TESTIMONIALS
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Customer Testimonials
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CUSTOMER
TESTIMONIALS
This isn't really a request for information... it's just the only email address I could find on your website. I am a soldier about halfway through my first deployment to Iraq. Early on in my stay here, I purchased a Commander off of your website. I put the blade to work as soon as I received it. I won't try to tell you that I've used it to silence any sentries or cut my comrades out of burning humvees... but I have used it and to a certain extent abused it well beyond what I would think the tolerances of a "tactical" folder would normally be. I've stripped silicon off of bolts, sliced electrical cable in half, and opened more MRE boxes than I care to think about with it. I've pried ammo cans open with the blade, and hammered nails into plywood with the handle. It has been my scraper when I clean my M4 at night and my truck's M2 after a patrol. Not to mention, when I pop it out of my pocket ready to go using the wave, it definitely garners some attention from my fellow soldiers. I just wanted to drop your company a note to say thank you for providing a superior product. It means a great deal to me to have equipment that I can trust... and you have provided that equipment.
J.K. 4-15-10
"Tank-tough folder (CQC-7-BW) I have used on deployment and daily carry. Extremely sharp, thick blade with wave feature that opens the blade as you pull the knife out of your pocket. Also has a flat button on top of the blade to help push the blade open with your thumb. I have the serrated blade and have cut all manner of twine, rope, wire etc. Even used it to slaughter a goat while deployed. I have collected knives since I was a kid and have had hundreds. If I had to depend on one knife as a work tool or save my life this one would be it."
M.D. 3-28-09
I purchased an
Emerson CQC-7B knife about a year and a half ago. This is by far the best knife
I have ever owned. At the time of purchase I was in the U.S. Coast Guard. I
punished the knife day after day cutting heavy mooring line . . the knife has
never failed. Before purchasing the Emerson knife I was a loyal ******** owner,
but now after owning an Emerson, the only action my ******** knife sees is as
a letter opener! Thank you for making such a tough, reliable knife.
M.I. 12-7-01
About 2 years ago
I wrote to you about an encounter I had with one of your great products during
combat ops in Kosovo. In response you showed incredible generosity and sent
a Commander to me free.
I have been putting
your knife to hard use ever since. As a platoon sergeant in the infantry I have
used your knife for everything from opening letters from home to prying open
ammunition crates. I am currently deployed in the fight on terror in the mountains
of NE Afghanistan and have a rare chance to check email, just wanted to say
thanks and send you this pic of me and your great knife out on patrol in the
Konar province of A'Stan
S.L.
Sir, Major ******
USMC recently sent me one of your folding knives. Mark said these were a present
from you to marines that he knows. Sir, thank you very much for your patriotism
and your excellent knife. I have already put it to good use here in Kuwait.
I find it very well constructed with good balance and feel. You are to be commended
on your design and craftsmanship. Sir, as America faces its current challenge,
please know that your marine Corps stands ready to defend what we Americans
cherish.
Major USMC 11-25-01
Yes sir . . . I am the guy who rather stupidly became entangled in about 40-50
feet of cable during a surveilliance operation in South America. . .never thought
it could happen to me. Out of air before could get loose, I grabbed a handful
of cable and found the line going to the bottom anchor, doubled it over, stuck
my cqc7 (could not reach my dive knife!) in the loop and sawed like hell. When
that thing cut through so fast I couldn't believe it. You guys make some damn
good knives.
N.K.P. 11-5-01
Salutations from
Virginia!!! I want to send a friendly note to say that I am a new owner of the
Emerson CQC-7 Knife!!! I wanted to purchase this for awhile now and I'm hooked,
so I said good-bye to my 3 ******** ******* and rescue knives. I've been studying
your company from some time now and your actions exceeds your reputation!!!
You will continue to have me as a loyal customer . . .
W.F.C. First, thank you for replacing me damaged knife. It is comforting to
see a company stand behind its product. Second, here is my response to your
request for details about how I damaged the knife. My partner and I responded
to a radio assignment of criminal trespass in progress. Upon our arrival to
the scene, we observed the front door secured by what appeared to be rope and
wire. After attempting to disentangle the material from the door, we heard movement
inside. At which point I utilized my Emerson CQC-7 to cut through and gain entry.
