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New Emerson Model Arises from Collab with MMA Fighter

April 28, 2023

You don’t see all new Emerson knife models that often, so every time there is one announced, it’s a big deal – and one was unveiled this week. The TKF-1 isn’t just a new folder from EKI, it’s also the first ever collaboration between the company and former MMA fighter Tim Kennedy.

Emerson has a long and legendary heritage when it comes to tactical/hard-use knives, and Kennedy, in addition to his time in the ring, served in the military; so it’s no surprise to see that these particular collaborators have come up with something with serious combat knife chops. The TKF-1’s blade length runs to 3.8 inches, and features an aggressive clip point profile, ideal for slashing and thrusting. Emerson’s preferred 154CM steel is in play here, but with two common Emerson signature features missing: first of all, this is a V-ground knife not chisel ground, and there is no Emerson Wave opener here; the classic thumb disc is the sole opening method offered.

The blade here is approaching four inches

Emerson knives are just as well-known for their handle designs as their blade features. If we were to compare the TKF-1 to an existing Emerson model, it would be the CQC-8 – which makes sense, given that it too was designed from the ground up to be a combat knife. Like on the CQC-8, the TKF-1 has a substantial forward finger guard with a deep guiding finger groove beneath it; from there the TKF-1 handle arches outwards and downwards, almost giving it a pistol grip profile.

Just as on the blade, the handle materials and construction are classic Emerson. Black G-10 scales with medium-grip texturing lay on a frame comprised of titanium liners – with a locking leaf on the off-side liner. The signature Emerson clip is present and accounted for, and configured for right hand carry only.

The waiting list for the TKF-1 is open now. Ernest Emerson himself has also confirmed that there will be a fixed blade version at some point.

Knife in Featured Image: Emerson Knives TKF-1

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