-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
How is Gerber doing?
- Thread starter Lodd
- Start date
- Joined
- May 21, 2000
- Messages
- 6,238
When I was a kid I had several of their Gator models and various multitools. They were decent, especially the multitools, and were made in the US at the time.
I'd like to see them get their act together and put out quality stuff again.
If I were them, I'd concentrate on multitools first. They have several solid designs that could be reworked and turned into quality US made offerings. Afterwards, they could do the same thing with their knives. A US made Gator would probably sell well with a few modifications.
I'd like to see them get their act together and put out quality stuff again.
If I were them, I'd concentrate on multitools first. They have several solid designs that could be reworked and turned into quality US made offerings. Afterwards, they could do the same thing with their knives. A US made Gator would probably sell well with a few modifications.
I’ve actually never had much of an issue with any Gerber I’ve ever owned.... with the caveat that all of them were acquired before I really knew anything about knives or Gerber’s downfall (you know, before I found BF). I still have a bit of nostalgia for them as growing up, it was THE brand my father always bought for a good knife. So I hope they can turn things around, and maybe even make some affordable, quality knives in the US to compete with Kershaw and Buck.
But I’ve also seen some really bad Paraframes out there, so I’m not holding out too much hope.
But I’ve also seen some really bad Paraframes out there, so I’m not holding out too much hope.
Sadly, I think they sell plenty of their cheap knives worldwide at a pretty good profit margin to justify continuing like that. They seem to be trying to differentiate between that cheap stuff and their better quality models lately, so there is that.
Well, the responses aren't wholly negative, which I think is a slight improvement. Personally, I am looking at this with a mixture of curiosity, apprehension and a sliver of hope.
I've seen some of the straight up crap they've put out over the past years and I certainly won't be the first to plunge back in. The risk of being burned feels too great. And we're pretty spoilt with great budget options these days. However, I've also had the privilege of handling one or two old Gerber knives and they were really good for a reasonable price. So I really do hope they make a comeback. I'd have a lot of respect for it, too. I imagine it's pretty hard to turn things around.
It's kinda like they've been doing drugs or something. Yeah, it's hard to clean up your act. Yeah, it commands respect. Yeah, I'm rooting for them. But too much has happened for me to trust them right now.
Maybe if I can see it first hand.
I've seen some of the straight up crap they've put out over the past years and I certainly won't be the first to plunge back in. The risk of being burned feels too great. And we're pretty spoilt with great budget options these days. However, I've also had the privilege of handling one or two old Gerber knives and they were really good for a reasonable price. So I really do hope they make a comeback. I'd have a lot of respect for it, too. I imagine it's pretty hard to turn things around.
It's kinda like they've been doing drugs or something. Yeah, it's hard to clean up your act. Yeah, it commands respect. Yeah, I'm rooting for them. But too much has happened for me to trust them right now.
Maybe if I can see it first hand.
- Joined
- Jul 4, 2014
- Messages
- 6,155
I have three of their multi-tools, an LST, and a Paraframe I received as a gift.
The LST is fun but the Paraframe is not worth the packaging it came in.
Their multi-tools are well proven by our military. They certainly are decent but could be improved upon. Mainly in their choice of materials and finish. A better heat treatment would also be nice.
I actually prefer Gerber’s MP-600 design over the Leatherman Wave. When I am cold, wet and tired, the Gerber is easier to use.
There is no question in my mind that the Wave is the superior piece of kit based on materials and finish, though. Leatherman’s customer service is also top notch.
If I was going to have only a MT and nothing else, Leatherman would be my choice between the two. If I get to pair up a knife/MT combination, then Gerber is in the running.
Most of their designs don’t do much for me. I do admit I kinda like their 06 knife but, I avoid autos and metal scales on bigger folders. Also, their new Axis lock knife looks promising.
And their fixed blades from the 1980’s were very sexy.
The LST is fun but the Paraframe is not worth the packaging it came in.
Their multi-tools are well proven by our military. They certainly are decent but could be improved upon. Mainly in their choice of materials and finish. A better heat treatment would also be nice.
I actually prefer Gerber’s MP-600 design over the Leatherman Wave. When I am cold, wet and tired, the Gerber is easier to use.
There is no question in my mind that the Wave is the superior piece of kit based on materials and finish, though. Leatherman’s customer service is also top notch.
If I was going to have only a MT and nothing else, Leatherman would be my choice between the two. If I get to pair up a knife/MT combination, then Gerber is in the running.
Most of their designs don’t do much for me. I do admit I kinda like their 06 knife but, I avoid autos and metal scales on bigger folders. Also, their new Axis lock knife looks promising.
And their fixed blades from the 1980’s were very sexy.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Jan 12, 2009
- Messages
- 3,198
I think it is pretty obvious how much disgust you have for Cold Steel as I have seen you posts steadily gain in sarcasm, accusations and unfounded "dog pile" rhetoric of nefarious scheming and puppetry. Can you leave it in the other couple of threads you are hammering away on with your anti Lyn Thompson and Cold Steel commentary?
Sure would like to see this thread stay about Gerber in the USA, not derailed by snarky, cute remarks. I am tired of USA companies failing, moving out of the country, or losing market share to foreign companies. If they are doing something good, or bad, I would like to stay focused on Gerber. At least give it a few posts before the troll bait.
