Emerson Knife Disappointment: My Honest Review After High Expectations

[@HCqvintus]

When you pay couple of hundred dollars for a tool which can be purchased in the same quality and durability for 40-50 bucks, you are right to expect good finish and precise assembly. All the people who are pointing out that finish is not so important do not realize that finish/careful assembly is the only thing that would make this tool worth the price when compared to cheaper knives.

[@AKindChap]

HCqvintus "When you pay couple of hundred dollars for a tool which can be purchased in the same quality and durability for 40-50 bucks" you made a mistake.

[@Koolkid736]

HCqvintus no, you can't find the same quality and durability for 40-50 bucks...

[@JoannaJedrzejczyksForehead]

Cody bullshit. I bought a tanto in XHP (better Steel and the company does a better Heat Treat than the floppy softness that is Ernie's take on 154) with a much stronger lock. Emerson's are over hyped, poorly executed Art Knives.

[@Koolkid736]

Dert McGert i 100% agree they are overpriced. but they're not $50 quality knives. they sell for around $190 and they're probably worth closer to $100 or so.

[@skylerbond56]

Cody if beats audio made a knife it would be an emerson.

[@joshuamitcham1519]

Ive been an Emerson customer and user for 20 years. I have had many of their products,always put them through the ringer and always had good experiences. Used the same Mini CQC-7 zero ground tanto since 2001 and just gave it to my best friend for him to abuse in late 2022. The lock is still solid as a rock.

[@twocyclediesel1280]

That’s quite a gift. I love my CQC Mini 15. Used the heck out of it for about 12 yrs. lock is fine but it’s getting later so I’ll probably have to send it in in a couple more yrs. Have the Mini Commander and Government Mule as well. No complaints. I find the ergos on the folders are addicting. As soon as I got my first I pretty much stopped carrying anything else. That thick, rectangular cross section combined with the G10....nothing like it for heavy work.

[@darangemaster1]

I have read all of the comments posted here and came to the conclusion that many of you din't quite understand what the video was all about. Cody merely stated that he did not believe that the fit and finish if the Emerson was as good as he THOUGHT a $200 knife should be. Therefore he was going to send it back and purchase something different. Cody is entitled to his opinion and that's all it was pure and simple. ya know i think i would have been of the same mindset. No disrespect to the quality of the Emerson product but if i would have witnessed that type of issue i may have reacted in a similar fashion.

[@tereseduffy6591]

I agree. For $200 you should be able to get a near flawless knife.

[@rustyshackleford17]

darangemaster1 Thats a problem with Emerson. You're paying for a whole lot of name. At the very least they should have excellent F&F because all their direct competition does (ZT, Benchmade, Spyderco)Something their fanboys don't like to discuss because they're a "user"

[@jhoppie27]

Interesting review. I own two Emerson knives, and I'm very happy with them. I use both daily. One I carry in my everyday jeans, and the other I keep with my work uniform and use at night as a mechanic. Oddly enough, I also own the Benchmade that is featured in this video, and two Spyderco knives (one made in Japan and the other in Golden, CO). I will say that the Emerson is more of a simplistic design, and my first impression of it was that it was a bit crude; however, I have never owned a knife as functional and tough as the Emerson. After beating on both Emerson knives on a daily basis, I will never go back to anything else. Though they may be simple and less pretty, they are incredibly functional and durable. I'll take function over form any day, and, to me, the function is well worth the money. That being said, wranglerstar, I do appreciate your attention to detail exemplified by the videos that you have posted, and I appreciate the alternative viewpoint that you offer regarding Emerson knives. I don't care for the model that you picked. Mine both have the wave feature, which, in my opinion, is the best one-handed function you can find on a knife (also probably why Spyderco and Kershaw have adopted that feature for a few of their models, and other knife manufacturers have their own iterations of the concept).

[@CrazySharp]

You can tell it's an Emerson if you close your eyes and pick it up and it feels like someone put it together with their toes

[@ronaldnagle6791]

Its a shame that the knife was not what you expected. The knives come very stiff at first, they just need some break in time. I have been carrying my cqc 15 for over 2 years every day and It has been a great knife. I like benchmades, I like spydercos but I dont feel they make many models that can be used as hard as Emersons. I know ive used mine in ways that would break others in half. Thats why I bought mine, so I can have that peace of mind that the knife im carrying is ready and able to perform, and you dont have to worry about breaking it or messing it up. Its a tool, and honestly in my opinion they are some of the best made knives out there for that price point. Mine has never failed, and it has paid for itself 10 fold in my mind.

[@CPLBSS88]

It just goes to show that these "top tier" manufactures fail too. I personally really enjoy Buck and Cold steel. They are economical, tough, and I don't have to wait for ever to get one.

[@cagneybillingsley2165]

isn't this supposed to look home made? it is home made. but is there any functional flaws? i use knives as tools, i don't care if it has 0.01cm discrepancies because it's not made in a factory using cnc machines

[@Lugermonger35]

I agree it seems like whoever put it together just did not care quality control issues it's a shame

[@griffinmiller3783]

You agree with the next KZbin video too

[@happydude4202]

+Griffin Miller I bet he agrees your a fuckwit.

[@EasternTriad]

It's so nice to see a used, worn, but still useful and robust knife. I'm of course referring to your Benchmade. You should do a review on it in its present condition.

[@marktsunokai5889]

Interesting. Have purchased numerous Emerson knives and had no problems whatsoever. Took one on each of my three tours to The Middle East. Their Customer Service is excellent, and are very attentive to customers needs.

