Question about the Emerson Wave.

[captain spaulding]

Just wanted to get your opinion on the Emerson Wave on the Delica 4. I was reading some reviews and a few people mentioned the Wave on the Delica 4 is no match for a true Emerson wave in performance when deploying the knife. Any truth to this?

[jekostas]

There really shouldn't be any difference.  Spyderco's version of the wave is copied (and licensed) directly from Emerson's.

If there is a difference, it's more likely due to the difference between the locks used (back vs frame/liner)

[captain spaulding]

The reviews said it was not identical to the Emerson's making it catch before it reached the edge of the pocket. I do believe the waves are different.

[Suveges]

I'd say they're about the same.  Delica doesn't beat the pocket as much.

[captain spaulding]

I'd say they're about the same.  Delica doesn't beat the pocket as much.

Well you guys would know better than me since I haven't even handled a Delica with the wave. I keep going back and forth on getting one.

[Travis Autry]

I haven't handled an Emerson, but I have tried both an Endura and a Delica with the wave.  I didn't like the way either one opened.  Neither seemed to catch very well on my pocket.  I tried them on work khakis and jeans with the same result.

I have a buddy at work who was gifted an Endura wave when he was a combatives instructor down at Fort Bragg a few years ago.  He is very quick with it.  He liked the size of the Delica for a lower profile and I got one for him.

My best experience with a pocket catch opener has been with the DPx HEST 2.0.  I had one, sold it, missed it and bought another.  The first one opened quickly and positively every time I pulled it from the pocket.  The current one was used when I got it and it isn't quite there yet.  I finally got it sharp enough to suit and will get it loosened up over time.

[David]

Here is a quick comparison pic of the EKI CQC8 and the D4W. Emerson does not call this feature a wave any more because Leatherman sued him and won. The Emerson Commander and the Leatherman Wave both hit the market about the same  time (1998) if I remember correctly. Since I really liked Emerson knives at the time and still do I wouldnt buy a Leatherman Wave for years afterward. I finally got over it and bought my first Wave in 08.        

Just wanted to get your opinion on the Emerson Wave on the Delica 4. I was reading some reviews and a few people mentioned the Wave on the Delica 4 is no match for a true Emerson wave in performance when deploying the knife. Any truth to this?

I do not think so. I have always thought the D4W worked better. Both work well if you know what your doing. Remember pratice, practice, pratice.   

[Styerman]

I found the Spyderco rendition waved better , so much so that I had to remember to keep a finger around it . The Endura was even better , I converted it to tip down , it was just too good at unintended waving .

Chris

[Goatlord666]

the only trade off I felt with the addition of the "wave" feature to the spyderco blades is that the actual working area of the blade is diminished.