TESTED: Emerson Knives MX-200 Folder

An uncommon design expertly made, the Emerson Knives MX-200 kurki-blade folder is a powerhouse built for serious work

by Dexter Ewing; photos by Marty Stanfield, Marty Stanfield Photography

The MX-200 from Emerson Knives is a rather unique-looking folding lock blade that has its own special character. When you examine the knife, you can tell it doesn’t look like any other folding knife on the market. What draws your gaze is its kukri-inspired blade design set inside of an ergonomic handle that is common for tactical folders. The MX-200 has the looks as well as the performance to back up its claims as being one of the more unique folding knives on the market. Another interesting fact to note is that the MX-200 was designed by Lucas Emerson, the son of Ernest Emerson, Emerson Knives’ founder and noted custom knifemaker. Lucas’ inspiration for the MX-200 was rooted in a knife that his father has in his personal collection — the fixed blade kukri.

The kukri blade shape can be traced back to the Gurkha warriors, whose use of the kukri is legendary. The knives were used as much as tools as they were as weapons. Its devastating cutting power comes from a deep bellied, recurve edge blade that can chop with power. While kukris are primarily fixed-blade knives, the younger Emerson designed a tactical folder with a kukri blade and as a result, the MX-200 was born. It originally was a custom-made folding knife that transitioned into a standard production run knife under the Emerson Knives banner.

Starting with the blade, it measures 3.7 inches in length and is made from 154CM high-performance stainless steel, known for its edge holding and ease of sharpening. Its sinewy recurve edge gives the knife its cutting and slicing power.

You’ll notice the swedge at the front of the blade looking like that of a conventional swedge. The cutting edge has a nice belly that is deep and then transitions into the recurve portion of the edge.

One of the unique characteristics of a kukri blade is that it can be a remarkable slashing tool, using the area just behind the belly. In a slashing motion, the edge presents itself at an angle to whatever is being cut. Since this is a folding knife, pull cuts are effective with this blade shape and size.

The handle is loaded with ergonomic features that make it both extremely safe as well as comfortable for extended use. Up front, the handle’s pivot end flares to provide an integral lower and upper guard of sorts to keep your hand from sliding forward. The middle has curves that help you to seat your hand. The rear of the handle swells a bit and takes a downward turn to prevent rearward sliding off your hand.

There’s a lot going on with the handle, as there are multiple key features that work in harmony to help make the user experience not only super comfortable but also super safe as well. That’s one thing that is an Emerson hallmark. Lucas’ father always has great handle designs on his knives and it’s great to see that the younger Emerson is carrying on that tradition. The G-10 is very grippy and should work well even with wet hands…and while wearing work gloves. A steel pocket clip carries the MX-200 in the tip up position in the pocket. The liner lock secures the blade in the open position safely and effectively every time the knife is opened. The MX-200 is also available with Richlite Micarta handles at additional cost should you prefer that instead of the standard textured G-10.

Once you get over the unique appearance of the MX-200 and you begin to put the knife through its paces, you will see that it’s a very effective cutting tool. The blade has a sweet spot for most general cutting and that is the inside curve of the belly. Using this area means that you are using a pulling motion, similar to using a hawkbill blade knife. Pulling the handle towards you will allow the material to feed itself into that inside curve of the belly for effective cuts. It is a very viable cutting tool if you need to make long, straight cuts in any material.

A curved blade such as this can also be used in the edge-up position. This is especially useful in cutting twine, paracord, or rope. Holding the MX-200 with its cutting edge oriented upwards, drape the material to be cut inside the curve of the blade. With your opposite hand, create tension on the material and, with the knife hand, pull in the opposite direction. This will force the blade to cleave on through. And the handle design of the MX-200 lends itself to be used comfortably in the edge-up orientation. So, there’s numerous ways this knife can be employed.

Bottom line: Emerson Knives always are user knives and knives that you would be able to count on when the going gets tough.

The MX-200, being the first design of Lucas Emerson, I would say the Emerson knife making legacy is officially passed on to the next generation.

Be on the lookout for more from this talented young maker. He is the son of one of the living legends in knife making, but he is quickly forging his own identity in this industry.