[@kenmarapese9085]

Your story is very close to my first experience with an Emerson knife, I sold it. It seems Emerson listened to experiences like yours as they are many because changes have been made to the construction and quality of his knives. I went to my local knife shop and checked them out for myself and was impressed. I am anxiously waiting to receive a mini CQC-15.

[@wranglerstar]

Yes I know best because I am the one who received this piece for garbage from emerson.

[@rosecity7488]

Me too ! Sheepdog . 2months of hell dealing with Emerson on making it right. it came back crappier if that's possible lol. I live 15min from Benchmade. Should've stuck with them. I bought a Para 3 and I'm quite pleased with it . I could have bought 2 with the price of that Emerson Sheepdog. live and learn I guess.

[@RhinoUSC]

What's ironic is that my Emerson Mini CQC-7 came in such better quality than my Benchmade 940. Absolutely no issues with the Emerson but the Benchmade 940 had vertical blade play, an uneven edge, and a horrible sharpening job. My other Benchmades have been flawless though.

[@czenkusm]

Sure it did

[@joshuamitcham1519]

I used a rare 1 of 200 zero ground tanto cqc-7 for 20 years. It never failed me. I retired it and gifted it to my bestest buddy. He loves it and uses it everyday doing AAA road service. You can pick anything to peices,especially when its something stupid like finish detailing but after 20 years of hard use,I know Emerson makes a quality hard use tool. Yep,they cost almost 200 bucks,but you'll buy and break 100 $60 kershaw or spyderco knives trying to get all the use out of them when you could just buy a single Emerson that will last through the torture of hard use.

[@nunyabizness3882]

@@joshuamitcham1519 Nah, I'll stick with my Paramilitary 2. It actually cuts and penetrates. If I want to pry I use my crowbar.

[@Powerpickle68]

I agree with you. When I pay a lot for a product like a knife,it doesn't matter how tough it turns out to be. The fit/finish better be represented in the price.

[@alpharhythm7861]

I just read an article by Ernest emerson, I found it after I watched this video, he went on to talk about the "fit and finish" on his knives and pretty much telling people to piss off cause that's just the way he likes to make them. overpriced and poor quality

[@punisheroutdoors3469]

I was going to get an Emerson, but after watching this video I got a Benchmade 940-1. Thanks, Cody!

[@andresortiz4426]

I'm sorry you are displeased with your Emerson. Here are my experiences with what you pointed out: 1. Blade opens and closes snug and smooth 2. Scales fit perfectly. No light can be seen between liners and scales. 3. Jimping on liners matches with scales. 4. Screws are flat and flush. 5. Scales hang over liners all around, and I prefer it that way to avoid uncomfortable gripping on the liners themselves. (I'm pretty sure it was intentionally designed that way). 6. My liners have a nice brushed appearance. 7. Backstop is straight. I pay very close attention to detail as you do and I tried pretty hard to look for something out of place that I didn't like... but I didn't find a single thing. My Micro commander is now easily one of the nicer knives I currently own and the wave feature is just awesome! :) As with firearms, not all production knives come out perfect, and when I see a defect, ill be sure to send it back to the manufacturer, as I did just recently with a Fox knife. However, as with my first Emerson, I couldn't be happier with it.

[@wranglerstar]

Andres Ortiz My Emerson was an overpriced piece of garbage,

[@kittyairsoft]

Andres Ortiz The fact that it is inconsistent, enough for the guy on the phone to say they're crappy, is a problem

[@andresortiz4426]

StuntMuffin01 that makes no sense. Why would the "guy on the phone" or the online shop be endorsing Emerson if they felt that way. Not to mention, if the shop selling their products knew the knives they got from emerson were cosmetically defective, yet they sold them anyway without sending them back from the get go.. seems to me the folks this reviewer should be focusing on are the people who sold him the knife just for a quick cash grab. Like I said earlier. All production products have inconsistency at times. They are in fact made by people. Send it back like you would any other product. I have on occassion gotten an inferior product from benchmade and didnt decide to cry about it and bash the company. I just sent it back for another. Good day! :)

[@kittyairsoft]

Andres Ortiz the phone guy may work at the company but not for the company. Whoever sold him the knife didn't check to make sure it was all fine and dandy. They slapped a label on it and sent it out. Plenty of people who when there probably hold different opinions on what is a good or bad knife. But if someone who is handling them all day (if they have a physical store) says that most of them are bad then you probably got the fluke

[@canadianknifeExpert]

Python Power I would say from the Emersons I've experienced that about 80% of them come with sub par fit and finish. Every now and then you see one that is pretty good but its few and far between.

[@edged_mindset]

You are absolutly correct. Some of these fanboys have sunk so much money into a brand that there is no turning back. I'm sure Emersones were awesome back in the day...but they just hadn't raised the bar along with all other companies.

[@FredGrabara]

I'm sorry, but those flathead and phillips head screws on Emerson knives just look so CHEAP and JANKY.

[@FredGrabara]

***** Hex or torx would be so much nicer.

[@FredGrabara]

The Emerson and the paramilitary 2 are not exactly comparable knives. The mechanisms are different, and the paramilitary 2 is definitely more complicated. I don't have those problems with my Endura 4. People are free to buy an Emerson if they like. Personally, I like their way feature, but I find their knives lacking in other aspects. I'll happily get a Spyderco or zero tolerance with a wave feature instead.