Personally, I don't think Gerber is there yet. I have looked at a couple of their US made knives and they really seem unexceptional. Some look cheap. I know for a long time they supplied cutlery and tools to the military, and their designs seem for the more part to try to cater to that group, including their naming protocols. Our one knife store here in town says that they aren't really moving well as their designs aren't distinctive enough. They showed me a couple of Smith and Wesson knives (Chinese manufacture) that looked a lot like the Gerbers so they are playing in a well represented area with a non-descript product. In the hand, the Gerbers have a distinct "gas station" feel to them.
I wonder if it is too late for Gerber. For us that bought them back in the 80s, the damage may be to great to overcome. I have never owned a more poorly made knife than a couple of the Gerbers I bought in the early 2000s, and they were so bad I swore off the brand. They might stand a chance if they can get a good knife with a good design into some of the big hunting stores and sell to folks that are unfamiliar with their past. I would love to see the company re-establish itself and bring the whole company back to the USA. Even a split deal on manufacturing locations like Buck does would be nice.
Robert
Dude, chill out...
And not everyone is in USA, for us in rest of the world that "Made in USA" stamp means nothing but higher price tag...
The gator was a great knife at a great price when I got mine around 1990 or so. I had a guardian as well that I picked up at a yard sale in the early.80's. I wound up braking the tip off while I was showing off my knife throwing skills or more precisely my lack there of..
After those two every other thing that came down the pipe from them either didnt appeal to me or was a.piece o crap..
A few years ago I got a DMF model and low and behold it.is probably one of the best made items they've made. I was shocked and happily surprised!! Don't know if they are still making them but I'd definitely consider getting the second variation if I saw it today.
After those two every other thing that came down the pipe from them either didnt appeal to me or was a.piece o crap..
A few years ago I got a DMF model and low and behold it.is probably one of the best made items they've made. I was shocked and happily surprised!! Don't know if they are still making them but I'd definitely consider getting the second variation if I saw it today.
- Joined
- May 17, 2013
- Messages
- 1,155
I always think the Kershaw/ZT duo brands approach is a smart one, catering to different budgets and demographic. Meanwhile, some of the ZT design can still trickle down to the Kershaw products, so folks can enjoy them without paying the premium. But looking at Gerber lineup, I am not sure they are successful enough to branch out like that.
- Joined
- Jan 3, 2006
- Messages
- 12
Started with, and still use, a Sportsman II in 440C steel from 1976. Awesome knife that has proven itself over the test of time. Yes, it is pre-Fiskars. Added a few LSTs and the E-Z Out, but then got away from Gerber a bit. Recently jumped back in with a Prodigy and have to say so far it’s exceeding my expectations. Hope this IMO upward trend continues.
Many brands make their top quality knives (and tools and guns and other stuff) in the US. If it means nothing to you then you aren’t paying attention.
- Joined
- Mar 3, 2000
- Messages
- 4,798
LOL! I agree the Paraframe is this company's Albatross-around-the-neck, but scan their US offerings and take heart.
Maybe a bunch of us Gerber hopefuls should toss a few bucks in together and do a Gerber passaround with a couple of their products. I'm thinking something like a fixed blade, a folder and a multitool... 10 or so of us should be able to acquire a good sampling for not much out of pocket and do a decent trial, and we could track it in the Knife Review and Testing forum. I'm sure there are more curious hopefuls out there who might be interested.
That Bolt Action was a Blackie Collins design, and it truly was great. The River Shorty is still offered, is USA made and is still a very good product.
- Joined
- Oct 11, 2013
- Messages
- 21,823
I have a few Gerbers from way back in the US made Portland OR days that I enjoy, specifically my first Gator that I carried with me for years through my Scouting career. Gerbers these days seem like substandard poorly made products, and I'm absolutely not a fan of their current marketing scheme on social media where it's a bunch of ultra-tatted, flannel and bespoke denim jean wearing Pacific Northwest hipster bozos working on oily old 70's motorcycles in a garage before taking out one of their "cleaver" looking models to snip a thread.
Oh wait, sorry, that was last year. This year, it's entirely Tim Kennedy's face, and pictures of people in expensive REI "outdoor" clothes at a camp site or camp cooking at a wooden campground table.
All of that said, one or two of their models LOOK decent, like that new Terra Craft (they can keep all of their "cleaver" design stuff), and if it were cheap, and I was bored, maybe I'd grab one. I just really detest being marketed to, because honestly, a product should stand on its own merits, not "Look at this cool lifestyle YOU could have if only you had our thing!". Hate that so much.
Edit: $150? Ha, no.
Oh wait, sorry, that was last year. This year, it's entirely Tim Kennedy's face, and pictures of people in expensive REI "outdoor" clothes at a camp site or camp cooking at a wooden campground table.
All of that said, one or two of their models LOOK decent, like that new Terra Craft (they can keep all of their "cleaver" design stuff), and if it were cheap, and I was bored, maybe I'd grab one. I just really detest being marketed to, because honestly, a product should stand on its own merits, not "Look at this cool lifestyle YOU could have if only you had our thing!". Hate that so much.
Edit: $150? Ha, no.
Last edited:
