- Joined
- May 31, 2009
- Messages
- 49
This past weekend I had the privilege to hike and canoe the Okefenokee Swamp. My knives of choice, the Gerber Gator II and the Gerber Magnum LST. Both of these knives represent the classic Gerber tradition in my opinion. Still made in the USA, the Gator II and the Magnum LST ring with nostalgia. I grew up using these Gerbers in the field. I am well aware of Gerber’s downfall and since then I have not touched a Gerber knife until I bought the LMF II almost three years ago. Upon using the LMF II I figured maybe Gerber did still have something to offer. I was right.
Gerber Gator II
Carrying System
Gerber Gator II Sheath (Left) Magnum LST Sheath (Right)
I will admit that the sheaths for the Gerber Gator II and Magnum LST are poor in quality. I know, judging by Gerber’s older ballistic nylon sheaths, which were fantastic and much like the pre 2004 Old Timer nylon sheaths, that Gerber could offer us a lot more in this area. If they would just put in a few more bucks for some longer lasting nylon and a few more stiches. Now the Magnum LST sheath has more stitching than the Gator sheath and seems more durable. Don’t ask me. The Gator II sheath has a plastic liner, which is nice, but I think the belt loop would come right off if I pulled hard enough. Luckily these knives are light enough to throw in a vest pocket, the front or back pocket of your pants. I slipped the Gator in my front pocket for work and it felt light and was easy to carry.
Edge Retention
Almost two weeks in and the edge still cuts like new. I spent two weeks of cutting cardboard, half inch rubber tubing and rope. Today I cut a drain hose on a washer straight through like butter. This knife also shaves a great feather stick. I have had some well known knives by top knife companies lose edge faster than this Gator II. I will not name those companies becuase that's not why I'm here. I did not baton anything, not with a folder and I'm not at all curious if the Gerber Gator II could take batonning. I basically use a folder for the many minor chores of the outdoors and work.
Comfort and Grip
This is got to be one of the most comfortable knives I have ever held. I am sure all of you know of or have at least heard of the comfort of Gerber’s famed gator grip, which is not lacking at all. Even wet I could feel that this knife wasn’t going anywhere. The gator grip also provides security when opening one handed. This brings me to my next topic.
Opening and Closing
Unlike the original Gators, the Gator II features a one hand opening design. It’s just a simple thumb hole added in the blade. Quick, easy and smooth. That’s how this one opens. I guess it depends on the size of one’s hands. Depending on where the hole is on the blade, sometimes I find myself adjust grip midstream on some one hand opening knives. The hole on the Gator II is in the perfect position for me. It’s just as easy to close, but watch your fingers. While most lock backs have the locks positioned on the spine near the butt, the lock on the Gator II is in the middle of the spine causing you to put your thumb or index and middle finger in way of the blade to provide the necessary pressure to release the blade, but there is a half stop before the blade closes. For safety I suppose. You can also open the blade much like many open their Buck 110s by pinching the spine of the handle and flicking the blade open in a downward motion.
Closing the Gator II
The Half Stop
It does what a good folder is supposed to do. Stays sharp, cuts, and maintains durabilty for many of your work and outdoor tasks. To be this light and still maintain the necessary strength of a good work knife. That says alot. And it's because of these qualities I could put this in my if I had to choose just one list. All for just $49.95 at Bass Pro.
SN
Gerber Gator II
Carrying System
Gerber Gator II Sheath (Left) Magnum LST Sheath (Right)
I will admit that the sheaths for the Gerber Gator II and Magnum LST are poor in quality. I know, judging by Gerber’s older ballistic nylon sheaths, which were fantastic and much like the pre 2004 Old Timer nylon sheaths, that Gerber could offer us a lot more in this area. If they would just put in a few more bucks for some longer lasting nylon and a few more stiches. Now the Magnum LST sheath has more stitching than the Gator sheath and seems more durable. Don’t ask me. The Gator II sheath has a plastic liner, which is nice, but I think the belt loop would come right off if I pulled hard enough. Luckily these knives are light enough to throw in a vest pocket, the front or back pocket of your pants. I slipped the Gator in my front pocket for work and it felt light and was easy to carry.
Edge Retention
Almost two weeks in and the edge still cuts like new. I spent two weeks of cutting cardboard, half inch rubber tubing and rope. Today I cut a drain hose on a washer straight through like butter. This knife also shaves a great feather stick. I have had some well known knives by top knife companies lose edge faster than this Gator II. I will not name those companies becuase that's not why I'm here. I did not baton anything, not with a folder and I'm not at all curious if the Gerber Gator II could take batonning. I basically use a folder for the many minor chores of the outdoors and work.
Comfort and Grip
This is got to be one of the most comfortable knives I have ever held. I am sure all of you know of or have at least heard of the comfort of Gerber’s famed gator grip, which is not lacking at all. Even wet I could feel that this knife wasn’t going anywhere. The gator grip also provides security when opening one handed. This brings me to my next topic.
Opening and Closing
Unlike the original Gators, the Gator II features a one hand opening design. It’s just a simple thumb hole added in the blade. Quick, easy and smooth. That’s how this one opens. I guess it depends on the size of one’s hands. Depending on where the hole is on the blade, sometimes I find myself adjust grip midstream on some one hand opening knives. The hole on the Gator II is in the perfect position for me. It’s just as easy to close, but watch your fingers. While most lock backs have the locks positioned on the spine near the butt, the lock on the Gator II is in the middle of the spine causing you to put your thumb or index and middle finger in way of the blade to provide the necessary pressure to release the blade, but there is a half stop before the blade closes. For safety I suppose. You can also open the blade much like many open their Buck 110s by pinching the spine of the handle and flicking the blade open in a downward motion.
Closing the Gator II
The Half Stop
It does what a good folder is supposed to do. Stays sharp, cuts, and maintains durabilty for many of your work and outdoor tasks. To be this light and still maintain the necessary strength of a good work knife. That says alot. And it's because of these qualities I could put this in my if I had to choose just one list. All for just $49.95 at Bass Pro.
SN
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