[@FredGrabara]

Not to mention, if you have a knife that requires a particular tool, and you go into the field without said tool, that's not the fault of the manufacturer.

[@FredGrabara]

Then I will take your anecdote as a reminder to perform periodic cleaning and maintenance on my knife so that I know it will be ready to perform when called upon. I'm sure there would be nothing to prevent a person from replacing the offending hexagonal or Torx screws with Phillips or flathead screws that are more resilient to neglect or abuse. for that matter, if I found myself continually needing to field strip my folder, I would probably carry a fixed blade instead. problem solved.

[@FredGrabara]

And yes, I am aware that Emerson invented the wave feature, that is why I mentioned that brand. However, since they have licensed that design, there are options to implement that feature in more pleasing and functional packages.

[@patrickmartin3361]

Emerson uses grease with grit in it. The more you open, close, use it the smoother it gets. If it was drilled dirt and stuff would get stuck in it. It's not pretty cause if the lock wears out he puts a new titanium liner as part of the warranty. There warranty is great. That's most likely were a good amount of the money is going. I sent in I think 3-4 knives and all fixed. They are great to work with. Sad they are caving in to people that want ball bearings and flippers. They are stronger than they look steal is soft but tough as nails.

[@Deusmecumest]

Just the fact they use three different type of screw heads on a single knife says a lot about it. To me personally that´s a big eye opener.

[@guitarplayabreh9445]

The screws are meant so that people with less access to torx bits and such can use more simple tools to maintain the knife. It looks cheap and simple, but really, it's not. It doesn't cost any more to machine torx heads. I'm not an emerson fan-boy, but these types of screws are something I like about them, particularly when the knives were originally designed for soldiers. BTW alot of companies say that, but emerson really did start out as a knife designer purely for the U.S. armed services.

[@Deusmecumest]

If ease of maintenance was the thought behind this foolishness. Then it takes two seconds to realize you need more then three different tools to loosen three different type of screw heads. Anybody who has some sense of logic behind what you describe as a reason would have used slotted screws throughout the entire ugly designed and very poorly executed knife. Like Cody pointed out. It was assembled by people who just don't care. And it shows.

[@guitarplayabreh9445]

Calo Q. I don't know what you're talking about, but the pivot is a flat-head and all the body screws are phillips heads. What do you have on a multi-tool? Most likely a phillip and flat head. Do you need to run and get the torx bit when your pivot loosens? No, you pull out your multi-tool or use a coin, or your fingernail, or anything slim and flat. Point is, this knife and all other emerson knives like it are meant to be as low maintenance as possible, hence the chisel grind on most of them. I agree completely that this emerson and most all of them have terrible fit and finish, I even further know that they wear so quickly you could have a knife with 100% engagement and loads of blade play in a couple weeks. Hell, even the kershaw-emerson knives are far better than real emersons in every way except blade steel. But you have to be willing to acknowledge a companies high points, and the hardware type on emerson's knives are one of them.

[@Deusmecumest]

Look at the video. On everything else I think you brilliantly answered yourself.

[@guitarplayabreh9445]

Calo Q. I've seen the video. There's only two types of screws anywhere on this knife, and they're phillips and flat-head screws. I already explained what the purpose for those are.

[@BrothersCinco]

Fair criticism. Emersons made after 2015 or so have improved and finish by many miles. The blade grinds aren't as beautiful as the old ones, however. Still, very nice grinds for production knives. I think Emersons just appeal to a different type of person. For example, I hate the 940. Absolutely do not like it.

[@rediculousereptiles]

Hello guys this is just a review why do you have to b all up at arms with Mr.wranglerstar about his review? Listen he's right if your gonna pay $200 for a knife then it better be perfect. Now $25 maybe but even that's kinda high for a knife with as many imperfections as that Emerson knife has. Most company's if not all have there products inspected multiple times before leavening their facilities and a lot of the time if the item has the simplest of imperfections it is cast aside and either fixed or scraped for parts, a great example of that is gransfors bruks even though their and axe company axes and knives go hand in hand.

[@priority2]

Just curious as to why a brand new knife has all the black coating worn off of the pivot screw?

[@Dontslaythybroski]

I wouldn't pay 40$ for that knife just from looking at it. makes me cringe

[@theswedishpanda3897]

agreed it just looks ugly and cheap.

[@griffinmiller3783]

Hahahaha. You people are dumb as hell.

[@MysterioTGN]

Griffin Miller well, it looks like a $40 knife.

[@poopshootpoop7531]

Not a fan of the thumb disk or the edge grind. Obviously people out there love it though because people buy the hell out of them. I had a Emerson delica wave and it just didn't cut well for my needs with the sabre grind. Plus it had a signet ring which was not my style either.

[@wranglerstar]

I have done my research. The problem is not with the looks of the thing. This problem is with the shoddy workmanship. This thing looks like something you would buy from a street vendor in Tijuana. If you would have done your research you would find that Emerson is putting out a lot of junk to meet the demand. Emerson fan boys find it hard to admit that their $200 knife is sub par.

[@maimster4256]

I've heard enough. I was about to buy one. Thanks for the input.