The knife made short work of the rope. However, when I cut the wire there was
a huge spark that split the wires and melted the blade. We were able to gain
entry and make the arrest for criminal trespass. Subsequent to our search we
were able to recover a considerable amount of stolen property and drugs as a
local street gang was using the vacant building as a warehouse. In the future
I will definitely recommend your knives to fellow law enforcement officers.
D.S. 7-15-01
******* Police Department
I would just like
to say thank you for building such a quality product. Last year I bought a CQC-7
and it has served me well. Not long ago I was with my roommate at her horses,
and her stud horse flipped himself over in the wash rack. If not for good sharp
steel that cut through the nylon halter like it was nothing, we would be out
a $20,000 horse. Will definitely recommend only Emerson knives to my friends,
they outshine any other knife I have ever owned. I have trained in the martial
arts and find this to be perfect for that also. Again I thank you.
Kerry 6-17-01
I received my new
CQC-7 folder. It is my first Emerson. I am very impressed with the quality and
workmanship built into the tool. I am very proud to own one of these knives
and I believe in its integrity. Please share this compliment with your employees.
Max 5-18-01
I just wanted to
take a moment to let you know that I appreciate the fine products you offer.
I am a Police Officer for ************ Police Dept. in Pennsylvania. Our jurisdiction
covers low income housing to multi-million dollar homes, four (4) state highways,
vast rural areas and large business districts. This is spread out over approx.
49 square miles. I carry two (2) Emerson CQC-7's on duty. They have been used
for everything from "popping" doors (for legal/safety purposes only!),
cutting seat belts, cutting screens, digging, and anything else I need for them
for. I also have purchased some of your shirts and a gear bag and have most
definitely got my moneys worth. I will be purchasing some more items in the
near future as well. Just wanted to thank you and your staff for doing a fantastic
job.
Thanks, John
4-15-01
The Commander and
Raven Knives arrived yesterday in perfect shape! To just quickly say "Thank
you, I like these knives" would be a grass understatement. In every respect
these tools are outstanding! You are a "sharp" Giant in my knife world,
Mr. Emerson. I know you are busy in diversity. How many other American Knife
Creators could pull together both custom and production work and end up with
quality on both fronts can at present be counted on 1 hand, 1 finger.
Fred 6-18-98
Thank you very
much for your attention regarding the recent knife that you sent me. Your efforts
in this regard demonstrate the highest levels of professionalism and perfection.
You should be very proud of your organization's efforts in this regard.
Robert, M.D.,
F.A.C.S. 3-13-00
Well, I took the
Commander to the overseas region along with a diamond rod and must report it
replaced my other tried and true folders. It did so well, I am thinking of dropping
one sheath knife as well. No problems at all. The gang from SEAL Team VI were
not around so it was all USAF Special Operations team members. My old first
issue ***** **** sold to me by Col. **** at ******, is retired in favor of the
Commander. I want to add the neck knife and sheath to my kit. With heavy use
in the desert the Commander even kept the black finish. It cut up goats, web
gear, thick rubber mats, scraped leather, and sliced like hell. As usual-not
one hanging rope was encountered to test it on.
Thanks, Paul
5-31-00
I am very pleased
with the CQC-7B Knife that I purchased this month, from Excalibur Cutlery, at
South-Center Mall in Tuknilla WA… The
staff at Excalibur were most helpful in selecting this knife that was displayed
for 360 degree viewing, in a showcase. A Special OPS Veteran first recommended
Emerson CQC-6 to me about 2 years ago, and I am now a "True Believer"
in the superiority of your product. I plan to carry the CQC-7B while mountain
bike riding in isolated areas. Again Many Thanks.
M.K. 8-18-00
The knife that
you will find enclosed with this message has endured the hardest use I am capable
of putting it through. It has accompanied me through flooded subterranean irrigation
tunnels, mountaineering expeditions, deep dives, and some particularly unsavory
parts of the urban jungle in the District of Colombia. Contrary to the recommendations
of my peers (and general common sense), I have used it as a chisel, a screwdriver,
a hammer and even a cable cutter on several occasions. The various dings on
nearly every surface of the knife bear witness to the trials it has undergone
in its life span to date. The knife has performed above my expectations in all
instances, and still retains most of its original "Black T" finish.
