- Joined
- Mar 15, 2001
- Messages
- 2,450
Ok folks, this is my first review, so be nice. Actually its not a real review (which to me implies that you use the knife for lots o cuttin), but more of an initial set of impressions from a couple weeks of carrying and using for light tasks.
I have been interested in the Gerber LTR for some time, and finally broke down and got one a couple of weeks ago. Honestly, I bought it because of two factors: I liked how it looks, and I liked its small size. But more on that later Im getting ahead of myself.
The LTR is a relatively recent addition to the Gerber line, and it comes in two anodized colors: medium red and medium blue. I purchased mine at a local nut to bolts megastore for the inflated price of $45, so that I could test the lockup before purchasing it. As it was, the knife was blister packed, so while I could see the lockup, I couldnt really try it out before purchasing (so much for that idea
) Ive seen the knife going for as low as $26 online. Here are some pictures, including one of me holding the knife so that you can get a feel for its size (I have medium sized hands).
The Basics
Blade Length: 2.5 inches
Blade Finish: Bead Blasted
Steel: Stainless steel (Yes, thats really all Gerber says about it! Im guessing AUS6A or 440A)
Grind: Flat
Opening Method: Thumbstud (dual)
Lock: Liner lock
Pivot: Adjustable (Torx T8)
Handle Length: 3.4 inches
Handle: Anodized aluminum (Red, Blue)
Weight: 1.4 oz.
Clip: Bead blasted, reversible (Torx T6)
Carry Direction: Tip up
Sheath: None
Fit and Finish
The fit and finish is very, very good for a knife in this price range (and Im picky). The anodizing is well done, and the blade finish and symmetry is great. The knife was shaving sharp out of the box, and needed no touch-up by me. Blade is nicely centered, and the liner has a strong detent to keep the blade in place. Another nice touch is that the blade tip sits rather deeply between the scales (roughly 1/8 inch below the outer edge of the scales). This feature, plus the strong detent, means that even though the knife is tip-up, it stands a somewhat lesser chance of inadvertently opening in your pocket. Obviously, a third important factor affecting whether the knife will open on its own is the thumbstud. So far, Ive had no experiences of the thumbstud catching on clothing or any inadvertent opening of the blade.
Ergonomics
This knife is small. Its basically the size and weight of an Umfaan, although its slightly longer. The style of open-back build also reminds me somewhat of the Umfaan. However, unlike the Umfaan, the thumbstud on the LTR is usable. The LTR also reminds me quite a bit of a mini-Mirage in its design.
When you use the LTR, it sits in your hand with the back end of the knife still within your palm, and your thumb on the blade roughly 1/3 of the way up the blade from the pivot. The aluminum scales truly make this a featherweight knife (without going to CF scales of course). The clip position works pretty well, and while it doesnt exactly melt away into your hand, it has also not proven to be uncomfortable with tight grips.
Mechanism and Lockup
The mechanism and lockup on the LTR are first rate. The pivot was adjusted to an appropriate tension out of the package, and the blade glides very smoothly into position. The liner lock clicks authoritatively into place with a nice thwack (thats a technical knife term, in case you were wondering
), and the liner is positioned over the first half of the blade tang. The lock passed moderately hard open-palm spine whack tests.
Impressions from First Couple Weeks of Carry
I really like that the blade has a little recurve to it, as well as the overall uncluttered but stylish design of the knife. Given the knifes light weight, it works very well for me clipped to my front shirt pocket I never even notice it is there. With the rather skinny clip, Im not sure Id subject it to being clipped to a pair of Levis or heavy duty work clothes, for fear of tweaking out the clip.
My biggest issues with the knife are the cutout for the thumbstud and the access to the liner lock. The thumbstud cutout needs to be enlarged to truly get a good purchase on the thumbstud. Unlike my Mirage, where I could simply Dremel the cutout a bit more, the aluminum scales and anodizing dont lend themselves to this type of adaptation. The second issue concerns the lack of enough protrusion on the liner lock to have your thumb grab when closing the knife. The liner lock is cut flush with the scales, which means you really have to dig your thumb in there to move the liner over to the side. While I have been able to close it each time, it does take some work.
For a tip-up knife, Im very happy with the strong detent and overall design that seems to ensure that the blade stays closed. And this from someone who doesnt really like tip-up knives (yeah, I know, dont go there
). The design of the knife is perfect for a sheeple-filled office environment, and the knife makes a perfect little functional gents knife without having to spend big bucks.
Pros
Small and lightweight, not another black handled/tactical-looking knife, good fit and finish, solid mechanism and lockup.
Cons
Mystery steel, thumbstud cutout needs to be enlarged, better liner access would help.
