Starting to like Gerber again!!!

Another vote for the Yari-II. S30V and aluminum. She’s not the prettiest, but she’s always there when you need her. I’ve also used (roughly) several of their multi-tools as well, all without complaint.
 
When I was a little kid, my dad bought me a Gerber as my first folder when I was in Cub Scouts. I've always had a soft spot for the brand, even though I haven't bought a Gerber in years. I also have an ancient MK1 boot knife in 440C, but that seems like better quality than the current stuff I've seen.
 
Nothing wrong with Gerber, their steel, or where they're made. The primary problem has been that the poorly informed have been spreading stupid rumors about Gerber knives being produced in China... and that's not accurate.

Only some of the very least expensive Gerber knives are outsourced and made in China. I had a discussion about this very topic with a knife-maker/sharpener/machinist, because the rumors concerned me too; I've always liked Gerber. He pointed out the misinformation and even went through a Gerber catalog with me, pointing out those still made in the U.S. and those outsourced to China. I also think all or almost all of the multi-tools are U.S.A made too.

The high end knives are still made in the good ol' U.S.A.. I even saw a post in another thread that claimed that the Gator folder was China-produced. That is patently false. The Gator is made in the U.S. of 420HC steel, which is actually a pretty good steel for regular duty knives, is superior to regular 420 and 440 steels, and has a typical hardness between 56-58.

I just bought myself a new Gator II in late 2010, and it still says Made in U.S.A right on the package and Portland, Oregon U.S.A. on the blade.

Same is true of the recent version of the Mark II I also bought not too long ago. Says Made in U.S.A. and 420 HC right on the package, along with 420HC and U.S.A. on the blade.

Sometimes, when you see a knife (or any product for that matter) that you like, it's worth doing your own google-homework in addition to getting the impressions of others. Often times, folks either truly don't know what they're talking about, or they have ulterior motives... like justifying or making themselves feel better about one of their own purchases by bashing the products of other competitors.

This page has a partial list of some American-made stuff:

http://www.northamericanknives.com/page/56498202?page_83716410=0

In any event, I have some Gerber folders that are made in China, too; and they've all been plenty durable, tight, and quality made knives. They all come with a lifetime warranty, so it's hard to go wrong if you find a Gerber you really like.
 
G8R8U2 said:
Nothing wrong with Gerber, their steel, or where they're made. The primary problem has been that the poorly informed have been spreading stupid rumors about Gerber knives being produced in China... and that's not accurate.

Only some of the very least expensive Gerber knives are outsourced and made in China. I had a discussion about this very topic with a knife-maker/sharpener/machinist, because the rumors concerned me too; I've always liked Gerber. He pointed out the misinformation and even went through a Gerber catalog with me, pointing out those still made in the U.S. and those outsourced to China. I also think all or almost all of the multi-tools are U.S.A made too.

The high end knives are still made in the good ol' U.S.A.. I even saw a post in another thread that claimed that the Gator folder was China-produced. That is patently false. The Gator is made in the U.S. of 420HC steel, which is actually a pretty good steel for regular duty knives, is superior to regular 420 and 440 steels, and has a typical hardness between 56-58.

I just bought myself a new Gator II in late 2010, and it still says Made in U.S.A right on the package and Portland, Oregon U.S.A. on the blade.

Same is true of the recent version of the Mark II I also bought not too long ago. Says Made in U.S.A. and 420 HC right on the package, along with 420HC and U.S.A. on the blade.

Sometimes, when you see a knife (or any product for that matter) that you like, it's worth doing your own google-homework in addition to getting the impressions of others. Often times, folks either truly don't know what they're talking about, or they have ulterior motives... like justifying or making themselves feel better about one of their own purchases by bashing the products of other competitors.

This page has a partial list of some American-made stuff:

http://www.northamericanknives.com/page/56498202?page_83716410=0

In any event, I have some Gerber folders that are made in China, too; and they've all been plenty durable, tight, and quality made knives. They all come with a lifetime warranty, so it's hard to go wrong if you find a Gerber you really like.
Click to expand...

:thumbup::thumbup: Very well said, thank you!
 
dialex said:
May I ask how the Grylls folder performs?
Both the larger (sheath) and the smaller (scout) folders started to grow on me since I've seen them, but I'd like to hear some oppinions from people who actually used them.
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

so far so good, my son is 14 and saved up his chore money, he's used it when he's out running round in the woods, whittling sticks, general cutting stuff. He loves it, He has the large lockback, well made, came really sharp too, nice feel in hand ( i have large hands), good serrations.
It's not really my style of knife but it's a pretty good and came with a decent solid sheath. My son loves it.
regards
gene
 
The last Gerber knife I bought was one of their FAST folders and I couldn't be more pleased with it. It's an A/O knife with a hidden flipper that works very well. The steel is more than adequate for most tasks.

