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Kershaw D2 Emerson Models Voted Best Knife Upgrade 2019

December 5, 2019

Presented by: Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpeners

The Kershaw D2 Emerson models are the KnifeNews Readers’ Choice for Best Knife Upgrade 2019! Kershaw’s move to everyone’s favorite budget friendly, hard-working semi-stainless came out on top against two competitors, the Benchmade -1 Proper models and the James Brand’s upgrade to the Chapter flagship.

Kershaw’s work with Ernest Emerson was a big deal. One of the most popular small-scale knife makers teaming up with the masters of accessibility and price-friendliness seemed like an easy win on paper. And when the series came out they were a win in reality too: a suite of fresh Emerson designs brought out at these price points caught the interest and accolades of many knife users.

Perhaps the most longed-for change on these knives was a steel upgrade. Kershaw’s 8Cr13MoV is serviceable but outdated, and nobody would turn their noses up at something a little more high performance. These are knives that are meant to be able to tackle hard work and intense cutting chores, and the beefed up steel choice gels nicely with those roles. But even you’re using your CQC-6K for simpler tasks, you’re sure to notice the extra edge retention compared to 8Cr13MoV knives.

Steel upgrades to favorite models often feature into pie in the sky discussions among fans, it is much more rare for them to become reality, especially in the budget realm; when these models hit earlier this year, it was almost as exciting a new release. Which is the best thing that an upgrade can do: make a beloved knife feel new again.

Visit KnifeNews.com tomorrow to find out the winner of the KnifeNews Readers’ Choice Award for Best New Slipjoint/Non-Locking Knife 2019.

AWARDS SCHEDULE

Monday, December 2nd: Best New Tactical Fixed Blade 2019 (WINNER: Spyderco Respect)

Tuesday, December 3rd: Best New Fixed Blade for EDC 2019 (WINNER: Ferrum Forge Lackey)

Wednesday, December 4th: Best New Outdoors Fixed Blade 2019 (WINNER: ESEE Knives AGK)

Thursday, December 5th: Best Knife Upgrade 2019 (WINNER: Kershaw D2 Emerson Models)

Friday, December 6th: Best New Slipjoint/Non-Locking Knife 2019

Monday, December 9th: Best New High-End Knife 2019 (MSRP of $300 or more)

Tuesday, December 10th: Best New Value Folder 2019 (MSRP of $100 or less)

Wednesday, December 11th: Best New Folder 2019

Thursday, December 12th: Most Innovative New Knife 2019

Friday, December 13th: Work Sharp Knife of the Year

Monday, December 16th: Best Overall New for 2019 Lineup

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