Better version of a Gerber Instant

[mnblade]

A buddy of mine was talking about wanting a Gerber Instant. I told him that knife gets a lot of poor-to-mediocre reviews and that I'd try to find him a similar knife from a more reputable manufacturer. Any suggestions, guys? Maybe some Benchmade?

He wasn't specific, but I think his budget is up to $120 or so. Pretty sure he doesn't carry too much about the lock type, but he like the looks of the Instant; the blade profile. This really isn't my area of knife expertise, so many thanks in advance.

 

[chiral.grolim]

A buddy of mine was talking about wanting a Gerber Instant. I told him that knife gets a lot of poor-to-mediocre reviews and that I'd try to find him a similar knife from a more reputable manufacturer. Any suggestions, guys? Maybe some Benchmade?

He wasn't specific, but I think his budget is up to $120 or so. Pretty sure he doesn't carry too much about the lock type, but he like the looks of the Instant; the blade profile. This really isn't my area of knife expertise, so many thanks in advance.

There is a LOT to like about the Gerber Instant, I've almost bought it more than once. You might suggest he get it from a reputable retailer (brick-and-mortar if necessary) to whom he can return it if he doesn't like it after trying it out for a while.
Unfortunately the Instant was built without a safety-switch to keep the blade from springing opening by accident - this caused a recall and fix, making the spring better engage the tang to hold it closed which makes it more difficult to open *shrug*. That spring is also the only thing keeping the blade closed, so it cannot be de-assisted. When open, users can accidentally disengage the lock - again, not an issue when there is a safety - for which it has been subject to a recall...

The Gerber Propel (USA made) has none of these defects, but it does not have the blade/handle shape of the Instant and it's larger/heavier.

The Gerber Order has a similar blade-shape ("harpoon" clip-point), but it is a lightweight liner-less design if that concerns you, it's also not A/O (my preference), and the pocket-clip is rather excessive. Still I use one regularly (on me now).

The Hogue EX01 and EX03 are available in harpoon-tanto, but a bit more expensive (you might find one for ~$120 with some looking):

Benchmade has the Mini-Onslaught but again hard to find for ~$120 and that pocket-clip...:

Those are some ideas, but nothing beats trying a knife out to determine its advantages and disadvantages for yourself. The Instant is a good-looking knife.

 

[strategy9]

The steel itself used in the gerber instant isn't a bad steel, it's a real basic stainless, identical to 440a with the small addition of nickle, and it makes a decent budget blade when properly heat treated... That said however, unfortunately Gerber has gotten many complaints (myself included) regarding the performance of their steel especially in their lower end production Knives, so I would venture to say he's better off with anything but a $40 Gerber...

If he wants a lower cost budget blade, Boker Magnum uses 440a, almost identical steel, and has better quality control and consistency in their end product then what's become of Gerber...

Very Comparable styles; almost identical steels, both made in china, I'd veture to bet that a <$20 assisted Boker Magnum 01RY223 in 440a steel 97/100 times delivers a better performing knife all around, then a Gerber Instant in 7cr17mov steel, that cost twice the price.

5.11 Tactical ARK has a tanto and a recurve model in aus8 steel. Made in Taiwan.
-the recurve is nearly identical to the Gerber instant in blade shape/profile, but more then a half inch bigger. Not assisted but 4way clip allows for RH/LH - tip up or down carry.

If he really wants assisted and a deep pocket clip, take a look at the Kershaw Thermite; great knife, 8cr13mov steel is comparable to the 7cr, a bit more of a complex alloy, but Kershaw has better quality control and consistency then Gerber also, esp. Regarding the lower end Chinese manufactured models.

A few others to consider at the higher end going upwards to $100, all with "similar" blade profiles;

SOG zoom drop point (assisted)
Aus8 steel, made in Taiwan

SOG toothlock (manual) in VG-10 steel, made in Japan

Kizer ki3304B in s35vn steel

Bear OPS mc100-b7-T in s30v, made in USA

Benchmade Griptillian, Mini Grip in 154cm, or H&K axis lock in d2 (made by Benchmade) all made in USA.

 

[mnblade]

Thanks, guys. A lot of food for thought here. :thumbup:

 

[EricV]

There is also the Kershaw Dimension, and I think Benchmade had an HK model with a button lock for a while. The Hogue ones are some of the best made button lock knives you'll find though.

 

[collim1]

Kershaw Blur would be my choice.

 

[strategy9]

I second the Blur, great knife. My go to EDC...


I focused on Knives more similar to the Gerber Instant design in terms of style, profile, etc. as per the op. But if he will go for a Blur, then he won't be disappointed.

 

[cross1178]

Not sure if autos are legal where our at, or his thing, but the new launch series autos from Kershaw are a pretty amazing value. Received my launch 1 and I was expecting a little blade play and budget auto fit and finish, and I was pleasantly surprised it was perfect. Good steel in a well built auto for under $100, it's hard to go wrong. However, with that budget, there are a whole lot of great knives with much better steel than the Gerber as well.