Gerber Paul Knife Questions

[Steelhed]

I was going through my knife collection yesterday when I came across an original production Gerber Paul knife I acquired many years ago. I know this knife has a history and has been produced at least a couple of times. The lock mechanism on this knife is unique. It allows the knife to be opened or closed with one hand (by depressing the lock button and flicking the handle down or up), and it appears to be a sturdy design. Has anyone had any negative experiences with this knife? Why has its use been limited to the Gerber production? Why haven't custom makers tried this lock design? I suppose it has something to do with patents and such, but it seems a shame that this lock mechanism has not been used and advanced by others.

 

[jimsbowies]

Everything I've read suggests that the manufacturing costs versus what the market would "bear" in terms of pricing has proven to be the downfall of the design.....it is an intriguing design...I've never carried any of my original PW2's so I don't know how they hold up....but I do know a fellow who had an original (second year production) who has carried his now for 25 or so years....so I guess they're pretty sturdy?