Gerber Still Doesn't Get It

This is a knife for all of those who didn't care about fit and finish on expensive knives and thought we are too picky. :p
 
John Neeman Scandi Brother #2 Laminated Silver Steel
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When I think of all the knives I could get in that $500 price range,
even the $250 range if it happens to come out at 50% off,
And everything knife in between,

This thing doesn't even make the radar in the slightest of interest for me purchasing...
 
T.L.E. Sharp said:
Someone please send one to @NickShabazz. I'd love to see a table top review.

I really wish they could get it together over there. We could always use another solid American manufacturer. Especially one as iconic as Gerber.
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Been while since they put design quality together. A lot famous blademakers worked there at one time or another. Gerber makes some items in the US and has facilities in Portland, Oregon but they were bought years ago by Fiskars.
 
RevDevil said:
Easy there guy, I'm not sure what the apologist comment is about, it has no place in the discussion. I could easily label you as a hater since this attempt is not up to your standards and has compelled you to critique harshly. In the end what would that accomplish? Not a damn thing to be honest, so let's skip the chest thumping, M'kay?
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No chest thumping intended my friend. I didn't mean anything by it at all. Apologist is a term we used back on my high school debate team for someone who argued the pro on something that was clearly terrible, because they always ended up just making excuses and apologizing on they're subject's behalf. :p:D

I can't say much for the Edict, but I share your interest in the Gator Premium. The thing is though, those knives are reasonably priced, which excuses minor shortcomings like the ones on the g1 knife. At $500, or even $300 for a non-charity knife they don't get to make excuses.
 
Phixt said:
John Neeman Scandi Brother #2 Laminated Silver Steel
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I'm struggling to see the resemblance. Maybe the Neeman is a wobbly in the grind? It manages to be very attractive though, whereas the Gerber looks like a concrete-rubbed prison shank.
 
RevDevil said:
Hell, I'm just glad they are making an attempt at an American made folder that may appeal to people. Instead of shitting on them, they should get some kudos at least for the effort even though it might not be everyone's cup of tea.
•So why is the blade finish all wonky? Lots of laminated knives have a less than ideal finish, being wrapped in a softer exterior steel doesn't help.
•Why is there a rather large section of unsharpened blade above the sharpening choil? Look at the Cold Steel recon series, there are many other knives with this "feature". Doesn't really bother me.
•Why have a damn sharpening choil if you're not going to sharpen down to it? It's the kick, not exactly a sharpening choil. Again, look at the Recon knives from CS.
•Why ship in tip-down configuration when most "enthusiasts" prefer tip-up? That is kind of a blanket statement. I've seen about 50/50 split whether yip up or tip down is preferred. We have a choice this time. Spyderco ships their Para2 tip down. I leave it that way on all 30 of mine and I'm a knife enthusiast.
•Why not have a deep carry clip? Deep carry clips suck hard. It takes longer to fish the knife out of the pocket, and the retention on about 95% of the deep carry clips sucks ass. I have a pocket full of bent to hell clips to prove it.
•Why use a silly dagger grind that inhibits slicing and makes fixing the piss poor sharpening job that much harder? The grind reminds me of the Ares, or the Benchmade 530/531, same thing. Some knife enthusiasts like variety, having a FFG on everything is boring, some people cry when they see a recurve (literally), other people whine when they see hollow ground blades, etc. It is what it is.


There are lots of knives designed that way. The area known as the kick is often confused with being a sharpening choil while not being sharpened all the way down. Cold Steel Recon series to name one. Some older Benchmades and other brands have the same thing. Todd Begg has some knives that are like that and people take a second mortgage out on their home for one.
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Agreed

THE G1-001: GERBER INTRODUCES NEW G1 SERIES TO HONOR AMERICAN MADE CRAFTSMANSHIP

An industry pioneer, Gerber has been crafting world-class knives and tools for decades and the introduction of the new G1 Series of custom knives showcases that dedication. Gerber presents this new collection to showcase the craftsmanship, design, and skill that are ongoing components of its robust American Manufacturing facility.

