"Paul" knives - what's the charm?

DaveH

DaveH

Joined
Dec 2, 1999
Messages
12,249
I realize this may be controversial, but I really don't understand what the furor is over Gerber Paul knives.

I handled one one time, it seemed OK, but nothing special. Are they popular just because they are supposed to be rare?

Thanks,
DaveH
 
Dave, I think the popularity came with the type of locking device it had. Since introduction it appeared that simple pocket lint could clog up the lock. There are a still a few around for sale.

------------------
Lead,follow, or get the hell out of the way!
 
Personally, I was never crazy about the lock mechanism of the Gerber Paul. But I LOVE the design symmetry. It looks to me as if care has gone into the design ergonomics of the knife in the open position AND the closed position.
Far too many knife makers blow it in this respect: Their folders look great in the open position, but have a number of harsh angles and pointy edges when closed. I want a folder that will ride easy in my pocket, not tear up my jeans and poke me in the leg all the time. I don't even like stockman knives with squared-off bolsters - I only carry rounded ones such as the Uncle Henry 834UH. It's ironic that I like the Paul design so much, because Gerber in the past has been one of the worst offenders of making knives that have beautiful symmetry when open, but terrible lines when closed (e.g. their old wood/brass-handled lockblade models).
 
I love my Gerber Paul Knife, I've got the Final Production 1997. It's just a beautiful knife, the fit and finish are of custom caliber, and besides that it's a fun knife to play with (open and close).
It's a little on the finicky side because of the lock, because of that it's not a good everyday carry knife for me. I did have to send mine back to AG Russell once to have them free it up. In fact, this post made me take mine out, and right now it is a little stiffer than I remember, or as I like it. Well, if I send it back to AG Russell maybe I'll have them put on Stag scales. Yeah, that's the ticket!
Maybe it's just a Novelty knife, still it's one of my favorites.
 
As one who purchased a Paul knife back when they were new, perhaps I can offer some insight. The Gerber Paul offered a radically new locking system -- locking both open and closed -- in a production knife that also offered (for the times) quality fit and finish. The Gerber Paul also offered discreet one-handed opening in a day when California law would have classified any such knife as an illegal switchblade.

Now the lock may not have been perfect, but in 15 years of carry I never had any problems with pocket lint clogging the mechanism. Nor any concerns about lock failure; I cannot imagine how the lock might fail once it is engaged properly.

------------------
Dave

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of More Knives
 
A lot of people like me like different locking mechanisms.The Paul knife is about as different as you can get.I was able to sample some custom Paul knives at a show and they are a marvel in percision and workmanship.They were also very expensive.
 
I can't imagine how a knife collector could not like the Paul. It definately has a very high appeal to lovers of mechanisms. It's a cute little knife that's fun to handle once you get used to it. As a primary or only knife of course it's not preferred but a must have for anybody that loves the classics. Good looking,unique, and collectable. Meets the requirements for me.
 
Thanks for the info, I do agree that it looks very nice, in fact it reminds me of the Dozier folding hunter.

The reason I was thinking about it was because I got an AG Russel catalog today and there a little blurb about they have an additional 500 they had made up from leftover parts. oh, the price is $165 if anyone is curious.

DaveH
 
Thanks PhilL. I don't know what a Paul is but I just spent some good times drooling at that sit eyou posted . . .
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top