Emerson

Emerson Gentleman Jim Review

Last Updated: September 9, 2019
When I think of Emerson Knives, I think of purpose built tactical knives. Models like the CQC-7, the Commander, and the CQC-15. These stout utility/”tactical” knives epitomize the company. But Emerson has released a few designs over the years that have strayed off the beaten path and caught my eye. The Gypsy Jack always intrigued me, but it may have been too far out there. This could explain why it is now discontinued.

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The Gentleman Jim is another model that diverges from the hard nosed Emerson lineup. To try and argue that it is a gentleman’s folder is a stretch considering the near 4″ blade, but this knife has always struck me as a strong departure from the rest of the line. And perhaps the Gentleman Jim is that elusive daily carry Emerson that I have always wanted to have, but have yet to find.

Also, before I get started I need to acknowledge that this knife was provided free of charge by the guys at the now defunct BladeFlick.com. In no way did that impact my review. I don’t care if you end up buying a particular knife. My goal is always to try and help you find the best knife for you. That is why I have reviewed hundreds of knives. If I wanted to sell you a knife I would have gotten a job at Cutco. But I do appreciate BladeFlick providing this Gentleman Jim for review. Thank you.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Gentleman Jim has an overall length of 8.55″, a 3.75″ blade, and a weight of 4.6 ounces. This knife is made in the USA. The Gentleman Jim feels a little smaller than its dimensions suggest thanks to the slim profile. Whether it will serve as an every day carry piece for you will depend greatly on your preferences.

Personally, the Gentleman Jim is more of a weekend carry for when I can dress more casually and pocket a bigger knife. Despite it being a smaller Emerson, it’s still quite large. Some might consider this a purpose built self defense tool, for me it rides the line between a utility knife and a collectible. The unique design is what drew me to the knife, not so much any thoughts of it being the ultimate utility blade.

The Gentleman Jim features a slim clip point blade that comes to a fine and pronounced tip. The tip is needle like, and you will need to be careful with it, much like a Kershaw Leek. The partial flat grind meets a shallow swedge about half an inch from the tip.

The grinds have all been perfectly executed. I opted for an uncoated blade and mine has come with belt finished satin grinds and stonewashed flats. I have always loved how Emerson grinds and finishes their blades, and this Gentleman Jim is no different. It’s crisp and perfectly rendered.

Like many modern Emerson knives, the blade is V ground, but the edge bevel is “chisel ground”. This means the edge bevel is only applied to the show side of the knife. All things equal I prefer a V edge because that is consistent with all my other knives and is what I am used to working with, but the Gentleman Jim cuts cleanly and is capable of getting razor sharp.

The Gentleman Jim comes in 154CM stainless steel. This is the exact same steel found on every other knife in the Emerson lineup. I have always enjoyed 154CM, but it makes for a predictable review.

If you are new to the site and this is the first Emerson review of mine that you have read, then let me assure you that 154CM is a good steel. It takes a nice edge and is easy to maintain. It has decent rust resistance, and good edge holding characteristics, although edge retention will be outshined by newer high end steels like S35VN, M390, Elmax, or CTS-XHP to name a few. I invite you to check out the steel section for a deeper dive into blade steel. I like the choice of 154CM here even if it’s predictable.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The handle is your standard black peel-ply G10 scales over a titanium locking liner, and a stainless steel non-locking liner. One little update is the use of black steel standoffs instead of a partial G-10 backspacer like the older Emersons.

The fit of this handle is excellent, and the finish is pretty darn good. The liners and blade have the tell-tale machining marks on the back of them like many of the other Emersons I have handled, but beyond that this knife is dialed in. The G-10 has been neatly chamferred, the holes for the hardware are perfectly countersunk, the screws are the correct length so they don’t poke out from the inside of the liners, and the jimping on the thumb ramp of the blade and the back of the handle match up perfectly. This is simple slab construction, but it has been done purposefully. The whole knife seems to be built a little tighter than the earlier Emersons I have owned, and suggests a refinement of their manufacturing process.

While this design might be a slight departure from the typical Emerson lineup, the ergonomics feel exactly like an Emerson knife. That is to say, they feel great. It’s clear to me that the size of the blade was based on the handle. If you tried to shrink this down to a 3.5″ or 3.25″ blade, the knife may not feel as good in the hand. As it stands the shape feels perfect. On top of that you have good jimping on the thumb ramp and where your pinky rests. You also have the signature aggressive G10. This stuff is almost like an emery board, and out of the box the knife almost sticks to your hand. It will soften slightly with use, but this is pant shredding high traction G10. Perfect for those who value a “traction plan” when picking out a pocket knife.

While the ergonomics are great, it comes at the expense of ease of carry. The Gentleman Jim is not overwieght, but at .54″ thick it does not exactly disappear into the pocket. That’s the trade off you have to make for a knife like this. I am fine with this compromise, but caveat emptor if you are a fan of thin knives.

The pocket clip is the same black parkerized clip found on every other Emerson, and it is similar to Benchmade‘s standard clip. I have always liked this simple clip design, and here the clip has been situated high on the handle, so only a small part of the pommel is exposed. That said, this isn’t a deep carry clip and it’s only drilled and tapped for right side tip up carry.

