Buck Odyssey vs Gerber EZ-Out

Cosmic Superchunk

Cosmic Superchunk

Joined
Jan 28, 2001
Messages
3,709
Hey folks, I've seen mostly high-end knives being compared to each other, but I hardly ever see comparisons of low-end folders. Especially 2 of the most popular knives sold in sporting goods shops. If you had to choose between the following, which one would you choose?

Buck Odyssey
Specs: Satin finish 420HC or ATS-34 blade, liner lock, thermoplastic handle with stainless steel liners and 3 round metal spacers on the spine of the handle, bronze washers, oval opening hole, stainless steel pocket clip.

Gerber EZ-Out
Specs: Matte finish 440A or ATS-34 blade, lock back, one piece Zytel handle, oval opening hole, stainless steel pocket clip.

Both sell for about the same price.

[This message has been edited by el cid (edited 05-15-2001).]
 
In ATS-34 they should be pretty equal. In the cheaper steels, I would take Buck's 420HC over Gerber's 440A ANYDAY. For a few bucks more you could get a FRN Spyderco and get good steel AND a good lock.

Paul
 
I would go with the Odyssey out of the two. But I also agree with Paul. Go for the Spyderco.
Good luck,
Matt
 
I owned an Odyssey, and my friend had an EZ out. I trust the Buck more. It has steel liners, which the Gerber does not. The blade on the Buck is NEEDLE SHARP. Maybe it could be my prejudice towards liner locks, but I think the Odyssey is worlds above the EZ out.

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Spydies... Bet you can't buy just one.
ICQ# 117419996
 
Although I've always wanted an EzOut (just...because), and I like lockbacks much more than liners, if someone were to ask me which one I'd like for free, I'd take the Buck.
- I know & trust Buck quality
- it's slicker looking
- EZ has hokey clip setup
- heard bad things about the EZ quality
 
I would choose the ATS-34 Buck. But I have to agree with the others on the Spyderco, since that is what is in my pocket right now.

Thanks!
 
The Odyssey is a great knife. I've had the 181 (ats-34,plastic scales) for around 6 months now and I'm really impressed with it. I've wondered why such a good value hasn't had more attention paid to it on the forums.
First of all, it's ats-34.
Second, it's put together very well. The handle is strong and sturdy, with two full stainless liners. The liners aren't all that thick, but the knife locks up very securely and has repeatedly passed the spine whack test without a problem. No blade play. The blade rides on what looks like two bronze washers. The pivot pin looks like it's adjustable with a special spanner-type tool. I could probably rig something up for that if I had to, but I haven't had the need to do so because the present adjustment is just fine. The ball-bearing detent keeps the blade shut very well ( better than on my Spyderco Starmate), and the blade opens smoothly.
The thermoplastic handles have a mild texture that sort of mimics g-10. The handle shape, while kind of unusual, has a nice look to it and is comfortable in the hand. The blade has a substantial choil, like my Spyderco Native, and gives good control of the knife.
The oval thumb hole works very well, at least as good as the round Spyderco hole.
There are a few things about the knife I don't like. The bevel on the blade is too thick. It should start higher up on the blade
and come to a thinner edge. I've been thinning it out myself. Once in a while I'll take a small cheap stone and grind away at the bevel by hand. It's getting there. Also, the tip is quite narrow, too narrow for my liking. For that, I ground down the tip a bit, shaping it into sort of a mini tanto tip.
In total, the Odyssey is a well done knife and is a great value for the money.
As to the Gerber EZ Out, I looked at one in a store and wasn't impressed. I guess it's okay, but the Odyssey is way better. And since the two knives both cost the same when they have the same steel, I'd say the Odyssey is the one to get.
 
ive got an odysey,and love it.
before an acquaintance totally f@cked up the blade,it would shave.also have to add,that as previously mentioned,the tip is extremely sharp.

for some reason i have also always wanted an easy out,dont know why.but for now, i thin k ill keep my buck,even if the blade is shot to hell.
 
Threads like this drive me crazy! Are there no Gerber owners reading this thread, or willing to take the time to post? Are they embarrassed because everyone else has said Buck? Are they so non-commital about their knives that they feel they have nothing to add? Do they hate them totally, but don't want to admit they made a buying mistake?

Brand loyalty is a funny thing. While I tend to be amused or more by some examples of it, given the choice without seeing either knife would certainly result in my choosing the Gerber. My roughly 15-yr old LST is amazingly well preserved. The "flimsy" FRN handles are nearly new looking. I've never abused a blade so bad as this one, in terms of not cleaning it up after use, and leaving juice/whatever on the blade for days/weeks at a time. There isn't a single spot anywhere on the blade. (Of course, I keep remembering the "expert" vote on steels in Blade Magazine in the last year where 440A tied for first as the best all-around steel.

In looking at them, the Buck certainly looks better. However, for long term cutting, I think the Gerber would be more ergonomic, and the Gerber blade much more utilitarian than the Buck.

