Thoughts on Gerber Applegate-Fairbairn folder?

J

Jeff/1911

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Mar 22, 2001
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Does anyone have any experience with this knife. I've been fascinated with it's appearance for awhile and a local store has them on sale... It is ATS-34 blade steel after all.

Jeff/1911.
 
Hello Jeff/1911:
My advice is that if you do decide to get one, make sure that it has the ATS-34/154CM blade steel. To my knowledge, the first few years that this knife was in production. It was only offered with 425M blade steel, which will not hold an edge very well.I had bought one a few years back with this blade steel and didn't like it. Gerber has been improving upon the blade steel options since then.
Also, there is a guy in my National Guard unit who has one of these. His problem has been that the screws holding it together have been falling out.
GCG199
 
Jeff

I've had the Covert folder for about 3 years. Mine is in ATS-34 steel. It has a reversible clip for right/left carry and a secondary lock. Fit and finish are all good. All told, it's a well made folder, very easy to carry. I think they can be had for under $100 US.
 
I have one of the early models [and sharp top edge]. The lock on mine does not hold and I recommend against buying one, unless you are very sure of the lock on the particular one you buy. There are many better knives out there.
 
The lock on mine sucks, even though it sounds like the proverbial bank vault when you open it. I would suggest looking elsewhere unless you are really set on the knife.
--Josh
 
Massad Ayoob reviewed the original AF folder, and used exactly that term -- a click like a "bank vault" when opened. The lock on mine was also less than trustworthy, and when I sent it to Gerber for repair, they seemed to have done nothing but tightened the pivot screw. I sold the knife in disgust.
 
Thanks for your informative opinions, fellows. If I do decide I have to have one of these, I'll certainly pay very close attention to the lock.

I don't think I'll decide that I really need one, it was more of an impulsive response... Appreciatively, Jeff/1911.
 
Maybe I can revive this old thread :)

I was considering one of the covert double edged knives but your posts of its locking mechanisms is making me look around more. Can anyone suggest a similar-function knife with about the same lengths (even an inch smaller would be okay), the same or better steel, and *hopefully* in a comparable price range?

thanks
 
hey snowblind check out a SOG pentagon elite 2(PE11), 5" blade, pretty good knife imho and reminds me of the A/F gerber

sifu
 
I have only owned 2 Gerber Applegates and never had any problem with either of them. The lockup has been solid on both models and I have never experienced any lock failure. The Applegate Combat folder still remains as one of my favourite folders of all time. The only thing I don't like about it is the cloth/velcro sheath that Gerber supplies with it.

The SOG Pentagon Elite is the only other knife that reminds me a bit of the Applegate with the blade shape and overall dagger appearance. Other than the SOG, there is the CRKT M16-03 with the dagger looking blade, but a more ergonomic handle. Also, Gutmann cutlery has released the Walther Allied Forces knife which IMO is a pale imitation of the Gerber Applegate Covert folder. It has a clip point blade with Carl Walther's name on it and the handle is shaped like the Covert Applegate except it has either rubber or wood inserts and a pocket clip for tip up carry.
 
I have the Combat Folder and as soon as I got it I put it in a drawer. The handle (14.5cm) is out of proportion to the blade length (about 11cm). There is no clip so its a sheath knife and I prefer not to carry folders in a sheath. Its also heavy and slick handled. Out of the box it is reasonably sharp but not well sharpened if that makes any sense. When holding the edge up to light you can see how wavy and uneven the edge is. Its also difficult to open with one hand, a negative for a combat knife, even though it has large thumb studs. I originally gave it to my girlfriend to carry in her purse but when I realized she'd never be able to deploy it I took it back and tossed it back in the drawer. On the plus side the fit and finish is good and lock up certainly sounds tight as others have already noted.
 
Sadly, I own all 3 of the A/F folders. Two of the Covert
& one of the Combat. Of the 3 I favor the flat gind in large
& small versions. However, I've never used any as the the
Covert is in Ats-34 (1st prod of both saber & flat grind)
while the Combat is flat grind 425m.

The Coverts struck out due the the Ats-34. Don't like
like that steel at all. The Combat is OK just to darn large
to fit the hand comfortably. To bad really, as they are a
good attempt at useful defense / utility knife. Just didn't
fly with the public. Someday I'll break down and sell'em.
 
I like big folders so when the Applegate Combat folder came out, I jumped on it. I liked the idea of the snap on the sheath, but the belt loop was too tight, then Gerber corrected the belt loop problem, but decided to use the cloth/velcro flap sheath which sucks. Now, the first one I bought (Combat Folder stamped on the left side of the blade) was not as sharp as I would have liked, but the second one I bought (with the Gerber stamp on the left side of the blade) was shaving sharp. The hefty handle gives a good grip for me and I use a bit of 550 paracord as a lanyard. Works for me. ;)
 
I own a double edge partially serrated Combat model. It failed spine whacking, so I haven`t used it much.

The part of the liner, that you`re supposed to use to disengage the lock, is placed in a bad position. If you hold this knife in the F/S grip, which I believe this knife is designed for, either your thumb or your forefinger will apply pressure to the "release part" of the liner. On top of that, I think it is possible to release the linerlock during utility use - if you don`t choke up on the handle.

I actually liked the opening action on mine. But, remember that this knife is not designed to be opened with an arching motion by the thumb. One is supposed to push the stud straight forward, with a thumb movement that is paralell to the handle. When opened like this, I actually find the action quite slick.

Nils
 
One knife that I have that really reminds me of the Gerber is the Benchmade Darkstar. The handle is a little different, but the blade is almost identical, and it comes in a full Plain Edge.Can be found for about the same price.(If not I have one that I would sell).Titanium liners and G-10 mean that it is tougher,and it is an Elisehwetz design.
 
I have a Covert and had to send it back to the factory to be fixed. The lock slid all the way over across the tang, when the blade was open. I received a brand new knife back from the factory instead of a fixed blade! Certainly I cannot complain about Gerber's customer service!

The new knife also has the lock sliding a bit too far if I open the blade with a hard flick. It seems like the entire handle flexes a bit and allows the lock to slide further than I like when you open it with "vigor".

Overall the knife is "OK", but nothing special. I do like the blade shape and it takes a great edge. I use it and carry it at times, but it is not my favoite.
 
The original with the 4.5" blade was not so good. Sub-standard steel and the lock was notorious for releasing.

The Gerber Covert, on the other hand, is an outstanding knife in my opinion. I love the single ground blade, very versatile. Makes a great utility knife. I have owned two, and the liner lock was fine on both, but the LAWKS safety makes them as reliable as you can get. Light, strong, and tough. Great knives.
 
I have both full size and covert and they are my favorates. Slow to open? My open REAL quick! Handles are comfortable, holds an edge well, haven't sharpened it in 2 years! Mine have been rock solid and were great buys. I would buy another.
Brenlover
 
I have always liked the design of these knives. I will eventually end up with one, I'm sure. It will likely be the covert model as I would want the ATS-34 blade. Thanks for all your coments, folks.

- Jeff/1911.
 
Originally posted by Josh Feltman
The lock on mine sucks, even though it sounds like the proverbial bank vault when you open it. I would suggest looking elsewhere unless you are really set on the knife.
--Josh
Click to expand...

took the words right out of my mouth
 
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