You made one hell of a knife. The knife's original grind, however, is starting
to show the effects of extreme hard use on tough materials. It has become quite
convex, and, therefore, quite difficult to sharpen. In accord with the offer
of a $15.00 factory sharpening I received in the original packaging, I am returning
it to you for service. You will find a money order enclosed for a re-sharpening
and return shipping costs. Thank
you for designing and manufacturing such an outstanding, rugged tool. I look
forward to putting the edge through its paces once more after it is restored
to its former bevel.
Andrew 1-5-06
We would like to
take this opportunity to thank you for your heartfelt and generous contribution
of $2,900.00 to the Twin Towers Orphan Fund. We are all working very hard to
help these children and your contribution has helped us raise more than $3,000,000.00
to date. Once again, thank you again for your generosity.
Sincerely,
David Mills
Director
"Hello, first
off I want to say thank you for saving my life, I was jumped by a group of punks
not to long ago! They had weapons and a video camera (what kind of sick people
watch this stuff)!! Long story short I reached for my Combat Karambit and the
remote pocket opening action pulling the blade open and the loud CLICK was a wonderful sound!!!
The look on those bastards face was priceless, they had me outnumbered and out
weaponed but I guess the look of someone who refuses to be a victim armed with
an Emerson Knife made me a force to be reckoned with. They ran off and one of
the most terrifying things that's ever happened to me ended as fast as it started.
Thank you and your staff! You should all be proud of what you do!"
T.B.
"I want to
thank you for making great knives. I have been a police officer for over 20
years now and was a deputy for 5 years before that. I also spent some time in
3rd world countries. I have had to cut seat belts off in bad accidents with
one hand trying to stabilize a neck and spine as well as using a knife for many
other reasons. I think your knife is the best I could ever have. I carry it
on duty weak side and it opens and works great. I carry it off duty strong side
and it works flawlessly. I have purchased a second one of your knives as my
son plans on becoming a United States Marine after graduation from High School
and I want him to have the best I can provide outside of what Uncle Sam gives
him."
S.S.
"I have been
serving our country over seas for the past 7 months and have put your knife
to the test. It has never failed me. As part of the US Coast Guard Port Security
Unit I have relied on your knife for many tasks. I have cut rope, line, camo
netting, rifle slings and much more, and this mini-commander was absolutely
remarkable. It was not only sharp and easy to sharpen but was comfortable and
easy to handle, wet or dry. Thank you for making a quality product I can depend
on in any environment. Now that I have returned to my civilian job as chief
of police, I am looking forward to my next Emerson Knife purchase, a "CQC
8", to compliment my collection."
D.D. 9-16-03
"Words cannot
express my gratitude for receiving your Commander knife. It is simply the finest
knife that I have ever owned, fixed-blade or folding. I received the knife prior
to deploying from Kandahar to Baghram on a series of missions to destroy caches
of weapons in that area. During that mission, we had blown up a large cache
of rockets, which resulted in my unit being hit by the debris raining down.
One man had his foot crushed by rock, and when the medic's scissors failed to
cut through his boot, I ( as company radio transmitter operator ***) handed
him my Emerson as I was calling in the medevac. It quickly, easily, and without
discomfort to the casualty helped the medic fulfill his duties. All involved
were impressed with my knife."
D.P. 11-20-02
"Recently
I sent a knife to you for repair that I had purchased elsewhere. I wanted to
take a moment to thank you not only for the prompt repair and return of the
knife but also the outstanding customer service I received from the first of
many calls to the note attached with my knife when it was returned. I use and
show the knife whenever possible. I am a working cop who will only purchase
one more emerson (commander) in my lifetime but you treated me as if I was a
big customer. Thank you for everything, I will recommend your products to anyone
who asks."
M.M.
"Thank you
for the CQC-7B SF, It's PERFECT! Also, I was recently working on a custom design
on a folding knife but I have canceled that project because I don't think that
with the quality of the CQC-7 and Design of that knife, there is anything the
CQC-7 could not handle!"
R.H.
