All about EMERSON knives and why THEY MATTER

[@mutstumbo]

I love them both personally. I don't have any anymore. I gave my last Emerson to my son for his graduation it is a HD-7 from 2004. It is a frame lock. sold my Striders to pay for a divorce. LOL He has used the crap out of it. It needs to be sent in for a little spa treatment. I have always thought that Emerson and Strider have different uses. My Emersons were always a self defense style knife to me and my Striders were my work horses. Just my humble opinion though. Thanks for another great video.

[@DavidV4444]

So well stated…. I own Emerson, Chris Reeve, Medford and a few Microtechs and some Italian Lionsteel modern traditional knives like the Bestman and of course every Victorinox. What makes Emerson so cool is that it’s an Emerson and it’s not a slave to the wave of Chinese higher end fidget toy knives from Reate, etc… Emerson is to knives as Glock is to guns, doesn’t mean I can’t own 6 Wilson Combat’s and several Glocks because I do! I cherish my Emerson collection as much as my Chris Reeve collection and without the Emerson’s of the world, every knife would come from forced labor, America-hating Chinese government funded companies.

[@GarrettsGear]

Damn. This comment made me stop buying chinese knives. That's it, period. I don't fuckin need any more knives as it is... i need to stick to my morals and values. Thanks man.

[@southside1975]

I refuse to buy these so called high end knifes made in china. These KZbinrs are trying to fool the mass's because their lining their pockets. They don't like when I state the obvious point that you just made forced labor isn't a issue to most of them I guess.

[@moose2934]

Emersons are the equivalent to Kimber 1911s being called “duty grade firearms trusted by SOF operators across the world.” Cold Steel deserves every bit of fame that they do the way that Glock deserves the role of the QUINTESSENTIAL standard-issue sidearm.

[@tonymaciel7687]

I've owned more Emerson's than any other brand. It's just so hard to part ways with them no matter how many high end knives i have I always find my way back to Emerson. They're truly badass knives that can take a beating. The CQC 7 holds a special place in my heart. I have an all black 7 from 2002 partially serrated still brand new in box never been used. I've been fighting myself to carry it so bad but since it's so old and still brand new idk if I wanna carry it.

[@edged_mindset]

👊 Sounds like you have an amazing collection!

[@MikeRehfuss]

I’ve carried a SOCFK-B since ‘08 and I love it. Sent it back once for the spa treatment and they basically did a full rebuild and sharpened and reprofiled my blade. Cost $45. Fantastic piece of kit.

[@larrycipriani351]

I have a Emerson/Protech collaboration auto and I love it. Emmerson goes way back, and I have always been a fan. 🔪 🗡

[@morimo11]

I love both Strider and Emerson. The last decade or so primarily Strider but have had at least one Emerson for 20+ years.

[@anubis_pl_ssrt_combatknives]

Great folders: I love Emerson knives!!! Cool video!!!

[@edged_mindset]

👊👊👊

[@thekeystonekid8687]

I love Emerson designs, but their liner locks wear out insanely fast in my experience. My CQC-7 is from 2019 and it's about time for me to send it in for a 2nd time because the liner lock is touching the opposite liner again. In that time I've only carried it about 7-8 months total. I almost exclusively carry a Demko AD20s now.

[@philliprobbins2170]

I only carry Emerson’s I’ve never had an issue with the liner lock. Maybe I don’t use them hard enough. Curious

[@brianc2399]

Emerson will not replace your titanium liners. At least they did not replace mine. I sent back Emerson back in 2010 due to lock rock and Emerson sent back the knife in exact same condition with 0 explanation. Worst customer service, lying warranty, untrustworthy company. Avoid avoid avoid

[@KravMaglock]

Liner locks need to be broken in to set properly. The worst thing you can do is snap the blade out when new. If you just open them normally until they break in, they should last the life of the knife. ⚔️

[@Youtube-Censorship-Police]

yup, got my mini commander about 5 months ago and the liner went from barely engaging to 50-60% of the lock interface, kinda worrying. but honestly, using ti for a liner-lock is kinda stupid in the first place, unless you carbidize them properly. i love his designs but this is a very annoying issue, especially if you live outside of the usa and can't just send it in for repair.

