Why YOU Should Carry an Emerson WAVE!

Curious about the Emerson Wave? That funny little hook on the back of the knife can be a great advantage or a serious disadvantage. The Emerson Wave is a means of fast deployment of a knife. This video addresses what an Emerson Wave is, if you should carry a knife with a wave, and what options with wave features are available to you.
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[@jamesmcgrath1952]

I'm an old guy, knives have come a long way. I've seen knives today considered cheap or mid range knives that had they existed 60 years ago would have been considered top shelf and priced as such. We are spoiled lol.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Definitely spoiled compared to before, but there is always room for improvement!

[@rietzhu]

You still hanging in there old guy?

[@jamesmcgrath1952]

@@rietzhu Yup, still here.

[@justindunlap1235]

I personally love my Emerson wave, the fact that you can one hand deploy the knife faster than a switchblade makes it a very utilitarian knife.

[@aclaybass]

As a switchblade carrier, I respect this.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thanks for sharing!

[@jameswhitaker1324]

I’ve been carrying cheap Kershaw assisted opener for years. I have some automatics, but I find the assisted openers with a flipper to be easier to deploy and, uh, legal to carry. I know the kershaw isn’t all Gucci and stuff, but they’ve served me very well for years.

[@CrimsonCrux]

I've found Kershaw's stuff to be consistently decent value and quality. I have a few Emerson-Kershaws and an Emerson Sheepdog and honestly the price of that single knife could have got me 4 or 5 Emerson-Kershaws with not all that much extra for the money.

[@lkayh]

Agree. I’m a knife newb, but the very first knife I got was a Kershaw Leek, and though I like the others I have acquired since, the Leek is my EDC. It fits my hand just right, it’s easy to use, and I don’t worry about it getting dinged up in my pocket by keys and stuff.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thanks for sharing! i'm not a big Kershaw guy, but they get the job done.

[@stevesinclair4159]

I have 2 Kershaw Leeks, they are excellent knives, I use them for actual tasks & not to intimidate other people

[@brandon_crow1291]

Small little things but you can absolutely deploy a way foward. Just reorient the clip to have the blade facing out. You can also use the twist and deploy method for foward openings as well.

[@bdcochran01]

1. thank you. best description of the wave function. 2. I started my knife training 40 years ago with a Benchmade thumb stud unit designed by Emerson. Outstanding value in items designed by Ernie. 3. I don't wear jeans, only running shorts, so the wave function is out. 4. A knife fight is ugly, over in seconds and people are not intimidated by how fast a deployment may be. Situational awareness is number one. The two handed deployment that you showed with the Buck110 may be just fine if you have situational awareness. I actually carried one overseas.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video and thank-you for sharing your own experiences. I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@Meat_Skraps]

It works great on the Fox 599 karambit (once promoted by Doug Marcaida). The karambit's retention ring is a perfect grab point to begin the deployment. You're definitely right about the wear and tear of jeans and its propensity to snag on items like keys though. That is rather annoying (and nerve wracking if it opens in pocket though... something to be wary of).

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'll be sure to look into the Fox 599. I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@jock-of-ages73]

Yeah, that's one where it helps mainly, imo, because of the ice pick grip you're holding the Karambit.

[@connorperrett9559]

For a self-defense knife I've found that the CRKT M16's guard works better as an automatic flipper than the Emerson wave when drawing quickly, and since it's more of a shelf than a hook it's also slightly less damaging on your pants. For a self-defense knife it also helps that the M16 is comparatively big for a folder.

[@connorperrett9559]

That said, I do carry my Kershaw CQC-6 if I plan on actually using my knife as a tool, since it's much less scary and tacticool looking.

[@Katana_Kid]

Great suggestion! The M16 is one of my favorites, but I never thought about carrying it with a different pocket clip orientation to emulate the wave feature.

[@aaronmcneal1698]

Pretty cool concept. I'll have to look into this knife. Thanks for the great info

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@DylanLey]

Great video as always!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@eric805]

Great info! Genius design

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Glad you like it!

[@JamesStakerWin]

I've found stilettos to be great too, some stiletto style knives have rounded nubs affixed to the blade which can function just like a well-designed wave feature. So you get a skinnier, longer blade and a wave-ish feature.

[@neok1945]

Nice video. I don't have any knives with the Emerson Wave (yet), but i do have plenty of Spydercos with the zip tie mod and it works really well. It is incredible useful, cheap and easy to do. Great option for any "tight" situation + it kinda helps me to open the blades with my left hand easier. I'm planning to do the same with a Cold Steel Voyager XL that i have, but i'll need a zip tie and a small nut/screw.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video! I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@josiahemrick]

This is the best knife channel I’ve seen yet! I see that your getting much better with each video you put out. You’re very insightful and I see how much of a passion you have for blades! Me and my girlfriend picked up a couple of knives the other day (I got a butterfly knife and she got a mini leatherneck) and google was listening to our conversations about knives so KZbin recommended one of your videos and I’ve been binge watching for hours now. so thank google for eavesdropping lol. I have learned so much and I’m convinced the wharncliffe style blade is the best for multiple purposes than just self defense so that’ll be the next knife I pick up. Thanks for the great vids. You deserve more attention. Keep it up my dude!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thank-you for your support! I do try to make each video a little bit better than the next one! The new Fairbairn Sykes video is out, so let me know what you think of it! Stay safe!

