Tanto A-100 in 154CM Blade Steel | Spearpoint in Magnacut Blade Steel
| Blade Length | 3.6 in |
| Weight | 4.3 oz |
| Blade Material | 154CM - Tough |
| Blade Thickness | 0.125 in |
| Grind Type | V Grind |
| Handle Material | G-10 |
| Hardness | Minimum: 64 , Maximum: 62 |
| Lock Material | 6AL4V Titanium |
| Overall Length | 8.4 in |
154CM is our top choice for our hard-use knives, and it's been battle tested and proven by the US military war fighters and international special operations forces in every theater of combat for over 30 years.
We've been using 154CM since the beginning.
It has earned its place in our lineup. Originally crafted for the aerospace industry, this steel can handle extreme stress, heat, and extreme lateral pressure. It's tough, wear resistant, and built for demanding situations. When the environment gets rough, 154CM stays strong. Corrosion resistant, and designed to keep an edge without chipping, this steel can take abuse and it just keeps going and going. With our proprietary heat treating process, this steel gives you the strength and reliance you need for a hard-use tool and extreme performance.
Crucible 154CM Steel C 1.05, Mn .50, Si .30, Cr 14.00, Mo 4.00
Emerson Knife handles are made from G-10, a glass filled epoxy laminate. Some models are available with different colors of G-10.
At Emerson Knives, we don’t add anything for flash. If it doesn’t serve the mission, it doesn’t go on the blade. The stonewash finish is a perfect example of that mindset—practical, durable, and effective. It's not there to impress anyone. It's there to survive, to perform, and to keep doing its job long after others tap out.
But the benefits aren’t just tactical. That finish is tough. It hides wear. It masks scratches. A satin blade might look great the day you buy it, but a few weeks on your belt and it starts to tell the story. A stonewashed Emerson doesn’t complain—it just gets better with time. It's easy to maintain, easy to clean, and it won’t show every fingerprint or smudge like a polished blade.
They don’t get hung up on anything and they cut through seat belts like crazy.
Maintenance:
For serrated blades, each tooth must be sharpened individually using a tapered rod to maintain the factory bevel. Precision and consistency are key to keeping your serrated edge performing at its best.
Customers often ask why our knives are only sharpened on one side. The simple answer is that it's intentional. After over 30 years of testing and research, Emerson developed the single-side edge to create an extremely sharp, durable, easy-to-sharpen blade ideal for hard-duty use. While most conventional knives are sharpened on both sides, once you try our design, you'll find it cuts exceptionally well, stays sharp longer, and is easier to maintain—because you're dealing with one edge, not two.
Interestingly, the sharpest piece of steel in your house isn't your kitchen knife or pocket knife—it's the razor you shave with every morning. Razors are sharpened on only one side, just like an Emerson Knife.
The flipper mechanism adds a fast, intuitive opening option, using a tab that transitions into a finger guard when the blade is deployed. Ball-bearing washers at the pivot help ensure smooth, efficient motion, complementing the knife’s multiple deployment methods.
The Thumb Button is there so that you may open the knife single handedly. Specifically with your thumb.
Ernest Emerson started making custom knives in his garage in 1979. He rapidly rose to prominence as a knife maker due in equal parts to his expertise as a craftsman, (tool and die maker), his artists eye for design, and his practical experience as one of the world’s most sought-after and respected hand-to-hand combat instructors.
Emerson’s work has been featured and exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Smithsonian Museum. There are only a handful of living artists who can make that claim. As an instructor in hand-to-hand combat and edged weapon skills, Mr. Emerson has taught the most elite warriors on earth, from the US Navy SEALs to the Guards of Parliament in London and everywhere in between.
He is the author of scores of articles, books, and videos regarding tactics, training and combat. As one of the most sought after instructors in the world he is in high demand for seminars and lectures to civilian, military and law enforcement agencies.
He is an inducted member of The Martial Arts Hall of Fame, along with such venerable names as Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris. In fact he is the only knife maker known who also owns and operates his own training facility, the world-class “Black Shamrock Combat Academy Gym” in Los Angeles, California.
At a time when knives are designed by graphic artists and 22-year-olds who never did more than use a knife to sharpen a pencil, the name Emerson and the company Emerson Knives stands head and shoulders above the rest.
Note: We do not process or ship orders on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays.
Membership Orders: May require an additional 1–2 days for document preparation.
