Editing Ernest Emerson (section)

==Pre-tactical models==
[[File:Emerson PreTac knives.jpg|thumb|left|alt=An assortment of knives with anodized titanium bolsters in bright colors|Pre-Tac Folders]]

Emerson's early folding knives were of the [[Walker Linerlock|linerlock]] variety, ground by the [[stock removal]] method, and utilized rare materials from the [[aerospace]] industry, including [[titanium]], [[carbon fiber]], [[micarta]], and [[meteorite]].<ref name="edge">{{harvnb|Covert|1998|pp=70–72}}</ref>  He incorporated exotic materials common to knifemakers of the time, including [[nacre|mother-of-pearl]], [[abalone]] shell, [[pāua]] shell, staghorn, and rare hardwoods.<ref name="lang">{{harvnb|Lang|1997|p=64}}</ref> Writer Paul Basch reported in 1990 that Emerson refused to use the parts of any animal or plant which was an [[endangered species]], noting Emerson as being an environmentally conscious knifemaker.<ref name="basch"/> The steel used in these blades was typically [[AISI steel grades|graded]] ATS-34, AEB-L, or 440C, and the blades were either highly polished or hand-rubbed. Emerson made knives with [[Damascus steel]] blades.<ref name="basch"/> Among custom knife collectors and purveyors today, these knives are known as the "Pre-Tac" (Pre-Tactical) models.<ref name="Norman"/> They can be identified by their bright [[anodising|anodized]] titanium bolsters and liners and the predominant use of clip point blades.<ref name="basch"/> The knives were noted for their close tolerances and precise locking mechanisms.<ref name="Norman"/> Emerson credits the following knifemakers for helping him along during his early years as a knifemaker: [[Michael Walker (knifemaker)|Michael Walker]], Clint Breshears, Bob Engnath, and Jim Ferguson.<ref name="basch"/>

Emerson's first logo or stamp on these knives was "Emerson Knives" surrounding the outline of a [[Bowie knife]]; accordingly this is referred to as the rare "Bowie Logo", appearing on only a very small number of knives. When a knife collector asked Emerson if he made Bowie knives, Emerson informed him that he did not. The collector then advised him to change his logo or he might confuse the knife-buying public, as they would ask for Bowie knives instead of linerlock folders. Emerson agreed with this assessment, dropping the knife outline and the word "knives" from his stamp, using just his name in a half-circle on the blade as a logo. This marking is known among collectors as the "Half-Moon Logo" and would appear again as a transitional mark between the Viper and Specwar lines of knives.<ref name="Norman"/>

These early knives sold for between $800 and $2,000 each; that, combined with his appearances at knife shows and write-ups in knife magazines, helped Emerson gain status and credibility as a custom knifemaker.<ref name=tieves42>{{harvnb|Tieves|1998|p=42}}</ref> Once established as a serious and reputable maker, Emerson was soon able to concentrate on making the knives he wanted to make—knives designed for use as opposed to show, specifically folding-knives designed for combat.<ref name=tieves42/>