Failed LMF2

Easy does it guys, no need for the sarcastic replies and such. People make mistakes and move on, no big deal.
 
I've seen multiple reviews of the LMF2 where the plastic has broken in the same place as the OP describes. Something to consider when talking about this knife.
 
I have one. Still working. The plastic breaking, did it take a hard direct hit? Afterwards was the knife still useable or damaged too much? I ask as im trying to figure out how much it could take and still be used if at all after that plastic broke. Thanks.
 
One was on gideontacticals channel. He accidentally hit it while batoning. I think the knife was still usable and gerber did replace it. Still, for a hard use knife to start disintegrating under lite batoning is a bit unsettling.
 
No hit to the plastic but again it is a little over 2yrs old and has been used a lot. Yes I would still have considered it useable, it was not falling out by any means, but once it started moving I contacted Gerber customer service and they advised they would replace it and pay the shipping from them to me, I paid $12 to ship it to them... I think that was fair..
 
I never batoned with the knife, knowing it was partial tang and with the make of the handle it is clear they did not design it for that use.. With the handle designed as it is and the grip near the butt end being much like the feel of a BK2, chopping with the LMF2 felt natural and it was actually a great chip thrower. When I get the replacement knife though I wont use it to chop but then again I most likely will rarely carry it, it will be a backup in the truck..
 
I just purchased the Gerber Stongarm...If you like the Design go with that.. Personally if it isn't Full tang I wouldn't do any Batoning unless that was my last Resort.. Just my Opinion.
 
I just purchased the Gerber Stongarm...If you like the Design go with that.. Personally if it isn't Full tang I wouldn't do any Batoning unless that was my last Resort.. Just my Opinion.
 
*Just want to follow and say the replacement LMF2 arrived today, packaged with a new sheath and leg straps. I only expected the knife because they advised me not to send the sheath. Gerber customer service was easy to work with and gave no delay in the replacement process nor did they question how the damage occured.
 
I am trying to figure out why people think the length of the tang has anything whatsoever to do with the plastic at the guard breaking... ?

For the record, I've batonned with folders as well as with partial-tang Moras, there is nothing wrong with batonning a knife that is not full-tang. The LMFII is 3/4 tang. The problem you experienced would not be solved by a longer tang, would not be solved by switching to the Strongarm. The problem is that the glass-reinforced nylon (FRN) handle cracked at the guard. The Strongarm as well as the Prodigy both feature FRN at the guard as well. Unlike the BK2, the plastic of the Gerbers wraps all the way around the neck of the blade, and there is no fixture (bolt/screw) near the neck to secure it against flexing against that guard, the only fixture is at the tail-end of the tang. The FRN is insufficiently tough/flexible to handle the stress at the guard caused by excessive pounding. Perhaps Gerber should move to a tougher Zytel (FRN) like what Fallkniven uses in their knives. I've seen very few reports of cracked Fallkniven handles.

For the record, my LMFII is going strong, but there are a lot of other knives I'd choose over it for woods use, the BK16 being high on that list in the same price-range.

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I'm no fan of Gerber's products, but their customer service is top notch.
 
Just an observation on the broken guard, don't beat on the handle when batoning, hit the back of the blade. Many guys go crazy and start beating on a knife just to see if they can destroy it and guess what? They can. Use a little brain power with your tools and you will be fine.
 
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