Vintage Gerber?

[John Phillips]

I don’t collect vintage Gerber knives but I do remember when I was in middle school or high school when the iconic Gerber Gator came out and I remember that was the first knife that I can remember my friends and kids at school actually talking about and wanting.

I was at a family members house today and was going through their knife collection with them and found this really weird Gerber. I didn’t even know this model existed. I thought the lines, overall shape and hidden pins really made it interesting.

Any info on this one is welcome!!! Years made, maker collaboration or Gerber design?

Closed length is 4 and 3/8ths
Overall length is 8 inches with a 3 and 1/4 cutting edge.

Made in Portland, OR which isn’t surprising.

Cool thing is there is zero blade play in any direction. And they did a little see through hole on the back lock. Close to new condition as well.

 

[tltt]

Gerber Folding Sportsman II I think, there were 3 sizes. They were made from the 70's - at least the late 90's. Not a collaboration, but they were based on the stuff Ron Lake was doing at the time.

Edit - These are the types of knives Ron was doing -

https://knifelegends.com/knife/ron-lake-37/ .

https://nordicknives.com/collections/lake-ron/products/vintage-interframe-tail-lock-folder .

The story I always heard was that one of the Gerber's saw Lake's work, but balked at paying a royalty. So they sent the design to Al Mar, who was one of their designers, and told him to come up with something close.

Most were 440c, and were a favorite with folks that wanted a slim folder.

 

[John Phillips]

Gerber Folding Sportsman II I think, there were 3 sizes. They were made from the 70's - at least the late 90's. Not a collaboration, but they were based on the stuff Ron Lake was doing at the time.

Edit - These are the types of knives Ron was doing -

https://knifelegends.com/knife/ron-lake-37/ .

https://nordicknives.com/collections/lake-ron/products/vintage-interframe-tail-lock-folder .

The story I always heard was that one of the Gerber's saw Lake's work, but balked at paying a royalty. So they sent the design to Al Mar, who was one of their designers, and told him to come up with something close.

Most were 440c, and were a favorite with folks that wanted a slim folder.

Outstanding information. Thanks!!!

 

[Ebbtide]

Gerber’s answer to the Buck 110.