Gerber BMF

[The General]

A little while ago I managed to source this knife from a good friend in the UK. This was the first 'proper' large quality fixed blade I ever saw and I always regreted not having the cash all those years ago and letting it slip by. Well when it was discontinued I was gutted!

My question is this, after giving this knife a good satin hand polished finish, I like it a lot more, anyone else done this with GB finishes?

Secondly anyone actually used this knife in the field? 440a at 54-55 aught to be quite tough?

Thanks.

 

[not2sharp]

I purchased my first one during the initial year that they were produced and I have been using them since. The sawback is nearly worthless, although I have found it useful for some minor tasks. The blade can take an edge, has excellent stain resistence, and works well enough. Edge holding is so-so but it sharpens up fast enough on a ceramic stick. I really like the sheath and especially the handle on these knives.

It is a good working knife. Like any other knife, it has limitations. The knife, as balanced, is a poor chopper; it has a fragile point (no biggie - but expect to loose about 1/16" when used); and, care should be taken when using it to chop through bone. Although, I have had no problem with the BMF, my LMF chipped badly while trying to chop through bone. Used with reasonable care the knife will serve you well for years.

n2s

 

[The General]

Thanks! Its good to know, that while it would not probably be a serious carry (as I have far far better blades) it is not a poor knife.

I am unsure over the handle though, if feels a bit to 'big' in my grip. But perhaps this padding gives a better level of comfort? Have you found you got used to it? Perhaps you have bigger hands than me!

 

[rev_jch]

I got one back in the 80's when they first came out. The only real disappointment was the handle was useless when it came to bearing down, or chopping. Otherwise i have always liked its looks. The sheath was nice!!!

I used it for a year as a camping knife, but couldnt get over its uselesness as a chopper, so I substituted it for a w-49 (which worked much better as a camper).

 

[Jim Craig]

The BMF was my first real knife. I have used it to cut, hack, chop and stab everything I could get my hands on. Even the saw got used, mostly for cutting notches in poles for shelters, but occassionaly to cut fire wood into short lengths. Then I split them with the BMF. The steel does not hold it's edge like some others, but it will get you through a few days of use, and sharpening is easy. The shetah is excellent. The handle was a little to big for me, but a black bear chewed on it one night, so I reprofiled it with a file, and it was great. It does offer quite a bit for a knife so overlooked. While it is certainly no Busse, it ain't junk, either. I finally traded mine last week, and I know Terry will enjoy it just as I did.