What's Wrong With Gerber?

[marcinek]

You know honestly I'm grateful for Gerber..They're lack of consistency opened my eyes and lead me to better brands...i use to think it was crazy to spend over $50 on a knife when there were so many knives readily available for

Nicely put.

I find it odd always that, often, people complain that people who have not owned Brand X should not speak negatively about Brand X.

Nonsense. I trust intelligent, experienced fellow members like you who have drawn conclusions about a brand. And when you hear the same thing over and over from fellow members, the quality (or lack thereof) becomes pretty obvious. So why go buy one? Folks like you, Bobby, have saved me the trouble. I have no reason to not trust your opinion. You sound like a smart guy.

I mean, who is goofy enough to think "All these people think so-and-so. They are probably all idiots." That's just screwy in the head. Happens a lot though. Odd.

 

[chambelona59]

I've owned Gerber stuff in the past and it was okay, not great but not horrible. A friend still has one of his and he abuses the hell out of it. The steel is probably s30v so its atypical.

-OWNERSHIP MATTERS
At this point Gerber isn't so much a knife company as a brand. That doesn't mean that it's automatically crap, but the parent company (Fiskars, is what a google search said) is going to try to make the most out of their purchase. Fiskars makes good stuff, but you'll never see them dump money into making Gerber scissors that rival a pair of Fiskars. If they can stick a BG on the handle of a cheap knife and sell it, they will. They also have a smaller market for USA made knives that are fairly good, and are twice the cost. People that know quality will find it, for the bear gryls stuff they will dump WAY more money on advertising than they would on the USA stuff. While my EDC griptilian is a good knife, nobody would say that it feels like a proper benchmade (I did add scales.

This happens all the time. I've owned Kodiak and Terra workboots. Back in the day, they were quality made in country. Over the years companies capitalize on the brand and slowly erode the quality. So what used to be made in Canada (or the US) gets production moved to Mexico. But they realize they can save more by going to Asia. So they start making the boots in Viet Nam, or some other country. Eventually the only country stamped on the sole is China, and they don't last 6 months. By this point the brand has been sold and resold repeatedly. But the boots cost the same amount they did 15 years ago, so they still sell even if the quality of the past is a fading memory

It's the WALMARTIFICATION of brands. Trump and others, can bitch and moan about jobs going to China or other countries, but the average guy isn't going to spend twice as much on something if he can't appreciate the quality difference. It's a catch 22. They complain about chinese made product stealing jobs, but won't spend the cash for US made because it's to expensive.

Not all gerbers are crap, but the majority of the stuff under the label is now made for the Walmart customers.

"Not all gerbers are crap, but the majority of the stuff under the label is now made for the Walmart customers"

Well said.

 

[Bobby3326]

I've owned Gerber stuff in the past and it was okay, not great but not horrible. A friend still has one of his and he abuses the hell out of it. The steel is probably s30v so its atypical.

-OWNERSHIP MATTERS
At this point Gerber isn't so much a knife company as a brand. That doesn't mean that it's automatically crap, but the parent company (Fiskars, is what a google search said) is going to try to make the most out of their purchase. Fiskars makes good stuff, but you'll never see them dump money into making Gerber scissors that rival a pair of Fiskars. If they can stick a BG on the handle of a cheap knife and sell it, they will. They also have a smaller market for USA made knives that are fairly good, and are twice the cost. People that know quality will find it, for the bear gryls stuff they will dump WAY more money on advertising than they would on the USA stuff. While my EDC griptilian is a good knife, nobody would say that it feels like a proper benchmade (I did add scales.

This happens all the time. I've owned Kodiak and Terra workboots. Back in the day, they were quality made in country. Over the years companies capitalize on the brand and slowly erode the quality. So what used to be made in Canada (or the US) gets production moved to Mexico. But they realize they can save more by going to Asia. So they start making the boots in Viet Nam, or some other country. Eventually the only country stamped on the sole is China, and they don't last 6 months. By this point the brand has been sold and resold repeatedly. But the boots cost the same amount they did 15 years ago, so they still sell even if the quality of the past is a fading memory

It's the WALMARTIFICATION of brands. Trump and others, can bitch and moan about jobs going to China or other countries, but the average guy isn't going to spend twice as much on something if he can't appreciate the quality difference. It's a catch 22. They complain about chinese made product stealing jobs, but won't spend the cash for US made because it's to expensive.

Not all gerbers are crap, but the majority of the stuff under the label is now made for the Walmart customers.

This is very true, before I truly knew the difference between one knife with steel a and a much cheaper knife with steel b I bought based on price.