[@danquirke443]

I have little use for internet reviews anymore unless they come from someone I trust like you. I had the opposite experience. When looking for my first small concealed carry handgun my friend recommend the Ruger LCP .380. Many of the reviews on it were terrible. Guys claimed it was not accurate, that you could accidentally eject the mag, that it was hard to grip, etc. I bought it anyway because I trust my friend. Turns out it a great little gun. It's extremely accurate for what it is. I couldn't eject the mag with a shooting grip if I tried. It's amazing how well it fits in my hand for it's size. Especially if you put the pinky extension on that it comes with. I'm convinced that most people just can't shoot that gun because it comes with a little stiffer trigger pull being a no safety gun. All it took was working on my trigger control and it actually made me a better shooter. But because one guy decided to tear the gun down because he couldn't shoot it there was negative review after negative review. It's the sheep mentality. If one person says so, everyone is afraid to disagree. I'm glad I bought that gun and that's why I have no use for most internet reviews.

[@Commonsense34]

Kizer knives can't be beat for the price! I own six different models everyone is well worth it blade steel s35vn for most of their blades and great fit and finish. For the people who are gonna say it's a Chinese company check your knife chances are it has something on it from another country or it was put together there. Best price for all that you get from them give it a try!

[@joe4678]

+Tristan Garwood haha. No.

[@Commonsense34]

+joe4678 haha. Shows how one minded you are fool.

[@matthewmitchell8678]

I think you got a bad one my friend. It happens to all companies. I’ve used his stuff for years and they have never failed me. If you reach out to them they will take care of you.

[@wranglerstar]

Your attempted criticism of my Emerson review only confirms everything I said about this overpriced over hyped mediocre knife.

[@jeepnicc]

I feel ya bro. I have a CQC 15 that cost almost $200, and to be honest, it looks, feels, and handles like a $20 CRKT, except the CRKT locks up tighter! Nice to finally see some honest reviews of Emersons work here on the tube. Wish I would have seen them before I wasted my money. Oh yeah, its been back to Emerson twice now and still is not right. Thanks for sharing!

[@mattrowells9082]

Im a big fan of the spiterco knives because I'm a Commercial diver and these knives are really sharp and don't rust in salt water. Also I like the warranty you get with the knife and yo can also send it in to get sharpen for free. worth every penny

[@pericodelospalotes5738]

Me too, not only those with H1 steel. Quality-price? Spyderco is the best in my opinion, wonderful steels and good construction for way less money than Emerson. But... people buy what they want, if they prefer Emerson models just because their fame related with the military, it's ok for me.

[@wranglerstar]

watch the video. You can see what I saw. This knife was a joke.

[@rediculousereptiles]

You should look into the opinel folding knives they com in 10 different sizes and have been made in France for well over 100 years and luckily have a huge price tag sizes 2-5 are friction locks and sizes 6-12 are ring locks, and this company has not changed very much through the years of knife production they have taken part in

[@TanBurch]

I would be interested if you took a newer model Emerson and see if the quality control has changed

[@VeritasNous]

Emerson's fit and finish IS notoriously bad. That being said, I sorely miss my waved CQC7. Don't buy Emersons for fit and finish. You WILL be as disappointed as wranglerstar was. There are at least a couple of models of emerson knives that are excellent despite having awful fit and finish; namely, the commander and kerambit with the wave. These knives are good because they're intelligently designed and adequately executed weapons. They're designed as weapons and they are very good weapons. If you want fit and finish, Benchmade is pretty good, Zero Tolerance (Kershaw's high end division) is good. Better is Microtech.

[@DeathDealer010]

If you're not gonna buy it for the fit and finish, then why spend so much on it? With all that grit in the pivot, it's gonna wear out a lot faster than a clean pivot.

[@VeritasNous]

They're self-defense oriented. The grit in the pivot can be fixed by the end user. Get some 1500 grit sandpaper, take it apart, clean it, use the sandpaper to polish the blade where the washers make contact, a little rem oil, bingo). Not to justify the lack of fit and finish really. It SHOULD be much better for the cost, especially given that the blade steel is nothing special, It's just that the purpose they're built for doesn't really require it.

[@migueldias191]

Weapons? Ahahahahah...

[@HWYHOG1]

I have a 2002 Mini Commander and a 2006 CQC7 and have no issues with either. Maybe you have a counterfeit?

[@BlkREPR]

Buy the way I have carried Emersons for years since my military and contracting days, the CQC 7 is what I have carried most. Had a mini seven that did crap out on me after two years. But I stand by my regular 7. I've hears negative reviews on many brands of knives including benchmade, Chris reeve and others. Go with what you like is all you can do and I'm liking that Osbourne alot. 👍🔪

[@jkidesto714]

BlkREPR what was wrong with the mini? I’m looking to buy one. Either that or a spyderco manix 2

[@jkoeberlein1]

Yes I know, but I'm suspicious of liner locks. So how are is the lock up?

[@liveingdeadman]

I completely agree with you wranglerstar

[@NGMonocrom]

Emerson's custom-made knives are absolutely fantastic. But yeah, there have been issues with his Production knives since he decided to expand into that area from the very start. Ironically, he's gone from Awful to Barely Decent at best over the years; as far as his Production knives go. When I bought my Mini-Commander, I was fortunate to get it at a Brick & Mortar Authorized Dealer. The sales clerk had to pull all the Mini-Commanders from their stock just so I could find one that had a liner-lock that was actually built properly. There was about 8 of them in stock, and it wasn't until I was half way through before I found a decent one. Shortly afterwards, it developed a weird rattle. Still locks up rock-solid. Can't see anything loose inside the handles. But it rattles like crazy. Going to have to fully disassemble it to see what the Hell is wrong with it.

