talk to me about the Gerber LMF knifes

[DMgangl]

I'm looking for a smaller camping knife to keep on my belt, I've got a machete in my backpack. I am not a big fan of combo style knifes, but I keep hearing good things about the Gerber LMF knives. I'm also thinking of this as a dive knife which is why im considering a combo style knife.

So even with the combo style is it still a good knife.
DMgangl

 

[borrowed time]

I own 2 LMF's , one will go to my older son when i think he's ready for a serious knife. My LMF's are bar none, the best adaptible SERE/survival knife i have in my collection. for the tests for the military, they put it to work hacking through helicopter fusilage . other soldiers have used the heavy pointed pommel to knock a hole through a block wall for a shooting lane.

Heres a review done on the knife: www.policeone.com/police-products/duty-gear/knives/press-releases/120430/

Being stainless steel, it requires less care and maintenance than does one in 1095 steel for instance. the grip insulates the user from electric shock if you are hacking through a wall in an urban environment. it will hold up fine if using it as a shovel. and the sheath shound last forever and has a convieniant. be aware through that the sheath is made as a "Jump" sheath for airborn and aircrews so the sheath locks the knife in tightly.

Basically, best knife for the money. ----- Eric

 

[Leighman]

A good overall knife but there are some cons (for me).
It's pretty beefy and not a lightweight knife.
The factory edge is so-so but that can be fixed.
The sheath may or may not be made in Vietnam (not an issue for me but might be for others).
Serrations.
hammer/plexiglass breaker pommel is big and digs into my hand during extended chopping sessions.

 

[moxie]

As noted above, pretty good rescue/survival knife. Not, however, a good dive knife. Too big and unwieldy. Sheath not suitable for strapping to the leg. Too big to attach to the BC. Better to get a dedicated dive knife such as the Underwater Kinetics series. I've dove (or is it dived, or gone diving?) with a UK Fusilier for about 10 years and love it.:
http://uwkinetics.com/product/42

You can get a SS one here for $24.95:
http://www.leisurepro.com/Catalog.aspx?op=dtSearch&Term=fusilier
Mine is SS. I just coat it with silicone grease and rinse after diving. Wash after every trip.
Here's the new Hydralloy version, two bucks more: http://www.scubamart.com/uk-fusilier-hydralloy-blunt-tip.html

Benchmade makes what looks to be a nice one too, but I've not used one:
http://www.knifesupply.com/eshop/10Expand.asp?ProductCode=100SBTH20

 

[Leighman]

Also, check out the LMF's little brother the "Prodigy."
Same steel and blade design but in a slightly smaller package.
Sheath seems on par with the LMF but the butt sports a glass breaker/lanyard type affair. Priced around $40-45.
As for use as a general dive knife, I would agree with moxie's reccomendations.

 

[5.56]

It's a great knife if you pick one up for around $65 like I did.

It's very sturdy and can be relied upon in a pinch

The only problem I have with it is it's weight, and it's sheath is kinda bulky

The "V" sharpener in the sheath can come in handy though

Overall a decent knife for the money

However, you'll find that most people here will recommend a Falkniven F1 for around the same cost, or a little more

Here's mine, when it was factory fresh