Gerber Love thread.

Still have my silver knight from the 80s that I bought as a teen.
Japanese made and very nice. Need to put it in rotation.

None of their current offerings interest me very much but I admittedly have not looked into them much.
 
My favorite Gerber is this one. It was a gift from the VP of Gerber back then. COL Applegate signed it for me at the IWA Show in Germany. Brings back memories just to think about it. RIP Rex...

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I’ve got a lot of love for Gerber, they were the coolest knives from my childhood. I still have my old gator and love it.

I’ve gotta be honest though, now that I am grown, and their product has changed, I couldn’t be less interested in giving them a dollar. I’ve given them more chances than a deadbeat dad, thinking “maybe this time” only to end in massive failure and disappointment. They produce crap, using junk material, market the crap out of it to wannabe “badassadors” and sell bottom barrel product through Walmart. They aren’t dumb, there is a market they cater to - it doesn’t happen to be blade collecors and aficionados, but trust me, they know exactly what they are doing marketing to the anus of the knife world and wannabe operators. I guarantee that’s where they make their bank.

I would like to try some US made product, particularly the strongarm, 06 and the propel, but my sensibilities won’t permit me to support the company any longer. There are unequivocally better options from real knife companies who invest in product, not marketing.

Still love you Gerber, but you can’t be part of my future.
 
cnote306 said:
I’ve got a lot of love for Gerber, they were the coolest knives from my childhood. I still have my old gator and love it.

I’ve gotta be honest though, now that I am grown, and their product has changed, I couldn’t be less interested in giving them a dollar. I’ve given them more chances than a deadbeat dad, thinking “maybe this time” only to end in massive failure and disappointment. They produce crap, using junk material, market the crap out of it to wannabe “badassadors” and sell bottom barrel product through Walmart. They aren’t dumb, there is a market they cater to - it doesn’t happen to be blade collecors and aficionados, but trust me, they know exactly what they are doing marketing to the anus of the knife world and wannabe operators. I guarantee that’s where they make their bank.

I would like to try some US made product, particularly the strongarm, 06 and the propel, but my sensibilities won’t permit me to support the company any longer. There are unequivocally better options from real knife companies who invest in product, not marketing.

Still love you Gerber, but you can’t be part of my future.
Click to expand...

You said it better than I ever could have.

Can I use your term "Badassadors"?
 
eisman said:
My favorite Gerber is this one. It was a gift from the VP of Gerber back then. COL Applegate signed it for me at the IWA Show in Germany. Brings back memories just to think about it. RIP Rex...

TgVF0B8.jpg
Click to expand...
I always liked those but have been turned off because of the serrations.
 
The silver trident is one fixed blade I wouldn’t mind owning either. I just picked up one of those Applegate Fairbairn folders, like the one in post #162 in ats-34 recently here on the exchange.
 
Here's my US-made Gerber Multi Light. My parents gave it to me for Christmas a couple decades ago. It's fine but I don't have much use for it, and keep it in a range bag. Mainly the screwdriver gets used, I'm not sure I'd even think about it if I needed scissors or something. The flashlight still works, I don't think I've ever changed the battery (or it's been >10 years if so).

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^^^ I had one of those and forgot all about it until your pic. No idea what happened to it though. I think mine used to ride in the glovebox of my truck.
 
Hi guys. If anyone can direct me to one of those orange and off-white boxes for a 1980's Mk-1, I would appreciate it greatly and pay accordingly. I sold an 80's Guardian and Mk 1 only to find out my Son wanted them! So, I've been on the hunt to replace them for him. I only need this box or just the outer sleeve. I just bought one that is just about new with all the paperwork etc... It was listed as in the box but came without the sleeve! Thanks a lot in advance.
 
Leaving all the negatives out about Gerber, here are a few of my favorites and why I like them.
Mark I - Great simple design and a big "Cool Factor" back in the day when daggers were popular.
Prodigy - Great all around knife wth a nice handle. Available at WallyWorld with a plain edge today.
EZ Outs - Good U.S. Pocket knives similar to Bucks line-up.
Instant - Great ergo's. Blade options were needed and basically an overhaul. A manual plunge lock with no A/O and this knife would sell very well. The video "Unstoppable" sold me on this knife.
Specter - 154CM blade, G-10 handles, and titanium liners. Very good knife. Gave this to a friend.
 
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I've heard good things about the Fastball, but can't remember seeing much talk of it on the forum.
Might check one out.
 
Newbie here. I got a US assist a few months ago. It required a good deal of breaking in before it would open with 1 hand. But now it is tight and right. Feels very precision made. Opens fast and with authority. I am happy with it. My friend still can't get it to open with his thumb...lol. I have since ordered and am awaiting a Terracraft fixed from their custom shop.
 
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I have a lot of Gerbers but one special one is a little folder that Pete Gerber was giving out at a SHOT Show and engraving his name on the blade. Enjoyed talking with him. He had Roy Boehm in the booth with him, the "First Seal", and I got one of Roy's books which he signed for me. Cool!
 
Gerber Freeman Guide. This one has sentimental value. My first knife purchased in the 1980s. Used it for turkey hunting as a younger lad. I recently refreshed the pearwood scales, using fine sandpaper followed by a walnut stain. This is Taiwan-made and as far as my research shows it is likely AUS8. But cannot tell for sure, blade steel is not stamped on the blade. Sheath was purchased on Ebay.

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I'm a Gerber guy going back to the '70s. These are in our knife block, the Utility and Muskie see constant use. The 8" Chefs is like new, my wife may use the boning knife. The Balance Plus were my Dad's, he had a stroke and a caregiver ran them through the dishwasher.

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