When I got that pos bg ultimate survival knife I remember looking at it, the prodigy, and lmf2 all very similar knives from a design aspect, but very different in quality. Well the bg was $20 cheaper do guess which one I bought...Well the first time I used it guess what it broke..I returned it for the prodigy and that knife took a beating and kept on going.

 

[Bobby3326]

Those complaining about those with lack of personal experience giving there opinion, look at like this....

I walk into a room and pick up a bowl, that bowl is ridiculously hot and I burn myself...You come into the room and I say don't touch that bowl is hot...will you heed the warning from someone with the knowledge to know or go pick it up anyway and burn yourself in order to believe it's hot?

 

[CSSA]

I have several Gerber Armorhide fixed blade knives ranging in size from the pixie to a Muskie fillet knife, a C425 fixed blade with an exotic African wood handle, a couple of Sportsman folding knives, and a Paul Series II that I like but no longer carry. The armorhide knives have tool steel blades with a Rockwell hardness of C60-62 and a chrome plate to protect the steel from corrosion. All were bought in the 70s with the exception of the Paul II. It is a disappointment to read that the Gerber name has been dragged down.

 

[marcinek]

Those complaining about those with lack of personal experience giving there opinion, look at like this....

I walk into a room and pick up a bowl, that bowl is ridiculously hot and I burn myself...You come into the room and I say don't touch that bowl is hot...will you heed the warning from someone with the knowledge to know or go pick it up anyway and burn yourself in order to believe it's hot?

Again...well put! The latter is nutty.

I mean, why even partake in any forum if you have no interest in what anyone else says or any trust in them at all?

Exchange of information and learning from others is the whole point. :thumbup: If one is not interested in that, that's what blogs are for, in my opinion.

 

[Inazone]

Gerber being defended by a huge Schrade fan? Well, that's consistent, since Taylor owns 'em both, if I recall correctly. Or Fiskars. Whoever.

Fiskars owns Gerber, while Taylor owns Schrade. Taylor also holds the license to produce Smith & Wesson knives, while last I heard, Gerber (thus Fiskars) holds the license for Winchester knives. Interestingly, increasingly positive reviews of newer Schrade knives over the past couple of years suggest that Taylor has the brand headed back in the right direction, due in no small part to more production in Taiwan rather than China, combined with increasing use of proven steel like 1095. Meanwhile, Gerber continues to produce the bulk of its imported knives in mainland China, and rarely if ever states the type of steel used.

Their knives are garbage. Every single Gerber I've had has been trash that can't keep an edge. The Internet didn't tell me that. Perhaps if people knew what they were talking about, they wouldn't be trying to argue that Gerber should get a pass.

A host of negative experiences by the bulk of Gerber owners doesn't diminish the positive experiences of those few fortunate enough to have them, and the other way around. I have one Gerber in my EDC rotation (current production Air Ranger) and while it is an acceptable enough performer in that role, it will not hold an edge. I bought a Gerber Armor folder a few years ago, and the liner lock failed on me more times than I can remember. With quality construction, both would have been downright good knives. Meanwhile, other inexpensive foreign-made knives in my rotation (Kershaw, SOG, Cold Steel, Coast) made mostly from 8Cr13MoV or AUS8 have endured far more use in the same period of time (because I like them more and thus use them more) and in many cases are still quite capable with the factory edge, without any other maintenance or repairs needed. Their prices are the same as the Gerbers, give or take $5 and with consideration to where I bought them.

Since it has been established that Chinese factories are perfectly capable of building high-quality knives when so inclined, and Gerber's US operation seems to have far fewer reports of manufacturing flaws, it sure seems like the company (or Fiskars) simply has no particular desire to expend any further resources on the QC of their problematic Chinese line unless absolutely forced to, such as in the case of safety-related recalls and subsequent redesigns. Those redesigns might result in safer products, but not better ones.

 

[chambelona59]

Both 'Bobby3326' and I appear to be the only two people (here) that decided to purchase a 'Strongarm' (yes, made by Gerber).
Bobby3326 received one that was "bent" and returned it and received a replacement, I received one that is problem free.
They are not from the '90's or early '00's they were produced this year 2015, they're not Chinese they are U.S.A. made, they are not "mystery steel" they are 420HC like or hate it, zero association with Bear G.