A commitment to excellence in physical form, the introduction of the first knife of the G1 Series – the G1-001 – presents a distinct combination of new materials and processes on a tested favorite – the Propel Auto. Gerber experts provide insightful design, informed engineering, precise machining, and first-class execution to bring the G1-001 to life; a hands-on approach to craftsmanship with an end result that is undeniable.


Gerber-g1-001-auto.jpg

“The G1-001 is an elevation of the Propel Automatic. Since its release in 2013, the Propel Auto has been heralded as a top product in midsize frame ergonomics and steadfast reliability. After observing the success – both with the military and commercially –the Propel Automatic has achieved, it was clear it would serve as the ideal platform for the first G1 knife.” Karrson Koivisto, Product Manager at Gerber.

G1-001-Auto2.jpg

Each year Gerber will introduce new editions to the G1 Series, reflecting new materials, processes, and technologies. This new series serves to fuel the future development of production-caliber products, serving a large market of both professional and recreational users.

All upgrades on the G1-001 were meticulously considered, sourcing first-class materials and leveraging the master craftsmanship of the Portland, Oregon manufacturing facility. Each of the 20 hand built knives underwent a laborious 9 stage process, accumulating upwards of 60 hours each in production, processing, and assembly.

G1-001-Auto3.jpg

A unique bi-metal blade is the foundation of the knife, each steel bringing different qualities to make the sum greater than the parts. Gerber exclusively sourced a custom-made blade combination of Hitachi Blue steel and 410 stainless steel. Sandwiched between the 410 stainless, the Hitachi Blue core is an oil-quenched steel that offers superior edge retention and acts as the unwavering backbone of the blade. The 410 stainless steel coats the Hitachi Blue and was chosen to improve the flexibility of the blade in use, increase resistance to corrosion and the elements, and the ability to be polished easily.

G1-001-Auto4.jpg

After using a waterjet to cut the blanks, each blade is ground top and bottom to optimal thickness before machining the tang. Once machining is complete, the blade enters a proprietary heat treat that brings optimal performance to both steels, not just the inner steel as is commonly seen in bi-metal blades. Following the heat treatment, the blade is hand beveled to perfection by a 15 year master craftsman and Gerber veteran. Once the blade processing is complete the knife is assembled by hand.

G1-001-Auto6.jpg

Custom machined titanium handle scales encase the spear point blade that is housed between two oil-impregnated bronze washers. The washers self-lubricate during use to create butter-smooth deployment over time. The final knife is completed with blue PVD fasteners and spacers and a black DLC custom plunge lock, safety, and pocket clip.

G1-001-Auto5.jpg

Each knife is hand assembled, double inspected, and serialized for collection.

“The 20 unit serialized run comes with a matching serialized tag cut out of the same bi-metal steel, it serves as a certificate of authenticity and is unique to each knife” says Koivisto. “The knife and tag are served up in a custom Pelican case, a welcome addition to any discerning knife collection.”
 
G1-001-Auto3.jpg

A unique bi-metal blade is the foundation of the knife, each steel bringing different qualities to make the sum greater than the parts. Gerber exclusively sourced a custom-made blade combination of Hitachi Blue steel and 410 stainless steel. Sandwiched between the 410 stainless, the Hitachi Blue core is an oil-quenched steel that offers superior edge retention and acts as the unwavering backbone of the blade. The 410 stainless steel coats the Hitachi Blue and was chosen to improve the flexibility of the blade in use, increase resistance to corrosion and the elements, and the ability to be polished easily.

G1-001-Auto4.jpg

After using a waterjet to cut the blanks, each blade is ground top and bottom to optimal thickness before machining the tang. Once machining is complete, the blade enters a proprietary heat treat that brings optimal performance to both steels, not just the inner steel as is commonly seen in bi-metal blades. Following the heat treatment, the blade is hand beveled to perfection by a 15 year master craftsman and Gerber veteran. Once the blade processing is complete the knife is assembled by hand.

G1-001-Auto6.jpg
1st Picture: Love how piss poor that finish is, meanwhile Gerber is claiming how easy it is to polish.

