The Tactical Kwaiken knife by Emerson Knives is back by popular demand- this time as a normal production run. The Kwaiken was originally one of our most popular Signature Series knives and demand far outgrew our supply. That's why in 2018 we decided to bring it back to fulfill the needs of the many. The Kwaiken was inspired by Japanese Samurai weaponry, and you can see it in the slim, sleek detail.
KNIFE ANATOMY
Blade Style: Japanese Kwaiken
Sometimes called a trailing tanto point style, the edge on a kwaiken blade starts at the choil and curves continuously up to the point in on continuous arc to a point on the center line of the knife.
HOW TO USE THE WAVE FEATURE
An important part of knowing the anatomy of an Emerson Knife is knowing how to utilize it. Using the  patented Emerson Wave Feature correctly, you can deploy the knife out of pocket rapidly. It takes some practice to master. See how it's done in the video above.
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.
Lanyard Holes serve one purpose: attaching a paracord lanyard if you choose to get one. We get asked that question quite a lot!
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.
WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm – www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
Material & Grind | |
---|---|
Handles | G-10 |
Lock | Titanium |
Blade | 154CM |
Grind | Conventional V-Grind w/ Chisel Edge |
Specifications | |
---|---|
Overall Length | 9.0 in. |
Blade Length | 3.9 in. |
Blade Thickness | .125 in. |
Hardness | 57-59RC |
Weight | 5.0 oz. |
16 reviews for Tactical Kwaiken
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Mark –
Yet another great blade from emerson! This is my new favorite each one I get is better or as good as the last one I purchased.
17 total now with 3 more in the mail.
Keep up the great work, hopefully some magnacut steel will be in the future.
Gary Glueck –
I had been looking for a kwaiken and looked at so many from so many makers, but in the end I came back to yours, right where I started. I can't imagine having chosen a different 1 now after having it in hand. Super sharp, another great handle and so appealing to the eye. Thanks again for another great blade and also for your customer service, top notch!
Andrew (verified owner) –
I carry my Kwaiken every day and I have been for the last year. It's super easy to use and keep sharp, I really love the feel in hand and the wave deployment feature.
Sanford –
I think this is the best folding Kwaiken type knife available right now, and I have tried a surprising amount of them. It is also my current favorite folding knife, and I can't imagine how it could be improved on in any way. If you're considering one, I highly recommend it.
It's great for martial arts – in forward or reverse grip, it feels perfect in the hand, and in the reverse “edge-in” grip… absolutely horror movie level scary. The very pointy tip will easily penetrate heavy clothing or outerwear with great ease, so it's a good defensive option for winter. It's also great for edc tasks, with a very usable, elegant edge that reminds me of a sort of tough hybrid of a Scandinavian type knife and a fillet knife. The tip is very pointy, obviously, but it's not as delicate as it looks – there is a lot of steel right behind it, and I think it would be a lot harder to break this tip than it might initially seem like it would be. I will second the other reviewer who points out that it wouldn't be a great tool for prying things open, digging holes, etc. I have found it to be very good at every common edc task, and it is particularly capable at detail oriented tasks where the acute point comes in handy.
As an added bonus, I find this design strikingly beautiful. Most of Mr. Emerson's knives look good, but this one has an elegant, austere simplicity that seems completely inevitable.
srguns2006 –
This was my first Emerson purchase and I was immediately impressed by the quality. The texture on the handle was perfect and I ended up buying a CQC 7 and an Elvia to go with it. Great attention to detail and a very strong design!
LUKE (verified owner) –
Awesome, beautiful knife. Insanely sharp
pointman73111 –
After carrying a Commander and CQC-13 daily, I didn't imagine carrying a different blade. Then the classiest blade was introduced. The Kwaiken. I just said wow out loud at first sight and knew I had to get one. While my Commanders are with me on shift, my off shift choice is the Kwaiken. I can't carry it on duty because if it got damaged due to work, I'd not forgive myself. Everyone that has seen my Kwaiken in person has bug eyes and an expletive come out their mouths when they see the blade. That's right.
JDB (verified owner) –
The Kwaiken is another great Emerson. Super slim in the pocket, with a very capable blade.
John Shin –
The latest to my collection. Great action like all other emerson knives with a classic handle. Cant go wrong with this knife.
Fortino Alvarez –
From when i first laid my eyes on the Signature Series edition of the Kwaiken, I fell in love. I had to have it. When i found out that it was going into production, i had to have it. Purchased last September and it is my favorite tactical carry knife.
Jerry Jensen –
Love, love, love this knife. The style is second to none and it is one of my favorite EDC blades
Hein Garbers –
The Kwaiken is an incredibly versatile knife – sleek profile, long blade, wicked tip, great ergonomics. It is clearly talented in a specific discipline and if you carry for defensive purposes, the Kwaiken gives a great degree of confidence. The sleek handle with straight spine gives much greater control than what one might think compared to contoured, more curvy handles – it provides a positive grip which is easily indexed when you reach for it and begin to draw against the wave. Reverse grip is comfortable and manageable. The blade will be as effective at slicing as it will be at stabbing and the upswept acute tip delivers a good dose of visual intimidation (if you were to draw it defensively). Can you use it for basic utility? Yes, for sure. The tip is fine to a point that wouldn’t withstand prying or digging or carving, but it is good for all other cutting tasks – from opening letters to cutting rope, straps and ties. A firm favourite!
Sharod Merrill –
Awesome representation of Kwaiken. But I would expect anything less from Mr.Emerson I absolutely love mine. Thin enough profile to be considered a gentleman’s knife wicked blade.Standard excellent ergos like any Emerson knife, trained w/ many being an instructor… it’s quality
Mark –
This knife is a work of art. Sleek and symmetrical, the knife pays an elegant homage to a traditional Japanese blade. Don't let this knife's simplicity fool you though. This is one sick blade that will slice, dice and pierce. The deployment on my knife is very smooth and the blade centering is spot on.
jolivares669 (verified owner) –
OMG I’m glad I pulled the trigger on this! After so many crkt Kwaiken style knives I think EKI NAILED IT with this model . Smooth operation , great grip and super sharp. WIN!
David Kim –
Excellent work. I asked Ernie, Mr. Emerson a year and a half ago if he would produce these and he wasn't ready at the time to make a decision. i'm so glad he did it's everything I hoped for, sleek and slim profile, mine was perfect right out of the box, which is an added bonus.