[@Voidrunner01]

The quality on his custom knives varies wildly as well. I've seen more than a couple that were just atrocious.

[@JCTheSniper15]

I've had a similar experience. I bought a CQC-8, and I was not impressed with the quality of the knife. My first thought upon receiving it was "did I somehow get a fake". I bought it from a reputable company that I trust, but the quality was so much lower than I expected that I had to wonder. Unfortunately though, it isn't a fake. It's the real deal, the quality just really Is that low. There will probably not be any more Emersons in my collection. Rather spend my money on another spydie or benchmade than an overpriced Emerson.

[@richardvogel1533]

When I bought my mini cqc-7 a few years ago, I was just furious as to how it came to me. The grittiness and lock stick was almost unbelievable. I watched a few videos of people saying just give it time and it will loosen up, so I opened and closed it a few hundred times until it literally wouldn't even open anymore it was so gritty. After spending a couple hours of my own time to disassemble, wipe all the shit out and polish/lubricate it properly, I was left with an decent knife. The fact that I paid $170 and still had to do my own finishings to it is ridiculous. There are gas station knives with better finishings, no exaggeration. That being said, now that I've done the work, I do love the knife. But I would never buy another one just to have to do Emersons job for them. I just can't really comprehend how they don't understand how taking another 30 minutes to clean and polish the bushings would encourage buyers to stick with them. Good knife, shit execution.

[@nonope4390]

All the best "emersons" are made by ZT lol

[@OverlandAspirations]

I absolutely love my cqc 8 and can not wait to get my super 7 in. You really should give them another chance. I think you'll fall in love

[@mitchmac4608]

Emerson knives are designed so guys like you won't like them. You have to understand what their knives are designed for, before you can fully appreciate them. I could name a long list of things that you pointed out, that are completely false, and actually are that way for a reason. To each their own. They just aren't the knives or the company for you. Stick to your benchmades if they make you happy. But don't sit back and point a finger at Emerson fans for "overpaying" for their knives, especially if you are a benchmade fan. You will "overpay" for any knife you buy. It all comes down to personal preference and understanding what you are paying for.

[@wranglerstar]

Another Emerson fan boy who's drinks the cool-aid, LOL

[@mitchmac4608]

Their kool-aid tastes so good, though. Tastes like a no BS company, that makes purpose driven knives. You like Benchmade's kool-aid, that's cool man. Like I said, to each his own. Benchmade makes some fantastic knives. But the thing is, each company, each knife, has their pros and cons. It's up to you to decide which one suits you. But don't try and tell me that $200 spent on an Emerson vs. $200 spent on a Benchmade is a no brainer.

[@wranglerstar]

You just proved my point.

[@Nevir202]

"I could name a long list of things that you pointed out, that are completely false, and actually are that way for a reason." Then by all means try to explain how the screws being driven in crooked is by design, the advantage of scales that are not fitted to the liners and have air gaps thus allowing debris to accumulate inside, or perhaps you would like to enlighten us to the brilliance of the crooked stop?

[@paulwest8192]

Please do point out what was false and why bad fit and finish are meant to be on a $200 knife, this I have to hear!

[@Kylef7735]

Emersons remind me of old school 1911s, you pay a ton for the item, then expect to pay a ton more. It really shouldnt be like that. I totally agree with what my buddy camokid1ss says about them "If they were around a hundred bucks i would reccomend them all day, but for the price they charge it is really not worth it"

[@priority2]

Call it "hype" all you want...the fact remains that Emerson has not spent a dime on advertising over the last 15 years yet his knives continue to be best sellers. People who appreciate good, working tools will continue to buy his honest, made in America designs. You are entitled to your opinion and you present it clearly, but I strongly disagree. I have never had an Emerson knife break or fail me and I've been using them at work and in my home and shop since 1997.

[@michao5636]

+William Yester Emerson knives are pop/rap music of knife world for me. Somehow it's popular but it doesn't mean that it's something the best. Even I sometimes listen pop/rap but I think that rock/classical/jazz is better. ;)

[@skylerbond56]

+Michał O Beats audio of the knife world. lol

[@SUPERSTUD6000]

+William Yester paying shills to post on forums to counter the fact that emerson knives makes turds is advertising. ernest emerson is a dishonest douchebag.

[@priority2]

+barry soetoro How is Mr Emerson dishonest? It's not like he's making absurd false allegations about people he does not even know, like you. Perhaps someday, when you grow up, you will appreciate what honest hard work can achieve.

[@SUPERSTUD6000]

William Yester fucking classic shillery

[@johnmorton2963]

I have probably 30 knives I have collected over the years. Some are high end, and others are beaters like my Recon 1 Coldsteel. The one that goes in my pocket every single day to carry is my Super CQC-7 Emerson however (I have two of them) The Emerson is absolutely indestructible & the wave feature works perfectly. When I got them, I took them apart and polished the guts etc. to make them smoother. After lubing and reassembly, they are as smooth as any knife made and open lightning fast with the wave.

[@hodor8316]

Everyone that defends Emerson is apparently a fanboy. Huh.

[@jermainepearson6835]

I just picked up a Emerson Kershaw knife 6034T (my first knife so I went cheap) and looking at the things that you pointed out, it actually looks well made. I'm surprised for a $23.00 knife. I did find that the disk doesn't work well to deploy the blade, but I use the wave and it works like a charm.

[@elliottmazur143]

If that constitutes a $200 knife, I'm in the wrong business.

