Another 'feature' of that sad little 'tool' was, the blade was spring-loaded to automatically retract into the handle after use. This meant the user had to slide the blade forward using a knurled thumb-slider on the tool, and hold it in position while cutting. As soon as the slider is released the blade retracts. Somebody really was trying to 'idiot-proof' that thing. No idea if they were successful.
We should recall that the reason why a sheepsfoot blade is preferred for rigging knives is because they reduce the chance of stabbing injuries on a tossing deck. So, designing a knife with safety in mind makes sense.
I used to do civilian work for the Navy. It's interesting to walk around buildings that are managed by the same type of people who manage ships and subs. Steps and every little thing that sticks out has safety tape on them. My point here is that different organizations have different commitments to safety policy and it can take on pretty severe or extreme expressions. I would imagine that there are all sorts of worker's comp, insurance costs and lost labor costs analysis standing behind that Lowe's box cutter.
For the OP, as others have noted, we're struggling to understand what the feedback actually means. I like the suggestion of referring to the Gerber as a "safety knife". It could also be referred to as a "rescue knife". I suspect (it's a guess only) that the issue underneath this is that you are dealing with sheaple who need assurance that their possession, use and familiarity with a knife is not only acceptable but demanded by the job. They may be recoiling at the thought of being a "knife knut".
Regarding the specific Gerber in question, I don't see much about it that would make it a rescue knife, per se. Nice knife and all and testimony that a good locking folder with a 3" blade can handle most anything!! But for a tricked out rescue knife, I would be looking for a sheepsfoot blade with partial serrated blade and a glass striker in the handle.
Lastly, an acquaintance of mine worked for several years as an EMT in an urban setting. I asked him why he carried an outrageous and (even to my eyes) scary looking Spyderco. As he explained it to me, he said that it is often the case that they arrive on a scene before police protection does. They weren't allowed to carry any self defense weapon of any sort but were allowed to carry a rescue/utility knife. So, they're preference was to carry the scariest looking knife possible as a way to demonstrate to unlookers (some of whom may have attacked the injured party and who may want to attack the EMTs) that they were armed.
For me, the story is a reminder that it's not just that sheeple recoil from knives, but that knives can be designed and used specifically because they look scary.
EDITED to add: I find more people recoil from my traditional Buck 110 and 112 than they do from knives with drop point blade like my Buck 500 and de-clipped Opinels. Odd isn't it? I suspect they see the extreme clip profile of the 110/112 as being more weapon like, and given that the shape is optimized for piercing flesh, they aren't entirely wrong.
