-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is available! Price is $250 ea (shipped within CONUS).
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/
Need a Review of Gerber LMF II.
- Thread starter sailswish
- Start date
- Joined
- Jul 30, 2006
- Messages
- 44,125
You get the on site Search function when you buy a $10 annual membership.
You can do a site search with Google for free. Click the "advanced search" on Google.
I sometimes use Google anyway because the Google search engine performs certain searches better than the on-site search does.
You can do a site search with Google for free. Click the "advanced search" on Google.
I sometimes use Google anyway because the Google search engine performs certain searches better than the on-site search does.
Well type Gerber LMF in on Youtube and you will find some video reviews. Here is a comparison of an LMF II with a Gerber Prodigy:
http://www.heezy.com/gerber.html
I have an LMF II and I really like it. It's one tough knife.
http://www.heezy.com/gerber.html
I have an LMF II and I really like it. It's one tough knife.
- Joined
- Apr 20, 2001
- Messages
- 18,423
I just got mine this week, first impressions are good.
Very stout and a solid user. Noss here on the forum did a destruction tets on one, and even I have to admit, for a >$70.00 knife, it took a beating!
TEST
The sheath is a little extreme, it provides just about every carry option you can imagine and takes security to a high level. I actually removed one of the two handle straps, since I don't see any parachuting in my future.
Before:
After:
Noss tested the glass breaker, so I was curious to see how well the hammer head on the pommel worked.
I wouldn't want it as a hammer to do any real work, but those quick nails to hang stuff on in camp or fast repairs, it seems to work just fine.
I have found some confusion even on websites that sell the LMF II, between which is the ASEK, Survival or Infantry version, but I found a list that breaks the different versions down. (I saw several websites listing the brown Survival one as an ASEK, but ONLY the green handle has the IF resistance and is the actual ASEK version)
22-01627 Foliage Green LMFII ASEK (IR)
22-01626 Foliage Green LMF II Infantry
22-01117 Foliage Green LMFII Knife only (no sheath included)
22-01118 Foliage Green LMFII Sheath only (no knife included)
22-01400 Camel Brown LMFII Survival
22-01463 Camel Brown LMF II Infantry
22-01629 Black LMF II Infantry
Very stout and a solid user. Noss here on the forum did a destruction tets on one, and even I have to admit, for a >$70.00 knife, it took a beating!
TEST
The sheath is a little extreme, it provides just about every carry option you can imagine and takes security to a high level. I actually removed one of the two handle straps, since I don't see any parachuting in my future.
Before:
After:
Noss tested the glass breaker, so I was curious to see how well the hammer head on the pommel worked.
I wouldn't want it as a hammer to do any real work, but those quick nails to hang stuff on in camp or fast repairs, it seems to work just fine.
I have found some confusion even on websites that sell the LMF II, between which is the ASEK, Survival or Infantry version, but I found a list that breaks the different versions down. (I saw several websites listing the brown Survival one as an ASEK, but ONLY the green handle has the IF resistance and is the actual ASEK version)
22-01627 Foliage Green LMFII ASEK (IR)
22-01626 Foliage Green LMF II Infantry
22-01117 Foliage Green LMFII Knife only (no sheath included)
22-01118 Foliage Green LMFII Sheath only (no knife included)
22-01400 Camel Brown LMFII Survival
22-01463 Camel Brown LMF II Infantry
22-01629 Black LMF II Infantry
- Joined
- Aug 13, 2006
- Messages
- 142
Here's what I posted on Amazon awhile ago:
The blade steel is 12C27 - supposedly, comparable in toughness (durability) and hardness (edge-retention) to 440A. It's a good blend of both qualities.
The construction is not full tang but push tang; however, this does not appear to affect its structural integrity. The LMF II is constructed in this manner in order to give this particular knife an insulated handle. This means that you can cut an electrically "live" wire without fear of injury. This is the knife that allowed an advanced marksman team to cut a live electrical line powering insurgent search lights that would have given their position away.
Since 12C27 is a stainless steel, maintenance is minimal as is the probability of corrosion. The blade takes a decent edge (typically less than shaving sharp) and shows good edge retention. As a matter of fact, I was quite surprised at the edge retention. I recently spent near three hours outside doing some hacking on some light, but woody, brush. When I had finished, the blade had dulled only slightly. The blade coating also held up very well and showed no flaking, chipping, or dusting - only light scratches were visible, none of which were deep enough to expose the blade.
As for sharpening, the steel was very easy to sharpen. The sharpener built into the sheath works relatively well on the blade and will restore the knife's edge with only a few strokes. I can't seem to put a shaving edge on this knife; however a working edge is easily maintained. Use a diamond rod on the serrations.
The handle design looked funny to me a first - didn't seem like a good design, but, thankfully, it was only looks. As to comfort, my hand only started hurting after the first two hours of cutting, and that was minimal pain... but I'll admit after three, it was plum tuckered out.