[@griffinmiller3783]

Is your business being completely ignorant?

[@yeaman992]

Zen Chiller And I've read your comments on his comments and I can tell you're a good dude

[@mcgee772003]

My first high quality knife wad an emerson cqc7 that I bought in 2001. I didnt have any issues at all with it. I still miss that blade. I gave it to a good friend before he moved to Italy a few years ago. Ive had other nice blades since then, but thanks to you I just ordered a benchmade 940 osborne. I didnt care much for the blade shape at first, but it has grown on me lately. Maybr now I can see what all the fuss is about.

[@FredGrabara]

When you said it looked like someone made it in your garage, my reaction was, "It looks like some pre-production prototype."

[@griffinmiller3783]

That's Bc your sitting in your house on a computer and not using an Emerson over seas. Lol

[@dbmoa1]

Benchmade Knives made their own editions of Emerson Knives under license in the 1990s. I had a couple of the Benchmade manufactured, Emerson CQC-7s and they were excellent, some of the best value I have seen. They are apparently collector's items now, but if you can find one for a reasonable price buy it if you can. Good Stuff.

[@PowerMadHeadBanger]

I don't know noone that says the Emerson knives are the best in the world. If someone would throw some much hype I certainly wouldn't listen to him. The only knife reviewer I take seriously is Israel from WeAllJuggleKnives and he always pointed problems with the fit and finish of Emerson knives when applicable. Moreover I know that Emersons should came down in price but after all Emersons are mostly good because fit and finish won't inhibit the knife of doing it's job of saving your life. And how can you talk about Emerson's fan boys when you are a Benchmade fan boy?

[@SevenFields108]

Dude, I couldn't agree with you more! I bought a CQC-7 and when it came, it had a crooked thumb disk. I had it repaired, sold it, bought another one from another dealer, AGAIN it had a crooked thumb disk. I'm not talking about slightly crooked, it was clearly visible! So I mailed Emerson with a few pictures and got the reply that "it doesn't affect the performance of the knife" and they refused to repair let alone replace it. I haven't so much as looked at an Emerson knife ever since!

[@FimmyV]

Typical Emerson knife. $200 name and logo, nothing more.

[@tuckrnonya454]

I bought an Emerson Sheepdog about 11 months ago. It's a limited edition with upgraded S35VN steel and micarta grips. Came same as yours, very gritty. Had to be taken apart to get all the dirt from the factory out - 5 minutes out of the box. The blade was, and still is, off center. Of course I have to pay them $20 plus shipping to have them fix something they should have gotten right in the first place. I never bothered. This is a $300+ knife! The off center blade bothered me so much I bought a limited edition Spyderco Paramilitary II with Emerson wave from BladeOps.... what a perfect knife! Worked flawlessly and smoothly from day one. Wanted my Emerson to be my EDC, but my USA made Spyderco just beat the crud out of Emerson. Oh, and what's with charging $300 for janky 154CM steel? The dang things should come with S35VN or CTS-XHP standard. BladeHQ lists 154CM as a "midrange steel" with 5-5-5-4 rating. Poor edge retention, poorer toughness.

[@terrenceluther3188]

I used to own about 20 Emerson knives and had to ship 11 back to Emerson for a fix. I soon realized that in comparison to other companies, Emerson knives are incredibly overrated.

[@irishsavage8715]

You're so full of shit it's not even funny

[@terrenceluther3188]

+Jacob Chandler No I'm not actually. They used to be my main focus for collecting.

[@terrenceluther3188]

Then spend a bunch of money on them. It's your choice. You'll sell them all eventually.

[@danofiremano]

Great video. I never cared for the looks of the Emerson Knives, so haven't considered buying them. I am a fan of Some Spyderco and Some Benchmade products, but not All products from either brand. I love my PM1 & PM2 as well as my 940 & 940-1 Osborne knives, but I also like my money and try to spend it on quality. I also believe in honesty and integrity and You Sir seem to have both of these in abundance and that's probably why I like your channel so much!

[@WildoTheRubberFist]

Just like sunglasses I only buy cheap knives. Currently on month 3 of a 25$ Mtech, it works fine

[@wranglerstar]

+William Weightman lol - your reference to sunglasses

[@panncakejimmy]

+William Weightman well i own about 40 different knives of different make and cost out of all of them the ones i really regret buying are a Mtech, a S&W and a Lynx all of them cheapo knives there are however good cheap knives i have a Chinese buck 110 copy that works great needs sharpening often but otherwise good i use it at work because i don't relay care if i lose it and it dosen't look scary to people i meet when working my Mtech however is relegated to being a letter opener that is about what they work well for

[@joe4678]

+William Weightman haha, you're poor AF

[@jsell5150]

Youre absolutely correct!!! I carried Benchmade and Kershaw as a Deputy Sheriff, I also sprung for an Emerson and it collects dust in a drawer, for quality, fit and finish, Benchmade is my choice!!!!

[@bblando65]

Ive owned two Benchmade Mini Strikers...BOTH had blade play and fit and finish problems out of the box, so I don't buy Benchmade anymore ...and I definitely wont be buying an Emerson either....time to try Spyderco I guess....

[@bblando65]

and to add to my comment...almost every major knife manufacturer has "fanboys", including Benchmade....these "fans" are annoying at least, and blind to the real world at best....and so far, being new to the world of knives and having owned all the "top brands", I can say that the only ones to live up to the hype, and the ones with the least annoying fan base, are Zero Tolerance knives...and my go to knife is, funny enough, the zt-620...the knife that Emerson SHOULD be building and selling for $200....

