Stainless Survival Knife - Stop a Gerber Purchase

I think you've done everything you can to give him reasonable options in this price range. If he goes the the BG Ultimate Pro, I think it will serve his needs and he chooses what he wants. The above video review is very good in selling the knife. Funny, I think the little carbide sharpener is kind of cool on the BG knife for field use and he doesn't have to worry about getting or rigging up a sheath to fit the fire steel with other knives.
 
Mastalerz said:
*snip*......I believe the first gen BG knives were the number one selling knives in the country, and they sucked, and people realized it which is why Gerber has tried to redeem themselves with this knife but he damage is already done.
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I do understand your distaste with Gerber. In my younger days, the brand was so known but time after time I had products (pocket knives in particular) from their line that just failed my expectations time and again. Couple years ago, I got a Big Rock, it is good for the $$, but that is the only modern Gerber I cared for till this one.

As to the quote of the knives sucking and people realizing it, I don't think that is true at all, nor is true that the damage is already done. These knives are in every big box store in the country. I can no longer find a Buck 119 (sad, but true) in my area because of the total saturation of the BG products. It still is the best selling belt knife in the country IMHO whether it deserves it or not. The first run pommel issue is resolved on newer runs according to the company and many users.

I ask you to think of how many times the Mark I tip has snapped right off of an old school Gerber, and yet that knife is the iconic symbol of backup boot knife. How many Kabar USMC knives have bent and broken from prying and/or batoning and yet their reputation for reliability is legendary.

Just because the pommel on the first run of the BG flagship fixed knife was faulty, I very much doubt that it will hurt the model's reputation long term and with them updating the knife in this way it is even much less a possibility. Whether we as nuts like it or not (and of course I deviate from all mainstream consumer attitudes and opinions) this knife appears, for now, to be here to stay. But, time will tell, and I have been wrong before.

I am impressed that Gerber has made the attempt to create a higher cost, more reliable version of this knife for the nuts and addressing the pommel issue in short order for the tens, if not hundreds of thousands of buyers of the standard model instead of allowing QC to sag further.

They need to ditch the huge BG though. Fugly.
 
An update...

He went with the Gerber.

I tried to emphasize 2 things to him. First, (despite my reservations about Gerbers past knives) the BG Pro is a decent knife and the primary difference between it and the other options was stylistic. Second, he should love whatever he gets.

After spending some time looking at options, he concluded that many of the options were really nice but none of them were the BG Pro, which he had his heart set on. IMO, that's a perfect solution.

FWIW, when he asked about pocket knives several years ago, I loaned him several of mine from my pile. He eventually found his way to one I wouldn't have picked for him off the bat. All this to say that gifting and advising on knives is hard due to how personal they are.

Last thing, Gerber deserves credit for their marketing strategy, as does Grylls.
 
pinnah said:
An update...

He went with the Gerber.

I tried to emphasize 2 things to him. First, (despite my reservations about Gerbers past knives) the BG Pro is a decent knife and the primary difference between it and the other options was stylistic. Second, he should love whatever he gets.

After spending some time looking at options, he concluded that many of the options were really nice but none of them were the BG Pro, which he had his heart set on. IMO, that's a perfect solution.

FWIW, when he asked about pocket knives several years ago, I loaned him several of mine from my pile. He eventually found his way to one I wouldn't have picked for him off the bat. All this to say that gifting and advising on knives is hard due to how personal they are.

Last thing, Gerber deserves credit for their marketing strategy, as does Grylls.
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We all have to start somewhere. I bet it won't be the last knife he owns. Hopefully he will become more and more interested in the hobby.
 
GrinderMcgee said:
I dunno. Anyone who thinks this one is a chincy marketing scam and not a competitive option for other stuff in the price range hasn't watched this review yet.
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Hey Grinder - thanks for the video/review link - it certainly changed my view of the Gerber/BG offering.

GrinderMcgee said:
I do understand your distaste with Gerber. In my younger days, the brand was so known but time after time I had products (pocket knives in particular) from their line that just failed my expectations time and again. ....
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In *my* younger days, Gerber did make excellent knives and were among the pricier options (for non-custom stuff). I then saw their tragic decline and my interest faded into obscurity.

pinnah said:
An update...

He went with the Gerber.

I tried to emphasize 2 things to him. First, (despite my reservations about Gerbers past knives) the BG Pro is a decent knife and the primary difference between it and the other options was stylistic. Second, he should love whatever he gets. ......... Last thing, Gerber deserves credit for their marketing strategy, as does Grylls.
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Good job Pinnah! Your nephew is fortunate to have someone as experienced as you who wants to spend time with him and will guide/teach/mentor him along the way.

I also think buying the BG Pro was the best option. As a couple other Posters mentioned, if he really wanted the BG it truly is the best option because in his mind it was the best knife in his price range. Since this really is more an effort to fan a burgeoning flame for outdoor pursuits, the BG purchase will allow him a clear path to finding enjoyment in those outdoor pursuits.

