Ernest R. Emerson (born March 7, 1955) is an American custom knifemaker, martial artist, and edged-weapons expert.^[1] Originally an engineer and machinist in the aerospace industry,^[1][2] Emerson became a knifemaker known for making decorative knives but later became better known for his combat knives, eventually founding a production company to mass-produce his designs, and popularizing a style of knife known as the Tactical-folder.^[3] Emerson's knives have been displayed as museum pieces, designed for use by Navy SEALs,^[4][5] and used by NASA in outer space.^[6] They have also been featured in films and novels, furthering their popularity with collectors.^[7]