I did not base my personal choice to buy the knife based on "other Gerber knives" of the past or negative experiences by anyone else, I read over 30 "actual" buyers/users reviews on the site where I purchased it from (inevitably someone here will say they were all written by Gerber) as well as every video review by "actual" users/owners, especially 1 knife passed around to several different people ("Gauntlet reviews") and put through different tests.
That's what was the deciding factor to purchase the knife along with the price.
Is it the best knife with the best primo steel on the planet?... of course not.
Did I receive what I expected, a hard use knife (that happens to be made by Gerber) for under $40.00, absolutely.
Would I send one to my nephew currently deployed overseas (most knifes are either lost or stolen over there), yes I would.

This is an interesting topic/thread with obviously differing opinions and personal experiences, to only a select few, feel free to agree to disagree... however please try to restrain from 'inferring' my experience is "a BS opinion", "an invalid silly opinion", "your song is stinky!" etc. as that will only serve to eventually get the thread shut down as several Mod's don't tolerate it repetitively.

 

[Bobby3326]

Again...well put! The latter is nutty.

I mean, why even partake in any forum if you have no interest in what anyone else says or any trust in them at all?

Exchange of information and learning from others is the whole point. [emoji106] If one is not interested in that, that's what blogs are for, in my opinion.

Thank you,

also I don't want anyone thinking I'm just a Gerber "hater". My opinions are derived from personal experiences, and have clearly given credit to the knives that were successful. The strongarm is one of those knives, I have nothing bad to say about it other than the defective first one I received. It just goes to prove that when they want to they can in fact make a solid knife.

However it seems they only release a well made knife when things are looking bad for em and they need a brief reprieve from the negativity. Then once they get a lil good press from said well made knife they fall back into the old ways, and people buy those follow up knives due to there positive experience with the well built design and are quickly disappointed. Then after awhile they repeat the process again, just a revolving door of crap and quality.

 

[marcinek]

Thank you,

also I don't want anyone thinking I'm just a Gerber "hater".

No doubt some will. Its another odd phenomenon.

"Anyone who disagrees with me is a moron."
"Anyone who disagrees with me has no experience."
"Anyone who disagrees with me is just a hater."

See all three all the time...often in the same thread, or from the same person!

 

[Bobby3326]

Gerber being defended by a huge Schrade fan? Well, that's consistent, since Taylor owns 'em both, if I recall correctly. Or Fiskars. Whoever.

Their knives are garbage. Every single Gerber I've had has been trash that can't keep an edge. The Internet didn't tell me that. Perhaps if people knew what they were talking about, they wouldn't be trying to argue that Gerber should get a pass.

If I had to choose between a Gerber or a schrade to take out on a trip, I'd pick a schrade all day every day.

Schrade has seriously stepped up they're game. I'd say in a hard use budget fixed blade there tuff to beat. Many of there offerings are 1095 now. They may not be of Becker or tops quality, but they're definitely 10x better of a choice then Gerber if comparing what each has to offer.

Not to mention there overall designs are more practical than tactical.

 

[Quiet]

If I had to choose between a Gerber or a schrade to take out on a trip, I'd pick a schrade all day every day.

Schrade has seriously stepped up they're game. I'd say in a hard use budget fixed blade there tuff to beat. Many of there offerings are 1095 now. They may not be of Becker or tops quality, but they're definitely 10x better of a choice then Gerber if comparing what each has to offer.

Not to mention there overall designs are more practical than tactical.

Absolutely right there with you. I just purchased a new SCHF42, and it's a fantastic knife for the money.

 

[orezona]

Those complaining about those with lack of personal experience giving there opinion, look at like this....

I walk into a room and pick up a bowl, that bowl is ridiculously hot and I burn myself...You come into the room and I say don't touch that bowl is hot...will you heed the warning from someone with the knowledge to know or go pick it up anyway and burn yourself in order to believe it's hot?

That would be common sense.

This doesn't always apply to people on the internets.

 

[Bobby3326]

That would be common sense.

This doesn't always apply to people on the internets.

Unfortunately it doesn't apply to allot of folks we come in physical contact with on a day to day basis either. [emoji65] [emoji66] [emoji67] [emoji68] [emoji69] [emoji70] [emoji59] [emoji60] lol

 

[hunter55]

I think that enough members of BF (here) decided to purchase a Strongarm.... and they have USED that...

I fully agree with "chambelona59" sayings (see #188 in the current thread) .

I am repeating my "contribution" to the thread, #52 dated 30th August (generally speaking about Gerber):

I received my Gerber USA made Strongarm a month ago. Till now I am very satisfied with that. As Bobby3326 mentioned already "That knife can take some major abuse, and still holds it edge. It takes a wicked sharp edge and is dependable. What more do you want for a budget fixed blade". I fully agree.
I am satisfied also with Gerber USA made LMF II (I have it since 2010).
I am satisfied also with my two Freeman folders (both models are fine, of course the USA made one , with S30V steel, is better).
What else can I add?
Oh yes, I have forgotten the old legend (USA made of course) Gerber Mark II Double Edged. Beautiful and excellent piece.....
What else have I to add, as far Gerber is concerned ?

