The Liberty Risk crew sits down with Ernest Emerson — legendary founder of Emerson Knives — for a candid, wide-ranging conversation about his life, his craft, and the rise of the modern tactical knife. Ernest shares how growing up on a Wisconsin farm and training in martial arts pushed him to build his first knives out of necessity, setting him on a path that eventually redefined the industry.

He walks through his jump from machinist at Hughes Aircraft to full-time knife maker, the mentors who sharpened his skills, and the elite military units — especially the Navy SEALs — whose feedback shaped some of his most iconic designs. Ernest breaks down the origins of the CQC-7, the accidental birth of the patented Wave feature, and the boom of the tactical knife world in the 90s and beyond.

Joined by his son Lucas, the two discuss the evolution of Emerson Knives, the fight to keep American manufacturing alive, and the responsibility of carrying a family legacy forward as the company expands into new blades, steels, and product lines. Ernest speaks openly about the challenges facing U.S. makers, the flood of high-quality but “soulless” imports, and why integrity and craftsmanship still matter.

Packed with industry insight, history, and stories from working with rock stars to serving as an expert witness, this episode delivers a rare look into the mind and mission of one of the most influential knife makers of our time.