"I recently
purchased an Emerson CQC7 with the "wave shaped feature" and let me first say that this knife is SWEET!
The best I've ever owned, and I thank you guys for finally producing a line
of knives that are worth a #@*!"
S.H. 2-11-02
"First,
thank you for replacing my damaged knife. It is comforting to see a company
stand behind its product. Second, here is my response to your request for details
about how I damaged the knife. My partner and I responded to a radio assignment
of criminal trespass in progress. Upon our arrival to the scene, we observed
the front door secured by what appeared to be rope and wire. After attempting
to disentangle the material from the door, we heard movement inside. At which
point I utilized my Emerson CQC7 to cut through and gain entry. The knife made
short work of the rope. However, when I cut the wire there was a huge spark
that split the wire and melted the blade. We were able to gain entry and make
the arrest for criminal trespass. Subsequent to our search we were able to recover
a considerable amount of stolen property and drugs as a local street gang was
using this vacant building as a warehouse. In the future I will definitely recommend
you knives to fellow law enforcement officers."
D.D.
7-16-01
What a Knife! Just
got back from a not so pleasurable trip. In the course of this outing I became
tangled in some 1/8 inch cable on a survey marker in a tide rip. Sawed like
mad with my cqc7 and that chisel ground dude cut the cable! Its not in very
good shape now, but I wouldn't sell this beauty at any price! THANKS FOR MAKING
A DAMN GOOD KNIFE! Good to be here to say that!
Shalom, Kirk
"I am writing to express my gratitude, for making
such a superior product. I Can honestly say that one of your knives saved a
life. I was coming back from visiting my parents five states away, and stopped
off of the interstate to refuel. It had been raining and it was pretty late,
and I was beat. After refueling I headed back towards the interstate. After
crossing a small bridge over a rain swollen creek, I thought I saw red lights
flashing on the pavement, after stopping I backed over the bridge and looked
over the side. There was a small pickup over turned in the creek. I ran well
mostly slide the embankment to the truck, but the door was locked and the passenger
window was broken but under the water level. The only thing I had on me was
my beloved CQC-7. So what seemed like an eternity I finally managed to break
the window. You would think that in a creek you could find a rock. But not so
nothing, but concrete. I got the gentleman out of the truck and dragged him
up to the road. Luckily someone had called E.M.S and they were on the way. After
they arrived I left the scene wanting to go to nearest rest area to get into
some dry clothes. I called the local hospital upon arriving home and he was
ok, but somewhere in the confusion I lost my knife. I plan on replacing it in
the near future of course with another CQC-7."
J.C. 11-29-00
"I am a reserve deputy with the
Oklahoma County Sheriffs Office and though you might like to hear this. Last
Thursday night while on patrol my partner and I were dispatched to a roll over
accident. The car was upside down in a nine-foot drainage ditch. When we arrived
the first officer on the scene did not know the condition of the two occupants
of the vehicle so my partner and I proceeded into the ditch to try and find
out this information. In order to see the driver's side window I had to cut
away some green foliage that was blocking our view. So out came my CQC-7A drop
point and I began to cut away the green ½ inch limbs. Well as I'm sure you know
the knife cut through this stuff with zero problems. Unfortunately my footing
was not the greatest and I ended up slicing my underside of my forearm open.
After some minor surgery the doctor's prognosis is 100% recovery. Now the funny
part in all of this is I kept getting asked if I was going to get rid of my
knife, can you believe that? Of course my answer was not only no, but HELL no.
It wasn't the knife's fault it was just one of those things that happen in the
line of duty. Mr. Emerson, I just wanted you to know that your knives are everything
you claim them to be and I won't leave home without mine. As a matter of fact
I plan to purchase one of your new Mach I's in the near future. Thank you for
a great product that I have great confidence in."
R.R. 10-3-00
"I was impressed with the Raven. I liked the
SPECWAR. I have fallen completely head over heels madly in love with the Commander.
It is an awesome weapon. I can hardly wait to see what comes next. Keep up the
good work."
D.M. 4-15-99
"I ordered your Commander series knife, and I
am very pleased with its performance. I am a Sea Bee, and I tend to be rather
hard on knives, whether cutting comm. wire, or opening something like a MRE
your knife gets the job done. Thank you for a quality product."