[@chriskellar663]

Well said! Love to see it!

[@Erik-sq8nz]

I’d say I’m pretty hardcore and knowledgeable about knives, to the point where my experiences with Emerson have been cheap, poor quality control, zero lock strength and very little durability. I feel Emerson is like that old beater minivan you have around that really is horrible in every way but might hold a place somewhere in your heart. 👌👌

[@nealhamamura4263]

Emerson is the Glock of knives. You love or hate them. They unapologetically stick to their philosophy. I love that about them.

[@edged_mindset]

Very good comparison

[@moose2934]

I 100% disagree, and still love my 4 Emerson’s (roadhouse, sheepdog Bowie, CQC15, and a ZT 0630) - Emerson’s are the Kimber 1911s of the world… or even the Springfield Armory TRP Operators… rugged, but outdated and overpriced in today’s age. Cold Steel delivers a better product, and if the prices were reversed, people would pay more without issue.

[@requiscatinpace7392]

I would love an Emerson, then I hold my CS Recon 1 and think why?? The CS is less than half the price and better construction. Maybe I’m missing something?

[@tavo15384]

I just got myself a super a100 . And I’m impressed with their quality improvement. I had a100 and lock stick was really hard to get rid off but with this new super a100 lock stick is non existent.

[@gasparortega8838]

LOVE EMERSON KNIVES!

[@atxbasstard8708]

Me too! 🤘

[@ScotchNThings]

I’m definitely going to end up with one. I’ve been looking for awhile and just haven’t pulled the trigger yet. Once my embargo is up. I’ll definitely get one.

[@grimflipz]

I also love striders and I’m getting into emerson now also . Have the Elvia . It’s awsome

[@Swampytheroot]

I don't actually own any blades manufactured by Emerson. I have 3 90s model Benchmade CQC-7 with the chisel grind blade like yours. Absolutely my favorite carry knives. However, I lost one crawling through and attic or crawlspace (same job, so not sure which). The cost to replace it is ridiculous. So I picked up a Kershaw-Emerson for daily carry. It won't cost me a full day labor if it disappears. Also a really nice daily use knife . Liked and subscribed

[@skiadrum3243]

Great video man. Thank you!

[@Jalon_Bajraszewski]

Mainly collect striders now but have a soft spot for Emerson knives definitely something about them! Probably the fact I carried a Emerson vindicator for years in a high stress environment and beat the hell out of it and sold it off for cheap cause it had major lock rock but I still miss it surprisingly 🤷

[@edged_mindset]

👊👊👊

[@MrDbcooper456]

Love them both ,miss my plain Jane sng strider

[@dcamnc1]

I saw a vid where Mr Emerson said the backwards chisel grind came from seals needing the back side flat to check ships hulls for mines. Using it more like a chisel. Who knows.

[@lionknives3]

Great video man! Thank you. Totally agree

[@badboybob]

LOVE them both, Harleys and Emersons. Bothe American made!!!

[@edged_mindset]

👊👊👊

[@grimflipz]

Oh yea . I have both as well

[@aeptacon]

Can you update on your cqc 7 bw knives? I just bought even after bad reviews. I hope I dont regret it

[@KravMaglock]

I always hear people talk about Emersons chisel grind in a negative way. My understanding of Emerson knives is, they are primarily designed as self defense tools. The chisel grind is purposefully done to create a nasty wound channel that is difficult to close. If you're looking for a knife to cut fruit with they're probably not the best choice. My Emersons are carried for one purpose only and that is as a weapon. ⚔️

[@edged_mindset]

I think it's less about the chisel grind itself and more about how he does it backwards. He does his chisels how you would traditionally see them done fore left handed people

[@KravMaglock]

​@@edged_mindset And I think that is why the cuts are so devastating. Not as clean...

[@deanP.]