For self-defense, would choose the Buck in a heartbeat. For a user/abuser knife, the Gerber for sure!

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Asi es la vida

Bugs
 

A friend of mine has two of the Bucks. One with the G-10 scales. These knives are very impressive! I have to confess, I am not very partial to Buck knives(Just not my style) but these knives are a perfect design. They are comfortable, strong and razor sharp. You would be really impressed in the quality and sturdiness of this knife, I know I was.

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Louis Buccellato
http://www.themartialway.com
Knives, Weapons and equipment. Best prices anywhere.
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"only the paranoid will survive"
 
I would go with the Gerber. A good lockback is a pretty reliable and time tested system, and I would rather have 440A than 420HC. It is far from the greatest knife in the world, but, none-the-less it's a reliable and inexpensive alternative.
 
Bugs3x wrote:
>"My roughly 15-yr old LST is amazingly well preserved. The 'flimsy' FRN handles are nearly new looking. I've never abused a blade so bad as this one, in terms of not cleaning it up after use, and leaving juice/whatever on the blade for days/weeks at a time. There isn't a single spot anywhere on the blade. (Of course, I keep remembering the 'expert' vote on steels in Blade Magazine in the last year where 440A tied for first as the best all-around steel."

====================

Sure, the LSTs are good knives. But I'd be willing to bet that a Gerber made 15 years ago is a whole different animal than one made today. While I agree that the EZ Out is a better utility-design, IMHO, in my mind there's no question that the Buck wins for quality. ('Course who am I to say? I'd forget either one and buy a Spyderco Delica or Endura instead.)
 
440-A may very well be decent blade steel. I have three Gerbers and one SOG in 440-A. Of the four, the SOG and the older (when Pete Gerber ran the show) LST are FAR better than the recent LST and Gator mate. The LST is a great design. It deserves better treatment than it's presently getting.

Paul
 
Paul, I'm confused - should the LST be getting better treatment from Gerber or the market?

The design was cutting edge when it was the first Zytel handle, but now it's kind of passe, unless you're really turned on by thumb-nick plain jane zytel lockbacks. I'm sure Gerber still sells 'em, but they have moved on with their line as well.
 
I don't buy liner locks, and especially low-end liner locks. As a result, for me personally, the Odyssey wouldn't even make my list of knives for consideration.

There are some things I love about the Gerber E-Z Out. The blade shape is extremely versatile. I love the handles and how they feel. The jellybean-shaped hole is better than a thumb stud, though not as good as Spyderco's round hole. My one concern about the E-Z Out is that in the older versions, the backspring on the lock was just *way* too loose. Is it a nice firm lock now? It doesn't need to be as stiff as, say, a Buck 110, but there should be some stiffness to it. My older version is spongey.

Unless Gerber has improved their lockbacks, there is no question that I would buy a Spyderco delica or endura instead. If the Gerber's backsprings are stiffer now, I feel that would be a fine choice.
 
Very interesting responses. I own both, but I've never heard any comments on these knives. Personally, I was impressed with the Odyssey. Yes, it's not a high-end folder, but the lock-up is solid and there is no blade play whatsoever. Not bad for a knife that retails for about $30.00 US (420HC version). I also like the EZ-Out for the blade shape, however, I never liked the way the pocket clip was attached to the pivot screw. I have to admit, I am partial to liner locks, and my favourite all time Zytel handled folder was the Benchmade Panther. I carried one with a Weehawk blade for several years until it was stolen. Too bad it was discontinued even though I had hoped Benchmade would redesign the pocket clip (it was attached to the pivot screw too.)
 
The lockup on the Gerber EZ-Out sucks. Barely tap the back of the blade and it will fold. Otherwise, it's a nice knife. A couple of other nice, inexpensive folders are the Kershaw Liner Action and the Meyerco Bolt Action. Both sell for under $30. www.midsouthshooterssupply.com
 
I picked up an EZ Out ATS-34 a few months ago. Got a good price at a local sporting goods store. Have rotated it regularly as my EDC. The blade shape is quite good, with oversized choil for "choking up". The lock up is as tight as any I own, much more secure than a liner lock, excepting the CRKT Kasper with LAWK system.



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GronK
Just 'cause yer paranoid don't mean someone ain't out to get ya!
 
I can't comment on the buck, but I've handled the EZ-out a few times and liked it well enough. I know lots of people who carry them for a daily user. I've thought about picking one up in ATS34 ever since they come out but have never gotten it done.
As far as Gerber products are concerned. I'm a huge fan of their multi locks and would take them over a leatherman any day. Nothing wrong with leatherman, but the sturdiness,features, and price of the gerber make it the clear winner. And I've always thought their knives were great for the people who are looking for a reliable affordable knife.

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I may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer... but I've got the sharpest knife in the room.
 
On a lark, I picked up an ATS-34 GATOR and put it on my belt. For its pricepoint, I have been impressed. At this pricepoint, I wouldn't consider a liner lock for normal everyday carry.

Stay Sharp,
Sid
 
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