Knowing the anatomy of an Emerson Knife is very important. Especially for those who expect to use their knives to their full potential.
The Frame of an Emerson Knife
- Stainless Steel Flat Liners
- Titanium Liner Lock
- Standoff Spacers
- Standoff Spacers have been standard on all Emerson Knife models since 2014. Any knife ordered from our site from that year will receive one of these models. Models previous to 2014 have a solid backspacer. Both perform their function identically and there is no advantage or disadvantage to having either variation.
- Lanyard Holes serve one purpose: attaching a paracord lanyard if you choose to get one.
- The Thumb Button is there so that you may open the knife single-handedly. Specifically with your thumb. Some people are naturals at it and some have to learn. Either way, it’s very useful.
The Wave Feature
In short, the “wave opening feature” deploys the blade as you pull it out of your pocket. We have the Navy SEALs to thank for this feature. Back in the late ’80s, when members of SEAL Team 6 asked Ernie Emerson to design a knife for them, they had a specific requirement. They wanted a hook on the spine of the blade to prevent another edged weapon from sliding up the knife, onto the operator’s hand and arm. By having such a demanding customer early on forced him to evolve his knife designs into something they could use and rely on in hostile environments. To hear this story from Ernie Emerson himself, check out the following video.
Getting to Know Your Blade
The Flat, Main Bevel, and Edge
- The flat part of the blade is where the logo and model information will be
- A bevel is where the grind begins and it will continue down toward the bottom of the blade.
- The edge is the point at which the blade is sharpened into a 25-30 degree angle to achieve a razor sharpness.
The Chisel grind and V-grind blades are among the easiest to keep a serviceable edge on because there is only a single edge to maintain and hone. This also allows for easy field sharpening by using rocks, bricks, pipes, or glass. The knives are not meant to be super-sharp surgical blades; these are tools.
What makes an Emerson Knife so Great?
Well, for one, Emerson Knives are 100% Made in the USA, down to the screws they use. Most other knife manufacturers try to use the latest and greatest steel or handle material as their selling points. One year it’s one super steel, and the next year it’s another super steel. What sets Emerson Knives apart is their consistent and simplistic approach. Emerson has used the same steel from day one (154CM) because it works and it’s a strong reliable steel made here in America.
Emerson Knives use common hardware; Phillips screws for the handle and a flat head screw for the pivot. This makes it very easy to maintain in the field if you carry a multi-tool; no crazy hex or torque bits needed!
Ernest Emerson has a solid reputation within the SEAL Teams and SOF community. He listens to their input and puts tools in the hands of guys going down range that they can stake their lives on. I recently sent my Commander back to Emerson to have my mom’s favorite bible verse engraved on the blade as a type of personal memorial. Long story short, after hearing why I was having the blade engraved, Mr. Emerson decided to engrave the blade free of charge. Guys, what other knife makers would do that?
Some may dismiss these knives due to their cost, but let me tell you this: They cost what they do for a reason. Not only are you buying an all-American-made product, but you are getting a blade from a knife maker with over 30 years of experience in knife making, martial arts, and hand-to-hand combat.
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