Ernest Emerson

Reprinted with permission of Knives Magazine

Emerson began serious martial arts training 22 years ago, at age 17, and holds instructor rankings in Jeet Kune Do, Filipino Kali and Escrima and is currently training in the combat oriented style of Gracie Jiu Jitsu. While his early knives were sought after and purchased solely by the martial artists he trained with, Emerson soon branched out, reaching an international following with advertisements in KNIVES ILLUSTRATED backed up with editorial support, and attending some important knife shows.

This transition from a no-body to being recognized for the truly high-tech knives he is capable of creating came about eight years ago, when he began making a line of custom liner lock folders, patterned after the masterpieces being offered by Michael Walker. Many of these gentlemen's folders featured ivory or mother of pearl scales with anodized titanium bolsters and liners; just enough flash to make them attractive to collectors. But the important issue here was that Emerson was relying on his skill as a Design Engineer specializing in prototype machine work for a major aerospace company to produce some very outstanding, precision, knives. These "art" knives, in a sense, really propelled him into the world of custom made knives, giving him the recognition and respect he deserved.

Finally established, Emerson was able to pursue his own interest; serious knives designed for serious use. This new turn in his knifemaking efforts led to the development of a line of knives which he called "Vipers," to differentiate from the art, or high end, knives that he was previously known for. He states "this series of knives was created to satisfy the demand by my customers to provide them a fully functional, practical, combat/field grade knife." Each viper knife design is aimed at addressing a specific purpose. Some models are designed specifically as fighters. Other models fill multiple roles and are suited for many tasks. The folders Emerson makes are of side lock design liner locking type). They are ail of titanium construction with exception of the blade, bolts and handle material His folders are of screw together construction, which permits

complete disassembly if required. The pivot assembly consists of a special double sleeved pivot bolt which allows individual adjustment of blade tension and provides an extremely rigid pivot assembly while only allowing a minimum of wear The blade is supported on each side by two self-lubricating nylatron washer bearings which provide the smooth, gliding, opening action. When the blade is closed, it is held in place by the spring tension of a stainless steel ball captivated in a detent in the blade.

The blades in these knives are of ATS-34 stainless, heat treated, cryogenically quenched and double tempered to a Rockwell hardness of Rc 59-60. Emerson stresses that the blades on his Vipers are functionally thicker toward the point, providing the user with a stronger blade. Titanium was chosen because it provides an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and offers the ultimate in corrosion resistance. Relative to handle scales, he uses linen or canvas Micarta because it's not only strong but offers an outstanding gripping surface, especially when wet.

While early Vipers were combat versions of some of his titanium art knives, Emerson changed his image drastically a couple of years ago after being approached by a special military unit, and developed what he calls the strongest combat folding knife in the world; the Emerson Close Quarters Combat folder, or CQC6. Measuring eight inches long open, this knife weighs in at 4.8 ounces and carries a .125-inch thick 3.25-inch long ATS-34 blade ground to a chisel edge. This knife is currently carried by some members of the Navy's SEAL Teams, U.S. Delta Force, British SAS, and German GSG9, all elite anti-terrorist units.

As should be expected, no sooner did his CQC6 take the world by storm, Emerson would introduce a complete line of fixed blade knives, under the SPECWAR(TM) logo. He would go on to offer a half-dozen SPECWAR combat fighting knives in a variety of configurations, with blades between .125 and .190 inches thick, all with 5-7 inches of chisel ground cutting edge, contributing to enormously strong blades with devastatingly sharp edges.

When developing these knives, Emerson was inspired by the legendary strength and sharpness of Phill Hartsfield's chisel ground blades. This style grind was developed by the Japanese many, many years ago, and was introduced in this country by Phill at least 20 years ago. This grind allows the full thickness of the blade to be carried out almost to the point, producing a knife which maintains full structural integrity over its entire length, and in turn creates a superior armor piercing point.

Never one to sit still, Emerson approached Vaughn Neeley of Timberline Knives in the Fall of 1993 with an all-new tactical knife he was designing for Naval Special Warfare Group One in San Diego. This knife, which went on to become an outstanding collaborative effort between Emerson and Neeley is now known as the Timberline SPECWAR(TM) model. This knife earned itself the prestigious "American Made Knife of the Year" award at the International Blade Show in Atlanta last year. It is a fixed blade knife, measuring 11 7/8 inches overall, carrying an ATS-34 stainless blade hardened to Rc 60, and black titanium nitride coated. Neeley designed a unique Kydex/Nylon web sheath for this new knife. Like Emerson's SPECWAR custom knives, this model features a one-side chisel ground blade almost 1/4 inch thick. Its handle is of fiberglass reinforced Nylon, molded around a near-full tang. This new Timberline knife is now available through dealers nationwide.

No sooner was the Timberline project wrapped up, than Emerson was invited to visit Benchmade Knife Company by president Les DeAsis. Their goal would be to produce a production version or brother to the super-popular CQC6 Emerson folder. Within two days this new team designed a unique liner lock folder on the company's computer and had a working prototype in hand. Known as the CQC7, the Emerson inspired folder features a 3.312-inch ATS-34 bead blasted blade with ambidextrous

opening disc, double titanium liners, removable pocket clip, and high pressure glass epoxy laminate handle scales which are rough textured for a solid-grip. Known as the model 970 (970S with partially serrated blade), the Emerson designed CQC7 is now available through dealers. A custom version is also available from Emerson.

At this writing collectors interested in Emerson's super quality custom knives are standing in line. As every maker of custom knives will attest, while the maker can handle the production work, it takes a mighty soul to handle all the phone calls and mail from potential buyers, provide answers to ten thousand questions, mail out those brochures, run the home computer, answer the Fax’s, explain why you're still back ordered, assist at knife shows, taxi the girls to Scout meetings, attend parents nights, keep the house clean, shop and prepare meals, explain to friends and neighbors why you don't run a normal" household, keep their sanity, and still have the energy to kiss said maker good night at the end of a long day. At the Emerson household that angel is Mary, a partner Ernie couldn't do without.

Anyone interested in Emerson's knives may contact him direct at: Emerson Knives, P.O. Box 4325, Redondo Beach, CA, 90278-9998 or at (310) 542-3050 between 8:00 and 5:00 PM (Pacific time) week days. Those interested in high tech Emerson designed folders or fixed blades models by two of the best in the specialty knife manufacturing

field are ordering theirs from Benchmade and Timberline dealers. For further information as to location of dealers, contact:

TIMBERLINE KNIVIES, PO Box 750, Mantos, CO 81328, (303) 533-7785, or Benchmade Knives Company, 15875-G SE 114th St, Dept KI, Clackamas, OR 97015 (503) 655-6004, directly. Tell them you read about their knives in KNIVES IILUSTRATED.