T.B. 7-1-99
"I wanted to write to you and compliment you
on the quality of your knives and your company. I am a former Law Enforcement
officer and an outdoorsman, and have owned and carried at least five other combat/utility
folders over the last en years. I purchased my first Emerson knife about six
months ago, a CQC-7, and have been totally impressed with it form the moment
I took it out of the box. It has served me well in the short time I have carried
it and I now carry it almost everywhere I go.
At the time I was shopping for a new combat/utility
folder last November. I am fortunate to have fairly regular comms with a number
of friends in L.E. and other Operators and asked them what they though about
various blades. One of those folds, who knows Denny Chalker personally, suggested
that I take a look at your knives and gave me your web address. The rest, as
they say, is history but I wanted to let you know that the folks in the Special
Operations community have tremendous amount of respect for you and your blades.
Since I have learned, over the years, about the high quality of these warriors
and their wisdom, it was easy for me to follow their recommendations.
I also want to compliment you on investing so
much of yourself in starting up your new production manufacturing facility.
After I left Law Enforcement, I studied Manufacturing Engineering and subsequently
have been in manufacturing for the last seventeen years. Consequently, I fully
understand the monumental undertaking that you stepped up to in starting a production
shop. The fact that only 2.5 years later you have been able to get back to you
custom knife making is nothing short of amazing. Thanks for all of your dedication
to producing some of the finest edged weapons, tools and accessories for the
Warriors who serve and protect our lives, loved ones and freedoms. In a society
that frequently rewards people for greed, selfishness and scandalous behavior,
I'm glad to see that there are people like you who are willing to stand up with
Honor, Integrity, and Commitment."
D.E. 4-28-00
"I was fortunate enough to have attended the
training with you and GSGI in Chesterton, IN the week of May 11-15 this year.
I just wanted to send a short not to let you know how much I appreciated meeting
you and the knowledge you imparted on all of us. I found it very refreshing
that a person of your standing, who's career I have been following for a few
years through publications, was as approachable and genuine as you were!
I was also fortunate enough to acquire one of
your Commander and a Raven while at the class. I cannot tell you how much I
enjoy them!! I sincerely hope to cross paths again in the future!"
M.D. Team Leader, 6-2-98
"Thought you might get a kick out of this story.
I'll make this as short as possible. A few months ago you were at the knife
show in Solvang, CA. I got to the show on Sunday and of course you were sold
out. You told me the waiting list for your CQC-6 was up to a couple of years.
I went away thinking about getting on the list or not. The next week I was in
Solvang on business and stopped into Nordic Knives to see what they had I couldn't
live without. The owner was just putting out the CQC-6 he bought from you at
the show. I bought it before it left his hand.
Two days later I was taking the knife over to
show a friend. It was in the evening and he lives in an apartment with a poorly
lighted parking lot. As I was walking across the lot I was playing with the
knife. Poor tactics on my part, I admit, to be caught out in the open like that.
I look up to see two guys coming my way. The only time outside of the military
I have been faced with a bad situation. I angled for the only light in the lot
and turned to face the two just as I reached it. Just as I turned they were
within 15 feet of me. I had kept the knife behind my leg, but now brought it
up and snapped it open with the biggest pop I could get out of it. I held it
sideways in the light for the most effect possible. It must have looked like
6 feet long. Both almost imploded themselves, stopping as fast as they did.
Not a word was said. I backed away as they stood there looking at that knife.
I now eat, sleep, shave and go everywhere with
that knife. My wife thinks I'm having an affair. That's OK. Someday maybe she
will understand." Thanks for the good work.
B.D. 6-25-98
"I purchased the enclosed pocketknife from Mr.
Emerson at the Solvang Knife show in April. I want to let you know that this
is about the best production utility pocketknife I have EVER owned and
carried, and I have been collecting knives for about 27 years now, and own custom
and production knives made by some of the best knife makers out there. I can't
wait until I can purchase one of your handmades!!!
Thank you in advance for getting my knife back
to me in good shape."