[@josiahemrick]

@@TheKnifeLifeChannel i’ll definitely check it out dude

[@dividualist]

I have a couple of Kershaw Emersons with D2 blades that I love for defensive carry. Fast-opening, pretty easy to sharpen, and at ~$50, I won't be too sad if I lose it or end up having to actually use it to defend myself.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool!

[@julzkrautkieper3334]

I learned a lot. I think you have the best knife content on youtube.

[@sachan9081]

I also think this guy has the best knife content on KZbin

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thank-you both for your support!

[@powerplay4real174]

LOL , it's fantastic to see your not a wave fanboy ( excuse me for lack of better term) and mentioned the negative and well as the positive , and alternatives , that's keeping it real and your video was great for that , I don't own any Emerson Knives or Emerson Kershaw knife designs as of yet but very likely will and I do have a few Snaggletooth Waves and Cold Steel pocket knives with the Thumb Plate that can act as a pocket wave and your very much on point with the positive & negative of the Emerson Pocket Wave feature. Very much appreciated your video KL ⚔️🍀⚔️

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I try not to be a fanboy of anything. I always try to be fair and accurately representative of the topic I'm covering. That's not always flattering for whatever I'm talking about. I personally don't like waves but there are people out there who love them and can really rock them on the draw. What works for me doesn't apply to everyone and vice versa. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for your continuing support!

[@themadscientest]

I have a Fox 479 and trainer, it is a wave knive that is made for "proper karambit grip" so the wave draws out to the front. I keep it as my "keep it sharp" carry knife along with a Husky brand combo knife that has a box cutter and semi-serrated spear point for utility and keeping my necessary cards clipped to deep in my pocket.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very nice!

[@themadscientest]

@@TheKnifeLifeChannel Was also looking into that less expensive Kershaw with the wave and a trainer, I really like that most waved knives also have a matching blunt for learning draws and doing some sparring.

[@azcerbic]

I just found your channel. Your vids are excellent. Informative' mildly brief & well put together. Y? isn't your channel more popular & more subscribed too? Everyone, outside of completely urban areas needs a blade of some type simply for household tasks & many carry a clip knife of varying degrees in price & usefulness. In rural areas every male carries a belt holster folder @ a minimun for field work. From specialized work knives to skinning knives etc. This channel needs to be bigger & educate the public. I see thousands of gun channels. Knives are an everyday tool that deserve respect & the public definitely needs to be educated on "crap vs. quality". 👍👍👍👍👍

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video! The channel is still relatively new, but is growing rather quickly. I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@seanmerry5522]

hmm nice a conversion kit. Thanks. I was not sure how to plug for a bladeops pm2 when they are discontinued.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Glad to be of service!

[@thoselog]

How long have you carried a wave? You definitely don't have to pull backward. Just twist your wrist slightly outward and pull straight up.

[@bryanmuster5662]

I have a slightly different Emerson folder. Same open on the draw type deal. Very solid. I however, carry an extra large cold steel ti-lite on the daily.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Good stuff!

[@billclancy4913]

I've been carrying an Endure Wave for a long time and really like it. Once you get used to it, it's rather reliable with a spydie hole as a backup.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing!

[@boejiden1415]

I actually have a gerber parafame I cut a hook into almost exactly like that so I can flick it open on my pocket with one hand it’s more useful than you think especially if you work on ladders a lot

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thanks for sharing!

[@desbravatube]

Parabéns The Knife Life

[@flatasacueball6326]

Another cheap mod is to use a dremmel tool to cut a small notch into a spyderco to act as a wave hook. I did this with a spyderco delica and it works perfectly.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thanks for sharing! I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@zippymagee]

Great videos. I don't think it is the Wave ruining your pants, it is the agressive thumb disc. The thumb disc is not required. You can open them just fine with the Wave by your thumb kind of like a front flipper. Removing the Thumb disc will likley aid in proper deployments. As mentioned in a comment already you don't need alot of throw back. A properly tuned knife should open to completion with small bit of wrist action on draw. Emersons even more so than Kershaws are known to have machining junk in pivots. I know it's common to only review knives as is from factory but a little cleaning and good lube could help a lot.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thank-you! Actually most of the feedback I got on waves came from the MBC community where Spyderco blades were the preference and wave features were fairly common. Even with the improved machining and no thumb disk the same issues with pocket wear were regularly noted. Thanks for commenting!

