I know what you're thinking - a Gerber? Pass! But wait, this is new to production (or so I gather) and is a might fine looking blade. The Statesman. 2.8 in. blade
Here's the deal: I've been EDCing a Benchmade Rolling Lock, Kershaw RAM, and a couple different Bucks on and off the past couple years and wanted something a little smaller and a little more formal, but still one handed operated. The hunt was on for a birthday present that wasn't too much, but still fulfilled all my needs. I stumbled across the Statesman a couple weeks ago, and figured that was it. Champagne aluminium scales, small wood inlays, and a thumb operated lock. The assisted opening was not necessary, but I hadn't used an assisted knife since the S.O.G. Trident, so I figured, 'what the hey.'
It arrived yesterday(?) and it when first opened from the packaging it seemed small.. too small, but nevertheless a fine looking blade! Once I got it open and in hand, and used it to dispose of the cardboard box it came in, it felt really good.
Opening it was a bit trickier than I was anticipating because it's closed in there pretty well. I figured out that in order to get it to open, you need to either turn your thumb sideways and flick it out to the side with the top of your thumbnail, or press down with the "meat" of your thumb and push to the side. Anyways, once I figured out how to open it - it comes out like a rocket! It's the fastest opening knife I've ever handled! Depending on the situation, that could be a good or bad thing.
Closing it is an entirely different story. It is a slow process. First, you need the hands of Zeus to push the lock forward, quite unlike my other knives. Then, you need to have nimble hands in order to hold the lock forward while you push the blade closed with one or two fingers against the strength of the spring. You can't really use your thumbnail to push the lock forward, because it will just bend your thumbnail.
After a day (or two? It's been a fast week) of operation, my thumb has gotten more used to the effort it takes to deploy the blade, and disengage the lock. I'm hoping it gets a little easier as time goes on, or I get one heck of a callus.
All that aside, it is a real charmer of a knife. It's a beauty, and the fit and finish is excellent! Overall I'm really impressed with Gerber on this one. The blade seems to be the right size for anything you'd need a little more gentlemanly-looking knife knife to do. Strings, packaging, what not. I'm not so sure it would be good for food prep because it is a little short, but it's certainly sharp enough to do the job and has a thin blade, making it a good slicer.
I know a lot of people worry about clips, so here's my take. It rides high and is tip down, neither of which are qualities I like. Needless to say, I took the clip off because it isn't so big that I really feel it in the bottom of my pocket. Along the same lines, weight isn't really an issue for me either, so I don't know if it weighs "too much" for the size of the knife. Aluminium scales and stainless or alu. liners make it weigh about even with my Pardue Rolling Lock, still lighter than my RAM.
I'm all out of idea's on what to talk about so post if you have any specific questions and I'll try to answer as best I can. If you want pictures in person, I can get some, but be warned - I only have a cell phone camera.
Here's the deal: I've been EDCing a Benchmade Rolling Lock, Kershaw RAM, and a couple different Bucks on and off the past couple years and wanted something a little smaller and a little more formal, but still one handed operated. The hunt was on for a birthday present that wasn't too much, but still fulfilled all my needs. I stumbled across the Statesman a couple weeks ago, and figured that was it. Champagne aluminium scales, small wood inlays, and a thumb operated lock. The assisted opening was not necessary, but I hadn't used an assisted knife since the S.O.G. Trident, so I figured, 'what the hey.'
It arrived yesterday(?) and it when first opened from the packaging it seemed small.. too small, but nevertheless a fine looking blade! Once I got it open and in hand, and used it to dispose of the cardboard box it came in, it felt really good.
Opening it was a bit trickier than I was anticipating because it's closed in there pretty well. I figured out that in order to get it to open, you need to either turn your thumb sideways and flick it out to the side with the top of your thumbnail, or press down with the "meat" of your thumb and push to the side. Anyways, once I figured out how to open it - it comes out like a rocket! It's the fastest opening knife I've ever handled! Depending on the situation, that could be a good or bad thing.
Closing it is an entirely different story. It is a slow process. First, you need the hands of Zeus to push the lock forward, quite unlike my other knives. Then, you need to have nimble hands in order to hold the lock forward while you push the blade closed with one or two fingers against the strength of the spring. You can't really use your thumbnail to push the lock forward, because it will just bend your thumbnail.
After a day (or two? It's been a fast week) of operation, my thumb has gotten more used to the effort it takes to deploy the blade, and disengage the lock. I'm hoping it gets a little easier as time goes on, or I get one heck of a callus.
All that aside, it is a real charmer of a knife. It's a beauty, and the fit and finish is excellent! Overall I'm really impressed with Gerber on this one. The blade seems to be the right size for anything you'd need a little more gentlemanly-looking knife knife to do. Strings, packaging, what not. I'm not so sure it would be good for food prep because it is a little short, but it's certainly sharp enough to do the job and has a thin blade, making it a good slicer.
I know a lot of people worry about clips, so here's my take. It rides high and is tip down, neither of which are qualities I like. Needless to say, I took the clip off because it isn't so big that I really feel it in the bottom of my pocket. Along the same lines, weight isn't really an issue for me either, so I don't know if it weighs "too much" for the size of the knife. Aluminium scales and stainless or alu. liners make it weigh about even with my Pardue Rolling Lock, still lighter than my RAM.
I'm all out of idea's on what to talk about so post if you have any specific questions and I'll try to answer as best I can. If you want pictures in person, I can get some, but be warned - I only have a cell phone camera.