L.S. 6-3-00
"It is with great honor that I write and introduce
myself. I am one of your new customers to your company. For a long time, I have
been using [other knife company's] products in M2 steel, but after an introduction
to your handcrafted products, I have selected your products as our standard
carry for our Emergency Response Team in the Dallas area. Our team is a hand-selected
group of Paramedics, SWAT team members, Assistant Fire Chiefs, communication
specialists and even one member of the Secret Service. We provide unique specialized
services and equipment to local municipalities in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area
when they are overcome with demand for resources during all types of disasters.
We specialize in maintaining the unusual products that are hard to come by in
times of dire emergencies. Our group is based on the principles of the Good
Samaritan and we do not charge for our services.
I wanted to personally thank you for committing
yourself to manufacturing such great products. I especially like your modifications
to the CQC-7A and B. They are so much better than the "other" products. I have
also been very impressed with your Commander and its smooth action to open and
close. I have just ordered an additional Commander and the new SARK for our
team to carry."
D.H. 11-15-00
I've got an older CQC-7. After extensive use and misuse, it is getting to the point where I need a new blade. Nothing wrong with the rest of the knife. I must say that this knife was made with me in mind. I'm a serious abuser of knives.
I bought this after a (non Emerson) linerlock closed on my hand and I got sewed up. Lifetime warranty, HAH! I threw it in the trash and went to the local police supply guy and told him what happened. He turned me on to the CQC-7. I told him that I never wanted to see another linerlock knife, but he assured me that I wouldn't break this one.
I'm a stacktester by trade, one of those guys who climb up smokestacks for a living. I need a knife that I can open with one hand so I can deal with ropes and other things that can drag me over the edge and toward certain death. This is, hands down, the best knife I have ever owned. I've been through one (non Emerson), two (non Emerson) and a couple of (non Emerson) autos over the last 10 years. The Emerson has lasted me about the last 7.
Some of the things I've done to this knife include using it as a reamer, a prybar, bottle opener, a scraper, and everything else you are not supposed to do to knives. Once, I pounded it into a pole with a hammer to use it as a step. I pounded it through a 55-gallon drum, then used a hammer to chisel it in half to make a fire ring once. I guess that's when I discovered how truly tough this thing was, it was open season with the hammer and the knife. A Swiss Army knife has few uses compared to what I've come up with for this thing.
Surprisingly enough, I managed to sharpen it over and over again. Sometimes I had to start with a belt sander because the steel was so tough it would have taken me days to sharpen with a stone.
At this point, I need either a new blade, or a new knife. I am truly amazed how well the rest of the knife has held up. The only reason I would like a new blade is because I've sharpened the old one so many times, it is noticeably smaller than it was when it was new.
I'm glad to see that these knives are still being made. If I was a normal knife owner, it would surely have lasted my lifetime. I got kind of nervous when the guy at the mall in Portland said that it was a limited edition and was no longer being made.
R.S. 1-2-07
I am not one of the high risk professionals your knives were designed for, I am not a soldier oversees, or a cop. I am only 19, but I was quickly able to grasp how well an Emerson knife would operate in the wilderness. I fully attribute me being able to write this letter to my CQC-7. On what was supposed to be a 2 day rafting trip in Colorado I hit a bump and flew out of my raft at a very essential fork in the river, left would send us over a waterfall, while right was where we wanted to go. Needless to say I got swept over a small waterfall with no pack, no supplies, and no way to contact anyone. I had only a Surefire flashlight and my CQC-7. I lived off the land and my Emerson Knife for 7 days, making spears to catch fish, and cutting line and setting snares before trying to cross a river on a down tree, falling back into the river and drifting past a road. Although I lost both of my two pieces of equipment I wholeheartedly recommend these knives to anyone whether they are journeying to Colorado or Iraq. Emerson Knives set forth a whole new standard for folding knives. You can bet your life I'll be bringing another Emerson into the backcountry on my next trip (Don't worry there won't be any rafts involved) as soon as I buy another. Thank you Emerson Knives, I will recommend your knives to all I meet in the backcountry.
In approximately 1999 I purchased the Commander manufactured by your company. While I loved the ergonomics and the "wave shaped feature", I always thought of it more as a weapon than a tool due to the edge grind. A one trick pony, so to speak.
