I was a newcomer to the Forum.I am also glad to be here. I just started to play with the knife, I see gerber mark 2 Steel products is 420hc.But I don't know what is the nature of this kind of steel, and it's the best hardness is many? Is not the highest hardness, hardness and toughness balance hardness. I hope everyone can help me. Thank you
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about gerber mark 2
- Thread starter chenzui
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In my opinion it is garbage.
- Joined
- Jul 30, 2006
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Howdy,
420HC can be reasonable stuff - if heat treated properly.
As mentioned, Buck does a uniformly good job. I've measured the hardness of several Buck blades. Each measured 59 HRC. At 59HRC 420HC takes a fine edge and, while not really abrasion resistant, it does not deform easily. You can put an acute bevel on the blade, say 15° per side, and it holds an edge reasonably well.
In my experience, Gerber does not do a uniformly good job with 420HC. I have two, both EZ-Outs. One measured 59HRC. The other measured 55HRC. That difference in hardness makes a big difference in performance. At 55, the steel does deform easily and the blade doesn't hold an edge very long.
So, I said all that to say that in my experience, with Gerber, you just don't know what you got. It's one of the reasons I don't buy Gerber knives.
420HC can be reasonable stuff - if heat treated properly.
As mentioned, Buck does a uniformly good job. I've measured the hardness of several Buck blades. Each measured 59 HRC. At 59HRC 420HC takes a fine edge and, while not really abrasion resistant, it does not deform easily. You can put an acute bevel on the blade, say 15° per side, and it holds an edge reasonably well.
In my experience, Gerber does not do a uniformly good job with 420HC. I have two, both EZ-Outs. One measured 59HRC. The other measured 55HRC. That difference in hardness makes a big difference in performance. At 55, the steel does deform easily and the blade doesn't hold an edge very long.
So, I said all that to say that in my experience, with Gerber, you just don't know what you got. It's one of the reasons I don't buy Gerber knives.
Outstanding knife. Had one 20 years ago; it got stolen; and recently replaced it with another one. Like most of Gerber's higher end stuff, still made in the U.S.A. too. No knife collection is complete without one, imho. I especially like the comments from folks who've actually trusted their lives to them...
Cpl/USMC David - JUL 7, 2012
I carried 2 of these knives, one on my ballistic vest and one in a calf holster during the first Iraq War. I wouldn't have trade either if them for the world. They were a part of my gear just as my rifle. Unfortunately my ex-wife, knowing how much they meant to me, was responsible for their disappearance during the divorce. Those knives were far better quality than she was.
The VET Kevin S. - JUN 30, 2012
For nearly a decade I carried the Mark I Tactical and Gaurdian into many various theaters of operation. I purchased them while stationed at Ft Bragg and carried them to Germany, Bosnia , Saudia Arbia and Korea. Most impressive was in Bosnia one of my soldiers wrote Gerber that a multitool broke. They sent us an entire box of them. Always been a favorite tool and dagger of mine.
Ret.Ranger Oly - JUN 12, 2012
I took one of these, a Mark I, to VietNam, 1971. When I got wounded the medic didn't have anything to cut my uniform off, so I gave him the Mark I to use. When he finished, he stuck it in the ground and that's the last I saw of it. Don't remember much after that. Too much morphine I guess. I loved that knife.
Sgt. Casper - FEB 27, 2012
I have bought and used several diffrent types of knives including different makes and models and the Mark II is the only one that I have found that really kicks the competition's butt. I used to own one years ago and unfortunatly it was distroyed and it was a Mark I that was given to me and I had carried it over seas and found it VERY useful and it really helped me get the job done and looking forward to purchasing my new one!!!!
Captain John M. - FEB 22, 2012
I carried an earlier model on many missions and it never failed to perform. An ex-wife has it now so I bought a new one.
The blade has changed a little, but for the better I think.
The handle is exactly the same so it feels the same in my hand as the old ones.
Don't be on the receiving end of a MKII.
Retired Law Enforcement Teddy DeLacerda - FEB 22, 2012
Had a Mark II since the seventies. Leather sheath pretty worn, but still in one piece. Knife is a little narrower from being sharpened and pitted a little, but keeps a sharp edge. Skinned many a deer, like having two knives in one. It is now thirty years plus old and I am sure it will out last me. Ordered another one yesterday that I am sure will be as good as my first one. Thank you Gerber, keep'em commin!
vet Old Guy - JAN 19, 2012
Purchased mine in 1980-81 - ser # 07688X- (came with a leather sheath at the time- still have it but it's covered with 100mph tape - that's right back when it was still 100mph!) .This blade has served me well and will join me at the end when I fight my way to the promised land.
Air Force Trainee SP - JAN 14, 2012
Bought this knife for hiking defense in case something happened to my gun, LOVE IT, slightly smaller than you would imagine it to be though. Sheath is well made but I plan on investing in a drop down shoulder strap. Also very intimidating even when holstered, as it is one of their few knives with a decent sized guard on it, I will defiantly buy Gerber again, either an automatic or a machete next time, this knife can either bring nostalgia to an older generation, or reverence to a newer generation.
A Vet PAJ - OCT 31, 2011
I have been lucky to not have to carry mine into a war zone. However mine has served me well since purchasing in 1984.
To put it to the test, I used it to field dress multiple antelope, and it did not disappoint. With a single strong upward thrust I went
Veteran Michael D - SEP 6, 2011
I carried this knife throughout my six years in the military, with never a doubt as to reliability when i needed it. So sharp, I cut my self opening the packaging. I was so depressed when it got lost with my shipment home from Germany.
