I arrived here in Atlanta for Blade Show and immediately got wind of Ernie Emerson's new Ek-1 multitool. I got hands on with a prototype and have to say it's going to be a beefy tool meant for tackling serious work. The design is a collaboration between Ernie Emerson and Multitasker Tools. I had a chance to catch up with Emerson and he told me the idea behind the tool is to make the toughest multitool out there.
"There's a difference between tough and simply overbuilt," said Emerson. He explained his leap into the multitool realm would bear the same hallmarks of durability, efficiency and elegance found in his knives. "We want our tool to work no matter if you're cutting C-Wire on the battlefield or barbed wire on the ranch."
I got hands-on with the tool and the first thing I noticed was the tool's size. It's large, but not bulky. The grips filled my hands, feeling far more like a real tool than a pocket tool. The big jaws are nicknamed "chompers" and are made from a block of billet tool steel for durability just like the AR Multitasker Series 2 jaws.
The prototype had two large blades, and 6 onboard tools that will likely be reduced to 4 in production to make the tool a little slimmer and more pocket-friendly. By production, the tool will also have G10 scales instead of the metal slabs seen in the photographs of the prototype. The tool is still in it's early stages of development, so there will be more to come in the way of specs and pricing.
The release comes ahead of Emerson's entry into the larger tactical gear market. He told me he's poised to release a line of tactical nylon that includes everything from load bearing gear and holsters to a novel kettle bell made from nylon that folds flat for travel after the contents (lead shot, BBs, sand, water...) have been dumped. Look for rumors to give way to announcements over the summer and for an official release by Emerson at SHOT Show 2012.
From the Press Release:
Emerson Knives, Inc. announces its first multitool: The EK-1
ATLANTA, GA – Emerson Knives, Inc. (EKI), renowned creator of fine tactical knives, announced at the 2011 Blade Show a collaborative effort with Multitasker® Tools, LLC in developing the first ever multitool to bear the Emerson name: the EK-1.
The EK-1 is a rugged multitool that truly reflects the philosophy of legendary knifemaker Ernest Emerson – no frills design, solid engineering, a perfect marriage of form and function.
The prototype being displayed is an initial design study, designed to gather feedback from show attendees. Final details, such as material selection, blade and tool configuration, pricing and release date have not been finalized.
However the EK-1 prototype will showcase several features:“Utilizing Multitasker Tools’ advanced production capabilities and design expertise, we were finally able to create a multitool that would be worthy of being called an Emerson.,” said Ernest Emerson, CEO/Founder of EKI.
- Massive bluntnose pliers, nicknamed Chomper™, were inspired by linesman pliers, and are unique in that they are machined out of billet toolsteel, not investment cast like other multitool pliers.
Self lubricating aluminum bronze washers in the pivot areas insure smooth actuation of all moving parts.
Extensive use of wire EDM and CNC machined components; no investment cast or MIM parts are used.
“As an Emerson knife fan, I am extremely honored Multitasker was selected by Mr. Emerson to collaborate with him on this project. We feel very confident that the EK-1 will be viewed as the very best multitool on the market.,” said Shane Keng, President of Multitasker Tools.