Gerber Guardian Back-Up

[crazy nicky]

I was going to pick one of these up... does anyone own one and if they do... do they like it???

 

[drjones]

Get it. I have one, got it for about $35 slightly used here on BF. The sheath is AWESOME; the clip is strong as #$% and the adjustable tension clips are totally cool. Great little blade for the $$$ overall!

Drjones

 

[miguel_SF]

I've had 2 of these, one that was over 15 years old - satin finish with a non-locking (and pretty un-secure) sheath, and a new style one with black coating and locking sheath.

The adjustable tension on the locking mechanism on the new sheaths is nice, but the end of the blade doesn't fit tightly and tends to rattle around when you walk - not good for a concealment blade. Also, while the handle material is very grippy, the handle itself is pretty small and thin. A self-defense blade needs to have a handle that feels absolutely secure. And with its thin, pointy, double-edged blade, this is a pure stabbing weapon with absolutely no utility value.

I gave both of mine away because I didn't like the handle, and it wasn't worth violating state law (which prohibits concealed fixed blades) to carry a knife that only felt so-so.

miguel

 

[drjones]

True that the tip of the blade rattles a bit, however when clipped IWB, it is completely silent, as the handle pressing against your body is more than enough to stabilize it and keep it from rattling.

Yes, the handle is fairly small and thin, but unless you have bananas for fingers, it'll be fine. This is a small and thin knife, hence the name "Back-up."

I'm sick of people saying how double-edge and tanto blades have no use whatsoever. (Utility-wise, at least) If you don't like a particular style, great. However, this knife is hardly intended for "Utility" use. (Unless stabbing people is part of your daily routine.)

This is a BACK-UP self defense blade, and it fits the bill quite nicely.

Hey crazy kid: Get one, and if you don't like it, surely you'll be able to sell it here on the forums and recoup your money.

Drjones

 

[Thomas J Ekman]

I have two of them, which I bought when Fällkniven had a sale on Gerbers. One of those rattles, but the other one is completely silent. I tried switching the sheath and the knife, but the rattling followed the knife, so it must be some imperfection there. Besides from that, I really like them. I have a passion for double-edged blades, I must say.

 

[ravenQ8]

I've carried one everyday for a year on my boot. Never had to use it and hope I never do. But noone has ever known it was there under my jeans unless I let them know it was there; that's its whole purpose. For utility I have other knives I carry or have at my disposal. The Guardian is just as the others have said: a backup, and it serves that purpose well.

 

[crazy nicky]

Thanks alot guys!! I appreciate the the guidance. I'm just pissed Gerber doesn't make the Mark I any more! Thats what I really wanted for a boot knife.