Armed Lifestyle - Issue 2 - June 2022

of the Year in 1999 at the knife industry’s largest annual event,
the BLADE SHOW in Atlanta, the Commander managed to land
several military and law enforcement contracts including official
use by the US Navy SEALS and other elite units around the world.
Aside from the Terzuola-like disk thumb stud, Emerson created
a forward pointing hook along the spine of the Commander’s
spine to act as a blade catch to prevent opposing blades from
riding up and cutting the user’s hand. This hook was discovered
to quickly deploy the blade when drawn from the right-hand
pocket. Emerson listed this as a “wave-shaped opening feature”
which transcended into other blades under the company banner
with much success. Over time as these blades were seeing
significant time in the field, reports of a third benefit came in
“unofficially” that this wave feature also made a decent bottle
opener for libations during down time.
Most success and failure stories aren’t truly about the innovation
as much as they are in the details that go along with it. The
Commander’s overall construction using top quality materials is
just as much a part of its success as anything. The recurved blade
is made from 154 CM steel featuring a chisel-grind to give the
end user a flat surface to easily keep a working edge on the knife
out in the field with commonly found items such as a rock, piece
of glass or small whetstone. Perhaps the most important notation
to be made about the Commander’s construction is the use of
standard components rather than proprietary screws heads and
complex locks. The large flat head pivot screw and Phillips head
screws used to secure the grip scales can be replaced quickly
with a trip to any local hardware store. When in the field these
items can be easily “reallocated” from other items found in the
surrounding environment and replaced with a common multi-tool.
Additionally, just like any serious shooter would work out
with a training gun such as a blue gun or SIRT pistol, Emerson
manufactures a Commander training knife. This trainer is
equipped with a blunt tipped recurved blade with bright blue
scales that are widely accepted as a training device color. From
the wave opening device to every tiny screw, the Commander is
replicated to the fullest degree. This trainer is the perfect way to
safely become very proficient in using the Emerson Commander
for defensive and offensive purposes. More on this later.
COMMANDER SPECS
Overall Length: 8.75”
Blade Length: 3.75”
Handle Length: 5.00”
Handle Material: G-10
Weight:
4.9 oz
Blade Steel:
154 CM
Hardness:
57 – 59 RC
Lock Mechanism: Linier (Titanium)
MSRP: $240 - $265
EMERSON KNIVES COMMANDER
www.thearmedlifestyle.com