[@zippymagee]

@@TheKnifeLifeChannel I never tried a Spyderco but had two Kershaws they were great. I also ran Snaggletooth (great option) on CRKT Tighe Tac Two Tanto and Ontario RAT 2

[@troyspurling1910]

Good take on the wave. I have no need for one.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@Fluxxcapacitor52]

I own the Emerson horseman, a few wave Karambits and a Spyderco Endura Wave. In my opinion the Spyderco is the smoothest of all wave actions. Even a zip tie mod on the spydehole of a standard Spyderco is better than the Emerson for deployment. The Emerson will tear your jeans up! Spyderco all the way..

[@Midnight_Lantern]

What is the knife at 0:23 with the title "Knife life" and can I purchase it on your website or by other means? Thanks

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

That is the UK SFK. It is an evolution of the Fairbairn Sykes and Applegate Sykes knives designed by Michael Janich. It was made by Blackhawk for the Special Air Service. To the best of my knowledge they have been discontinued.

[@snowmansully4053]

They should make a sheath for the emerson that fits perfectly and snuggly so it opens no matter how you pull it

[@cameronchicken8439]

was this filmed in 2010? don’t waste your time with the emerson brand buy aftermarket wave mods instead. they look good and work best on axis style locks. emerson knives use a liner lock and the blade will swing so hard that it will bounce out and not lock up at all. Wave mods don’t work great on spidey holes because it makes it difficult to spidey flick. I used to find little electrical terminals that I would sandwich between the thumb stud and the blade. the terminals are copper so easy to shape and then I would use superglue and glow in the dark 10micron powder or just superglue and baking soda because it helps stiffen up the terminal and holds everything in place. if you like the wave consider automatic deployment sheaths which makes any knife auto open and is awesome for OTF knives or the “static cord” carry system for fixed blades.

[@snowmansully4053]

How can you convert the emerson commander to automatic i seen some who have a automatic conversion but no one shows how its done not a single video i would even pay to see that video

[@fizz576]

This sounds good in theory but for a self defense knife reliability is crucial.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Which is why I prefer not to carry a wave.

[@elihollingsworth6852]

The wave is very reliable lol.

[@fizz576]

@@elihollingsworth6852 Mechanically speaking sure but even if you do train with it in tense situations like being attacked there is a chance you fail to deploy the blade.

[@elihollingsworth6852]

@@fizz576 true- I managed to collect up a bunch of high-end tactical folders only to realize that quick drawing them is not reliable under pressure.

[@Will-sq3ip]

The Emerson Wave on my pocket knife is built in the wrong way. Still, I used it as a bottle cap opener.

[@BuckHelton]

Interesting concept, but I’ll stick with my automatics. 😜

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Fair enough!

[@r3tr0ztail64]

If I’m backed against the wall I’m using my full mobility

[@MrJohnny333]

It can be very dangerous if you carry a folding knife with a wave function in your pocket without use the pocket clip, because the knife can open very easily in your pocket and if you hit your leg to something then the blade can dig in your thigh and you can bleed to death if it hit your artery.

[@medieval_flail]

Hasn't Cold Steel been doing this for a while

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

A number of knife companies have jumped on the bandwagon. Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@jock-of-ages73]

How did this channel fly under my radar, despite being subbed to loads of knife channels, come on Algorithm, do better!! PS. You have a great channel, i'm catching up on your old stuff. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇺🇸👍✌️

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thanks for your support! Make sure to tell all your knife friends!

[@joejones9520]

I would never carry a knife in a visible manner such as clipped to pocket. I cant imagine advertising to everyone who encounters me that im carrying a knife.

[@carmelotansengco4605]

I shouldn't have sold my Tropen. At least I still have my Endura 4.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Unfortunately it is often only hindsight that is 20/20.

[@craigm2484]

👍🏻

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@easygroove]

do they even produce anything ? Nowhere to geh something from Emerson...

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

You can order directly from their website, which is where I got mine.

[@easygroove]

@@TheKnifeLifeChannel ok, but the dont ship outside of the usa anyway, thanks-

[@johnjacobs3502]

....

[@johnjacobs3502]

.....

[@stevesinclair4159]

Victorinox makes knives for normal working people, normal folk are not going to rob a 711 or gas station & so do not need this knife

[@truth-Hurts375]

I hate the emerson wave...I grinded mine off.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thanks for commenting!

[@jmd1743]

I never understood why you would want to get into a knife fight when pepper spray + revolvers are legal in California.

[@Katana_Kid]

If you pull out a handgun to deter a threat, but don't have to use it, and you are not on solid legal ground (with corroborating witnesses) for using it in self-defense, you could be charged with menacing. Holding a closed folder (or OTF) in your hand would not present that legal risk. Once you open it, however....

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

That is also a very legitimate reason.

[@ericsierra-franco7802]

Who ever said that people carrying a blade for self defense want to get into a "knife fight"? Does someone carry a firearm for self defense because they want to get into a gun fight? What about pepper spray? Just in case someone attacks you with pepper spray you can counterattack with your own spray?

[@josephmac2386]

Get a snaggletooth LLC. It's a bolt-on mod that works wonderfully

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

That is another option.

[@zzzz-fk8ce]

Correction: you use a reverse blade knife to draw forward like the spyderco P'kal.