Gerber Gator Machete

MrCoffee

MrCoffee

Joined
Feb 17, 2007
Messages
2,304
Been looking to get a Machete of sorts, and if I remember correctly, Jeff reviewed the Gerber Gator in ...? Tactical Knives? Blade Magazine? Don't remember... and I can't remeber if it was a positive review or not. FleaBay has them for $21, and I am wondering if it is a good choice or not.
 
I got a Cold Steel Kukri Machete for $20. I haven't received it yet. Should be today (UPS comes around 5pm though). However, it looked really promising in the destruction test.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_m4xErfJXw Part 1 goes up through part 6
He also has a destruction test on an RC-4. This is what made me decide to buy a Rat :)
 
I have one (the 18" version) and like it a lot. Works great on cactus and briars in Texas :)
In denser vegetation, you may want to look at the longer models. I think that light-weight, longer Condors and Tramotina's would work well too.
 
I don't own one, but have read several reviews that weren't all that positive (I don't remember I'd one of them was Jeff's or not). It has a fairly small tang, and the handle can fail under hard use. Then again, it's not exactly expensive, either, so you don't have a lot to lose.
 
I got a Gator and it worked well... till I lost it :(

It is better for these East Texas vines and brush than my CS Kukri. I too would go for a long one for dense vegitation. the saw on the back isn't worth much IMO and just makes it more dangerous. Although I liked it, I think there are better and cheaper ones on the market. the sheath that came with it is very nice and holds up well.
 
I don't know why you wouldn't concider a brand "O" machete, the temper on it is near perfect, and it costs next to nothing. Buy it, and then have it, or do it yourself, re-handled. I think total supplies on my rehandle job were about 30 bucks. So for less than 50 bucks (and a good bit of personal time / labor) i got a very solid machete that I can love.
 
Samael said:
I don't own one, but have read several reviews that weren't all that positive (I don't remember I'd one of them was Jeff's or not). It has a fairly small tang, and the handle can fail under hard use. Then again, it's not exactly expensive, either, so you don't have a lot to lose.
Click to expand...

The tang is short, and I have hear anecdotal reports of the handle breaking off the machete...though I haven't seen pictures. That being said, they cut pretty well, and the saw back actually works! From a grip standpoint, the handle is very comfortable, and the handle length really lets you get some snap.

If you are interested, maybe a year back, there was a thread on modifying it to make it full tang. Not sure if it was in the maint area or W&SS though.
 
I own one and it's ok ... personally I would get a Tramontina ,if I had to do it again, and a Fiskars folding saw for about the same money.
 
I liked the Gator. Especially liked the big handle. I think I gave it away to someone though. I'm back to my cheap Tramontinas and the more expensive Condors. Can't beat 'em.
 
Well I just picked one up off FleaBay for $21 shipped. Will have to let ya know how it fairs in the wilds of New England. :)
 
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