It won’t be for everyone, but this simple and practical clip does a good job keeping the knife in your pocket.

Deployment and Lockup

The Gentleman Jim utilizes a thumb disk or the wave feature to open up the knife. I reach for the thumb disk most times, and I can flick the blade open with my thumb if I use a lot of force, but I find the pivot to be gritty thanks to the Nylatron washers. Try as I might I still haven’t come around to Nylatron washers, and think that phosphor bronze are much better for their increased durability and smoothness. The wave works great. Just like any other Emerson.

For lockup we have a titanium liner lock. My lock engages fully and securely and there is no side to side or up and down blade play. The lock sticks quite a bit though, and makes an audible “pop” upon disengagement whether I uses the thumb disk or the wave. The lock is sticky because the titanium liner lock is softer than the hardened steel it interfaces with.

I’m sure Emerson has their reason for using a titanium linerlock and Nylatron washers, but these are 2 eccentricities that I still haven’t been able to accept.

Some might argue my points on the washers and liner lock, and my response lies in my trusty Sage 1. This is a perfectly executed stainless steel liner lock with phosphor bronze washers. I’ve owned, carried, and used this Sage 1 for the better part of 5 years. The action is still smooth as glass and the lockup is excellent with zero blade stick. It’s a superior liner lock and it has superior action, and I think 90% of that simply has to do with the choice of materials.

I have handled other titanium liner locks, and I have experienced the same problems with lock stick. I have handled other nylon washer knives and have never cared for them as much as phosphor bronze. So for these reasons I feel justified in my criticism of the titanium liner lock and Nylatron washers.

Blade centering is perfect on my knife.

Emerson Gentleman Jim Review – Final Thoughts

Emersons are something of an acquired taste. They are peculiar and polarizing, but I always enjoy the designs. In fact, the designs are what compel me to review what is essentially the exact knife every year or so. The build quality has improved over the years, but at the end of the day my very first review of the CQC-7, will read similarly to the review of this Gentleman Jim. I hope the writing is at least a little better.

In some ways the quirky consistency of an Emerson is a good thing. I like variety, and I like character. Emerson knives offer plenty of both. But there are some aspects of the knife that are just a turn off. Specifically the washers and lock. The titanium liner lock takes the cake for me. I have a hard time looking past that when a steel liner lock is so much better. A sticky lock is one thing that tends to sour a knife for me, and I’m having a hard time looking past it on this Gentleman Jim.

Still I think the Gentleman Jim is worth exploring. It’s a nice little design. While I can’t call this a true EDC, this is about the closest I have come to a legitimate EDC from Emerson. Much like the Roadhouse, the Gentleman Jim has a lot of character and it feels great in the hand. I am guessing that the knife makes sense from the martial arts / tactical knife intended use, but I confess that I have no experience with the Gentleman Jim in that regard.

The Gentleman Jim will not be for everyone, but if you know what you are getting into then I think that this model has its perks. The combination of the distinct blade and comfortable handle hit the spot. I’m glad the company has made some refinements over the years. I hope they continue to evolve their knives and one day offer something without nylatron washers and a titanium liner lock.

Gentleman Jim SF

I recommend purchasing the Emerson Gentleman Jim at Amazon, or BladeHQ. Thanks for reading.

Emerson Mini CQC-7 Review

by Benjamin Schwartz 13 Comments

Last Updated: August 3, 2019
As Dan wrote in his review of the full-size model, the CQC-7 is one of the very first and most influential tactical knives in the world. Ernie Emerson’s influence on the perception and use of folding knives for self-defense is incalculable. I had wanted an Emerson knife for a long time, but my general reluctance to carry a blade over 3” meant that most of their standard models, the CQC-7 included, were a no-go. I had my eye on the Mini CQC-7 for a long time before it came back into production and I was able to pick one up.

Buy the Emerson Mini CQC-7 at BladeHQ

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History aside, my thoughts on this design are mixed. I think that the CQC-7’s pedigree has made EKI loathe to futz with the design of the knife, and users loathe to criticize it. This is a shame, because I think there’s a lot of room for improvement. Like the Delica, the Mini CQC-7 is an outdated knife. When it first released, it must have seemed like a revelation, but in 2016, it is neither the best design around, nor worth the price it is being sold at.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Mini CQC-7 has a blade length of 2.9”, a handle length of 4 1/8”, and an overall length of 7.25”. It weighs 4.4 oz. This is a fat knife, but one that feels quite balanced in the hand. The exact weight of a knife isn’t as important as the distribution of that weight: that’s why some light knives, like the Clipitool, can feel heavier than they are, and chunky knives like the Mini CQC-7 lighter.

The 2.9” blade, on my Mini CQC-7, is a chisel ground tanto. This is a real one-two punch in terms of things I have grown to dislike. There’s an unwarranted reverence for the tanto blade shape. I appreciate a run of straight edge on my blades but I want some belly too, and the stylized, angular shape of the American tanto lacks any at all.

Of course, it’s the tanto’s reputation as an ideal tactical blade shape that gives it its cachet. And it is a good piercer, with a quite a robust tip. But a good drop point or clip point blade would have excellent piercing capability and more than adequate tip strength, as well as a significantly more useful overall shape. I don’t carry a knife with the intention of using it for self-defense, but even if I did, I would prefer another blade shape: the tanto doesn’t do anything significantly better than a drop point or a clip point, and many things worse.

