Gerbers in Plastic

T

Texian

Joined
Sep 7, 2003
Messages
32
I've noticed a Gerber Covert folder being offered for sale in a clear plastic package rather than a box. Are these knives less expensive to sell this way, do they leave the factory that way, or what's the deal?
 
Moved from Traditional to General Knife Discussion.
 
it's just a form of retail packaging. it's available in a box or clam packed. if the one you saw was really cheap then it was probubly the mini covert.
 
The one I saw was the full size Covert, model 5786.

I think I like the idea if I'm buying long distance and wouldn't get a chance to handle the knife anyway. And it would keep down pre-sale examination scratches and wear.

On the other hand, if I'm buying in person I'd probably rather it come in the box, so I can inflict the pre-sale examination scratches and wear, not that I would you understand because I'm always extremely careful.

No big deal. I thought someone in the business might know if the plastic packaging was a new trend, or if the knives might somehow be inferior.
 
Anyone besides me find clamshell packaging really annoying and am willing to pay more for something in a box.
 
The old adage, "look with your eyes, not with your hands".

Probably comes into play, much easier to get your product out then having to look at display models, or the confusing of grabing at boxes (specially when there are many different models with same type/size box)(Serrated, plain edge, partial serrations, blade finish, inserts, etc...). Also production packaging prices are gonna be lowerd dramaticaly.

Blister pack is the common term for the "hot wheels" type packaging.
 
I expect the packaging you describe is intended for large stores like Gander Mountain where the knives are displayed hanging from hooks on an "island" that is directly accessable to customers. That way the knives can be seen but not handled. This is both a safety (so customers, particularly kids, don't cut themselves) and product damage consideration.
 
gerber can be found at many major chain stores and thus the clam shell packaging. it's standard for any item sold in a mass retail format because it is more attractive to the shopper and allow them to pick it up and examine it with out the ability to damage it and it also makes it harder to slip in your pocket. clam packaging isn't aimed at the knife community...it's aimed at the Wal-Mart community or the Eastern Mountain Sports community. they also come in boxes for those of us who perfer them that way.
 
It lets you put the knives out where people don't need assistance to see them, without encouraging shoplifting. If you could take the box off the shelf and slip the knife in your pocket without anyone else -present, you could walk right out of the store.
The blister pack is impossible to fit in just about anything but a backpack, and they're too difficult to get open quickly.
 
As a knife store manager...

Sometimes it's just easier to display things that are clam-packed as opposed to boxed. You can hang them instead of having to place them in a display case or shelf. (And that's important when you have limited space and lots of merchandise.) However, I agree that you should have the ability to handle a knife before purchasing it. We make it a point to have a "display" model available for anything that is clam packed.

~ashes
 
I like finding a blister pack when I mailorder an item. It means the item has been pretty well protected along the way. Generally that means my flashlights or small elctronics, but I wouldn't mind knives coming like that. It is better to be able to handle them in a store, though. That's the whole idea of going to a store, isn't it, actually handling the knife?
 
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