That's good enough for me; but even if it's not good enough for you, even the soldiers from other countries know what a Mark II is...
LIEUTENANT RUSSIAN ARMY DIMITRY - APR 21, 2012
IT IS THE VERY BEAUTIFUL KNIFE !!! IT IS AMERICAN LEGEND!!!
Cpl/USMC David - JUL 7, 2012
I carried 2 of these knives, one on my ballistic vest and one in a calf holster during the first Iraq War. I wouldn't have trade either if them for the world. They were a part of my gear just as my rifle. Unfortunately my ex-wife, knowing how much they meant to me, was responsible for their disappearance during the divorce. Those knives were far better quality than she was.
The VET Kevin S. - JUN 30, 2012
For nearly a decade I carried the Mark I Tactical and Gaurdian into many various theaters of operation. I purchased them while stationed at Ft Bragg and carried them to Germany, Bosnia , Saudia Arbia and Korea. Most impressive was in Bosnia one of my soldiers wrote Gerber that a multitool broke. They sent us an entire box of them. Always been a favorite tool and dagger of mine.
Ret.Ranger Oly - JUN 12, 2012
I took one of these, a Mark I, to VietNam, 1971. When I got wounded the medic didn't have anything to cut my uniform off, so I gave him the Mark I to use. When he finished, he stuck it in the ground and that's the last I saw of it. Don't remember much after that. Too much morphine I guess. I loved that knife.
Sgt. Casper - FEB 27, 2012
I have bought and used several diffrent types of knives including different makes and models and the Mark II is the only one that I have found that really kicks the competition's butt. I used to own one years ago and unfortunatly it was distroyed and it was a Mark I that was given to me and I had carried it over seas and found it VERY useful and it really helped me get the job done and looking forward to purchasing my new one!!!!
Captain John M. - FEB 22, 2012
I carried an earlier model on many missions and it never failed to perform. An ex-wife has it now so I bought a new one.
The blade has changed a little, but for the better I think.
The handle is exactly the same so it feels the same in my hand as the old ones.
Don't be on the receiving end of a MKII.
Retired Law Enforcement Teddy DeLacerda - FEB 22, 2012
Had a Mark II since the seventies. Leather sheath pretty worn, but still in one piece. Knife is a little narrower from being sharpened and pitted a little, but keeps a sharp edge. Skinned many a deer, like having two knives in one. It is now thirty years plus old and I am sure it will out last me. Ordered another one yesterday that I am sure will be as good as my first one. Thank you Gerber, keep'em commin!
vet Old Guy - JAN 19, 2012
Purchased mine in 1980-81 - ser # 07688X- (came with a leather sheath at the time- still have it but it's covered with 100mph tape - that's right back when it was still 100mph!) .This blade has served me well and will join me at the end when I fight my way to the promised land.
Air Force Trainee SP - JAN 14, 2012
Bought this knife for hiking defense in case something happened to my gun, LOVE IT, slightly smaller than you would imagine it to be though. Sheath is well made but I plan on investing in a drop down shoulder strap. Also very intimidating even when holstered, as it is one of their few knives with a decent sized guard on it, I will defiantly buy Gerber again, either an automatic or a machete next time, this knife can either bring nostalgia to an older generation, or reverence to a newer generation.
A Vet PAJ - OCT 31, 2011
I have been lucky to not have to carry mine into a war zone. However mine has served me well since purchasing in 1984.
To put it to the test, I used it to field dress multiple antelope, and it did not disappoint. With a single strong upward thrust I went
Veteran Michael D - SEP 6, 2011
I carried this knife throughout my six years in the military, with never a doubt as to reliability when i needed it. So sharp, I cut my self opening the packaging. I was so depressed when it got lost with my shipment home from Germany.
That's good enough for me; but even if it's not good enough for you, even the soldiers from other countries know what a Mark II is...
LIEUTENANT RUSSIAN ARMY DIMITRY - APR 21, 2012
IT IS THE VERY BEAUTIFUL KNIFE !!! IT IS AMERICAN LEGEND!!!
.
yablanowitz
Platinum Member
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- Apr 14, 2006
- Messages
- 9,973
Also, bear in mind that most of those testimonials above are for the older Gerber. Back in the 1960's, 70's and 80's, Gerber was a very different company than it is now. The knives those men were praising were not 420HC. I have a number of Gerbers from back then, and a few from recent years, and it it is sad to see how far the quality has fallen.
- Joined
- Apr 21, 2006
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- 5,611
Gerber was also fond of using M2 HSS, and even Vascowear ( "V" steel on the sportsman 2 model only from the early til mid 80's? ). Vascowear was a feat no one else attempted until Spyderco brought it out in their mule team MT12P, now called Cruwear and made by crucible instead of Vasco pacific.
There are a few left but not for long. They are very high performers.http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=703
The Original "V" wear Sportsmen 2 are getting pretty rare and get good prices when they come up. Not as good as the M2 HSS walnut folding hunter, or the L6 Mk 2's. IMO, you need such a tough steel with that kind of design as they aren't exactly stout designs.
The one I had came able to shave hair with either side of the blade. It was pretty wicked.
Joe
There are a few left but not for long. They are very high performers.http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=703
The Original "V" wear Sportsmen 2 are getting pretty rare and get good prices when they come up. Not as good as the M2 HSS walnut folding hunter, or the L6 Mk 2's. IMO, you need such a tough steel with that kind of design as they aren't exactly stout designs.
The one I had came able to shave hair with either side of the blade. It was pretty wicked.
Joe