Post by MWDP on Nov 22, 2013 16:00:55 GMT -8
I'm mildly intoxicated for the moment, so it's time to get something off my strong, muscular chest. Emerson knives have been intriguing me for a while, and it took me a fair bit of time to move up in that price range and get to try one out. Now that I have done so, I have some general remarks that I can make in comparison to every other knife I have owned so far, and I'm willing to bet that number is beyond 100 at this point. Here we go.
1. Fit and finish. I understand these are "working, hard use" knives, but this is inexplicable. I have took apart my Desert Roadhouse and there are deep machining grooves on the inside of the liners, and even under the pivot, which is one of the reasons why none of the Emersons I had were smooth. The same goes with jimping, it has scratch-like machining marks. The blades are spotless though.
2. Teflon washers. Seriously, 200$ for a knife and I get these ultra thick plastic washers that don't do anything? Both Emersons I had were gritty to some extent, Desert Roadhouse was really bad while my Mini Commander was tolerable. This is FROM THE FACTORY. Feels like there is dirt or sand stuck in the pivot. Once again, the washers are teflon, thick, and they ride on uneven liners with a bumpy surface.
3. Chisel grind. I understand that this is yet again part of the "hard use" philosophy but it is pure crap. First of all, most chisel grinds are only accustomed to right handed people. Second of all, when cutting through deeper materials, the edge drags to the side with the grind. Finally, sharpening is terrible because the chisel side needs to be laid flat on the stone to even out the burr, and then you scratch up your blade like shit.
4. Price. Most Emersons are above the 150$ mark, and this makes no sense to me. I get the "US made" part, but 154CM, Ti liners, G10 scales, and the cheapass chisel grind... Meanwhile you can get a US made Para 2 for 110$ new, or a ZT 0350, just to mention two examples in the similar price range.
Please chime in and we can explain further why Emerson is overrated. One day I will get a Strider and poop on it to hell and back.
1. Fit and finish. I understand these are "working, hard use" knives, but this is inexplicable. I have took apart my Desert Roadhouse and there are deep machining grooves on the inside of the liners, and even under the pivot, which is one of the reasons why none of the Emersons I had were smooth. The same goes with jimping, it has scratch-like machining marks. The blades are spotless though.
2. Teflon washers. Seriously, 200$ for a knife and I get these ultra thick plastic washers that don't do anything? Both Emersons I had were gritty to some extent, Desert Roadhouse was really bad while my Mini Commander was tolerable. This is FROM THE FACTORY. Feels like there is dirt or sand stuck in the pivot. Once again, the washers are teflon, thick, and they ride on uneven liners with a bumpy surface.
3. Chisel grind. I understand that this is yet again part of the "hard use" philosophy but it is pure crap. First of all, most chisel grinds are only accustomed to right handed people. Second of all, when cutting through deeper materials, the edge drags to the side with the grind. Finally, sharpening is terrible because the chisel side needs to be laid flat on the stone to even out the burr, and then you scratch up your blade like shit.
4. Price. Most Emersons are above the 150$ mark, and this makes no sense to me. I get the "US made" part, but 154CM, Ti liners, G10 scales, and the cheapass chisel grind... Meanwhile you can get a US made Para 2 for 110$ new, or a ZT 0350, just to mention two examples in the similar price range.
Please chime in and we can explain further why Emerson is overrated. One day I will get a Strider and poop on it to hell and back.