I like that Freeman!! never liked Gerber had an airframe waaay back when . But that is a cool looking knife with nice material unusual for Gerber. I may have to search for one of those. wonder if they are non-existant these daysPretty sure the only one I have left... Freeman Folder in S30v and Cocobolo.
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Gerber Love thread.
- Thread starter mcrow
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IMO, Gerber is just a shadow of what it once was. How sad.
They do have there place though. And, they do make some decent stuff. The key word here is "some".
My Leatherman Wave takes a backseat to Gerber's MP 400 & 600 series. Yes, I know, the Wave is better steel but I prefer the ergos of the Gerbers. Plus, they are half the price.
I also like their little utility cutter. I think it's called a EAB. Works great when I need a utility blade and I am in dress clothes.
I also have what appears to be a large Paraframe in one of my tool bags. I agree with the rest of you, it is pure garbage. However, it was a gift and works fine when I am searching for parts in a local wrecking yard and need a knife. I can't see how anyone would ever consider it for an EDC.
They do have there place though. And, they do make some decent stuff. The key word here is "some".
My Leatherman Wave takes a backseat to Gerber's MP 400 & 600 series. Yes, I know, the Wave is better steel but I prefer the ergos of the Gerbers. Plus, they are half the price.
I also like their little utility cutter. I think it's called a EAB. Works great when I need a utility blade and I am in dress clothes.
I also have what appears to be a large Paraframe in one of my tool bags. I agree with the rest of you, it is pure garbage. However, it was a gift and works fine when I am searching for parts in a local wrecking yard and need a knife. I can't see how anyone would ever consider it for an EDC.
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Don't know how I stumbled on this thread, but I do like Gerber knives. Their 1970-1980s stuff was great, I own a lot of folding lock back Gerber's from that decade. But they are a different company now and have steered away from classic designs. The late 90s-early 2000 stuff is when quality went downhill and they went to mostly China made. Though the folding Gerber Gator came out I think around 1990-91. Some say that the design was actually prototyped before Fiskars took over. These days I'm really eyeing the direction they are taking now. Since around 2014 they have been bringing back more USA made product, and that's all I would ever buy from them. The Gerber Gator line was updated in 2015 with premium models offering S30V. I own a fixed blade and folding version of those and the ergos on them is incredible. I also own a Strongman which has been excellent for field use. If you've not tried their folding Edict you are missing out on one of the best tanto knives I have ever handled (also offered in clip point). These are 154CM by the way and sell for around $50 new. Bought a US Assist when it first came out. Loved it but ended up gifting it to my brother. My most recent purchase is a Center Drive multi tool which in my opinion excels beyond the older MP600. I've been curious about maybe trying a Shark Belly just because it looks so cool... Gerber is making a comeback. It's not classic stuff, so if you're still caught up on why they aren't making a brass and wood folder, it's time to realize those days are gone. What they're doing is different and new, and I like it! (Pictured below are my S30V Gator and 154CM Edict).
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My only serious Gerber (I may have an OG Gator packed up somewhere)
Please excuse the pic, it's the only one I had on file.
Please excuse the pic, it's the only one I had on file.
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I consider them a junk brand for knives. Okay at best for multi-tools, but I avoid them like the plague in general. Too many much better quality knives in the same price bracket. I will admit that some of their fixed blades are okay, but, again, okay at best and with other, better products readily available in the same price bracket. So.... Yeah... No.
I do have one still, I think is called a Paraframe, as well as a mini multi-tool of theirs. Both are pretty much garbage, but I have them in my gun tool box for digging out failures if/when needed and general maintenance when/where needed, on my guns, while on the range.
I include CRKT in this category as well. They sure love crazy unique designs, but mostly junk steels on goofyGoof girly looking knives. No thanks.
I do have one still, I think is called a Paraframe, as well as a mini multi-tool of theirs. Both are pretty much garbage, but I have them in my gun tool box for digging out failures if/when needed and general maintenance when/where needed, on my guns, while on the range.
I include CRKT in this category as well. They sure love crazy unique designs, but mostly junk steels on goofyGoof girly looking knives. No thanks.
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Their US made knives have never really been junk. Nowhere near spyderco’s golden made knives in terms of blade steel or ergonomics, but a much more affordable alternative. I have recently purchased a gator folder in 154cm, and a gator fixed in s30v, as well as a fairbairn dagger style—with one side sharpened in ats-34. One a lockback and one a liner lock with a safety that locks the blade open. I think all of them were worth what I paid, not one of the blades has failed me in any way—nor failed to impress me; their heat treat is pretty good, leaving the steel hard enough to hold an edge yet not so hard they chip. The handles have excellent grip, even while wet or sweaty, and don’t take much damage.