Important: We will not refund or replace shipments marked as delivered by the carrier.
At this time, we do not ship to locations outside the US, including US territories (e.g., Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands).
Freight Forwarding Addresses:
We reserve the right to refuse, cancel, or hold any order shipping to a known freight forwarding company, package forwarding service, mail forwarding facility, export agent, or similar third-party forwarding address.
Orders shipped to freight forwarding addresses are placed entirely at the customer’s sole risk. If a freight forwarding address is used and the order is processed and shipped, once the package has been marked as delivered by the carrier to the address provided at checkout, we are not responsible for loss, theft, damage, misdelivery, delays, missing contents, customs issues, or any other issues that occur after delivery. Orders shipped to freight forwarding addresses are not eligible for refunds, replacements, reshipment, insurance claims, chargeback exceptions, or credits under any circumstances.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!
We have a 7-day return policy, which means you have 7 days after receiving your item to request a return. An 8% restocking fee will be charged for items that are returned.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase.
To start a return, you can contact us at
info@emersonknives.com. Please note that returns will need to be sent to the following address:
Emerson Knives, Inc.
1234 254th Street
Harbor City, CA 90710
If your return is accepted, we’ll send you a return shipping label, as well as instructions on how and where to send your package. Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted.
You can always contact us for any return question at
info@emersonknives.com.
Damages and issues
Please inspect your order upon reception and contact us immediately if the item is defective, damaged or if you receive the wrong item, so that we can evaluate the issue and make it right.
Exceptions / non-returnable items
Certain types of items cannot be returned, like perishable goods (such as food, flowers, or plants), custom products (such as special orders or personalized items), and personal care goods (such as beauty products). We also do not accept returns for hazardous materials, flammable liquids, or gases. Please get in touch if you have questions or concerns about your specific item.
Unfortunately, we cannot accept returns on sale items or gift cards.
Digital downloads are also non-refundable.
Exchanges
The fastest way to ensure you get what you want is to return the item you have, and once the return is accepted, make a separate purchase for the new item.
European Union 14 day cooling off period
Notwithstanding the above, if the merchandise is being shipped into the European Union, you have the right to cancel or return your order within 14 days, for any reason and without a justification. As above, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase.
Refunds
We will notify you once we’ve received and inspected your return, and let you know if the refund was approved or not. If approved, you’ll be automatically refunded on your original payment method within 10 business days. Please remember it can take some time for your bank or credit card company to process and post the refund too.
If more than 15 business days have passed since we’ve approved your return, please contact us at info@emersonknives.com.
Amazing build quality. Sleek lines make this a perfect fit especially if you carry other items in that pocket. It’s a lot of knife in a minimalist footprint.
My favorite folder to carry by far!
The A‑100 is, in my opinion, one of the best representations of what Emerson Knives is all about. It doesn’t try to be flashy, it doesn’t chase trends, and it doesn’t need any gimmicks. It’s just a straight‑up, honest worker built with the kind of materials you actually want in a knife you plan to use.
I’ve handled a lot of Emersons, and the A‑100 has always stood out to me because of how naturally it fits into real everyday use. The Thunderstorm Finish gives it that rugged, lived‑in look right out of the box, the kind of finish that only gets better the more you carry it. It’s one of those knives that feels like it’s meant to be used, not displayed.
What I like most is the balance Emerson hit with this model. It’s simple, but not plain. It’s tough, but not bulky. It’s reliable in a way that makes you forget about it until you need it and when you do, it performs exactly how you expect an Emerson to perform.
To me, the A‑100 TF is one of the great knives of the Emerson brand. It’s a true worker with the best materials behind it, and it’s the kind of knife you appreciate more the longer you own it.
Love it! I have the viper and the CQC 6 and CQC 5. Many years ago. Wanted another but prices off the charts so went for this A-100 it is definitely a utility which fits my persnona, a+++++rating. Would highly recommend friends love it price is solid and I appreciate the MIL discount. Tops in my books!
Bob, my hamster is getting fat, the replacement wheel wasn’t in the shipment but thank you for the awesome knife!
