Gerber A/F Covert - Sharpening the False Edge

Chang

Chang

Joined
Oct 9, 1998
Messages
1,767
Are there any problems with sharpening the false edge on the Gerber Covert? Is it possible to cut yourself with it when it is closed? Thinking about getting one to make it double edged. Haven't got one in person to look at, so that's why I have to ask this dumb question that could be solved by looking to see if the false edge sticks out.

And by problems I don't mean legal problems, I realize that double edged knives are looked down upon by the law.

------------------
Chang the Asian Janitorial Apparatus
 
It can be done and is safe since the blade lies beneath the scales when closed. However, I would think, "why bother?" I'd sooner buy a double bladed fixed fighter.

Some people trash this knife and I can't blame them considering its somewhat high MSRP price. It frequently sold for $100+. By today's standards it's only worth $70.

I think much of the money goes towards Gerber's advertising, and royalties to Colonel Applegate's estate.

The most appealing feature is that you can adjust the blade tension to your liking with a simple allen key.

I have mine at the point that it has no blade-play, and does not accidentally fold out. Yet, I can get the blade to snap out just by nudging the thumbstud. Alternatively, I can get the blade to snap out just by holding the knife and bobbing my hand at the wrist. It's almost like having an automatic.

Most liked: menacing "Italian stiletto" styling, frighteningly FAST opening, safety, use of allen fasteners allows you to tweak blade tension.

Least liked: liners seem rather thin, opening could be smoother (needs a synthetic washer on safety side).

I'm hoping the new Gerber Michael Walker folder is much better.
 
I wouldn't sharpen the top edge. You might think the blade lies flat inside the liner but it only takes that one time when it works its way up just a teensy bit and your reaching for it thinking good thoughts and you start to wonder what that slickness is on the knife. Damn you say did something get spilled on the scales and then you look and that something is red.
Bob
 
A friend of mine has the false edge on his Covert sharpened, & usually (when he carries it) has it clipped inside his pants, rather than outside or sheathed. So on the Covert, I'd have to say it's going to be OK/safe to continue using w/ the 2nd edge sharp.
I've got the full-size version, I wouldn't want to do it. The false edge just barely creeps out of the handle.

------------------
Yeah, well, people ... They're just not my bag
 
In general, I would say the negatives far outweight the positives. I have the single edge version myself. They are a much nicer utility knife with a single edge, and the second edge doesn't really improve penetration that significantly.
 
I have been carrying a Covert with a sharpened top edge for about 7 months now with no problems. But I did spend a month or two "getting aquainted" with the knife before I sharpened the other side. In praise of the knife, it does have one of the smoothest and easiest "flip" openings of any folder I have handled. The full size versions are a different story. On some of them, the blade lies fully in the handle. On others, it is partially exposed. Now if only they would make a full size with the inner lock.

------------------
"I am not, really."
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top