Anybody remember this?

[safetyman]

This is a Gerber folder that look very similar to a Buck. It's a hand-me-down from my father who bought it back in the late-60's when he joined the Navy. I was wondering if anyone recognizes this knife and/or has any information they want to share about it. I would love to learn more about it as far as the type of steel and what wood was used in the inlays. Thanks!!!

 

[SIFU1A]

its a gerber FS2 (folding sportsman), i still have 2 myself, it was the one to have back in the '70s for sure, a little thinner and "smoother" than a buck 110, also more expensive, IIRC they ran $40 or so back when bucks ran $20.

dont know about the wood or steel, they did make a couple of different blade shapes i have a bowie looking one and a drop point one.

i havent carried mine in probably 15 yrs lol.

 

[Loosearrow]

Have mine still. Was in the Marines in 1970. The Buck was too heavy for pocket carry but the thin Gerber was always carried in back pocket next to the wallet. Blade has a bit of wobble from being young and abusing it but the advantage was that I could flip it open with one hand and it locked. Remember that this was pre thumb stud, spydie hole etc. It worked for me.

 

[stainless]

I have the smaller version. I found one at the flea market in mint condition for $10. The blade has a mirror finish. Does anyone know what steel the blade is made of.

 

[knarfeng]

Yes, I remember them. I have a smaller version. Edge holding isn't fantastic, but the lockup is rock solid. I've never really used it all that much.

The steel was Gerber's infamous "surgical stainless". Which sounded way fancy in those days. Not sure that anyone could tell you what Gerber used in that time period. They never revealed it AFAIK.

Don't know what wood was used for the inlays.

 

[safetyman]

Thanks guys! Surgical stainless huh? Sounds technical and I would have bought it for sure if I came across it, was 17, and joining the Navy like my father did. Good thing he enlisted in Portland or else he probably wouldn't have come across this thing . Like it was said above the lock on this thing is so bulletproof it rivals or even beats the lockup on my Benchmades! Too bad I haven't used it yet and I'm not sure if I am. I consider it an heirloom of sorts so I think it'll stay in the house for now....

 

[Mick R.]

Great old Gerber you have there. Back in the late 60's Gerber and Puma were making the best production knives in the world. It's a real shame, but most of the stuff they produce now is a disgrace compared to what they put out in the 60's, 70's, and early 80's.

Here's a couple of Gerbers I bought back in the early seventies. (A stag folding sportsman and a Gerber Folding Magnum. Pay no attention to the Bear MGC folder - It was one of those impulse buys that I got on ebay) .

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[Seals]

They are,or were great knives.Al Mar worked for Gerber then and designed some great stuff for them.Not sure about that F.S. series,but that deep finger groove knife sure looks like his.You should hang on to that thing.