Gerber Fred carter Utility I and II

[Gramps]

I think I've done my homework and checked past threads ( and ARCHIVES too ) ,and I can find no review or discussion regarding the GERBER FRED CARTER UTILITY Series. I have located a source for a more than reasonable price on each ( under $20...new ) ,but ,nonetheless, I don't want to throw away hard earned cash. The Utility I has an AUS8 blade with G10 handles and the Utility II sports a ATS-34 blade with a combination G10/aluminium grip. Is there someone who can comment on either of these knives or has had direct experience using them ? Thanks in advance for your response.

 

[Gramps]

Of course...... I need to say that my intention would be to use either of these knives in my everyday rotation as pocket utility pieces.

 

[Cosmic Superchunk]

I got to check out both knives at a local gun shop today. Very nice looking knives, razor sharp and they feel good in the hand. As is typical of Gerber International's made in Taiwan folders, the fit and finish is excellent. The pocket clips are positioned for tip down carry only, but they are removable. The AUS-8 version is bead blasted and has solid black G-10 scales, but the ATS-34 version has a nice satin finish and an aluminum/G-10 handle. I actually considered buying the ATS-34 version, but there was only thing that turned me off....The thin linerlock.

Yep, the linerlock is just too thin for my taste. I own a Gerber Air Ranger and I absolutely love it, but it's a small thin folder, so the linerlock fits right for the knife's size, but these Fred Carter folders are larger (longer handles) and have thin linerlocks. While I'm sure it would have no ill effect on the knife's performance during casual use, for my own peace of mind I would have preferred a slightly thicker lockbar.

 

[Gramps]

Thanks Cosmic...that helps !

I have the big brother....the Gerber Harsey Air Ranger II and they also use the same thin bar for the lock......however, Gerber in addition uses the LAWKS on the Air Ranger II. While probably too slow to be a defensive asset, to employ for everyday use, the LAWKS should be adequate to effectively reinforce the thin liner lock bar.

I too love my Air Ranger...the profile is so slim it practically melts into my pocket....but when I reach for it the textured handles grip back and AUS8 blade holds a fine edge and cuts with ease.

 

[Redguy]

My first modern tactical folder was a Gerber Fred carter Utility II. I loved it. It was sleek, elegant, stylish, and the ATS-34 blade held an edge much better than anything I owned that time. (My fixed blade was a Buck 639 and my folder was a S&W swingblade/funny folder before.) I thought Gerber was an outstanding company, so I bought it immediately when I saw it. It was not cheap, the price was around $140 in Hungarian money, but I was happy to own it for a few days.
But... it started to fall apart. The bolts and screws came undone, and the clip literally fell off! The linerlock failed after the slightest spine-whack, and the bladeplay was simply HUGE.
Note: the most abusive thing I cut with the knife was food and paper. Not even plastic.
I went back to the shop and demanded a new one, but after a few days this one gave me the same symptoms. It was beyond unrepairable so later I got my money back. No harm done this way, but I was disillusioned. I expected Gerber to make a quality product, just like Buck, Leatherman and other American companies, but the Fred Carter Utility II failed miserably. BTW, the blade was sharp, and stayed sharp for a long time, but after using Buck's BG-42, Camillus's 154CM and Fallkniven's VG-10 it doesn't look as impressive as before.

Fiskars is good at scissors, axes and stuff, but their knives are definately not worth it. I feel sorry for Gerber, this company supposed to be among the good ones 10-15 years ago.