In other words, it has a very comfortable handle.
The "skull-crusher" butt (steel projection below the handle) is also insulated, so don't worry about getting shocked though there either. As has been already mentioned, the butt can be used as a hammer too.
The three holes in the knife (two in the guard, one in the butt) are intended for lashing the knife to a rod for use as a spear. The hollows or concave indents/depressions in the handle are also designed for this purpose and allow a lashed pole to fit snugly against the knife handle.
The blade performs well at light chopping (provided you make contact with the non-serrated part of the blade). Light chopping accounts for a large portion of outdoor/survival work with a knife. Heavy wood cutting should be done with a saw of some kind (wire saw, folding saw) or an axe. The serrations also function very well and are useful in many ways - cutting rope being a big one. The serrations do seem a bit more "aggressive" than some other knives and seemed to make the work go faster.
As was already mentioned, the sheath has a built-in sharpener that works well and is easy to use. All you have to do is stick the blade in and pull it back out a couple times - you don't have to worry about the blade angle, because it's all taken care of for you. Overall, the sheath is very well made. The different carrying options are very nice and allow you to carry the knife on your thigh (using the leg straps - "drop-leg" style), on your belt (disconnect the leg straps), or on a MOLLE vest or pack.
This is a great knife for utility/survival purposes at an affordable price, and it still exudes quality while serving its purpose very well. Although I own better quality knives, I can't see myself going on a camping trip without this one too. You really can't go wrong with this knife.
The blade steel is 12C27 - supposedly, comparable in toughness (durability) and hardness (edge-retention) to 440A. It's a good blend of both qualities.
The construction is not full tang but push tang; however, this does not appear to affect its structural integrity. The LMF II is constructed in this manner in order to give this particular knife an insulated handle. This means that you can cut an electrically "live" wire without fear of injury. This is the knife that allowed an advanced marksman team to cut a live electrical line powering insurgent search lights that would have given their position away.
Since 12C27 is a stainless steel, maintenance is minimal as is the probability of corrosion. The blade takes a decent edge (typically less than shaving sharp) and shows good edge retention. As a matter of fact, I was quite surprised at the edge retention. I recently spent near three hours outside doing some hacking on some light, but woody, brush. When I had finished, the blade had dulled only slightly. The blade coating also held up very well and showed no flaking, chipping, or dusting - only light scratches were visible, none of which were deep enough to expose the blade.
As for sharpening, the steel was very easy to sharpen. The sharpener built into the sheath works relatively well on the blade and will restore the knife's edge with only a few strokes. I can't seem to put a shaving edge on this knife; however a working edge is easily maintained. Use a diamond rod on the serrations.
The handle design looked funny to me a first - didn't seem like a good design, but, thankfully, it was only looks. As to comfort, my hand only started hurting after the first two hours of cutting, and that was minimal pain... but I'll admit after three, it was plum tuckered out.
In other words, it has a very comfortable handle. The "skull-crusher" butt (steel projection below the handle) is also insulated, so don't worry about getting shocked though there either. As has been already mentioned, the butt can be used as a hammer too.
The three holes in the knife (two in the guard, one in the butt) are intended for lashing the knife to a rod for use as a spear. The hollows or concave indents/depressions in the handle are also designed for this purpose and allow a lashed pole to fit snugly against the knife handle.
The blade performs well at light chopping (provided you make contact with the non-serrated part of the blade). Light chopping accounts for a large portion of outdoor/survival work with a knife. Heavy wood cutting should be done with a saw of some kind (wire saw, folding saw) or an axe. The serrations also function very well and are useful in many ways - cutting rope being a big one. The serrations do seem a bit more "aggressive" than some other knives and seemed to make the work go faster.
As was already mentioned, the sheath has a built-in sharpener that works well and is easy to use. All you have to do is stick the blade in and pull it back out a couple times - you don't have to worry about the blade angle, because it's all taken care of for you. Overall, the sheath is very well made. The different carrying options are very nice and allow you to carry the knife on your thigh (using the leg straps - "drop-leg" style), on your belt (disconnect the leg straps), or on a MOLLE vest or pack.
This is a great knife for utility/survival purposes at an affordable price, and it still exudes quality while serving its purpose very well. Although I own better quality knives, I can't see myself going on a camping trip without this one too. You really can't go wrong with this knife.
- Joined
- Apr 20, 2001
- Messages
- 18,423
Small world "TheFghter88", I actually read your review before I bought mine.
- Joined
- Aug 13, 2006
- Messages
- 142
A small world indeed, I'm glad a fellow knife-enthusiast could read my review and still buy the knife.
Thanks for letting me know, I appreciate it.I have certainly been pleased with mine.
yerscattergun
BANNED
- Joined
- Jan 3, 2007
- Messages
- 917
Check Noss's website...
