Gerber Tri-tip cleaver? (Is the 7cr steel any good)

[NYNETYTHR33]

I was just at Cabelas blowing holiday gift cards, and I had been waiting for my father to finish up his shopping in the knife section when I noticed it. It's the Gerber Tri-tip mini cleaver fixed blade, with aluminum grips and a black finished 7cr17 steel blade. It was only $35, so I decided to take a chance. I only got it because it is thick as heck, and has a full tang. I didn't trust the 7cr17 steel since it is considered lower quality than the 8cr13mov chinese steel (which I already dont like). Took it home, struggled for 15 minutes to get it out of the packaging, and took it out. It fits really good in the hand, the aluminum grips are godly feeling, and it's really well balanced, but I'm still not sold on the steel. Anyone have personal experience on this steel? Could the cleaver withstand everyday use or could everyday use withstand the cleaver?

 

[NapalmCheese]

I didn't trust the 7cr17 steel since it is considered lower quality than the 8cr13mov chinese steel (which I already dont like).

...

but I'm still not sold on the steel.

What don't you trust about it?

It'll get sharp, it'll cut stuff, it'll get dull, it'll get sharp again. Are you expecting to use it as a life saving device? Will you be rigging it overhead? What's to trust?

 

[MarkN86]

As with anything it depends on the heat treatment. I have a newer Old Timer 12ot that uses the same 7cr17 steel and it holds up to cardboard pretty well, I can't tell much difference between it and decently well treated 8cr13mov, the difference is about .1% carbon and maybe a different mix of a couple other alloys. I think it was intended to be similar to the old 440A from when they were produced domestically and it's not far off in metallurgy and use. I can't say much about Gerber's heat treatment but I'd be willing to bet it's not trash, Gerber seems to want to get back into the enthusiast market.

I'm in the camp that believes 8cr13mov has an unfair reputation. Get it done right by a good company and it'll perform similarly to AUS-8, get it done poorly and it might as well be aluminum.