Gerber was one of the first knife companies to get my attention as a teen ( back in the late 70's ) with their innovative styles. A few years ago I bought an NOS Gerber Paul knife, when they first came out I couldn't afford one and would drool over them at the mall kiosk.
 
Hello. Haven't posted much, but enjoy your various opinions on knife related subjects.

I have given Gerber a second look these days as well.

*Edit: Sorry, it appears I am guilty of deal spotting.
 
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remove the pricing, etc. its considered deal spotting, you can private message people if they are interested.
regards
gene
 
I think I got my Gator when I was a bear cub scout and it was my only camping knife for years aside from a scout pattern folder for can opening. Its a great knife design, very sturdy, great grip and the steel really is usable. Now if they made that knife in 154cm, ats34, or some other mid-upper steel (14c28? :) ) and added a thumbhole or thumbstud they'd sell like hot cakes.

Really all Gerber needs to do to get some more respect IMO is use a named steel, and either stop producing China made knives or find a better maker there.
 
I have Gerbers old and new and have nothing but respect for the quality of craftsmanship and the brand. From the BMF I purchased as a kid (you can read about the abuse it has seen in my blog), to an LMF II ASEK a few years ago and most recently a Silver Trident, my experience has been nothing but positive.
 
apologize if I get us off track, but since this is all about gerber...what do you think of the silver trident?
 
Gerber was one of the first companies to make knives using "super steels". Back in the 80's they had the Sportsman 2 with Vascowear. They also used M2 in various fixed blades. The iconic Mk 2 was made in S-7 for a while too.

Way ahead of their time IMO. Now they use S30V as a top of the line steel. I haven't seen one advertised for a while but the Gator in ATS 34, then later 154cm was a good knife for the price.

On the other hand they also made one of the worst knives I've ever bought.
 
This post reminded me of the Bear Gryllis suvival knife...lol. My brother and I were talking about that knife and I said something like..."yeah it looks cheap probably gonna be at Wal-Mart at Christmas time." Well my friend comes down and says that he bought that very knife from Amazon for like 60 dollars, I didnt say anything cause I didnt want to hurt his feelings.
Later that night I went to Wal-Mart to buy some zombie fighting gear and guess what I saw at the sportin' goods section? That frickin'....for 50 dollars,lol.
 
I have always liked Gerber and never been ashamed to admit it. Their knives have always performed really well although I have never used the cheaper stuff. Their customer service is second to none, better than the popular brands in my personal experience.

A lot of the Gerber bashing are from uninformed people who have never used a Gerber. A lot of it is hearsay and get repeated and passed on to other people like fact.
 
Gerber is made in USA. They use mostly 420hc, just like the majority of buck knives btw. My gator has opened deer, moose, fish, boxes you name it. It's not an esee, or a tactical/survival beater. Don't try and pry or chop it will last and perform as a knife for as long as you own it.
 
my brother always borrow my custom folder because he just likes to flip it open so much. he's new to the world of folding knives and especially to this particular custom folder by Rick Hinderer. so I got him a Gerber Torch 2 and told him to flip open the Gerber as often as he wants and leave my knife alone. best bang for your buck if you ask me since it kept him away from my XM-18.
 
Just bought a Yari II on a closeout for around 70$. Seems like a pretty good deal for an S30V knife with aluminum handles. In my experience Gerber knives are kind of a crapshoot, so I hope this one works out well.
 
I own a few gerber MTs and knives. While they may not be made out of the newest materials, or with the best construction techniques...they have never failed me. They get the job done, if not done in style. I like to carry my Paraframe I on occasion, because I kno it's a solid knife. I would prefer to carry others, perhaps a small Spyderco, but sometimes the Gerber calls to me. The Remix II is a decent knife...interesting design, and it's thin in the pocket. Haven't carried it much-maybe it will find its way into my pocket tomorrow.
 
guilty I am one of the hillbilly hoards who love the gator. I have lots of "better" knives but that old gator is my go too deer cleaner. Great grip, sharp edge, whats not to like?
 
I don't have an argument with Gerber, in fact I like their designs. The Folding Freeman Hunter in S30V is a real workhorse and the Gator is just an all around good knife. I think that Gerber is improving their game as of late and I wish them well, as they service a dedicated following.
 
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