Gerber 06 Auto

[MDQBox]

Ok, I just have two more questions for you do you have 06 Auto with the G10 handle and would you recommend it over the 06 Auto without the G10 handle.

I really like the G10 scales over the aluminum ones. I have the 06 auto with the drop point blade and aluminum scales, unfortunately if you want the drop point blade automatic it ONLY comes with the aluminum handles (as far as I know). If you like the tanto blade, you can get it in an automatic with G10 scales.

I actually prefer the G10 but like the drop point blade more than the tanto.

[MDQBox]

I would recommend you get the automatic with a drop point auto which only comes with aluminum scales. You have to decide whether you want a drop point blade or a tanto. If it really doesn't matter to you then get the tanto in G10.

For me I really don't like the tanto blade shape.

[Allen R.]

I was issued 2 gerber 06 autos, they had horrible blade play, and I don't like combo edges, I traded them off, there are a lot of good knives to be had with s30v steel way below the 200.00 mark, check out spyderco and zt, Spyderco prolly gonna be your best bet for a s30v knife for under 200 bucks though. Personally I would never carry a gerber, I was given 2 of them and traded both of them for an emerson.

[cziv]

I was issued 2 gerber 06 autos, they had horrible blade play, and I don't like combo edges, I traded them off, there are a lot of good knives to be had with s30v steel way below the 200.00 mark, check out spyderco and zt, Spyderco prolly gonna be your best bet for a s30v knife for under 200 bucks though. Personally I would never carry a gerber, I was given 2 of them and traded both of them for an emerson.

I didn't really want to talk the OP out of the knife he wants but these are "what I consider poor quality" assists and autos.

In the $200 (+ or -) niche we're talking the ZT 0550, 0560, 03XX (assisted) series, Some very nice Benchmades and Spyderco offerings. I wouldn't have batted an eye at Gerber 06 auto except it was gifted to me and that makes it kind of special. I certainly would never recommend one.

Sorry but I felt the truth was worth telling. The knives above are all top shelf quality. You'll also probably be disappointed without adding a MAXX-Torque spring kit to power up the sluggish auto as well.

[Brian_R170]

I agree with the comments about blade play and sluggishness. I have an 06 Auto (aluminum scales, tanto blade) that had blade play when new. I was able to remove the play by tightening the pivot, but that made it even more sluggish when opening. The concern I have is that the knife is very obviosly made to be a "hard use" knife--the thing is a tank--except that a plunge lock is more succeptable to failure with blade play. The root of the blade play is the narrow "washers" that are integrally stamped into the handle liners.

Never handled the F.A.S.T. Gerbers.

In my opinion, the Benchmade 5000 Presidio or 2750 Adamas are better alternatives to the 06 and in the same price range. I paid only $168 for a brand new 2750 and only $100 for a like-new 5000. Of course, I paid less for a like-new 06.

[GentlemanlySteve]

I had an 06 auto given to me as a gift, I was excited about it until I started opening it. The blade "swings" open slower than mud and occasionally wouldnt lock shut. The blade play was WAY too much for a knife that costs 150+. Overall I was very unimpressed with that knife and the weight and shape made it awful to carry. I ended up selling it for 50 bucks to a freind who wanted a beater. I then purchased a Kershaw Rogue Auto, and found that the ergonomics and blade shape made that knife a joy to use. Blade jumped out of your hand, Literally opened SO fast, fit and finish was excellent and the weight was perfect. Kershaw doesnt make that knife anymore but its still readily available all over the web for $120ish. My buddy sold his Benchmade AFO and bought a rogue instead because he felt it was a better knife for his needs.

[MDQBox]

Unfortunately I have to agree with the above comments. For the $ Gerbers are lacking in quality. I own several knives which are much better in quality at the same price point. But I am a die hard Gerber fan. There's just something about their designs that I really like. I just wish the quality was there.

[MDQBox]

I had an 06 auto given to me as a gift, I was excited about it until I started opening it. The blade "swings" open slower than mud and occasionally wouldnt lock shut. The blade play was WAY too much for a knife that costs 150+. Overall I was very unimpressed with that knife and the weight and shape made it awful to carry. I ended up selling it for 50 bucks to a freind who wanted a beater. I then purchased a Kershaw Rogue Auto, and found that the ergonomics and blade shape made that knife a joy to use. Blade jumped out of your hand, Literally opened SO fast, fit and finish was excellent and the weight was perfect. Kershaw doesnt make that knife anymore but its still readily available all over the web for $120ish. My buddy sold his Benchmade AFO and bought a rogue instead because he felt it was a better knife for his needs.

Yup I totally agree with you on the Rogue. I actually came across one with the satin finish blade yesterday and had to pick it up. I also own the one with the black coated blade which has been in my EDC rotation for over two years now along with my 06.

