks Not anymore, mine didn't flip worth a damn, and I'm far from the only person who says this either. ZTs are also usually like half the price at minimum, and often with better steel, better materials and better action. Hinderers are arguably built for harder use and you can customize them... if you spend a lot more money, so they have those pros.
You're very much welcome to your opinion, but for my money I don't really see it. Maybe I just didn't get the right one, I love Hinderer designs (one of my favorite designers overall actually), but I didn't find the action to be all that great on the Hinderer I bought so I sold it. I've handled other Hinderers that flipped much better than the one that I had, but still not better than my ZT 0562 and at those prices it was total no go for me.
And as i stated earlier: I'm not the only one who's had this experience, that's why people say it.
Tom Brooks I, among many others, do care about flipping action, it's kind of a big deal in a flipper knife, one that costs that much in particular.
And I won't lie, I don't buy their S35vn because it's not well done. I however have had great luck with their ELMAX (bought mine after they got it right) and their CTS-204p and their 20cv (both pretty much the same steel, but both well done regardless).
Tom Brooks they flip better yes, I did make that modification on the Hinderer I bought actually, but it still wasn't as good an action as my ZT. The ZT O562 just has it beat in overall value in my book. What can I say? I kept the knife I liked more and I sold the other.
Can someone please explain why Emerson knives have a reputation of being “hard use” folders? I mean, what makes them inherently stronger than any other linerlock? They have this crazy reputation, and fanboys are always screaming about it, but I just don’t see it
Marketing, mostly.
One time use screws on an Emerson. The hardware is horrible. Great ergos and designs. The problem is, they've cheapened production to the point where the customer isn't getting the same quality they got back in the late 90s and even early 00s. One titanium liner and one stainless? Why not give your customer two titanium liners for the $250 cost and better hardware? Machining is minimal and modular. Everything can be replaced as long as it is still in production.
"mini" - 3.5" blade... apparently emerson and I have very different definitions of what a "mini" knife size should be
Pinches nose: "Ahm outta hee-yah."
I have several emersons, just not worth the price IMO. I like his handle ergonomics.
He is a master of ergos, for sure.
Why do you always need so much wrist flick to simply open thumstud/disk knives?
Glenn056 depends on the knife. I've got plenty where the detent is strong enough and the action is smooth enough that it just flies open with a stud/disk
Probably because he's trying to do it under a camera. Positioning is awkward.
Have you tried to open this knife without it? :) I handle a lot of knives with really bad detents and actions, it becomes habit.
Now take a hummingbird apart! It's a gem of a knife, and goes back together great, perfectly centered
Nick, I figured it was just some Shabazz pizazz. (Could not help myself.)
I thought Emerson uses titanium liners.
Mrdrcaptaintroy lock side is TI and the other side is 300 series stainless I think.
Just bought an Appalachian. Y’all are scaring me in the comments.
That’s one patriotic screwdriver
Philips? Teflon washers? 154 cm? Bad blade centering? Terrible detent? Must be a 90 dollar knife! Oh wait...it’s twice that
Is that American flag screwdriver made of iron(y).
Even when dissasembled its still too tactical
The only good Emerson is made by zt and that’s kinda sad
Especially with the interesting ideas Emerson has
*Very* sloppy finishing, freakin' Teflon washers on a $200+ knife, burnt steel on the lock bar interface, inferior hardware, poor action, no detent...
Where is his head charging as much as he does for these? It's not just ridiculous, it's borderline theft.
Just got my CQC 15 out of the drawer. Yup… It’s still a turd. Not sure what I was thinking years ago when I tried to get into Emerson knives, they are just too crude and sloppily put together.
I refuse to admit that my Emerson’s are a piece of crap no matter how true it is. Also that my custom striders come perfect out of the tactical sandwich bag as well!
Had a kershaw Emerson cqc 7 I was not impressed at all
You think that's tactical I just got a fox dart today. Lol couldn't help myself.
I bought a gentleman Jim a couple months ago. The design is nice but everything about it is shit.
Now I know not to cross the Emersons off my '18 buy list.
If you like Emerson buy a kershaw or protech. Ernie is resting on his reputation an not keeping up with the times. F&F an price
Intentionally using a flat head screw in a place that will be frequently adjusted...a jackass move that's very representative of this knife maker.
You probably put allens on a 1911
I handled one of these at Blade HQ and it was by far the worse knife straight out of the box. The lock stick was crazy and the G10 felt cheap. I have no idea how people buy these knives.
Looks likw junk..
I have several emersons, just not worth the price IMO. I like his handle ergonomics.
I have several emersons, just not worth the price IMO. I like his handle ergonomics.