I only have one Emerson. The A-100. I want at least one more. The CQC-7. I love the one I have.

[@CollinB_EDC]

I’m really thinking about getting an Emerson. I’ve been into Striders lately. But I will say that I’m perplexed on which Emerson to get. The CQC7BW in stonewash, or the A100, or the Overland Renegade in Richlite

[@edged_mindset]

I have an Overland coming. Looks sick

[@Toyotas_n__Tools]

Hi Carter I have about a handful of what I would consider vintage tactical folding knives, I'm looking to trade them for something else. I sent you a message on the gram a few months ago and I think it went to a spam folder. Brands are Al Mar, Masters of Defense, Spyderco, Fox, and some others. I don't think the people in the warranty department understand the Emerson knife community, I needed a new locking liner and they said they couldn't help me because the blade had been modified which it hadn't. They were trying to say the knife was no good and I'd have to buy a new one, Steve the knife pimper was able to get me a stock liner and my knife is absolutely solid now! He even carbadized the lock face on the liner so no more lock stick!

[@edged_mindset]

Nice collection! I don't get into the vintage stuff much but if I come across anyone I will.send them your way!

[@SamG-v5v]

What do you think of the kershaw Emerson it’s frame lock it also comes in d2

[@edged_mindset]

Havnt tried it yet. I find it interesting that people have wanted more framelock from Emerson for years but we finally get it in the non American Made line

[@grimflipz]

I have the Elvia and love it

[@edged_mindset]

Elvia is awesome. I have a super coming

[@OLMmedic]

You know how i feel. Not sure if you remember but me and you traded a couple blades. Iron dragon ect smf, so u know i love both. Funny but i sold all my Emerson’s except my original cqc7. Still carry it and use it from time to time. Ii thought i was done. Then went to blade this month and grabbed aTK0 and i am in love all over. So yes i get it

[@edged_mindset]

😁👊 That iron dragon was cool!

[@snowmansully4053]

Are you able to show how they convert the emerson commander into a automatic please no one has the video i been trying to find it all over

[@edged_mindset]

I have no idea how they do that sorry

[@ДРОВОСЕК-е3ы]

What's the knife at 9:32 ? Look like kershaw cqc-10k but the handle is thicker...

[@edged_mindset]

Emerson Apalacian

[@ДРОВОСЕК-е3ы]

@@edged_mindset Thanks a lot! It's a shame they don't sell them in Russia(

[@grumpyoldwizard]

I have the fixed blade Mule, a fixed blade karambit, and the CQC-8. I love the Emersons and I think they have the grippiest handles on the market. Thanks for the video.

[@joed_26]

Where do you get Emerson’s these days??

[@edged_mindset]

emersonknives.com/

[@unholyabyss]

I know I'm late to the party on this, but my two biggest gripes is he refuses to get off of chisel grinds on the edges and also the price for the fit and finish is just awful. I GET they're combat knives and fit and finish probably isn't up there with function, BUT it's the PRICE of entry for the materials on TOP of lacking fit and finish. He makes cool designs, but each time I gave them a chance something was misaligned or off. Nearing $300-400+ for almost every design being offered in 154CM and ignoring fit and finish and essentially saying it's getting a pass because it's a "combat knife" is almost an outward insult to customers. You gotta give them credit, they're willing to stand by their philosophy to a fault and choosing all the weirdest hills to die on.

[@edged_mindset]

these are all great points

[@unholyabyss]

@@edged_mindset I can't fault people for liking the designs and buying them because hell I myself have, I just feel the prices and what's being offered are a bit archaic to pass. Hell, even the balisongs were actually decently balanced despite the liners and G10 being horribly misaligned

[@OLMmedic]

Now i feel like your back.