The Mini CQC-7 is chisel ground. The argument for the chisel grind is as follows: better strength, better edge retention, and it’s easier to sharpen. There have been long and articulate counterpoints made against these arguments, but for me it comes down to the simple fact that a chisel grind just cuts worse.

So much control is lost. Cuts track terribly through material. Approaching thin material like paper is a chore. I understand that some knives are made for hard use, and in these cases durability is more desirable than finesse, but here’s the thing: you can have both. The well-executed, traditional v-grind of the Paramilitary 2 can take a beating and slices like a dream.

Maybe, maybe, in the vacuum of theory, a chisel grind can withstand more abuse than a traditional V-grind, but I would bet it isn’t much more, and in what real-life scenario is it going to matter? And as far as sharpening goes: well, I guess it takes less time to sharpen one edge bevel than two, although you still need to maintain the unsharpened side of a chisel-ground knife, so you’re only saved a modicum of effort.

The steel on the Mini CQC-7 is 154CM. This is one of my favorite steels, and one I think can compete with N690Co for the title of Most Underrated Steel in the World. It is a solid upper-mid-tier steel that responds to sharpening as well as something like 8Cr13MoV, but holds an edge longer. No complaints about 154CM itself.

But the Mini CQC-7 costs about $165. As much as I’m sad to see the middle of the market drop out, one good thing that’s come from it is that we can expect a lot from knives in $150 – $200 price point. The Benchmade Valet costs $170 and has M390. The Zero Tolerance 0770 comes in Elmax for $120. You can get the Spyderco Mantra comes in M4 for $167. The Native 5 LW is half the price of the Mini CQC-7 and comes with S35VN.

This segment of the market is so competitive that I feel alright harping on the price a bit. Amidst such company, at such a price, 154CM is unacceptable – even more so when you consider that CPM-154, the powder metallurgy variant of 154CM, has been around for a while now. I think that, like the chisel grind and the tanto blade, EKI’s steel choice has been given a pass because of the historical significance of the brand and its blades, and the Mini CQC-7 suffers as a knife for it.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Carry

The Mini CQC-7’s handle is wonderful. The thickness of the knife and the swell in the middle of the handle work to make the Mini CQC-7 very comfortable in hand. The jimping is mild, really better for indexing than for locking your hand in place. The real grippiness comes from the G-10, which is very coarse without being overly aggressive like Cold Steel G-10. Superbly executed all around.

The clip is the same clip you see on almost every Emerson, and like the ergonomics it is an unqualified win. And, as thick as the knife is, I don’t mind it in the pocket. It stays out of the way and isn’t so bulky as to be noticeable when I’m walking around – again, showing how important distribution of weight is with pocket knives.

The Mini CQC-7 isn’t tapped for left hand carry. Emerson can tap it for you, but A) you have to get the knife from EKI or send it in, and B) it will cost you $25. There are a lot of knives with non-repositionable clips, even at this price point, but given how integral the wave opening is to the design of the Mini CQC-7 it should come drilled for righties and lefties out of the box. For reference, the Emerson/Kershaw collabs are all drilled for both.

Deployment and Lockup

The Mini CQC-7 can be deployed via two different methods: either by the thumb disk or by the Emerson wave opener.

The thumb disk works but is slow – pretty smooth, admittedly, but slow. It almost feels like the knife is pivoting between two layers of cloth. From what I understand the Nylatron washers here are another Emerson standby. I don’t mind them, and if they are supposedly lower-maintenance than phosphor bronze or Teflon washers then that’s fine. Just know that you’re never going to flick this knife open.

Of course, the way you’re supposed to deploy the Mini CQC-7 is with the wave opening feature. The wave is a small hook on the end of the thumb ramp that, when you pull the knife from your pocket, catches on your pants seam, opening the knife as you are retrieving it. It’s…fine, I guess? I’ve had multiple wave opening knives and I don’t really buy into the utility. I’m not good at it. I get a lot of misfires. It makes traditional retrieval a bit complicated; the wave will catch a lot of the time and half-open the knife; I’ve cut myself more than once because I pulled a half-open Mini CQC-7 out of my pocket.

It’s also not a ‘polite’ way of opening a knife around folks who may not be comfortable around edged tools. I wouldn’t fault it for that if it were a larger, more distinctly tactical knife, but even the Emerson literature implies that the Mini CQC-7 is something you can take with you anywhere. If subtlety or politeness is a concern, then you may find the wave opening method a little theatrical for the non-knife people around you.

The Mini CQC-7 has a titanium liner lock. It works. Like any lock made of titanium, I worry about wear over time, but the worst thing I can say for it over two years of ownership is that it doesn’t always lock up at the same point against the tang. If I deploy it hard it travels far across, but if I roll it slowly it just barely slides underneath. To be expected? Probably. I don’t recall noticing this happening on any steel liner lock knives I own, but regardless lockup is very good.

Emerson Mini CQC-7 Review – Final Thoughts

I’ve been hard on the Mini CQC-7. I want to stress that, in a vacuum, it’s a fine blade. But it doesn’t exist in a vacuum, and not even years of accreted Emerson mythology and reputation can save it from looking hopelessly out of step and overpriced in today’s market.