Their blades made inTaiwan were a step down in terms of quality, and then their chinese made knives were worse; their orange branded bear g. knives were just terrible in appearance, so I never bothered to get one.
Their blades made inTaiwan were a step down in terms of quality, and then their chinese made knives were worse; their orange branded bear g. knives were just terrible in appearance, so I never bothered to get one.
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Oh, there's no question that Gerber can make a good knife but, they are kind of like General Motors. Both companies can make a great product, they are just choosing not to for one reason or another.
Most of the products currently made by both companies just don't appeal to me. The few items that do, seem to miss the mark in some way. For Gerber, blade finish is a good example. Stonewashing is better and easier to maintain than a bead blasted finish.
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Their knives may lack imagination but the value is definitely there if you look. What other company makes an American made backlock folder from 154cm that is available for $35? Or an auto— check out post #144(try to look at the knife, not the .45 handgun) in drop point or tanto in s30v for $120? In your previous post you mention the paraframe—total garbage, I agree—but this is Chinese made and not representative at all of their product line from Oregon.
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o it
Even though Gerber's products may be a good value on paper, they still have to meet my personal needs. If they can't, they are of no value to me. No matter what kind of steel is used or their price point.
As for the auto shown in post 144, I'm sure it's a fine product but, I would not buy it for $120 or half that amount.
For numerous reasons: 1. It's an auto. I can't carry it where I live. 2. It's a combo edge. Don't care for those. A plain edge is good. Full serrations are OK. Combo edges normally don't do a thing for me. 3. IIRC, the handle of that knife is metal, right? If so, I'll pass. I avoid large folders with metal scales. That's three strikes.
I will agree with you, the Paraframe is not representative of their US line but it still represents Gerber's willingness to market complete junk to the American public. Gerber could design better, safer products if they wanted. They have in the past. It is only by choice that they don't do it now.
Ka-bar's Dozier folders and the Ontario's RAT series are both far superior to the Paraframe and just a little more money.
Even though Gerber's products may be a good value on paper, they still have to meet my personal needs. If they can't, they are of no value to me. No matter what kind of steel is used or their price point.
As for the auto shown in post 144, I'm sure it's a fine product but, I would not buy it for $120 or half that amount.
For numerous reasons: 1. It's an auto. I can't carry it where I live. 2. It's a combo edge. Don't care for those. A plain edge is good. Full serrations are OK. Combo edges normally don't do a thing for me. 3. IIRC, the handle of that knife is metal, right? If so, I'll pass. I avoid large folders with metal scales. That's three strikes.
I will agree with you, the Paraframe is not representative of their US line but it still represents Gerber's willingness to market complete junk to the American public. Gerber could design better, safer products if they wanted. They have in the past. It is only by choice that they don't do it now.
Ka-bar's Dozier folders and the Ontario's RAT series are both far superior to the Paraframe and just a little more money.
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I don’t know what brand or style of knife you prefer. If I had more than 1 of the gators in 154cm I’d send it to you to try out. I myself was surprised by the quality in terms of edge holding and toughness—not having bought a Gerber knife for a long time. It’s a lockback, and quite safe. I think it’s probably equal to the rat1 in d2, except for its larger size and being meant for 2 handed opening. It’s only a few bucks more. I know that it’s much easier for companies to lose customers than to win them back, and they really did make some horrible designs and unsafe knives and tools in the last couple of decades. But as another member posted, the American branch of the company has made some serious improvements. Have you handled either of the gator premiums (fixed blade and backlock folder)in s30v? Or the gator folder in 154cm? Nothing unsafe or inferior about these 3, except for the sheaths, but for the price($85 for fixed) they are pure quality, and speak for themselves—even within the context of Gerber’s outsourced history—which was I think the result of corporate pressure from their Finnish overlords.
I forgot to add that the 06 auto is available with plain edge, but I don’t know if it’s available in other than aluminum handle.
I’m not gonna endorse their entire product line, or even their entire USA made line—just that a knife that looks appealing, is made from a steel you appreciate, and is priced right for your budget—should not be disregarded solely because it has Gerber on it.
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I'll say for sure that if they release the flat iron in 154c, s30v or even D2, I'll jump on it.
If anyone from Gerber is watching this thread, hint hint.
If anyone from Gerber is watching this thread, hint hint.
