Tag Archives: Emerson Opening Feature

I have carried many, many knives on duty.  It seems I am always trying to find one better than the last.  My uniform pockets have contained uncounted blades unleashed by nail nicks, thumb studs, opening holes, coil springs, leaf springs, and even centrifugal force (yes, a Bali-song).  I recently decided to try something completely different:  mechanical fabric resistance! In the 1990’s, custom knifemaker Ernest Emerson patented an interesting design he originally called The Wave.  The folding knife’s blade has a “hook” at the top that catches the edge of the pants pocket and pulls the blade open as the knife itself is withdrawn.