A Mini CQC-7 with CPM-154, a slimmer handle, a conventionally-ground drop point blade, and tapped for both left- and right-handed carry would be an interesting proposition at the price it’s being offered at.

But that isn’t the knife we have. We have the same blade, more or less, that Emerson was selling a decade ago, and probably the same blade they’ll be selling five years from now. I know that Ernie Emerson and his team are probably working on new designs instead of trying to update old ones, but if there were one in the lineup that deserves an update, it’s the CQC-7. This pioneering tactical knife has been left in the dust. I’d like to see it be at the vanguard again.

EMERSON MINI CQC-7 2.9 inch SATIN Plain

I recommend purchasing the Emerson Mini CQC-7 at Amazon or BladeHQ. Thanks for checking out the review.

Editor’s Note: This is a fairly critical review from Ben, but I think it is well reasoned and ultimately fair. The value proposition for knives like this Mini CQC-7 continues to shrink in light of all the advancements in the marketplace. Also, the price point of these Emersons are just painful. If this was a $100-120 knife, I think a lot of the CQC-7’s perceived shortcomings could be overlooked. Still, the CQC-7 remains a classic, and if you are curious about Emerson knives or can find a nice deal then I think this is a good place to start.

Zero Tolerance 0620CF Review

by Dan Jackson 13 Comments

Last Updated: August 3, 2019
I have given Zero Tolerance over the past year. So I actually had to pause and think when my pre-order for the 0620CF popped into my inbox. I try to feature a variety of knives from different manufacturers. Would I purchase and review this knife? I slept on it for a few days, and decided that this collaboration with Ernest Emerson was special enough to justify another Zero Tolerance review.

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I’m glad I made that decision, because when this knife arrived I could immediately tell it was significantly different from the other ZT offerings I have sampled.

General Dimension and Blade Details

The 0620 has an overall length of 8.5″, a 3.6″ blade, and weighs 6.2 ounces. While the Kershaw / Emerson collabs are scaled down offerings, the 0620 more like a full size Emerson. This thing is large and in charge. It suits the nature of the collaboration well, but relegates the knife to a more dedicated defensive role or collector’s item. At least for me. I don’t doubt some will every day carry (EDC) this knife, and there is nothing wrong with that if you can manage the size and weight.

The blade has always been one of my favorite aspects of an Emerson. The crisp grinds and beautiful finishes of the blade contrast oddly with the often crudely finished handles. I am pleased to say that ZT did Ernest right by the 0620. This is an immaculate American tanto complete with Emerson’s 2 tone finish: satin bevels and stonewashed flats. The multi-faceted grind has been beautifully done and the blade catches the light almost like the real deal.

Where this collaboration departs from a real Emerson is that ZT decided to V-grind the edge. Say what you will about chisel edges… easier to maintain “in the field”, cut better, blah blah blah – I’ll take this standard V-grind edge any day.

I have never been a huge tanto fan, but this version features a subtle curve between the tip and secondary point. It speaks to me the same way the Lum Tanto did – a tanto blade for guys who don’t prefer tantos.

The natural geometry of a tanto blade is excellent for stabbing, and this one with its clipped point is no different. While this is a beefy slab of steel, the flat grind is lean enough to make this a reasonable slicer, and the edge has been expertly applied.

If you aren’t a modified tanto guy, ZT is releasing the 0630, featuring a modified clip point blade, much like the CQC-8 Horseman that may be more to your liking. Personally, I have been enjoying the tanto as I currently don’t have a lot of tantos in my collection.

Much like the 0562, ZT is offering the 0620 in two flavors: M390 blade with a carbon fiber handle scale (shown here), and an Elmax blade with a G10 handle scale. M390 is a super steel and I have always treated it with a little apprehension because super steels have a reputation for being difficult to sharpen. I put my big girl panties on for this review and have been actually, like, using both my 0620 and my Benchmade Valet which is also in M390. Edge retention is exceptional and so far the steel has responded well to light stropping. This is all I have had to do over the past 8 weeks or so of use. This is excellent stuff and I look forward to continuing to evaluate M390 in earnest.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The 0620 has as thick titanium locking side and the show side is carbon fiber (or G10) over a full stainless steel liner. Construction is robust, to say the least. This is an extremely solid knife and it’s difficult to describe the feeling you get in handling the 0620. Each edge is rounded, the liners and carbon fiber are seamless. Beefy hardware sits securely in the handles. The heft of the thick titanium lock side adds to the gravitas of the knife. It is impressive.

While ZT didn’t include Emerson’s signature flat head pivot and Phillips head body hardware, they did borrow the oversize hex head pivot from the 0300 and included some beefy torx hardware and stand offs. They also included a lanyard post, which seems redundant placed next to the two stand offs, but looks to be removable.

In hand the 0620 feels like a beefed up Emerson – not a bad thing at all. The simple handle design is Emerson ergonomics at its finest. A forward finger groove indexes the finger nicely, and the wide thumb ramp is gently jimped for control and tactile feedback. The rest of the handle is simple and accommodates a wide variety of hand sizes. The 0620 is a pretty thick knife – not amazing in pocket, but excellent in hand. After working with the 0620 for several months I haven’t noticed any hot spots. Job well done by both Ernest and ZT.

