I am looking for a decent quality, reasonably priced folder for general purpose camping, hunting, and fishing use. I recently saw one of these in the local Walmart store and was very impressed with the ergonomics and secure grip of the handle. I have not been able to find the type of steel that they use. The model in Walmart did not have a thumb stud, opening hole, or even a fingernail groove to assist in opening. I have noticed on the SMKW web site that a Gator with a stud is available for $7 or $8 more. Does anyone have any eperience with either a Gator or a Stud Gator? Is the Stud Gator worth the extra money to assist in opening or does the stud rest too close to the handle in the closed position to offer convenient opening? Thanks.
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Gator Opinions
- Thread starter Rob64
- Start date
- Joined
- Jan 28, 2001
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- 3,709
I recently saw a Gator with thumb studs at a Bass Pro shop near Atlanta, Georgia. I think it should prove to be popular. The steel on the standard Gator was 440A, but Gerber also has an ATS-34 drop point version (sans stud). They're available in plain or partially serrated.
The Gator Stud is only available in clip point format and the steel is 420HC according to Gerber's site.
It's a good usable steel also used by Buck and Camillus. Although it does not hold an edge as long as ATS-34, it's tough, sharpens easy and is more corrosion resistant. I too like the ergonomics of the Gator and I think it was a good idea to upgrade it with thumbstuds.
The Gator Stud is only available in clip point format and the steel is 420HC according to Gerber's site.
It's a good usable steel also used by Buck and Camillus. Although it does not hold an edge as long as ATS-34, it's tough, sharpens easy and is more corrosion resistant. I too like the ergonomics of the Gator and I think it was a good idea to upgrade it with thumbstuds.
I have owned a couple of the Gators. For the price they are a good utility knife. I recomend the ATS-34. The thumb stud is a fairly recent addition, and really unneccesary. The weight of the blade makes this knife a great one hand "snap" opener. Just a flick of the wrist and the blade securley locks in place. Over all this is a good "bang for the buck" knife....
The Magician
Illusionist
- Joined
- Jan 19, 2000
- Messages
- 1,580
I took a Gator on a cross country motorcycle trip and it performed great. For the price and availabilty they are fine. Most of us are just caught up in the newer stuff right now.
- Joined
- Feb 7, 2000
- Messages
- 6,673
I noticed that the Gator weighs a couple of ounces more than the Spyderco Endura lightweight. Something to consider, perhaps. Or not.
I do like the drop-point design on the Gators though. And, to me, no hole or nail-nick or stud, is a positive. Something nice about a clean blade and getting it open with one hand is no problem, really.
Anyone care to comment on Gerber's heat-treating of their ATS-34? Do they do a good job of it?
I do like the drop-point design on the Gators though. And, to me, no hole or nail-nick or stud, is a positive. Something nice about a clean blade and getting it open with one hand is no problem, really.
Anyone care to comment on Gerber's heat-treating of their ATS-34? Do they do a good job of it?
. With enough practice you can thumb it out even without the thumb stud.