Gerber Mk 1, 35th Anniversary - opinion?

[Legendary_Jarl]

What's your opinion of the Gerber MK 1 anniversary edition as a usable knife/dagger as opposed to a simple show piece? Leaving aside the legality of carrying something like that every day, would it be a dependable boot knife? Alternatives?

Thanks!

 

[Daniel L]

It's a strange choice to make a commemorative model which is very different to the original. (Not an alloy casted handle and guard on a tool steel blade.)

I get this is a modern reinterpretation... but it's just weird.

As for usefulness, well, pointy end goes into object
But the large guards / quillions >could< get caught up on clothing, either yours or the BG. Maybe a Gerber Guardian or Boker Applegate Boot knife is better suited.

Heck, if you can carry double edged carry concealed get a push dagger!

 

[threefeathers]

I have two originals, in fact I'm holding one in my hand now. looks quite different

 

[killgar]

I would regard it as a "user". Although I would hope that I would never need to actually "use" it. But I'm sure it could be used for some utilitarian cutting tasks as well.

If I recall, the steel on the anniversary MK1 is S30V, definitely a "user" steel.

I'd love to own one. I considered buying one when they came out, but it was out of my price range for a knife I have no practical need for.

I had an original MK1, but sadly I had to part with it. I miss that knife.

 

[DPC]

Mark Is and IIs are some of the worst most useless knives I know of, with a terrible and slippery handle.

Of course I own some in the collection because they're very cool, beautiful, and have a history behind them, but I wouldnt choose one overy almost anything else.

As for that Mark I, I'd say go for it if you're a collector or if the handle is different than the original Mark I (I know this one is full tang, I'm talking about the handle shape and length), because, at least for me, the shape and length (or lack thereof) is truly terrible and even dangerous if you're ever slashing or stabbing with it, as it slides off the hand.

I also doubt it has a sharp edge or that it can be sharpened correctly, but that's up to your skill. I also think it is too heavy to be a literal boot knife and even for a backup knife.

Here are my suggestions of alternatives:

-Fällkniven G1 (severely underrated and awesome knife.PERFECT knife for a boot)

-Gryphon M107 (Terzuola design, need I say more?)

-Katz Avenger (One of the best designs I've ever seen. No serrations available)

-Gerber Guardian (Cheap and much more functional)

-Cold Steel Counter Tac I (Ground on just one side, designed for stabbing)

-Spartan Breed Fighter (on the limit of size, it is more of a vest knife)

-Dynamis Alliance knife (A Daniel Winkler knife, expensive as hell though)

 

[Legendary_Jarl]

I have seen the G1 and the Gryphon before and I really like both. I was planning on adding them to my collection but unfortunately I have other priorities now.

What I really like about this new MK1 version is that(to me) it looks like a mini arming sword with that integral crossguard and the blade design. What I was wondering really is about the quality of the steel as done by gerber. Will it snap in two or the tip break at the slightest use or will they hold up?

 

[hhmoore]

Gerber jumped the shark years ago....though I'll acknowledge the rumors that they've been making improvements in the quality of their knives.
The 35th Anniversary Mark 1 was marketed & produced as a collector's piece - I bought one because I am a fan of the Mark 1; even though it is very much a departure from the original.
From an aesthetic standpoint, I mostly like it. Mostly...
The "quillions" don't bother me most of the time; sometimes I consider them gaudy and out of place. The "skull crusher" style pommel is an eyesore, IMO; and, if I were ever going to carry the knife, I'd grind it off. I do like the g10 handle scales, and their texture. S30V is a decent steel for a user knife...but I have no idea how this knife (with Gerber's grind and heat treatment) would perform.
Realistically, daggers aren't the most usable style for EDC...and the fact that they are largely deemed as weapons means one would automatically be under greater scrutiny (if they are even legal for carry in a given area). My impression of boot knives is that they are primarily for the purpose of self defense, rather than utility...and I'd expect that this one would perform adequately in that role, if it became necessary to use it. It wouldn't be my first choice, if I were to carry a boot knife; but, if you're looking for a reason to justify the purchase, I guess it's as good a reason as any.