The pocket clip looks almost as if it were plucked from the Emerson parts bin – it’s a carbon copy of what you would find on the real deal, except of course for the Zero Tolerance Logo emblazoned on it. It is a blackened steel clip, much like what you would find on a Benchmade Griptilian if you have never handled an Emerson. The handle has been drilled and tapped for ambidextrous tip up carry. It’s not super deep carry, but fairly deep. The 0620 is neither small, thin, nor light, but the sturdy clip holds the knife securely in pocket. It carries well for what it is.

Deployment and Lockup

Like a real Emerson, the 0620 makes use of both a Wave and thumb disk. Perhaps the most notable point regarding the deployment is the detent – it’s very strong. While it’s possible to flick it open with the thumb disk, the detent is so strong that flecks of my thumbnail often depart with the blade. The wave works well, although frankly waves have never graduated beyond a novelty for me. ZT went with classic phosphor bronze washers for the 0620. Bronze washers are all well and good, but it would have been cool to see them put KVT bearings in like on the 05620.

I have said it before and I’ll say it again, ZT has really dialed in the lockup on their frame locks. Like the past few titanium framelocks from Zero Tolerance I have reviewed, this one comes with a stainless steel insert. Lockup is early (~30%), rock solid, and without stick or blade play. It’s perfect. The 0620 in particular inspires a lot of confidence. The blade slides in to place with a satisfying snap and I wouldn’t hesitate to use the 0620 for harder tasks if necessary. Blade centering is perfect.

Zero Tolerance 0620 Review – Final Thoughts

The 0620 is arguably the best “Emerson” ever. The 0620 is built better and finished better than a real Emerson. It lacks quirks like chisel edges, and a right side tip up carry only pocket clip, but it has been upgraded with carbon fiber, M390 blade steel, and a beefy titanium frame lock. Most astonishing is that the 0620 is still made in the USA and priced for about what a similar size Emerson would cost. Case in point: the Emerson Roadhouse, probably one of my favorite Emerson patterns retails for around $230. This ZT collab comes in a at $240, and is right at $200 if you opt for the less-fancy version with Elmax blade and G10 handle scale.

There is little to nothing I would change about the 0620. In a perfect world I’d mill out the titanium frame lock to try and lighten the knife, and possibly add bearings to make this indulgent piece even more over-the-top. These are minor quibbles. Sure, it is big and impractical for normal person daily carry, but so is a real Emerson.

Zero Tolerance has once again delivered a superior product: high quality materials, beautiful construction, and designed by a legend in the industry. I highly recommend the 0620 for Emerson fans and fans of big, well made folding knives.

Zero Tolerance 0620CF Emerson Tanto Knife

Made in the USA; Wave shaped opening feature; Thumb disk for manual opening
Reversible clip (left/right); Frame lock, hardened steel lockbar inserts
Steel: Carpenter CTS-204P, stonewashed and satin finish
Handle: Carbon fiber front, bead-blasted titanium back
Blade Length: 3.6 Inch (9.1 cm); Closed Length: 4.9 Inch (12.4 cm)

I recommend purchasing the ZT 0620 at Amazon and BladeHQ.

Emerson Roadhouse Review

by Dan Jackson 11 Comments

Last Updated: August 5, 2019
I’ve mentioned a couple times before that every now and then I get the urge to pick up an Emerson, and make it my EDC. I know the knife is going to be too large for me to comfortably carry, and way overboard when I stop to consider my actual needs for a daily carry knife. But still, like a moth to flame I convince myself that this time things will be different as I hit the “buy” button on yet another Emerson. This is probably like a gal that brings home the guy with bad credit and a pack a day habit, thinking that she will “change” him to one day become the man of her dreams.

Buy the Emerson Roadhouse at BladeHQ

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Well this time around I have no such delusions of grandeur. I bought the Emerson Roadhouse not because I intend to carry it in the pocket of my skinny jeans next to my mustache wax and Starbucks card, but because I really dig the design and wanted to add it to the collection. I know the knife is going to be too big for me to actually want to carry and use, and I could care less.

At least this time around I’m being honest with myself. This is a beastly blade and I have always been drawn to the low slung modified tanto design. Frankly, it’s about damn time I reviewed the Emerson Roadhouse and I’m not going to apologize for it.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Roadhouse has an overall length of 8.90″, a 3.80″ blade, and weighs 6.2 ounces. This is a full size folder and was likely designed with law enforcement and military personnel in mind. I’m just a guy with a website and a day job, so my perspective on the knife will be limited to daily carry and use as a tool, rather than a defensive option. The design has proven popular enough for Emerson to roll the Roadhouse out in a variety of sizes. We have the regular (shown here) the Super Roadhouse (4.2″ blade), and the Mini Roadhouse (3.4″ blade).