[@jkoeberlein1]

OK, how is the lockup on this knife? It's a simple question.

[@Westicles3352]

Maybe don't take it apart then you won't see daylight or have it not centered at the handle and have so many problems, my Emersons are wonderful but everyone is open to their own opinions. And the non locking liner is stainless steel, to save costs. I'd also say just to buy straight from Emerson because I've seen several counterfeits, I don't know the site he got it from so I wouldn't know if it's reliable or not.

[@wranglerstar]

Don't let your bias cloud the facts,

[@petersnelgar1524]

Hi am sorry and am not picking holes or starting any problems I love your channel and love your projects and reviews it's great. BUT I make knives and I have better finishes because I care and I am probably talking for 85% of pros like me, when I say I think it's a little unfair to compare this knife to a home made hand made knife. Any way many thanks for a few years of watchable vids and many thanks for being a gd KZbinr and great role model for family's and man kind

[@remoc8116]

tell ya what Cody, If you want a great quality knife at basically a steal or steel lol of a price look into the Chinese clone knives, I have a few and to be honest the attention to detail is amazing and basically you get knives that are down to the screw(from my experience) a reproduction of a $500-$600 knife for $50, I just got a new one in that is a reproduction of a famous company and honestly it's better than the knife that I bought from said company for many times more...

[@ChaplainJoe1]

I am retired Navy and used hundreds of blades from manufacturers around the world and there is no way I'd dish out more than $20 for ANY Emerson knife I have handled. For 1/4 the price you can get a knife from Kershaw, Case or any number of companies that you can leave to your kids when your dead and gone. Great vid Cody. Thanks for standing up to the man with honesty and integrity. God bless brother.

[@frenchieedc7602]

my Sanrenmu knives are build better! hahahaha Emerson is a joke!

[@evilturdburger8232]

im currently carrying an Emerson CQC-7B BT, 2015 model with the standoffs instead of backspacer. fit & finish is perfect, action smooth as butter, lock up rock solid. iv had a couple dodgy Emerson's in the past but they seem to have lifted their game.

[@irishsavage8715]

You're complaining about the finish on what is supposed to be a fighting knife. You are one of those people who will never understand The beauty of a purpose built weapon, Emerson has very few employees in order to keep his product as consistent as possible, they are punching out knives as fast as possible so one or two duds are bound to fall through the cracks, their customer care is second to none. But before you send it back for repair you might just want to get rid of it altogether. You are obviously not a warrior. You fail to realize that this is the same man who made knives for seal team six, if he gave me a buck knife and told me it was good for fighting that's what I would use, oh did I mention he is a warrior and an instructor. I have a met Ernie face to face, and I have carried his products into hell and they all serve me well.

[@wranglerstar]

And you are a hopeless fanboy. Fighting knife indeed. Lol

[@ramiabiakar2391]

+Jacob Chandler Snap the "combat" adjective onto something and all of a sudden all flaws are justified.

[@irishsavage8715]

Fanboy...???? Nah, not so much.,I am however a combat vet who served his country for 8 years, and yes I carried my Emerson and my spyderco through all three of my combat tours, along with a couple cheaper knives that where left overseas due to reliability issues. I am already convinced that you are a collector so nothing I say about you not being a warrior will probably mean nothing to you, but I'm going to say this again. People like you will never need an Emerson, you buy them to make yourself feel like a man, but the truth is you are such female it shows in every part of your life and in you case its manifested itself in your decision making abilities . You are not a warrior my freind, and you never will be, you will never do anything to serve your country, you will just keep buying things that you will never need like body armor, or high end AR-15s. You are just a vegetarian who wants to feel like a meat eater,. So the next time you go to criticize the tools that a group of warriors use to save lives including their own, you might want to think about what you are doing to be soooooo right in the first place.

[@ramiabiakar2391]

+Jacob Chandler Geez, you have some serious self-image issues.

[@msathepanic]

If i have to choice to defend my self with a good Fällkniven Idun or this poor excuse of craftsmanship ill choose the Idun any day. The knive wont be any good if it breaks after the first fight...

[@InGratitudeIam]

I bought a Commander... same thing. Gritty AND mine was missing a critical part for proper function. Did not lock up properly.

[@Kaysa56]

Sir, this videos is around 4 years old by now, have you try out another Emerson by now? Did they improve their build quality so far? Saw in some of the comments below mention improvement of the build quality, is that so? I would like to know more about this, since I have an opportunity to pick up one now.

[@batosai117]

I'd say that Emerson's aren't for everyone. You make valid points which I've seen first hand at gun shows on Emerson's that I've handled there. I always like to hand pick my Emerson Knives for this reason. That being said I have a 2003 Emerson Commander that has been to hell and back with me. I also carry a CQC-8 on duty as LEO and the knife is great for that application. The points of fit and finish are known to be gritty but the knives last forever.

[@deadseasteve3804]

the shaving that you mention in the pivot are actually copper flakes, they are there for a reason, but when I get an emerson I remove the grease and add my own. I been carrying emersons for 3 years straight and I love them. But they are not for everyone. I will say that in the last 2 years emerson has really stepped up their games as far as finish. Still respect your opinion though. Love your Videos!

[@Outlaw_j84]

WHAT BENCHMADE MODEL IS THAT? I LIKE THE LOOK OF THAT KNIFE,

[@wranglerstar]

I think Emerson is using this as an excuse to cut corners and build sub par knives.