[Brian_R170]

To be fair, sluggishness isn't by itself a sign of low quality or even an undesirable feature in an automatic. It annoys me only if I can stop the blade when opening and let it ago again and it doesn't open the rest of the way on it's own, and the 06 does that.

[a31812]

MDQBox: I like the drop point blade design more than the tanto but I also like the G10 scales, so I'm stuck as to whether I should sacrifice the G10 scales for the drop point design or settle for the tanto design with the G10 scales. I believe you said you had the DMF which comes with the G10 scales, as well as the drop point 06 without so I would love to known your opinion on whether it's worth it.

Keep in mind the 06 Auto was originally designed for military use, so Gerber designed a knife for the soldiers that wouldnt jump out of their hands when opened and was also quiet. That's why the opening action is not as quick as other knives. I looked at Spyderco and Benchmade auto knives but the designs didnt stick out to me as well as Gerber's did, and the warranty offered by Gerber was another big plus. Regardless I'm open to suggestions I did look at the Spyderco Emerson and it looked to be a great knife, but I just didnt like the design of the blade as much as the 06.

[gzb]

Keep in mind the 06 Auto was originally designed for military use, so Gerber designed a knife for the soldiers that wouldnt jump out of their hands when opened and was also quiet. That's why the opening action is not as quick as other knives.

Really?

OK...

[cziv]

As I mentioned earlier Knife Kits makes some good replacement springs. I'd get the 1/2" MAXX Torque or Mega Torque. I put a Mega Torque in my Boker Plus Auto and it slammed open so hard that the screws were getting loose in about 6 months. A little blue lock-tite will take care of that.

Just take your time. I'm really challenged mechanically and I did it w/o a hitch. Best $2 you'll ever spend on this knife.

[MDQBox]

MDQBox: I like the drop point blade design more than the tanto but I also like the G10 scales, so I'm stuck as to whether I should sacrifice the G10 scales for the drop point design or settle for the tanto design with the G10 scales. I believe you said you had the DMF which comes with the G10 scales, as well as the drop point 06 without so I would love to known your opinion on whether it's worth it.

Keep in mind the 06 Auto was originally designed for military use, so Gerber designed a knife for the soldiers that wouldnt jump out of their hands when opened and was also quiet. That's why the opening action is not as quick as other knives. I looked at Spyderco and Benchmade auto knives but the designs didnt stick out to me as well as Gerber's did, and the warranty offered by Gerber was another big plus. Regardless I'm open to suggestions I did look at the Spyderco Emerson and it looked to be a great knife, but I just didnt like the design of the blade as much as the 06.

In my humble opinion, out of all of the three knives (06 Auto, 06 FAST, & DMF) my absolute favorite is the 06 AUTO. It sounds like you are just like me when it comes to the designs Gerber puts out. I just am really drawn to them.

Anyways, I think you will be happiest with the 06 Auto. In my opinion they rank as follows:

1st - 06 Auto (drop point blade and aluminum scales)
2nd - DMF Auto
3rd - 06 FAST

Good luck and let me know when and if you get one.

[MDQBox]

As I mentioned earlier Knife Kits makes some good replacement springs. I'd get the 1/2" MAXX Torque or Mega Torque. I put a Mega Torque in my Boker Plus Auto and it slammed open so hard that the screws were getting loose in about 6 months. A little blue lock-tite will take care of that.

Just take your time. I'm really challenged mechanically and I did it w/o a hitch. Best $2 you'll ever spend on this knife.

Just ordered some replacement/upgraded springs. Let you know how the installation turns out (in about a week).

[cziv]

MDQBox - I listed the place I got it from. Google it and add one of those springs I named after the company. Normal shipping at least on my order. I hate when a company tries to gouge you on the shipping charges.

[MDQBox]

MDQBox - I listed the place I got it from. Google it and add one of those springs I named after the company. Normal shipping at least on my order. I hate when a company tries to gouge you on the shipping charges.

Thanks, I went ahead and ordered three springs (MAXX, MEGA and a flat wire one specifically made for the 06). I figured I might as well get more. I will Let you know how the install goes.

[a31812]

MDQBox: I would love to know how the replacement springs work out... Also wondering if you'd recommend the 06 with the drop point or the tanto with the G10 scales, I perfer the drop point but was wondering if the G10 are worth just getting the tanto blade. Thanks for the feed back.

[jfever311]

Sounds to me like this is what most of you guys are looking for. An 06 Drop point with G10 scales. But wait, they do not offer this, right? I will finally give up my secret...... Type "Gerber 06 Craigslist.org" into your search engine. You might not find what you want right now, but keep it up. I found an 06 tanto with G10 for under $100, bought the knife, switched scales, and then sold the tanto which now has aluminum scales for the same price I paid for it......