Gerber Knives

Gerber and I go way back. I bought a Mk.II back in the late 70's and carried an FSII throughout my time in the Marines. The old Bolt Action was one of my favorite EDC's. Now I wouldn't go near Gerber due to the negative experiences I've had with the horrible quality of their "Gerber International" products. IMO, Gerber has seen their best days and will not be getting any more of my money.
 
I personally prefer the old lockbacks. I still go out of my way for the Gerber Sportsman Model 3. I have an old Mk II , but my Mk 1 vanished years ago. Sadly most of the newer Gerbers don't impress me, but then again I'm just not partial to liner locks in general. Although the old Buck Crosslock I have still holds up well.
 
Like some of the others said, at one time Gerber was a pretty innovative company that produced good quality knives. Now, they were never a premium quality knife company like Spyderco or Benchmade, but they made some solid, midrange cuttlery at reasonable prices. I've still got an old Gerber LST and one of their early multi-tools. I carried both for years and they served quite well as EDC.

Now, however, they seem more aimed at the mass market retailers with lower quality and new designs aimed more at flash than practical innovation. There may still be a few gems left in their line, but most of it should be given a pass by anyone serious about knives.
 
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I get the message that Gerber was once a respectable and consistent company but that they have seen their better days.
Honestly, I was under the impression that Fiskers was a good thing, but it appears I've been mislead.

Again, thanks!

SZC
 
Well... as some said.. Gerber have a few good ones still ... they only cost a bit more.

When Fiskars and Gerber joined forces i was a bit surprised.. Gerber made good stuff.... Fiskars made good stuff... But NOT in the same line of work, product and so on..

In a way i think that they are still trying to find out where they are in the prosess.. But i have feeling the Fiskars part of the company has the upper hand.

But then again.. a while back i got a Gerber Freeman Guide folding knife... Used, abused:eek:, pushed and enjoyed it... and now... I love it. (..and now i have ordered a fixed blade that i am waiting for)

The way i see it.. there is good and bad in every brand.

Now i am looking forward to try the "myth" series. :)
 
Wow, way to resurect a zombie post :P This guy is almost 3 years old! The last post was from 2009.

:p
 
gerberbay all the way dont let these fools tell u anything.................the perfectstorm baby
 
It's a real shame about Gerber, in the 70's and 80's they produced some top-notch knives. What happened I don't know. I have a Gerber Patriot from 1991 and I don't rate that highly. Now, I just wouldn't buy a Gerber knife.
 
The best Gerber knives I've handled are the Silver Knights, made in Japan.

DSC_1192.jpg
 
I've been trying to find this exact knife and I'm having no luck at all. I know it looks like a gerber paraframe knife, and also a bit like a gerber powerframe, but it's not exactly alike to either of them. I've wanted to get one for a friend but I can't find it anywhere. I've tried google and google images and every gerber web page i can think of but there's nothing exactly like it. Has anyone seen this particular style or know where to find it.

Thanks in advance.

20140313_203742.jpg



Here is another link to the photo

http://postimg.org/image/hz0xcqt63/
 
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I have had my BMF since 1990. Put it through hell and back and it's still as beautiful and functional as the day I got it.
The MKII I bought used in 1989 is still razor sharp. Granted, it's a fighter, and I haven't been in too many knife fights lately ;-) so it mostly just sits in the drawer.
I've had the full length Gator machete for about 8 years now, takes an edge and holds it. And the saw back is really effective. Handle is also super comfy.
My Guardian was my go to EDC for the better part of the '90's until some douchebag we had staying with us decided he needed it more than I did...never saw him or the knife again.
I now rotate a para frame in with the rest of my EDCs, it's a two bladed knife, a straight edged liner lock along with a lock-back saw blade. It takes and holds an edge along with the best of them.
Their Multi tool was my favorite until it was stolen out of my truck, now I use Leathermans as they were both gifted to me...

In short, every Gerber I have ever owned more than lived up to its duty and I would not hesitate to buy another.
 
Just posting to your initial question--I haven't read the whole thread or others' opinions.

I don't think Gerber is what it once was in status. I own a couple and they pretty much stay in the box with the non-EDC folders. Now and then when i need a beater knife for something I might use it.

The big indicator to me is how they seem to have become the main brand on so many pawn shop shelves for under $20.

However, I haven't bought a Gerber in a long time. I found my favorite one for carry, an Evo, on the street one morning. So maybe someone has more up to date info than I.
 
messiahspike said:
I've been trying to find this exact knife and I'm having no luck at all. I know it looks like a gerber paraframe knife, and also a bit like a gerber powerframe, but it's not exactly alike to either of them. I've wanted to get one for a friend but I can't find it anywhere. I've tried google and google images and every gerber web page i can think of but there's nothing exactly like it. Has anyone seen this particular style or know where to find it.
Click to expand...

I can't identify the knife, but...

You need to check out the DPx site. Just yesterday I saw a couple of new designs they're about to break--they may even be taking preorders for them. The pic you posted is very close to the style. They're of very similar design and I'll bet your friend would like them if he'd like the one in the pic. I have a feeling they may be higher quality too, blade steel, frame, etc.

I think they are in the 'new' or 'coming soon' link at the DPx site. I didn't bookmark them or I'd give you a link. As I recall there were two in this new style. The pic you posted looks like it could fit right in there with them.

EDIT: Also, in attempting to identify some of my own knives I've found that for several major companies like Benchmade, etc., some knut has usually made a web page that will show all of the models produced with photos--sort of like the the enemy aircraft silhouette cards they used to give flyers during the war. So you might spend a few minutes on Goog to see if someone has set up a similar page with Gerbers.
 
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I think that since fiskers bought gerber back a few years ago the company has gone downhill from there. I have bought about 4 knives since fishers took over the company and they where all sent back. The blade were so off centered they would barely close or the steel was so cheap it felt almost soft and bendable in your hands. But they are very cheap knives and you can get a paragraph for about 25 bucks. I I just won't bully from gerber anymore. Fiskers has almost ruined that company. What a shame
 
40 years when they were a wealthy person's knife as opposed to Cases, Eye Brand and Shrades.
I found their stainless steel to be too hard and impossible to resharpen in the field.
I had an expensive Gerber lockback folder I found and restored that I carried for years. If I came across someone with an electric sharpener they could put an edge on it that held up OK but it spent most of it's career dull.
 
I like gerber, they are great starter knives for the beginners and for those unwilling to pony up for high quality blades
 
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