How about that Gerber?

[mowry.cj5]

I'm new to the forum but wanted some opinions on Gerber's applegate covert mini folder. I just bought it but am having second thoughts and couldn't find good feedback on it anywhere. I've owned other larger folders in the past (ex. an Al Mar Shrike) but found they're just a little too big for everyday pocket carrying. Which brings me to my next question: What is a good blade size for a folder i want to carry alot? Anything would help- thanks. ----

 

[CUTS LIKE A KRIS]

Size is a relative thing- what do you cut on a regular basis, what kind of clothes do you wear most of the time, how much extra weight do you not mind carrying, how often do you go into your pockets, is a belt sheath. Most people carry something along the lines of a 3-4 inch folder but I have carried a 6 inch cold steel Ti-lite all day long without discomfort. But then again some people do not want anything more than 2 inches in their pocket- something akin to a kershaw chive, or CRKT SST. Just like best steels or best blade shape this is something you will have to decide for yourself- but you already have an idea as you say that the Shrike is not to your liking. Frame locks will reduce some bulk if you find that it is not the length of the knife but the thickness that you are uncomfortable with.
Sorry to not have an opinion on the mini folder- I have never seen one in person.
Good luck finding something that you like ( a Kershaw leek may be a good starting point- fine tip, decent/ easily sharpenable steel, thin profile, assisted opening/cool factor, and many different color choices)

 

[janne]

I've owned mini covert about 2 years. nothing to complain about it. I dont know if they are as good as bigger coverts but its really good folder. easy to sharpen. Liner lock feels solid but i havent tested it by spinewhak or something like that. So beware if u are stabbing

 

[kel_aa]

What do you want to hear? The blade is pretty good for corrosion resistance. The lock is reasonably secure. The serrations are not to bad (my thumb can tell you that).

My opinion on the its blade geometry is it is decent. Not as good as Opinels, but reasonable.

As for size, I find anything from 2.7 - 4 inches to be good. Something around 3.7 inches is my favorite, although I'd rather have a thinner and more efficient knife to a thicker and longer beast.

 

[wwells20]

I had one (mini covert) and thought it was just fine as an EDC. The only problem I had with it was on the Gerber web-site it was listed as 154cm blade steel. Turns out, it was AUS6. I don't have anything against AUS6, in fact I love that steel, but it was dissapointing to find out this AFTER I had purchased. What's worse, I even suggested it to others because I thought it was 154cm. That being said, I still liked the knife just fine and if it had been a plain edged blade, I might still have it in my accumulation of knives.

 

[bakerbuddy]

I own one of these as well, and have no real complaints to speak of. They hold a decent edge for everyday use, and are farily sturdy and low-maintenance.

 

[Nimick]

I had one (mini covert) and thought it was just fine as an EDC. The only problem I had with it was on the Gerber web-site it was listed as 154cm blade steel. Turns out, it was AUS6. I don't have anything against AUS6, in fact I love that steel, but it was dissapointing to find out this AFTER I had purchased. What's worse, I even suggested it to others because I thought it was 154cm. That being said, I still liked the knife just fine and if it had been a plain edged blade, I might still have it in my accumulation of knives.

How did you find out it was AUS-6?

 

[Artfully Martial]

The most versatile blade size, I find, is three inches. But Spyderco offers a lot of handle to blade ratio options...you can go on one side and get a para which has a 3 inch blade but a full sized handle which is a rather large knife, but you can also downgrade to a dodo with a 2 inch blade and an extra long handle, giving you a normal sized knife with a small blade. I have a para and I ordered a dodo today...

 

[HoB]

3-3.5" is my prefered size for EDC, but the Endura/Pacific Salt size works aswell. Depends very much on the knife. A slender knife can get away with a greater length in my opinion.

 

[muzzleup]

Mine locks up very solid and holds a good edge. Mine is marked on the blade as ATS-34 and "first production run" as well as the Applegate/Fairbairn signaturs. Mine also has a second locking mechanisim aside from the liner lock.

All in all they are pretty good knives.

FWIW, Ciao
Ron

 

[wwells20]

How did you find out it was AUS-6?

Someone here (bladefourms) said it was AUS6. I take it they knew what they were saying. I took it as true because it acted like AUS6. Like I said, i still liked the knife.