This is the knife I always wanted, no frills, solid working knife. Basically the only folder you’ll ever need. Not going into specifics, just get one, you’ll see
There is no shipping box that can withstand me now! I approach on the balls of my feet, breathing softly planning my attack. Stealthily, I reach into my jeans pocket, feeling for my recently tied lanyard, caressing the titanium beads between my thumb and forefinger. Yes, I've made my decision,
The A-100 fights a little bit, it's rough G-10 scraping against the inside of my jeans pocket, then its soul awakens, ready for the challenge. My thumb caresses the opening knob, and the lightly oiled but still virgin-tight blade folds open. My ears register a slight click as the liner lock springs into place.
.I accost the box, Seeing the Amazon smile on the side That will be its last grin. Lovingly, slowly the Emerson A-100 bites into the packing tape. I sigh as the blade reaches deep under the flap, effortlessly penetrating the now deflowered seal. I can hardly stop myself. Again and again I repeat the thrust. The box and I collapse on the chair as it's contents spill onto my waiting lap.
Its job done, the line lock moves, almost of its own accord to the side, and the proud thick blade drops from its erect position, folding neatly into the handle. Another time, another box awaits.
A-100 w/ brown, Micarta handle & Thunderstorm blade. This is my third, Emerson designed knife and my first knife manufactured in-house by the Emerson company.. Amazing, well designed & well built knife. Quality and craftsmanship exceeded my high expectations
No matter what your wearing or where your going the A100 fits the bill. Carry it with pride, USA, USA, USA :)
I think this knife is the quintessential Emerson EDC knife. I ordered the thunderstorm finish with micarta scales and it’s perfect for daily carry. Sleek profile for how long the blade is. Basically a do everything knife that won’t get in the way in your pocket.
Very solid folder. This is my first full-size A100, and I’m thoroughly impressed. I’ve owned several Mini A100s and love them to death, and the full-size version is essentially the same knife—just bigger. It still feels compact in the pocket but offers more capability for larger tasks. The build is rock solid, and even without a guard, it locks into the hand with total confidence.
To start I have a pretty healthy knife collection. From almost every top end “pocket knife” brand you can think of. I bought my A-100 for 2 simple but important reasons. Simplicity and heavy duty. I wanted a pocket knife that was super sturdy but not to much in my pocket. This knife matches that requirement perfectly. Some knifes similar in size from other manufacturers seem to take up your hole pocket. The A-100 stands straight up and down. Makes a smaller footprint for a stout knife.
Excellent quality, Emerson Knives never fussy
Awesome knife, a true tool.
love the knife , not the price .
Fast and quality products
This is my fourth Emerson, first without the Wave. Love it. I just wish they didn't sell-out of knives so quickly.
Overall great knife, very well made and light weight, liner lock is very tight and gritty, used a sharpie on the finished surface on the lock up and this seems to alleviate the issue.
Not my first A100, love the model. I wanted another, this time with flipper opening. Really enjoying it, deploys like lightning, buttery smooth. I had the custom laser engraving dne on the back of blade that EKI has as an option now. Turned out amazing! Was a detailed image of my badge with helicopter unit image. I am beyond amazed at how well it turned out! Can not recommend the option enough! If you are on the fence about having laser etching done, do it! They do excellent work with it@
After 1 week of daily carry, the A100 seems to fine quality expected from Emerson. One complaint is opening with a thumb is difficult especially compared to my CQC7B. But that just Amy take time.
Excellent knife. Well built and very sharp! Shipping was on time and everything as deacribed
Did not get a sticker again
Gotta be honest and state I was influenced to check out Emerson from the Knife Doctor on YouTube, he has the A100 and already did a review on it that convinced me to buy it. As advertised, a workhorse knive, happy with my purchase.
The flipper/pivot is really smooth and fun to open. The lock up is solid with no movement. The last time I owned an Emerson knife was 27 years ago and he has only gotten better at his craft. This knife will likely last me the rest of my life.
I had the mini A100 first, which I really liked, but was just a little too small, so I decided to get the full size too, I like it, it carries easily (with a deep carry clip) opens easily and quickly (with an oversized thumb disk) and has stayed surprisingly sharp after a good deal of use.
At first I didn’t like the chisel grind on the mini, but after learning the correct way to sharpen them the mini has been extremely easy to put an edge on, I have no doubt the full size will be the same, I have just not had the need to sharpen it yet.
I really like the clean simple handle shape, and the profile of the blade, my reason for only four stars is that I really think it should come with a larger thumb disk, not necessarily oversized, but bigger diameter than the puny one that it comes with.
Also a short deep carry clip without a bunch of points on it would be welcome if it were to ship with it as, say an option.
Very happy with the big boy too!