Then, I got rear-ended in a car accident several years ago. While I wasn't hurt (seatbelts are your friend. . . )half of my car's bumper was hanging off the rear end of my car. The car was a 1998 Ford Escort, and the bumper was made of plastic.
While drivable otherwise, the bumper was going to cause significant problems on the road if it was dragging behind the car. . .so, I decided that it had to come off. Lacking any other tools to do the job on sight, I drew my commander and went at the job.
Ten minutes later, to the amused look of the other driver I folded up the knife, threw my half of a bumper into my car's trunk and got her insurance information and drove home.
The car went to the body shop for a few days. The knife got sharpened for a few minutes.
I guess the knife was more versatile than I believed.
M.L. 7-19-07
Dear Mr. Emerson (and Company),
I am extraordinarily impressed with the recent warranty work which was performed on my Emerson Combat Karambit (serial number ***). As a martial artist who had studied Indonesian and Filipino martial arts and the Karambit long before they were “cool” and “in,” I had long wanted a folding Karambit of high quality. When, as an FBI Special Agent in the Southwest, I saw the photo of the Combat Karambit prototype on the cover of a knife magazine, I knew I had to get one. I contacted your company and was eventually able to coordinate an order, at a substantial law enforcement discount, for over $1,500.00 in knives (enough to supply some fellow agents who were studying ***** with me with karambits along with two for my personal use). I was very impressed by the fact that you and your company were willing to sell these knives, which were only beginning to be produced at the time and which could easily command a premium over retail price, at a discount as a service to law enforcement. I have kept number *** pristine in its box, as a replacement for ***, should it ever break or be lost during an operation.
I carried and used (serial number)*** for several years. The knife did not do much cutting, but it was constantly opened and used in training and demonstrations. I lost count of the local, state, and federal law enforcement personnel who asked to see the knife and then asked to see how it was used. It was a companion on many a late night/early morning operation in the desert. I trained with it during long surveillance operations (when I had neglected to bring a training blade with me). After years of quick deployments, some kinetic openings, and the like, the lock up of the knife was no longer the rock solid standard displayed by Emerson Knives. With moderate pressure on the spine, the liner lock would begin to slip, though it never fully unlocked. Considering the kinetic opening, quick deployments, and years of use that this knife had seen, I considered this normal. All things wear, and I had not been exactly nice to this particular lock. If you wish to see some of the things I did with the knife, there is some video of me using a (non-Emerson) ******** Karambit on my website, though the ********, unless tuned quite a bit, does not open kinetically and has not been used to near the degree that is the case of (serial number) *** (one of the reasons that I did not use an Emerson Combat Karambit for a demonstration on my website is that Mr. Emerson has demonstration videos of his own on the web and I did not want to detract from his training videos or imply that I was associated with his training program).
I sent my Combat Karambit with a $12.00 check to cover postage and handling, as stipulated on your website, and a letter explaining that I did not believe that this knife would be covered under warranty, as the problem with the lock was caused not by defects in workmanship or materials, but by wear cased by lots of use. I asked that I be contacted with the price of the repair so that I could provide a credit card number to cover the repair cost. Instead of being contacted by the Emerson Warranty Department, I was surprised to see a box from Emerson Knives appear at my front door approximately a week after I had sent in my knife. The lock had been repaired and the pivot pin had been replaced. Lockup of the knife is rock solid again and I did not think that I could be pleased. When I searched through the rest of the box and discovered my $12.00 check, an invoice that said “No charge,” two Emerson Knives catalogs, and two Emerson Knives decals, I was taken aback. Standing behind a product is one thing, but eating the postage charge on the return of the knife was beyond good customer service. Thank you very much for the work done on my knife, for continuing to make great products, and for your assistance to law enforcement. The catalogs did present me with a difficulty or two. I know that my next Emerson will be the Karambit Fixed Blade (I will probably be calling your company soon for a direct sale), but, after looking at the catalog, I can’t decide between the CQC-15 and the HD-7 as a follow up purchase, and the CQC-13 and the “Snubby” CQC-14 are looking pretty good too. Did I mention that I love the Tomahawk?
Once again, thank you.
J.H. 10-7-07