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No, I have not handled either of the Gator Premium knives but I do remember handling the Gator shortly after they first came out. It's a nice knife and I can see why someone would consider owning one. Just not my style. I prefer knives that are a little more neutral in their ergonomics. The handle of Emerson's CQC7 is more to my taste than the Gator's.
FWIW, I just finished looking at 11 pages of folding knives on Gerber's website. The Sharkbelly looks interesting and seems reasonably priced. I also went through six pages of Fixed blades. Most of them I ruled out for one reason or another. The "Big Rock" looks good but, I don't need another fixed blade. The E Z Out series is ugly but lightweight and serviceable. The EAB folder is an excellent product. I already own both. Did I mention that I find Gerbers MP 400 and 600 series multi-tools to be decent products? I own three and reach for them more often than my Leatherman Wave. Both the 400 and 600 are great products for the money.
As I looked through Gerber's website I noticed many knives with the same basic styling as the Paraframe. Considering the Paraframe's poor quality, is there any reason for me to get excited about similar looking products? I think not. I also noticed what seemed to be Gerber's preference towards tactical and clip point fixed blades. Clip points are not my favorite blade style and I am not in the service any longer so I don't need all that tactical stuff.
I did not bother looking at autos because they are not legal in my state. I will admit, I kind of liked the concept of the 06 and might have purchased one if it had been available while I was in uniform. I was not as critical with my knife purchases back then. The metal handle and other reasons listed previously would keep me from buying one now. My taste in knives has changed and
so have my needs.
It is obvious to me that Gerber offers very little that I need or desire now that I have just browsed their website. Most of their products that I would find useful I already own. Combine that with the fact that other manufacturers are closer to meeting my knife requirements, there is little reason for me to consider any of Gerber's line up. I have more knives than I can really justify at this point in my life and my goal is to scale back on knives. If I can upgrade the quality of the few that I keep around, that's even better. I can't really say purchasing a new Gerber will meet either one of these requirements. Like I stated in another thread, I could live with just a Victorinox Cadet, a RAT 1, and a fixed blade. I consider the RAT and the Vic equal or better than most of Gerber's current product line.
It's not Gerber's name on the side of the knife that bothers me. The company has been headed in a direction that meets very few (if any) of my needs and I don't see that changing any time soon. Why would I want to endorse or otherwise support a company that does that?
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Ok, that’s fair. I’m not trying to push their products on anyone, just trying to show gerber American made knives a little love. It sounds like you know what you want, (and don’t) and you’ve thoughtfully considered another point of view—and that’s all anyone can expect. I probably won’t be buying anymore knives for awhile either, and I already have 2 or 3 of the mp600’s still in the package—though I usually grab one of my leatherman multitools for my edc.
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So, I have to ask, if you own both Leatherman and Gerber multi-tools, why do you normally grab the Leatherman? What is wrong with the 600? I like the 600s (and 400s) but feel that Leatherman uses better materials.
Your right, Gerber could use a little love for their American made products. Unfortunately, I don't see that happening while they offer so many products made overseas. I don't mind buying foreign goods but given the choice, I'll purchase items made here just to help the local economy. Assuming everything else is equal, of course.
As for my likes and dislikes, that's taken years and lots of knives. Some of it has been lifestyle/job changes. A lot of it actually. The people here have also been a great help. People like you have been a big influence on the way I pick and choose what knives I purchase. Thanks to Blade Forums, I am much more critical with my knife purchases. You guys might have saved me a bundle.
I have had the opposite experience: because of Blade Forums I've been made aware of knives I didn't know existed then subsequently purchased. As a result, I have spent a bundle.
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It does seem that leatherman multitools snap open or closed with more authority, for sure.
The leatherman multitools that I currently own happen to be sturdier than my gerbers—I don’t know if it just happened this way by coincidence—I happened to buy a large quantity years ago and I think most of the gerbers that I had I sold—possibly because I had more of them, I don’t really remember. I haven’t tried every single model of each brand by any means though. Some of the leatherman ones I had were junk, some of the gerber were excellent. The leathermans that have a Portland engraving somewhere on them (I don’t know if they are partially made in China and assembled here?) seem to have better materials, as you said.
I like gerber’s rubberized (us made)knife handles for when I am doing really dirty work, and hands are going to be covered in grime. They’re easier to clean up, are sturdy, and not as expensive to replace. I prefer spyderco for precision cutting in cleaner environments though.
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"You guys might have saved me a bundle." The key word in my post was "might."
I know that eBay has cost me more money than BF.