Please Restore My Faith in Gerber!

[jdm61]

They were forged until like 72-early 73 and then stock removal up until they were replaced with the 440 models. I had a forged Mk II and a stock removal L6 Mark I. When it went to replace the Mk I after it was stolen out of my car, they had gone over to stainless and the results were less than satisfactory.

Interesting coincidence - of the two Gerbers I own, one is a Mk II made of L6 steel.

 

[(jeff)]

I have a Mini Covert and a Firestorm. Both are great in every way, the Firestorm has perfect lockup.

 

[Sirryacus]

Man, I had one of those for the longest time. Felt great to use and it just plain took a pounding without complaint. Had I known back then, I'd have bought a dozen.

I'm thinking they make an EZ-Out in the US now... out of 420HC IIRC. You might take a look.

Go back in easy with some US stuff... get a mini LST and a Ghostrike or Strongarm and you'll warm back up I suspect. Won't cost much anyways.

I think I'm gonna have to pick up an EZ-Out now there was a guy advertising in the dealers forums that had some used ones listed on his website that looked to be in very nice shape.

 

[T.K.C.]

Buy something else!

 

[K.O.D.]

As others said, there are so many knives out there that are far superior for similar prices it's not worth it to buy a Gerber.

Gerber, CRKT, S&W and most Kershaws are the bread and butter of big box stores like Wal-Mart, various sporting goods stores, etc.

Strictly for the undiscerning consumer, who wants something cheap and/or tacticool. Most of these people just toss the knife when it gets dull, and just buy a new one.

My father has an old Gerber Gator from the 90s that's his go to beater. He keeps it sharp, but has to frequently sharpen. He doesn't really understand anything but lockbacks, so for him I got a LionSteel Opera, cocobolo scales. He loves it. Uses it for all his light and medium duty needs.

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[mtangent]

I grew up on gerber as well, but after Fiskars bought them back in 2011 I believe, they quality tanked and I have never bought another gerber since.

It was long before 2011.

edit: some time prior to 2004.

 

[chiral.grolim]

The new Gerber Order is essentially an EZ-out. I really like mine, would buy a plain-edge version in they release one... but I probably wouldn't pay >$35 for one. It's a good knife, but it's still just an EZ-out - thin blade, 420HC steel, zytel-ish scales (no liners), and an excessive pocket-clip - something to not spend too much on so that you aren't that upset if you lose it. The DPSF S30V EZ-out has a bit too wide of a profile for my liking (prefer the order) but is also pretty decent for the price.

Evidently I haven't taken any photos of my Propel, but I bought two of those, the second after liking the first one so much. I removed the torsion-bar from each, much much prefer it as a manual, VERY easy to operate even for non-knife people, and is one tough beater :thumbup: I keep one in the glove-box and the other is used all over the property, a staple "work knife".

I also own the Strongarm and LMFII. I bought the latter when they first came out and quickly realized that, while it is very well made, it is not really designed for my situation (pretty military/LEO specific in features) but has been quite useful anyway - the heavy pommel has been used to chip and crush ice, the serrations are wicked on rope and flesh, and the handle is comfortable especially in cold weather when other designs are less ideal. Great tool, but heavy and not the best for outdoor civilian applications.

The Strongarm is MUCH lighter (no hammer-pommel) and easier to carry, but still a thick knife for heavy (ab)use. It'll never cut like the thinner-bladed woods-knives available from myriad companies and makers, but it plays the role of "sharpened prybar" well for such a light tool.

I also keep a Gerber pick/shovel in my trunk, has actually been really helpful in the winter on a number of occasions :thumbup:
They sell a couple different strap-cutters that are excellent, work well for gutting/skinning game as well (or butchering livestock) :thumbup:

The next Gerber I am likely to get is the Gator Fixed Blade, but I am still deciding between the economy 420HC version and the premium S30V version...

 

[Steely_Gunz]

I have a few Gerber products. I still have the Harley Davidson licensed Stud Gator my old man bought for me for my 18th birthday in '99. Love that knife.
My first Multi-tool of good quality was a Gerber tool. Opened my eyes to what a good set of pliers can do for you.
I have a Strongarm that I use as my beater camping knife. I like it pretty well.
I keep one of their folding box cutters as a money clip. It sees a lot of use.

I know they aren't as good as their old counterparts, but I still really like my Mk ii. It's a well made sticker, for what it is.

 

[Matador]

My Gerber Gator in ATS-34 can still get it done. My First Run Production 1996 Applegate folder is still a looker. I like some of their new offerings, especially the auto and the big beefy folders. I keep a Bear Grylls fixed blade in my glove box, great beater knife that I picked up at a garage sale NIP. I'd just research the model before buying now. Always liked the looks of their offerings. Two of my favorites.


In my glove box

 

[Velitrius]

Matador, that is a Bear Grylls Compact Fixed Blade.