Overall rating (assuming a total price of roughly $35 delivered to your door)
On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being best, Id give it a rating of 6-7.
- Mark
I have been interested in the Gerber LTR for some time, and finally broke down and got one a couple of weeks ago. Honestly, I bought it because of two factors: I liked how it looks, and I liked its small size. But more on that later Im getting ahead of myself.
The LTR is a relatively recent addition to the Gerber line, and it comes in two anodized colors: medium red and medium blue. I purchased mine at a local nut to bolts megastore for the inflated price of $45, so that I could test the lockup before purchasing it. As it was, the knife was blister packed, so while I could see the lockup, I couldnt really try it out before purchasing (so much for that idea
) Ive seen the knife going for as low as $26 online. Here are some pictures, including one of me holding the knife so that you can get a feel for its size (I have medium sized hands).
The Basics
Blade Length: 2.5 inches
Blade Finish: Bead Blasted
Steel: Stainless steel (Yes, thats really all Gerber says about it! Im guessing AUS6A or 440A)
Grind: Flat
Opening Method: Thumbstud (dual)
Lock: Liner lock
Pivot: Adjustable (Torx T8)
Handle Length: 3.4 inches
Handle: Anodized aluminum (Red, Blue)
Weight: 1.4 oz.
Clip: Bead blasted, reversible (Torx T6)
Carry Direction: Tip up
Sheath: None
Fit and Finish
The fit and finish is very, very good for a knife in this price range (and Im picky). The anodizing is well done, and the blade finish and symmetry is great. The knife was shaving sharp out of the box, and needed no touch-up by me. Blade is nicely centered, and the liner has a strong detent to keep the blade in place. Another nice touch is that the blade tip sits rather deeply between the scales (roughly 1/8 inch below the outer edge of the scales). This feature, plus the strong detent, means that even though the knife is tip-up, it stands a somewhat lesser chance of inadvertently opening in your pocket. Obviously, a third important factor affecting whether the knife will open on its own is the thumbstud. So far, Ive had no experiences of the thumbstud catching on clothing or any inadvertent opening of the blade.
Ergonomics
This knife is small. Its basically the size and weight of an Umfaan, although its slightly longer. The style of open-back build also reminds me somewhat of the Umfaan. However, unlike the Umfaan, the thumbstud on the LTR is usable. The LTR also reminds me quite a bit of a mini-Mirage in its design.
When you use the LTR, it sits in your hand with the back end of the knife still within your palm, and your thumb on the blade roughly 1/3 of the way up the blade from the pivot. The aluminum scales truly make this a featherweight knife (without going to CF scales of course). The clip position works pretty well, and while it doesnt exactly melt away into your hand, it has also not proven to be uncomfortable with tight grips.
Mechanism and Lockup
The mechanism and lockup on the LTR are first rate. The pivot was adjusted to an appropriate tension out of the package, and the blade glides very smoothly into position. The liner lock clicks authoritatively into place with a nice thwack (thats a technical knife term, in case you were wondering
), and the liner is positioned over the first half of the blade tang. The lock passed moderately hard open-palm spine whack tests.Impressions from First Couple Weeks of Carry
I really like that the blade has a little recurve to it, as well as the overall uncluttered but stylish design of the knife. Given the knifes light weight, it works very well for me clipped to my front shirt pocket I never even notice it is there. With the rather skinny clip, Im not sure Id subject it to being clipped to a pair of Levis or heavy duty work clothes, for fear of tweaking out the clip.
My biggest issues with the knife are the cutout for the thumbstud and the access to the liner lock. The thumbstud cutout needs to be enlarged to truly get a good purchase on the thumbstud. Unlike my Mirage, where I could simply Dremel the cutout a bit more, the aluminum scales and anodizing dont lend themselves to this type of adaptation. The second issue concerns the lack of enough protrusion on the liner lock to have your thumb grab when closing the knife. The liner lock is cut flush with the scales, which means you really have to dig your thumb in there to move the liner over to the side. While I have been able to close it each time, it does take some work.
For a tip-up knife, Im very happy with the strong detent and overall design that seems to ensure that the blade stays closed. And this from someone who doesnt really like tip-up knives (yeah, I know, dont go there
). The design of the knife is perfect for a sheeple-filled office environment, and the knife makes a perfect little functional gents knife without having to spend big bucks.Pros
Small and lightweight, not another black handled/tactical-looking knife, good fit and finish, solid mechanism and lockup.
Cons
Mystery steel, thumbstud cutout needs to be enlarged, better liner access would help.
Overall rating (assuming a total price of roughly $35 delivered to your door)
On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being best, Id give it a rating of 6-7.
- Mark