I like levers much better than knobs and for sure if someone has not got good hand strength . I am not sure how they can work in your space without seeing your sapce so post a pic here in a comment of both the space and the ones you would prefer. I see some very traditional levers that might work.

I have Emtek in the addition. I used a combination of the Norwich knob and the Luzern lever -- all in oil rubbed bronze. No problem with either style.

Thank you. We're replacing plain, builder-grade polished brass knobs on 6-panel hollow-core doors. The house is a relatively plain, late-90s 5 over 4 colonial. Attached are a couple pictures of what we are replacing, and our preferred satin nickel knobs, which -- unfortunately -- seem a little difficult to turn. As I mentioned, we prefer the Emtek satin nickel over other brands.

We just replaced an old knob with a beautiful Emtek lever, and love it. But it does feel a bit stiffer than what it replaced -- I credit it to more solid construction. Would recommend levers rather than knobs in your case (and honestly in most cases!).

Patricia and acm are right -- levers are a much better choice and Emtek levers are much more solidly built than typical builder-grade door hardware. I don't think you'll regret getting levers.

Adding my vote for levers.

I have an Emtek lever on my front door. The lever part is great, the Emtek part of the equation is not. Would not buy Emtek again

Since we see nothing of your home I still do not understand how a 90s house requires those knobs you are set on.

New brass finishes are not the shiny /cheesy of old, so you might begin there.

You also need to change hinges: )

https://www.myknobs.com/pdp/emtek-manning-lever-watford-rose/emtek-8510mnghalfus7rh/emtek-single-dummy-right-handed-manning-door-lever-with-watford-rosein-french-antique-brass?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA-bmsBhAGEiwAoaQNmoqnIN-oQO9jVhEDl1cdhQUZ9WEZ5YPoabOTDsRqrDc7p7T8C9mQYhoCKz8QAvD_BwE

I would also do levers, specially if someone in the house already has weakness in the wrists/hands.

I installed Emtek throughout our house when we built 2 years ago. I love the look of my Emtek levers and they work fine, but I'm not happy with the rosettes. We used a rectangular rosette and several of them are now loose and damaging the paint on the doors. There doesn't seem to be a way to tighten them back up.

Thank you all for your comments. We will probably reconsider and look at some levers instead. I would expect a good quality/solid brass knob to feel heavier and have a little more resistance in the turning mechanism, but I was surprised by how much more effort it tales to turn the knob.

@Patricia Colwell Consulting, I appreciate your responses. I realize this is a Design Dilemma thread, but I'm really just looking for an answer to my question of whether others find the Emtek knobs difficult to turn -- or if it's because my knob is new. To your point, my house does not require this knob, but we are replacing our entry knobs and want to replace the interiors as well. There isn't much of a selection in between these mid-priced Emtek or similar Baldwins and what we can buy at a big-box retailer for half the price, so if we're going to start paying that much more for hardware, we want what we like and what will reasonably suit the style of our house and also help add a little character. Do we require the knobs? -- no. Do we like them and feel they are worth the cost? -- yes. I just can't see bothering to replace the old, plain, ugly knobs if we don't love the finish.

I think I have the information I need. Thanks again!

I have a front door latch-style Emtek and it's fine.

I have changed my interior door hardware three times: knob to lever to knob to lever. I'm sticking with levers. Not only are they easier to use, but I think they look better. I went from brass to satin nickel to matte black. Sticking with that too. I did change all the hinges myself for a uniform look. It's probably easier with a helper, but I managed.

@lilnsam

You can get a 28 degree latch for the Emtek knobs and levers which will require less turning. Let me know if you'd like help with that. You can reach me at houzz@qualitybath.com

@Quality Bath: Thanks, that's a good point.