The blade of the Roadhouse is a modified tanto and is one of my favorite shapes from Ernie. I’m not a tanto guy, but I really like this modified tanto. There is a little belly and something of a harpoon and swedge that give the knife some extra attitude. In the product description Ernie tells you to think about Jack Daniels and Harley Davidson’s. I can almost see Patrick Swazye in a dusty corner, the glint of the Roadhouse flitting through thick cigarette smoke and half empty bottles. Oh yeah. I really like this one. Mine blade is a two tone satin finish with stonewashed flats. Like all my other Ermersons, this knife is ground beautifully with a v grind and chisel edge. The blades are the best part of these knives although I see a fair amount of tooling marks on the spine around the wave and jimping.

The steel is tried and true 154CM. If it works why mess with it? I certainly don’t have a problem with 154CM, and Emerson has always done a good job heat treating it. People who actually use their knives will tell you that the chisel edge is ground on the wrong side for right handed users, but I don’t let that get in the way of a good time or a cardboard box. I have found the 154CM to be a serviceable steel, but if you don’t believe me feel free to read through my handful of other Emerson reviews.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The Roadhouse’s handle is standard black peel ply G10 over a titanium locking liner, and a steel non-locking liner. My knife has a thick partial G10 backspacer. I am pretty sure if you were to buy one new Emerson now offers their knives with standoffs over a backspacer. We have been trained to think that flow through construction is better, but there is something endearing about the G10 backspacer. The hardware is Emerson’s signature phillips head fasteners for the body screws and oversized slotted pivot. There are some tooling marks on the edges of the liners, but beyond that everything is nicely finished.

In hand is where the Roadhouse really shines. This is a full size knife and it provides ample room for all your standard grips. In addition to being a long handle, it’s also quite thick. Much like every other Emerson I’ve handled the knife is extremely comfortable. The black G10 offers plenty of traction, and the jimping on the thumb ramp holds your thumb but isn’t overly aggressive. If you can get away with carrying a big knife it’s hard to beat Emerson’s offerings from an ergonomic standpoint.

For the same reasons the Roadhouse feels so good in hand, it will be noticed in the pocket. It’s a large knife and there is no getting around that. Even small Emersons have a way of feeling big. The Roadhouse has been outfitted with Emerson’s standard black parkerized clip. It rides low, but not so low that you can’t access it easily. This is a proven clip design and is very comparable to Benchmade’s offerings. As always the knife comes drilled and tapped for right side tip up carry only.

Deployment and Lockup

For deployment you have a choice of thumb disk or wave feature. I’ve never been a huge fan of thumb disks. They always seem awkward to me. But they are low profile and stay out of the way when you are waving the knife open. The nylatron washers aren’t amazingly smooth, but they get the job done. I’d prefer good ole phosphor bronze, but this isn’t Burger King. I can’t have it my way. I can flick open the Roadhouse with a little effort, but for rapid fail-safe deployment the wave is the way to go.

For lock up you have a thick titanium liner. The locking liner is visibly thicker than the non-locking steel liner and I find that reassuring. Lock up on my knife is early and secure. There is a little bit of lock stick, but nothing bad. I prefer a steel locking liner over titanium, but it is what it is. Apparently Emerson’s warranty service is good if you manage to wear down the titanium. I have never had to use their warranty service personally.

Emerson Roadhouse Review – Final Thoughts

It’s big, it’s bad, it’s surprisingly expensive. I have always enjoyed the look of the Roadhouse on paper and am happy to report the knife looks just as good in hand. It’s a solid tool, with Emerson’s signature quirks. Despite some tooling marks on the back of the blade and liners, the knife has been carefully put together. The parts line up, the blade is centered, the lock doesn’t stick (badly) and everything feels sturdy and secure. The super nice blade and comfortable handle are high points. The steep price tag and impracticality of the knife (for my suburban purposes) are low points. Regardless, I am pleased to add this one to my collection and recommend the knife if you are a fan of Emerson’s offerings or if the allure of the Roadhouse is just too strong to resist.

Emerson Roadhouse – $227.66
From: BladeHQ

Emerson Roadhouse SF Plain Stonewashed Blade

I recommend purchasing the Roadhouse at BladeHQ or Amazon. Please consider that purchasing anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

Emerson Horseman Mini CQC-8 Review

by Dan Jackson 10 Comments

Last Updated: August 4, 2019
I have bought a number of Emerson knives under the guise that they were going to be my next EDC. Ernest’s blades have an American bravado to them that I really enjoy, and on several occasions I’ve found myself say, “Oh yeah, I’m going to EDC the heck out of this thing,” as my cursor hovers over the buy button. When the knife arrives it’s usually about twice as big as I imagined. The unfortunate truth is that while I enjoy the knife for what it is, it never ends up staying in my pocket.

Buy the Emerson Horseman at BladeHQ

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I have (presumably) learned from this mistake several times now, and purchased my latest Emerson, the Horseman (aka the mini CQC-8), because it is a smaller knife.

Ernest calls this scaled down version of the CQC-8 “the Horseman” because it was designed to be carried while riding a horse. I haven’t been near a horse for at least a decade, so unfortunately I will not be providing any commentary on the blade’s equestrian capabilities. That said, I do hope to answer whether the knife is a worthy urban EDC.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Horseman has an overall length of 8.35″, sports a 3.54″ blade, and weighs 4.8 ounces. Compared to previously reviewed Emersons like the Super Commander and CQC-13 this is a much smaller knife. That said, this is still an Emerson, and it still has a blade over 3.5″ inches long. It’s got a pleasant thickness to it, a reassuring heft, and generally isn’t what I would call a small knife. While it is definitely more pocketable than some of their other offerings, it’s no gentleman’s folder either.