[@Proillbelly]

I think the same thing, all these people are arguing about how good they are just because it doesn’t brake immediately on first open but that doesn’t mean it’s the best knife ever.

[@flyrodderdh]

I have owned a CQC7 for about 12 yr, and I love it!! However anything I have seen lately made by him is not NEAR the quality of my old emerson. I think he got more popular and started rushing his manufacturing process to keep up with demand. At this point I would suggest shying away from emerson

[@WarThug13]

Cody, have you ever tried the Chris Reeve Sebenza?

[@westernclimber]

Does granfors bruks make knives????

[@xDEMONIZEDx]

My Emerson has amazing tolerances, extremely firm lock up, no screw awkwardness, insanely even grind lines, etc. I have owned many of the Osborne models, Griptilians, and the Adamas and every single one of them has developed blade play that isn't fixable. Likewise, my Paramilitary 2s have all developed side to side and vertical play with minimal use. The Emerson warranty is rock solid, and Emerson's fit is insane.

[@LegitJerome]

I'm with you on this man. I was seriously considering a CQC-8 and finally got to handle one. I held it up to my Al-Mar SERE that has been my carry knife for about 3 years and and manipulated them side-by-side. I didn't end up walking out with the Emerson.

[@Stewbphoto]

I too have noticed this lack of quality and attention to detail with Emerson knives. I bought an Emerson knife 10-11years ago and love that knife. That was back when Emerson left benchmade and believe it was the first knife he made. I love that knife and it has proven to be a great knife for me. But I bought that same knife and was highly disappointed in it as well. I returned it as well and got a benchmade that I am super happy with. Disappointed Emerson has gone down that much in such a short time.

[@wranglerstar]

I've been carrying Benchmade knives for twenty years as have most of my good friends. I have never had a Benchmade fail or be anything much short of perfection. I have hard used my 940 like no other and still it performs flawless. The one and only Emerson I have owned was a piece of Junk. Overheated blade, marred and gritty bushings, locking bar that did not engage, a fit and finish that was a joke, etc, etc, etc, I'm just calling it like it was. Custom Knife builders say the same - Hype Hype

[@genghisman39]

On folding knives, the most expensive one I have bought was a $40 Gerber. The most expensive knife I ever bought was a homemade custom skinning knife made by a local knife maker here in Columbus, GA. Paid $175 for that knife, but has been the best knife I had ever bought.

[@marktong6755]

What's the blade steel of the emerson

[@StrangerStel]

just in my experience, i bought a mini cqc-7 a few months ago, and just as you were ,i was extremely excited for it..... it only took two days and i just had to send it back. The grittiness of the blade action, and just overall lack of esthetic quality really just bothered me. Plus the flat head screw of the blade kept loosening and only a one degree tightening made the blade too hard to open with one hand. Sadly i had to send it back, picked up spyderco bush vallaton. night and day difference

[@sasquatch4liffee]

Part 2: I own 4, they all came with dull blades, only one had a properly centered blade, another had ridiculous blade play out of the box. When I ordered a Rift 950BK, I slide open the Benchmade box and see the WRONG knife. The label on the box even said 950BK Osborne Rift, how do you explain that from your gold standard company?

[@zujostix]

So did you end up getting the Paramilitary2? And if so how has it been serving you?

[@douglassmith8368]

du u have any interest in reviewing a buck knife mine is from the earley 90s had it since new, mine is a 110 with the finger groves ?

[@wranglerstar]

I'm not going to ague with you. The Emerson I had was a joke. I wont be purchasing a second. End of story.

[@randallkelley3599]

I just purchased a Henderer XM18, green scales. When I opened it, the blade squeaked , really. So I took it apart and it was bone dry. Surprised me, so I added a little Chris Reeve grease, and worked it awhile. NOW it is quite and smooth! I like it a lot, but really, no oil or grease? I realize they are speeding up production so we can all get one, but…I am wrong to be surprised?

[@signman1937]

I have been sort of disapointed in emerson quality, especially for the price. Really love the designs tho.

[@de_macho_nacho215]

I bought a $25 Buck knife and it has lasted for 3 years and it is still running strong!

[@bmwbaker]

wow...just purchased one today...10-2018...hope the quality has improved.

[@nelsonashbrook765]

Did you like you Emerson. I have the polar opposite experience that this guy did. I loved mine so much I've purchased a second one?

[@Kayapotribe]

Thanks Cody for taking on for the team here. I have really wanted to buy a similar model, but now I am glad I didn't.

[@camoflux9277]

Spydercos are supposed to be gentleman's knives, but for some reason most youtube reviewers like them. They have useless blade shapes meant for only the daintiest of tasks, yet use the best materials. It's rich man's toy/curiosity. I know someone who used one of their flippers as a throwing knife(found it), and I must say that they are insanely durable. No wiggle after thousands of throws and the blade doesn't lose the edge and doesn't chip. It sold me on expensive knives and the steel they use.

[@camerongarcia3169]

I am by no means a fan boy and this is not a personal attack against you or any company. You sound like an intelligent person. Emerson knives are great knives, over priced, but good quality knives. I think we forget what a good sturdy American product feels like. Benchmade makes great products but also feels like a machine pumped it out. I took a few emersons overseas and they held up quite well. They accomplished tasks I would not ask of my benchmade or spyderco. While they are not for everyon