I just got two of the new 470 Emissary's. They are marginally larger than the 77x's. Less than half an inch larger overall. The axis bar is larger however and that is an improvement. The axis "button" on the 77x were very small and somewhat harder to get your fingers on to manipulate. So, the new size is better. The axis assist is great if you like assisted knives. I have a couple of the optimizer types and I personally think that assisted system is junk. Sometimes they fire perfectly sometimes not. Hence my "junk" verdict. The axis assist is not heavier (unlike the optimizer) and it works perfectly so far. I miss being able to close the blade one handed but that is a reasonable tradeoff. The safety is small but very positive action both applying and disengaging it. If you like the 77x (I do) you will like these. Better size and the auto assist with the safety is great. I have some ZT assisted blades and they don't need a safety so I am not sure it is necessary on this tip up right handed carry blade but I like the option. I also like to use the safety for when I will be cutting for awhile because it locks it open as well. Very nice blade, if you are on the fence on this one, don't be. This is just about the perfect "gentleman's" blade. I look forward to nicer handle options, dull silver anodized AL, while very useable, ain't exactly purty! Overall, this is definitely a winner.

Pete

I like mine also, wondering how the handle finish will hold-up under normal use. Solid knife.

It's a tad smaller than I visualized.

Nice knife tho. I keep having to remind myself to unlock it.

I find the printing of the knife/series is light.

Pics pl0x?

Once I figure out how to upload my pics . . .

photobucket is the easiest place to upload from imo.
Id like to see some pics and next to another well known BM knife for size referenced.
I imagine it to be 94x sized?
I was kind of hoping for a 710 sized knife on this one, But it does look more like a gentleman's knife which generally are smaller.

One question i have is, Are the handles solid aluminum or hollowed out?

Solid AL with small areas dished out for the axis mechanism.

Here it is next to a 940SBT and a 710HS. Clearly not 710 size. Bigger than my 705 though. Good size overall but not a BIG knife. Hope this helps.

Pete

Thanks Pete, that's prolly the best pic I've seen of the 470 yet. Stock photos make it look like it's got a dull matt finish, this pic shows some nice detail. It's smaller than I thought compared to the other two but a nice size on it's own.

I keep thinking the scales are Ti, not aluminum, be interesting to see how well they hold up under daily pocket carry.

I don't mean to be the bearer of bad news, but....
It is pretty much a dull matte finish. Those pics are in bright daylight. I think it will stand up well to pocket clip carry. That 940 has seen lots of use and the anodized al has held up well. I don't drop it in with the car keys either though. For EDC, not hard use, this is my pretty much perfect knife and I have lots of BM's and Spydies for edc. I really like the coolness factor of the assisted axis and I find the safety to be extremely useful. I have an auto axis and always liked the safety on that one. If you are cutting for awhile, it just seems like a good idea to have. I would prefer plain black al myself, plus I like coated plain edge blades. If this takes off I suspect there will be plenty of options. Anyone have a link to an assisted axis taken apart?