"The 410 stainless steel coats the Hitachi Blue and was chosen to improve the flexibility of the blade in use, increase resistance to corrosion and the elements, and the ability to be polished easily."

2nd Picture: That doesn't look like a water jet to me, looks like they're milling it.

3rd Picture: Does the blade have a warp?
 
Looks like milling of the pivot.

Harsh reviews. It will be interesting if there is a u tube review to get a better look at the knife.
 
I honestly don't know if I should be excited about Gerber's USA production or worried. I'm trying to give them the benefit of the doubt, but with their vast resources and industry experience, I can't see how that knife cost 60 hours to make or would cost more than $150 (if the quality control were up to even moderate standards, that is). If the price is justified because of the limited run and charity, why isn't the quality control higher? Don't get me wrong, I want them to succeed, but as someone who dreams of being able to produce knives and tools in the US on a larger scale than one-man-shop, it's a bit disappointing to see an enormous corporation that makes most of their money from overseas materials and labor brag about craftsmanship and pride while showing that knife. There are craftsmen on this forum that make folding knives that make the g1 look like a plastic toy, by hand, alone, for prices at or less than the g1.

I hope I'm wrong and these are just bad photos that don't do the new knife justice :)
 
Again, it doesn't look like a $500 knife, but it honestly doesn't look that bad to me. It would be something I would strongly consider at around $150.
 
they are claiming this is a custom that and they are donating to a knife charity. those are the only two reasons the price is high.

the blade is ugly but unique. its got too many logos and words making it worse.

I don't see much else that's wrong with it. I wouldn't get one because its a $500 Gerber and doesn't look custom to me.
 
Honestly I wonder how much the horrible finish is just the photograph. If you look at the picture above with the blade closed in the knife, the second picture on makael's post, the finish looks alot better on the blade.

Also they are saying their heat treatment brings out optimum performance in both steels, the 410 and the Hitachi blue. Is this possible? Wouldn't heat treating one of the steels correctly mean the other steel is not being treated optimally?
 
T.L.E. Sharp said:
I'm struggling to see the resemblance. Maybe the Neeman is a wobbly in the grind? It manages to be very attractive though, whereas the Gerber looks like a concrete-rubbed prison shank.
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lol. Yeah, I was suggesting that polish on the laminated steel Gerber looked similar to the polish on the laminated steel Neeman, but that's just to my eye which might not be as keen. And, you're right, I didn't notice it until you pointed it out but that Neeman grind is wobbled. I agree the Neeman is still attractive and more importantly useful; I would gladly purchase one just to give the steel a go, whereas I would never buy that silly grind Gerber (even if they fixed the grind and other things) for $500.

Nike has done the same thing in the past - ludicrous price tag attached to a fundraiser. Nike and Gerber are showing us how much they care. :rolleyes:
 
Lapedog said:
Honestly I wonder how much the horrible finish is just the photograph. If you look at the picture above with the blade closed in the knife, the second picture on makael's post, the finish looks alot better on the blade.

Also they are saying their heat treatment brings out optimum performance in both steels, the 410 and the Hitachi blue. Is this possible? Wouldn't heat treating one of the steels correctly mean the other steel is not being treated optimally?
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on the ht, there won't be any issues. folks have been doing that without issues for a long time. them saying optimal is a generic term and they need to explain more info as optimal for what? edge retention or toughness or stainless or what?

as for the finish you're right about the closed picture showing a better finish. could just be the lighting or camera causing it to be all wavey.
 
Maybe they got Jared West to write that crap ;the only thing missing is the high tech security and the giant museum ; ha !
 
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I don't get it either - they took a production knife and made no changes other than the materials and are asking 5x the standard one. I don't even see where custom or "expert" craftsmen even need to come into this. From the blurb it sounds like all of these "customs" will be copies of production knives :/

For $500 I'd have Protech make me a ti handled CQC7A or whatever floats your boat. I'm not sure who Gerber's market is long term, clearly no one here is interested.
 
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