Emerson Knives vs Kershaw Emerson

O

ourgon

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Advantages and disadvantages. I'm not starting flame war, just collecting info before buy on neutral ground in general discussion.

As a European, I don't care so much about the USA/China made argument.

Original Emerson knives - few nice designs, even that chisel tanto is interesting to try, but a little to expensive for me with that heat treatment [yes, I know idea behind that] and average materials.

ZT Emersons - very nice, but too heavy.

Kershaw Emersons - they're cheap, chinese steel but it's worse than 154CM 57 hrc for edc purposes?

Is Emerson made in USA better in something than Kershaw Emerson? Better finish? How much better?

For example compare Gentleman Jim with Kershaw CQC-4K.
 
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emerson far better. most importantly, better steel used. yes 154cm is far better than 8cr14mov.

emersons aren't known for being pretty as far as fit and finish, but they have improved in that area dramatically in newer versions. the kershaw emersons i own are nicely done for the price point.


nothing wrong with the kershaw versions. nice way to get wave opener without the hefty price tag, but they don't compare to an emerson production blade..other than being a knife.
 
154CM [~57 HRC] in Emersons stays sharp longer than 8cr14mov in Kershaw? If yes, how much longer?
 
Compared to the flagship Emerson models

Emerson vs. Kershaw Emerson
Titanium Liner Lock vs. Stainless Steel Frame Lock
154cm Blade vs. 8Cr14Mov Blade
Made in USA vs. Made in China
Multiple Sizes per Model/Design vs. One Size per Model/Design
$150-300+ new vs. $30-50 new

I bought an Emerson, because I wanted an Emerson. I love the CQC-8 design and I'm well pleased with 154cm. I'd happily take 154cm over S30V any day. Emerson knives are quality and purpose built. Kershaw's Chinese made knives are budget friendly/low quality/low cost knives.

You can get a used Emerson off the exchange for way less than they cost new, and IMO, it's worth a try.
 
Buy a Kershaw model to see if you like the design. If you do, buy the closest Emerson equivalent. If you don't like it you saved yourself some cash.
 
DAVE_M said:
Compared to the flagship Emerson models

Emerson vs. Kershaw Emerson
Titanium Liner Lock vs. Stainless Steel Frame Lock
154cm Blade vs. 8Cr14Mov Blade
Made in USA vs. Made in China
Multiple Sizes per Model/Design vs. One Size per Model/Design
$150-300+ new vs. $30-50 new

I bought an Emerson, because I wanted an Emerson. I love the CQC-8 design and I'm well pleased with 154cm. I'd happily take 154cm over S30V any day. Emerson knives are quality and purpose built. Kershaw's Chinese made knives are budget friendly/low quality/low cost knives.

You can get a used Emerson off the exchange for way less than they cost new, and IMO, it's worth a try.
Click to expand...

Some Kershaws have steel liner lock too.
 
Between those 2, if you were only going to have 1, I would say go with the Emerson.

That said, Lee48's suggestion might not be too bad. If you aren't sure you like / want one of the Emerson designs, you might try out the Kershaw version 1st to see if you like it. If you do, "move" up to the Emerson. If not, you aren't out too much $$.

I'd look for a used Emerson in the Exchange.
 
Although advice often get's overlooked, I will add that I bought a $280 Emerson for $100 on the Exchange and it is still in my pocket. Deals can be found, you just have to open your eyes.
 
I have both. From emerson I have a mini commander, cqc7 (wave and waveless), and a gentleman jim. From kershaw, I have the cqc7 and cqc2 and the trainer. The kershaws are nice little back up EDC that I carry clipped to my back right pocket with the emerson in my front right. I carry 2 just in case. And I keep one in my car as a little beater for the price compared to the regular emersons.
 
I don't see how your have a problem with the ZT Emerson being too heavy. The 0630 isn't that heavy, and it's a fantastic knife.
 
Lee48 said:
Buy a Kershaw model to see if you like the design. If you do, buy the closest Emerson equivalent. If you don't like it you saved yourself some cash.
Click to expand...

This. Besides, I hate chisel grinds, and I hate liner locks, and all Emerson does is chisel grinds with liner locks.
 
I work in a big welding shop and I didn't feel like cleaning sub-arc flux out of my nice ones so I carried the Kershaw CQC6 (framelock clip point) dang thing was bombproof but I can't get a decent edge on it now for some reason. (using a spyderco 204 sharp-maker)
 
Try make new edge with diamonds. Maybe grind isn't straight and bevel must be different on each side.
 
From my own observations Emerson=better materials, Kershaw=better fit and finish, ZT's=best of both worlds but they are heavy.

Mike
 
Southern Grind Bad Monkey in CF is a nice option if you like the wave function, though a bit pricey.

If the "wave" is a big deal to you, there are other brands beside Emerson and the Emerson/KAI collabs, such as DPX HEST and HEAT, Spyderco waved Endura and Delica.
 
I own a couple of emersons and tried a Kershaw emerson. I could not get myself to like it, even for the price.
 
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