It’s hard for me to determine what exactly the blade shape would be classified as – perhaps a modified clip point? Some call it “the banana blade,” and to me that is as good a classification as any. The curved edge comes to a very acute tip thanks to a finely ground swedge. Like all of my other Emersons I have handled, the blade has been beautifully ground. I once again opted for the stonewashed version. I love the way stonewashed version is finished with it’s sparkling flats and satin grinds.

Like most Emerson knives this blade has been V ground, but is left with a chisel ground edge. Ernest claims this is done for ease of sharpening, and I must say that the edge was very easy to maintain. The steel is 154CM: a well-balanced blade material that should be no stranger to regular readers of this blog. 154CM sharpens nicely and holds a good edge.

I tested the Horseman out on a variety of materials. I started with a 6-foot length of 1/4″ thick sisal rope and had no issues cutting it inch long sections. I then moved on to a piece of 3/4″ thick manilla rope – a pretty nasty material – and the Horseman once again cut cleanly and with confidence. I found the jimping on the spine of the blade a bit aggressive under repeated hard cutting, but for normal work I think you will find it is alright.

I touched the chisel edge up on a strop and then moved along to several pieces of cardboard. The Horseman cut without issue although I do prefer a more conventional V ground edge over a chisel edge for cardboard. I find that a V edge tracks through cardboard a little easier, but that could just be due to my relative inexperience with chisel edges. I will say that the chisel edge is capable of getting razor sharp with very little effort. Ultimately I was satisfied with how the Horseman worked on cardboard.

I rounded things out with a little carving on a piece of pine 2×2. The fine chisel edge made for an aggressive carver, and I was pleased with how quickly the knife removed material. I have to admit that I found the handle pretty uncomfortable under this kind of use, and resorted to wearing a glove to finish the job. That is pretty much par for the course with most folders, but I felt it was still worth mentioning.

Ultimately I found the Horseman to be a capable cutter well suited to a variety of tasks. As expected, the 154CM held onto its edge, and was easy to keep sharp. I had no issues with rust or corrosion either.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The Horseman’s handle follows the same formula of all of Emerson’s other knives: black G10 scales over a steel non-locking liner and a titanium locking liner with a black G10 backspacer. Everything is held together with Phillips and flat-head hardware. If you have seem one Emerson handle, you have pretty much seen them all. My Horseman came well finished. All of the parts are well lined up, there are no tooling marks on the liners, and everything is very solid. It’s simply constructed, but also well done.

From an ergonomic standpoint, the Horseman benefits from Ernest’s decades of knife design and martial arts experience. The Horseman feels very natural in both forward and reverse grips. The deep finger guard makes it difficult to slip forward on the knife, and the thick handle provides plenty of support for your palm. The jimping on the thumb ramp provides good traction, but it can get uncomfortable under extended use. For normal use I think most will find the thumb ramp to be comfortable.

The pocket clip is the same clip found on all Emerson knives. It’s a simple black parkerized clip and is very similar to the standard Benchmade clip. This isn’t an ultra deep carry, but the Horseman rides reasonably low and carries discretely in the pocket. Despite being a “mini” Emerson, this is still a thicker knife, and it still weighs 4.8 ounces. I definitely felt it while carrying it around, but there are certainly bulkier knives on the market. It carries better with jeans and thicker fabrics.

Deployment and Lockup

The Horseman makes use of Ernest Emerson’s patented wave feature for deployment. For the uninitiated, this is a tried and true method of rapidly opening a folding knife. They also included a thumb disk on this model, which is easy to access and suits the lines of the knife. My model came a little stiff, and could probably stand to be taken down, cleaned, and reassembled with some tuf-glide or other high end lubricant.

For lockup we have the aforementioned titanium locking liner. It is a bit thicker than the steel non-locking liner, and engages nice and early. There is a little stick on the lock of my knife, but it isn’t obnoxious. There is no blade play in any direction. There is something very purposeful about the way this knife was manufactured and assembled, and the solid lockup adds to that feel.

Emerson Horseman Review – Final Thoughts

The Horseman is another well contemplated offering from Emerson, and I think it will satisfy fans of Emerson’s products that want something a little more manageable for carry on a daily basis. It has the same features and design quirks of its bigger brothers, but it doesn’t compromise in ergonomic or cutting performance. That said, this is still a thick knife, and at 4.8 ounces I definitely feel it in my pocket. Whether it will make a practical EDC knife for you is entirely subjective.

I will say that this is a sturdy no-nonsense knife, and I was surprised with how much I have enjoyed it. My particular knife is immaculate, and it has been fun to carry. If you can find one as solid as this I think you will like it.

I recommend purchasing the Emerson Horseman at BladeHQ. Purchasing anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated! Thank you very much.

Emerson Horseman
From: BladeHQ

Emerson Knives Horseman SF

I recommend buying the Emerson Horseman at BladeHQ or Amazon. Thanks for checking out the review.