[@edged_mindset]

😅😅😅

[@AthanasiusCM919]

It's still fun to see Emerson knives fans nowadays, when there are plenty of knives in the $200-300 range that are made in the USA with much greater dlc coated steel, more reliable locking mechanisms, scales etc. Stories are cool, but the science and economy brings the logical and rational ways of looking at things. As a guy with over 10 years in service I have never seen or heard a single operator who would ever use a knife in combat or self defence. My grandfather did during the WW2, but that was a fixed scout blade and diferent story though. Same old story about Navy Seals, blood and guts being pushed while 95% EDC knives have never seen any blood, but envelopes and carton boxes, apples, oranges and butter. Emersons are overpriced stone age relicts imho! I like them too! I even have one CQC-8 Super, never carried because it was too bulky and would never buy 154CM liner for $300. Thanks for the cool video! Stay safe!

[@edged_mindset]

Thanks man! Just curious. What USA made knives are in the 200-300 range that you are referring to?

[@AthanasiusCM919]

​@@edged_mindset as an EDC an underrated sleeper is the Hogue Deka in MagnaCut and 20CV, hands down the best bang for the buck! Spyderco and Benchmade raised their prices, but some Spyderco models like PM2, Para 3, Manix 2 are still shining, because market has nothing else to offer. Can't beat hard use folders like Adamas, ZT 0308, maybe Spyderco Shaman. That's pretty much how I personally see it. My favorite knife of all time ZT0560BW in Elmax.

[@12345678927164]

I keep seeing those Kershaw versions when I look at real Emerson’s now these days.

[@edged_mindset]

That is the downside of diluting the brand with production versions

[@GarrettsGear]

*Kal0 Blades Enters the Chat*

[@edged_mindset]

😅

[@tgfoley1493]

Like the vids

[@edged_mindset]

thanks!

[@jerseyknifeguy6382]

Did you give up on the swards? I’m still waitin for you to come back to the real knives where’s your slippie collection?

[@edged_mindset]

o lyrics have like two slippies left. too hard to get now

[@bennettaukerman6802]

I have a 2014 semi-serrated Micro Commander and even after having owned it for quite a good long while, I'm still on the (wrong side of the) fence about it. The lock stick is atrocious, the nylotron washers are garbage which makes the action slow and clumsy, the lock bar access leaves a lot to be desired, the pivot position retention is amateur, and it's just such a fucking chunker for being such a small knife. I've always had a CQC-7BW flipper on my list, but can't bring myself to order one simply because I'm worried it may suffer from some of the same downfalls, like lock sticking and pivot retention. I know it rides on ball bearings and I know the bar access is much more open, but I'm worried I'll wind up hating it as much as I hate this little shit-poker. The Micro Commander is pretty much a collector knife and almost nothing more. Convince me otherwise and I'll be impressed. Any advice for someone who wants to like Emerson knives but just can't seem to pin down the right model for EDC?

[@edged_mindset]

I have always been partial to the cqc-8 and horseman. The newer emersons are smoother, but you still have that lock stick

[@ImageLoX]

It’s a hard use knife. That lock stick is good when you’re really on the knife. Use it and carry it more, the action will smooth out. The washers are used so they naturally move dirt out of the action, it’s designed that way for a reason. Emerson is to Knives’s what glock is to guns. It just fcking works. It’s USA made and it should be beat to hell. Use the fck out of it.

[@isaacs_knives_and_knowledge]

Can't afford to be into both strider and Emerson 😂

[@gurpreetgill3197]

Get a Kershaw Emerson way smoother too

[@isaacs_knives_and_knowledge]

@@gurpreetgill3197 I have a couple

[@charles17508]

Are the kershaws a good knock off ?

[@edged_mindset]

They aren't a knock off. They are an official.collaberstionnwith emerson. They are pretty good for the money

[@charles17508]

Whats best emerson for edc

[@edged_mindset]

the mini or rull.size A-100

[@RobertSmith-us7gs]

These knives should be half price of what he charges pple for it.Way too hyped up for what they are,built on false marketing....

[@dbpm876]

False marketing? Please explain.

[@Youtube-Censorship-Police]

what do you mean with "false marketing"? please elaborate.

[@charles17508]

I hate knife companies that over charge or have choices strider could make a d2 version for the lames