Applegate-Fairbain Covert

R

RedTwin1

Joined
Jan 12, 1999
Messages
33
Whatever happened to the Covert? I remember rave reviews on this knife when it first came out, yet I can't seem to find mention of one now. From what I've been able to gather, both the original folder and the Covert are now out of production. What happened to such a well-known knife that it has vanished from the market?

I have managed to track one down, and I'm planning on purchasing it over the next few days, but I'm still curious. Can the origina l combat folder and it's smaller sibling keep up with more modern offerings?

As always, any help would be appreciated.

Ted Stewart (Twitch)

PS: I've been out of the loop for about six months now. Feels good to be back in the middle of things!
 
I had that knife since it came out and it still kicks a**.
wink.gif
 
Your right, that knife seemed to of completely dissapeared.
I was never a big fan of it myself, but I know a lot of people who were. Did they stop making them or just not gettign much exposure?
 
I know of a place that has the full size in stock for $85. I don't think they've been discontinued, but then I've been outta the loop for a while too. I've got a pair of the originals, very sweet knives IMO.
 
They have still have them listed in Gerber's website. Check it out at www.gerberblades.com
I don't think they sell anything direct, but hey ahve a list of online retailers.

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Fix it right the first time, use Baling Wire !
 
I picked up the one and only Covert I've been able to find in my area. Apart from the serrations, which I don't really need, I'm impressed with it.

This isn't turning into a review, though. I'm still curious as to what happened to the line. Gerber might still be producing them, since they're listed on the home page, but it looks like knife shops aren't buying them any more.

Ted Stewart
 
As far as I know, they are still making coverts. But, I can tell you what happened to them: they are old news.

C'mon guys, those who buy so-called "tactical" knives buy alot of them, and they want the latest and greatest. (You know who you are.) The speed of evolution for "tactical" knives is faster than for computer processors.

Let's see, ATS-34, thermoplastic handles, and liner lock? That is *so* 1998. You need G-10 or carbon fiber handles, titanium liners, BG-42 (or CPM 440, or talonite, or holy grailite, or best yet "unobtainium") blade, a lock design that didn't exist eight months ago, and Star Wars-reject styling to get a jaded End Line User to even pick one up.

:-)

I'm not a crank - I've got a covert. The lock safety is a great idea, it's a smooth liner lock, and the grip has very good ergonomics. I'm not a neo-luddite; I got a BM 705 and the axis lock is a great step forward IMHO. But lately I've been packing a simple AG Russell One-Hand knife with cheap zytel handles, no pocket clip and (gasp!) an AUS-8 blade. As Homer Simpson would whine, "But it's so light and thin!"

Cheers
 
I suppose you're right, but it's still unfortunate to see the knife industry swept by the sensationalism that seems to be overwhelming our society.

Of course, there are a few of us who still appreciate the classics, and maybe there are just enough to keep them in circulation.

It looks I have my answer. Thanks for your help, everyone!

Ted Stewart
"Another knife, and deeper in debt"
 
I'm not buying anymore tacticals. I do consider A/F's to have Classic potential, the sooner that they are discontinued the better, as far as the value on my knives goes.
wink.gif
 
The first production run Covert (the one with the lock button on the side) was and is a great knife: if you are L handed.

The ergonomics are entirely left handed. This managed to get to market as a right handed knife for some strange reason; after a while Gerber realized their mistake and redesigned the knife, placing the lock at the tang area. I haven't had a chance to examine the new type, but love the original type, which I carry in my L front jeans pocket. I have given a couple of them away to L handed friends. Walt
 
A local NICA knife dealer near me (Whittler's Bench) has a Gerber Covert with a Black-T coated blade. The owner says it is there new model to compete with other manufactures. Other than the blade coating, I can see no differences.

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Matt
If you are not living on the edge, then you are taking up to much room!
AKTI member# A000233
NKCA member# 33662

[This message has been edited by Q-ball (edited 03-30-2000).]
 
The Gerber Covert has always been, and continues to be one of my favorites, and I am an outspoken critic of the liner lock. They are still in production, and most likely available from any Gerber dealer.

My current one is the second generation with the lock-lock mechanism built into the pivot area. It is very intuitive to operate, and works perfectly, making the Covert a very reliable one-handed folder.

The blade shape is very versatile (I prefer the flat single ground blade), and the heat treat of the ATS-34 is sound. I have done some destructive edge testing on several ATS-34 knives, and the Covert was among the most durable. The handle construction, glass impregnated Nylon over stainless steel liners, is very solid, one of the most notable tactile impressions the knife gives, and very durable. Molded handles have the advantage over G-10, Micarta, and Carbon Fiber in that they can be molded into ergonomic shapes rather than being limited to that of a flat slab. Function, thankfully, never goes out of fashion.
 
I snatched up the full-sized folder when they came out & was really tickled at first- then the legal carry size issue here in NYC and some issues w/ lock strength had me leaving at home. Bummer. Then comes the Covert- Bingo, problem solved- but as mentioned in a prior post, the lefty setup had me a little perplexed- plus I had a hard time adjusting to the little opening studs- I was carrying a Wegner for a while & the stud/spydiehole transition bugged me. I sold or traded it a while back. Wish now that I hadn't- as PhilL mentioned- it may have "classic" value someday...

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Runs With Scissors
AKTI# A000107
 
I have a covert that I carry with me everywhere. I love it. I also have the full size folder, but I prefer the covert over the biggy because of its weight and innerlock (in addition to the linerlock) system. The full size is just too big and it lacks a pocket clip. The covert is actually a pretty popular folder amongst my peer group (but then again, most of them don't carry blades anyway).

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SFC

"Is it easier to fight them or to kill them?"
 
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