Gerber Mark II

[wildcatmo]

Bought this on a whim, don't know too much about it, help? Serial number is 071276

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[Charlie Fox]

These were made by Gerber during the 80's and early 90's. They are patterned after a combat knife of the Vietnam era and some had an angle between the handle and blade - some say this was to make it more efficient to reach vital organs, however I have it on good authority (from a factory rep) that the angle was to make the knife carry more comfortably. The serrations on these models were Gerber's addition but did allow the knife to be used for "survival" purposes (mostly escape), but the originals had non-serrated blades. The most interesting thing was the "wasp waist" blade style. I've never been able to find anything as to why this blade shape was chosen - I think is was believed it made the blade more lethal. That about exhausts my knowledge on this subject.

 

[jdm61]

If that is rust/staining on the blade, then it was likely made prior to 1980 and has an L6 blade. Even if it is 440C, it was made before 1982-83. The handles on those knives went from gray to black in 1977 and started with serial numbers in the 63xxx range. With a number that low, i would bet on L6. It is highly unlikely that it is one of the later "reissue" knives. Gerber stopped using the forged L6 blades in like 73 or 74, IIRC, but even the "stock removal" L6 models should be somewhat desirable, albeit nothing like the original knives with the canted blade and gray "cats tongue" handle finish. I have a grey handled forged L6 Mark II from 72-73. The sheath also appears to be the old style one like I have, but in black instead of brown/natural.