Emerson CQC-13 Review

by Dan Jackson 12 Comments

Last Updated: August 10, 2019
Emerson is one of the most American knife companies I can think of. Their blades are 100% made in the USA with American made materials, and when you thumb through one of their catalogs (or the pages of their website) you really get the feeling that these knives are distinctly American. There are plenty of references to the US Military, MMA, and hard rock – to the point where you can practically feel the bald eagles whooshing over your head.

Buy the CQC-13 at BladeHQ

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So when you take a company like Emerson Knives and combine it with the iconic American bowie you get what is arguably the most patriotic production knife on the planet: the Emerson CQC-13 Combat Bowie.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The CQC-13 has an overall length of 9″, a 3.85″ blade, and it weighs 5 ounces. Like most of Emerson’s offerings this is a pretty big knife. Designed for military, police, and anyone else seeking a large and rugged tool, this is a no-nonsense tactical folder. Personally I tend to pair it with a smaller utility knife.

The blade is what really drew me to the CQC-13, which makes sense because Emerson’s knives all follow a similar formula. Besides different blade and handle shapes, they are all built pretty much the same. Here we have a mean clip point cut from thick stock with a needle sharp tip, a good amount of belly, and a partial flat grind. My preference is for the stonewashed version, but Emerson also makes them in a black coated and matte finished (shown here) versions as well. Like many Emersons this knife is V ground, but the edge features a chisel grind (ground on one side instead of both like most normal knives). According to Emerson this is done for ease of sharpening in the field.

Like every other Emerson knife on the market the CQC-13’s blade comes in 154CM stainless steel. The steel is heat treated to 57-59 HRC, which makes the knife easy to sharpen yet capable of holding a nice edge. 154 won’t retain an edge as long as some of the more exotic steels on the market, but it is a proven steel and remains an all-around good choice.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

In the handle department the CQC-13 continues to follow the typical Emerson format: roughly textured black G10 scales, a partial G10 backspacer, a steel liner, and a titanium locking liner. There is a lanyard hole and all the screws are phillips head (except for the flat head pivot screw). Emerson isn’t known for making the prettiest knives, but I am actually quite impressed with how well this knife has been finished. The blade is beautifully ground, everything lines up, and the liners are attractively finished.

The CQC-13 really starts to shine once you start handling it. The spacious handle is extremely comfortable. There is plenty of room for forward or reverse grips and the handle features a deeply scalloped finger choil, and a nice run of jimping on the spine. This is a capable work knife and it is a pleasure to use. Ernest has a strong martial arts background and it shows time and time again in his handle designs. Simply put the ergonomics rock.

The pocket clip is once again classic Emerson. It’s a simple matte black parkerized clip, discrete and functional. My only gripe (per usual) is that the handle is only drilled and tapped for right side carry. I know they apparently make lefty versions of the knife and that you can send knife in to be drilled and tapped for left side carry (for $20) but honestly this is one of those cases where they should have just done that at the factory. Not just for lefties but also for right handed people wanting to carry on their weak side. When you consider the intended use and near $200 price tag, the 3 extra holes should come standard.

As for actual carry, the CQC-13 carries well for a larger knife. The pocket clip is discrete but not ultra-deep, so the knife is easy to get at but stays out of the way. At 5 ounces this larger knife feels lightweight for its size.

Deployment and Lockup

Naturally, one of the big selling points for an Emerson is the classic wave opening feature, which allows you to open the knife as you remove it from your pocket. If you don’t feel like waving open the CQC-13, you can always make use of the ambidextrous thumb disk, something I’ve always found slightly more cumbersome than a thumb stud or opening hole, but with a little practice it can certainly get the job done. Opening the knife is fairly smooth, Emerson uses nylatron washers in all his knives. They get the job done, especially if you opt to wave the knife open.

For lockup we have a titanium liner lock. I am generally not a huge fan of titanium for a locking liner, as it is not nearly as hard as steel of a blade tang, but Emerson has been making them this way for decades. In practice my knife still locks up fairly early, and there is little to no blade play. As an added bonus the titanium helps lighten the knife up – always a plus. It is also worth mentioning that the pivot screw is of the flathead variety, so it is easy to adjust with pretty much anything handy.

Emerson CQC-13 Review – Final Thoughts

Ernest’s Combat Bowie is exactly as advertised; a rugged folding tactical knife making great use of an iconic American blade shape. I have no doubt that fans of Emerson’s other offerings will also find much to love about the CQC-13. But lets be real for a moment, clearly, this is not a knife for everyone. Those preferring something a little more subtle will likely pass this one up. And like the rest of Emerson’s offerings, the Combat Bowie has it’s share of quirks unique to the brand (including the chisel ground edge, non-ambidextrous pocket clip, titanium liner lock, nylatron washers, etc). Finally, it’s not a cheap knife – not at all. All of these things tend to polarize people, and I can appreciate the opinions on both sides. However, if this is a knife that interests you I can attest that it is comfortable and well made. In conclusion the CQC-13 is another well thought out tactical folder that compliments the Emerson line nicely.

Emerson CQC-13
from: BladeHQ

Emerson ECBF CQC13 BT with Plain Black Blade

I recommend buying the Emerson CQC-13 at BladeHQ or Amazon. Thanks for reading.