My youngest son has one, and it's pretty much a toy. If he lashes it to a limb and throws it like a spear into a rocky creek bed, oh well.

So far it has taken a beating. If I was heading out for an extended outing, I wouldn't take it as my only fixed blade, but it's a great truck beater.

I'm going to get a Ghostrike and put it through the paces though, as I don't expect that little BG fixed blade to last.

 

[Matador]

Matador, that is a Bear Grylls Compact Fixed Blade.

My youngest son has one, and it's pretty much a toy. If he lashes it to a limb and throws it like a spear into a rocky creek bed, oh well.

So far it has taken a beating. If I was heading out for an extended outing, I wouldn't take it as my only fixed blade, but it's a great truck beater.
.

I agree. I have my Striders for hard use. But I like the ergos on this BG. Similar to that of my Tracker Dan for SD. Let us know how you like that Ghoststrike.

 

[Steely_Gunz]

I have a $25 gift card to Academy Sports, and I may use that to buy a Ghoststrike.

 

[(jeff)]

I forgot that i own several Gerber Bear Grylls products. Ultimate fixed blade, basic survival kit, pocket tool, mini multi tool, folding shealth knife, all have served me well.

 

[Nephron44]

Seems like you've already figured this out. Why ask us to restore your faith when you clearly have got your own opinion through your own experience? And if you only want to hear nice things about a company go to their own forum or their subforum. I'm afraid if you only want to hear nice things the internet will be a difficult place.

I've only handled gerber folders in stores. I came to the same conclusions as you. I've had a few Gerber Prodigies. The were well made and inexpensive (bought on the exchange, doubt I would pay new price). The Gerber Strong-Arm looks great but I already have pleanty of knives in that price range and even more with far better materials that will perform better. As a complete knife nut, Gerber does not interest me.

I looked...there is no Gerber sub forum that I could find...

 

[oxman198]

The new Gerber Order is essentially an EZ-out. I really like mine, would buy a plain-edge version in they release one... but I probably wouldn't pay >$35 for one. It's a good knife, but it's still just an EZ-out - thin blade, 420HC steel, zytel-ish scales (no liners), and an excessive pocket-clip - something to not spend too much on so that you aren't that upset if you lose it. The DPSF S30V EZ-out has a bit too wide of a profile for my liking (prefer the order) but is also pretty decent for the price.

Evidently I haven't taken any photos of my Propel, but I bought two of those, the second after liking the first one so much. I removed the torsion-bar from each, much much prefer it as a manual, VERY easy to operate even for non-knife people, and is one tough beater :thumbup: I keep one in the glove-box and the other is used all over the property, a staple "work knife".

I also own the Strongarm and LMFII. I bought the latter when they first came out and quickly realized that, while it is very well made, it is not really designed for my situation (pretty military/LEO specific in features) but has been quite useful anyway - the heavy pommel has been used to chip and crush ice, the serrations are wicked on rope and flesh, and the handle is comfortable especially in cold weather when other designs are less ideal. Great tool, but heavy and not the best for outdoor civilian applications.

The Strongarm is MUCH lighter (no hammer-pommel) and easier to carry, but still a thick knife for heavy (ab)use. It'll never cut like the thinner-bladed woods-knives available from myriad companies and makers, but it plays the role of "sharpened prybar" well for such a light tool.

I also keep a Gerber pick/shovel in my trunk, has actually been really helpful in the winter on a number of occasions :thumbup:
They sell a couple different strap-cutters that are excellent, work well for gutting/skinning game as well (or butchering livestock) :thumbup:

The next Gerber I am likely to get is the Gator Fixed Blade, but I am still deciding between the economy 420HC version and the premium S30V version...

There is a plain edge order out at Walmart. Saw it today with a bead blast finish.


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[jfk1110]

I bought the dmf auto a few yrs (2-3) ago and have been quite impressed. Not since the early GATOR in the 90's have I been happy with one. Try a DMF they are the stuff of old IMHO.

 

[Nephron44]

There is a plain edge order out at Walmart. Saw it today with a bead blast finish.


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For some reason I don't trust knives that are ONLY available at Walmart, even if they are a variant of a model sold elsewhere :/

 

[SW-EDC]

Currently, my only Gerber.

 

[unklfranco]

Gerber Gator since 1992. Thin blade geometry. Holds a great edge for a long time during camping trips. That gator material is not as firm as Busse's Res-C but it has held up way better than cold steel's rubber handles. Excellent grip, easy on hands and very durable. A hall of famer around these parts. They even have a 154cm version but I have 97% left of life in my original so I doubt I'll ever try it. They did mine perfectly.

 

[chiral.grolim]

There is a plain edge order out at Walmart. Saw it today with a bead blast finish.

Thank you for this, great news :thumbup: I will head to my local store this afternoon and check it out.