Sometimes perception is reality - only when experience clears away faulty perception do people become open to change.

And yes, big hairy kudos to Gerber for backing up, re-designing and offering a product that is more than simply marketing hype. Also for making that improvement at a very realistic price point for all those who are new to outdoor pursuits, but otherwise may not have a budget for a better knife.
 
GrinderMcgee said:
I do understand your distaste with Gerber. In my younger days, the brand was so known but time after time I had products (pocket knives in particular) from their line that just failed my expectations time and again. Couple years ago, I got a Big Rock, it is good for the $$, but that is the only modern Gerber I cared for till this one.

As to the quote of the knives sucking and people realizing it, I don't think that is true at all, nor is true that the damage is already done. These knives are in every big box store in the country. I can no longer find a Buck 119 (sad, but true) in my area because of the total saturation of the BG products. It still is the best selling belt knife in the country IMHO whether it deserves it or not. The first run pommel issue is resolved on newer runs according to the company and many users.

I ask you to think of how many times the Mark I tip has snapped right off of an old school Gerber, and yet that knife is the iconic symbol of backup boot knife. How many Kabar USMC knives have bent and broken from prying and/or batoning and yet their reputation for reliability is legendary.

Just because the pommel on the first run of the BG flagship fixed knife was faulty, I very much doubt that it will hurt the model's reputation long term and with them updating the knife in this way it is even much less a possibility. Whether we as nuts like it or not (and of course I deviate from all mainstream consumer attitudes and opinions) this knife appears, for now, to be here to stay. But, time will tell, and I have been wrong before.

I am impressed that Gerber has made the attempt to create a higher cost, more reliable version of this knife for the nuts and addressing the pommel issue in short order for the tens, if not hundreds of thousands of buyers of the standard model instead of allowing QC to sag further.

They need to ditch the huge BG though. Fugly.
Click to expand...
Yeah you're right, obviously from my post I'm very biased and that shows. I would say though you are right that Gerber and BG gear is still flooding all your stores and I'm sure their sales are still very high, I would say there reputation was hurt more in "the knife community" or people who are serious about there outdoor gear rather than hurt in the mass market. Like Buck, Gerber is still highly regarded by most people due to their long lasting reputation. But I still think many people who like their knives don't really respect Gerber anymore. They do produce SOME good knives, but the knives you see a lot in the stores aren't high quality but at the same time they aren't highly priced either and most people aren't really even going to work their knives hard anyway. I mean ill baton wood with my BK2 but most the people I go camping with have never even heard of batoning.

The new BG knife is pretty good, a lot of people complained about the pommel but I thought the blade itself was crap, I also hate serrated edges on the blade so that was a turn off for me.

I wonder how much BG had to do with the design both blades considering his name is on them. Props to Gerber though for recognizing their initial product was crap and improving it. You slap BG's name on a outdoors product an it's obviously going to sell to your general consumer. Say whatever you want about the guys show and hotel rooms and all that, but the guy has done some impressive things in life and knows what he's doing so is like to think that the quality of the product his name is on means something to him.
 
I was hiking a month ago and met a guy who was doing a 1 month camp at a local lake

(I think to get off the booze but decent guy, loaned me his inflatable boat for 3 hours to slay some trout when he saw me shore fishing)

He broke his BG knife on the 3rd day and a week later someone gave him a cheap fixed to replace it.......he does not have good things to say about BG products.
 
I'm late to the party, but for the next time... a Grohman #4 might be an option.... the 5" #10 Randall was $35 retail (couple of years ago :) )

 
Went camping with a buddy and his 2 boys last week and the younger boy had the older version with a serrated blade. The knife was not bad as I had a chance to use it for a bit. I think the overall ergonomics of the knife were pretty good. Of course, it had those goofy serrations that are worthless unless you are cutting rope all day long. But like others have said, the boy loved that knife and had it with him and used it all day long. Let him get the one he wants. Looks like they've made some nice improvements to the new one.
 
Les Snyder said:
I'm late to the party, but for the next time... a Grohman #4 might be an option.... the 5" #10 Randall was $35 retail (couple of years ago :) )

Model 10 Salt Fisherman and Household Utility

And a good loaf of bread was $.05 "a couple of years ago."
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My Randall Jack Crider Special (5") kind of looks like that. I know the Model 10 was the basis for that knife. They weren't $35 either, maybe about 5x that in 1990. I miss the $0.25/loaf of bread days.... a couple of years ago.
 
meh, how many guys remember their hollow-handled "Rambo survival knife" of their youth? Do you have fond memories? Bear is the modern equivalent, IMO.

Get the Gerber and have some fun.
 