- Joined
- Dec 4, 2008
- Messages
- 7
Howdy boys. First thread here.
I broke my LMF II batoning in 40 degree weather, just before Thanksgiving. I have to say this was very disappointing to me. To me, it failed as a survival knife. Could have been a bad run, I don't know, I will not buy another.
-----------
Wingz
I broke my LMF II batoning in 40 degree weather, just before Thanksgiving. I have to say this was very disappointing to me. To me, it failed as a survival knife. Could have been a bad run, I don't know, I will not buy another.
-----------
Wingz
Can you elaborate and provide pictures? Breaking a knife is fine, but let us know the specifics of the technique you were using.
- Joined
- Dec 4, 2008
- Messages
- 7
I don't have a lot of details except the knife was approximately a year old. I used it primarily to split 8" long x < 4" logs, (green) for my wood stove inside my teepee. Batoning is a lot safer in this environment in my way of thinking.
This night, I was splitting some oak and using oak as a baton. The blade snaped about an inch north of the handle. I can't explain it as I have done this many times without any indication of failure. I really enjoyed the knife for fire making. It scraped bark (for tinder) as good as any.
-----------
Wingz
This night, I was splitting some oak and using oak as a baton. The blade snaped about an inch north of the handle. I can't explain it as I have done this many times without any indication of failure. I really enjoyed the knife for fire making. It scraped bark (for tinder) as good as any.
-----------
Wingz
Do you remember if it broke along one of the serrations? I have handled an LMF II, and it is one of the blades I recommend to folks who are looking for a do all blade on a budget, and demand to buy one in a local sporting goods store instead of looking online. Based on the type of steel and positive reviews from folks, I have passed that information along. If it broke along a serration, I will still recommend it.
Did you contact Gerber about this? I'm pretty sure they would replace your knife under warranty.
- Joined
- Aug 13, 2006
- Messages
- 142
- Joined
- Dec 4, 2008
- Messages
- 7
Sorry, I have been away.
I am looking at the knife now and it looks like it broke at the edge of the first serration. I am very interested in what Gerber has to say. Thanks for that advice.
----------
Wingz
I am looking at the knife now and it looks like it broke at the edge of the first serration. I am very interested in what Gerber has to say. Thanks for that advice.
----------
Wingz
Here is my LMFII, a gift from my son, and a more favored(at least by me) knife - a Bark River Boone.
Here they are sheathed:
Make no doubt, the LMFII is a nice knife - but, if I am out camping, I'll have the Boone - or something similar. Can you imagine hiking past a guy with the LMFII sheathed on his belt? Then think of an old grey-haired volumetrically-challenged guy with that Boone sheathed... probably not a second thought on the second guy, save where are his food-toting porters!
Now, as to utility - when I carry a belt knife, it's to cut - ie, I need a knife. Serrations? I have saws. I have better saws. Cutting 'live' wires in the boonies? No way! Hammer? I have much better hammers. I have an old Plumb 'Camp Axe' that chops great - and has put a nail or two in a tree overnite to hang a pack, etc. Remember - you can't leave the nails - don't bury them in the tree! Thus far, I've come across no aircraft fuselages to extract folks from since my USN firefighting school and those dummies - nearing four decades ago.
So, what do I really think of the LMFII? Neat! Wanted one!! My son gave me one - on sale last year - a deal. I haven't used the Gerber yet - other than to 'try' it out. The Boone gets much more use - and it's the prettiest knife I own. BTW, when that son was young, my Dad's old WWII KaBar was our 'camp' knife! If one has your name on it, get it. Sorry about your broken one.
Stainz
Here they are sheathed:
Make no doubt, the LMFII is a nice knife - but, if I am out camping, I'll have the Boone - or something similar. Can you imagine hiking past a guy with the LMFII sheathed on his belt? Then think of an old grey-haired volumetrically-challenged guy with that Boone sheathed... probably not a second thought on the second guy, save where are his food-toting porters!
Now, as to utility - when I carry a belt knife, it's to cut - ie, I need a knife. Serrations? I have saws. I have better saws. Cutting 'live' wires in the boonies? No way! Hammer? I have much better hammers. I have an old Plumb 'Camp Axe' that chops great - and has put a nail or two in a tree overnite to hang a pack, etc. Remember - you can't leave the nails - don't bury them in the tree! Thus far, I've come across no aircraft fuselages to extract folks from since my USN firefighting school and those dummies - nearing four decades ago.
So, what do I really think of the LMFII? Neat! Wanted one!! My son gave me one - on sale last year - a deal. I haven't used the Gerber yet - other than to 'try' it out. The Boone gets much more use - and it's the prettiest knife I own. BTW, when that son was young, my Dad's old WWII KaBar was our 'camp' knife! If one has your name on it, get it. Sorry about your broken one.
Stainz