Angus McGunnigle said:
Let him get the Gerber BG Ultimate Pro. $65
It'll work fine and isn't the point to keep the kid excited about doing outdoor stuff ?
It's a decent knife and if he thinks it's cool, he'll be eager to use it.
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Im with Angus here, let him get what he wants and use the teachable moment to learn him the pros and cons of his knife. When and why are serrations useful or not? As long as it doesnt explode in a fiery ball of death or un-install one of his fingers for him......
 
Angus McGunnigle said:
Let him get the Gerber BG Ultimate Pro. $65
It'll work fine and isn't the point to keep the kid excited about doing outdoor stuff ?
It's a decent knife and if he thinks it's cool, he'll be eager to use it.
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Agreed.

pinnah said:
An update...

He went with the Gerber.

I tried to emphasize 2 things to him. First, (despite my reservations about Gerbers past knives) the BG Pro is a decent knife and the primary difference between it and the other options was stylistic. Second, he should love whatever he gets.

After spending some time looking at options, he concluded that many of the options were really nice but none of them were the BG Pro, which he had his heart set on. IMO, that's a perfect solution.

FWIW, when he asked about pocket knives several years ago, I loaned him several of mine from my pile. He eventually found his way to one I wouldn't have picked for him off the bat. All this to say that gifting and advising on knives is hard due to how personal they are.

Last thing, Gerber deserves credit for their marketing strategy, as does Grylls.
Click to expand...

Glad it worked out and he's happy with his choice. The new BG is a good knife anyway, and the 9Cr is a good steel... I have a couple of CRKT C/K Dragons in it, and I love them.
 
Tried both the original and BG Pro recently....

The original has a tip that is much to fragile but otherwise worth the $30 I paid. The BG Pro is actually quite a bit better design and the tip is satisfactory.

If I were a kid I would crap to have a knife as cool as the BG Pro. However, for the most part the BG entire product line leaves a funky taste in my mouth. :barf:
 
BG Ultimate PRO Knife is a good knife for the money. Its a decent blade for someone just getting into survival knives. I say that for several reasons. 1) Its stainless, so it does not require the maintenance a 1095 or a carbon blade would. 2) It has the fire steel, whistle ect which are not bad.(Avoid using the sharpener though, it will scratch the knife up, but in a pinch go for it, you only paid 60 dollars anyway.) You can carve with it, baton it, stab, throw, and hammer and for 60 bucks you cannot go wrong. And if you manage to break it *shrugs* lifetime warranty, and its only 60 dollars like I said. Its not a 300 dollar Pathfinder or a 250 dollar SURVIVE GSO 5.1 or anything so if you damage it you won't cry in your pillow at night. ( I would seriously cry if I broke my GSO "If I had One LOL"! Now if your NOT new to knives, and you want a blade that could fieldstrip a Chevy, get a Ka-bar Becker BK-2, or a ESSE 5. Sure they will rust, but a little mineral oil will git'er done.Also, its just a good habit to wipe down your knives after use. Now if your looking for a blade and money is not a option, and this knife has to be dependable, reliable, and something you want to bet your life on and not come up short, look into a Battle Horse Knives, SURVIVE GSO, BUSSE,Habili Bushtools,Fallkniven ect. Seriously there are so many awesome knife makers out there its staggering, so im just naming a few up top. IMHO, id spend the money to get something nice, but don't morgage your house in the process because some of this stuff is overpriced, so find something thats reliable yet a great value for your dollar. (That is why I settled on my Blackbird SK-5.) - Stay frosty, stay safe.
 
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Unistat76 said:
meh, how many guys remember their hollow-handled "Rambo survival knife" of their youth? Do you have fond memories? Bear is the modern equivalent, IMO.

Get the Gerber and have some fun.
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Hah! I had that cheap hollow handle knife and thought it was the S**T! The knives I currently have in my collection is a Ontario Blackbird SK-5 ( One of my favorite blades. Simple, dependable, strong and sturdy.Ive batoned it, carved with it, abused it and im happy to say the blade is in perfect condition, handles are perfect.Its pricey, but you get what you pay for.) Gerber LMF 2 (Great tactical knife, be care batoning with it though) Mora Bushcraft Black Survival (A great alternative to the BG Ultimate Pro due to the sharpener and fire steel included.Very sharp, very study and worth the cash) Becker BK-9 (Awesome heavy duty knife that will git er done.) Schrade Old Timer pocket knife (Sharp as a razor and reliable) Becker BK-11 (EDC knife. Great blade, sheath sucks though ) Swiss Army Knife ( Little one I tossed in my Altoids survival tin) Mora Companion ( What more can I say about this knife, simply awesome for the money and sharp as a razor.Love the sandvik grind and it makes a great neck knife.Great starter knife for your kids that are learning about blades. ) BG Ultimate PRO Knife (BG is gimmicky, and he is a bonified stuntman, but this knife has surprised me. I batoned it, hammered it, carved with it, and its still sharp, still in great shape. Its earned its place.Throw it in a B.O.B).
 
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