I suppose that we are speaking about a whole company, not about a specific product...

 

[mtangent]

I've owned Gerber stuff in the past and it was okay, not great but not horrible. A friend still has one of his and he abuses the hell out of it. The steel is probably s30v so its atypical.

-OWNERSHIP MATTERS
At this point Gerber isn't so much a knife company as a brand. That doesn't mean that it's automatically crap, but the parent company (Fiskars, is what a google search said) is going to try to make the most out of their purchase. Fiskars makes good stuff, but you'll never see them dump money into making Gerber scissors that rival a pair of Fiskars. If they can stick a BG on the handle of a cheap knife and sell it, they will. They also have a smaller market for USA made knives that are fairly good, and are twice the cost. People that know quality will find it, for the bear gryls stuff they will dump WAY more money on advertising than they would on the USA stuff. While my EDC griptilian is a good knife, nobody would say that it feels like a proper benchmade (I did add scales.

This happens all the time. I've owned Kodiak and Terra workboots. Back in the day, they were quality made in country. Over the years companies capitalize on the brand and slowly erode the quality. So what used to be made in Canada (or the US) gets production moved to Mexico. But they realize they can save more by going to Asia. So they start making the boots in Viet Nam, or some other country. Eventually the only country stamped on the sole is China, and they don't last 6 months. By this point the brand has been sold and resold repeatedly. But the boots cost the same amount they did 15 years ago, so they still sell even if the quality of the past is a fading memory

It's the WALMARTIFICATION of brands. Trump and others, can bitch and moan about jobs going to China or other countries, but the average guy isn't going to spend twice as much on something if he can't appreciate the quality difference. It's a catch 22. They complain about chinese made product stealing jobs, but won't spend the cash for US made because it's to expensive.

Not all gerbers are crap, but the majority of the stuff under the label is now made for the Walmart customers.

Interestingly, they seem intent on keeping the Gerber & Fiskars brands separate, rather than designating different quality from the same company. I haven't seen any tools from fiskars & gerber competing in the same niche. I have some of the mini multitool they made, with scissors instead of pliers. The scissors are excellent, after years of use, but the other blades are useless.

 

[Lycosa]

If Gerber brought back the old style LST's, that they once made with Micarta scales and that full flat grind, they'd sell millions!!
rolf

 

[okto]

Do you have a cite for this?

Personal experience; 4 out of 5 places that sell Gerber also sell Kershaw. As for size and production, Wikipedia entries and a Google search for the two companies' valuations.

However, Canadian Walmarts do not have them.

Ah, this may be the confounding variable. I definitely can't comment on Canadian availability. Possible Kershaw doesn't have as good a distribution network up there.

In terms of popularity, Gerber's Facebook page has more than triple the likes than Kershaw's. This seems to support the idea that Gerber has wider distribution

That's a non sequitur. Popularity is not an equivalent concept to production or distribution. Gerber is also an older company than Kershaw by almost sixty years.

 

[blueridgemountains]

Well I don't think there is anything wrong with them. I bought them 30 years ago and still do today. Never had one fail. I keep reading about people comparing them to Kershaw, Buck, Crkt, etc... I own those too and my Gerbers are just as good and in my opinion often times better. I really like the design of many Gerbers compared to some other brands. Gerber is the masters of making strong knives that super lite. Gerber has a lot of US made stuff and a lot of stuff made in China just like all the above mentioned brands and others. I like them, use them, they work for me. Also, the new knives 2014 -2015 is some of the best knives they have ever made. I have to add that Gerber has the best custom service of any company I have ever seen.

And just one more thought as to the BG knives. I think they look cheesy with the BG on them. But there isn't anything wrong with the knives. I have watched videos of people testing the knives and they stand up to anything that I know I would ever put the knife through. Now have seen videos of people to trying to get the knife to fail. But they do things you just would not do to a knife. I own the Scout knife. It's lite, easy to grip, sharpens good, had it two years and has no blade play. I have used it fishing and camping with no problems.

 

[Hiro-kun]

Personal experience; 4 out of 5 places that sell Gerber also sell Kershaw. As for size and production, Wikipedia entries and a Google search for the two companies' valuations.

According to Fiskars's 2014 Annual Review, Gerber accounts for 11% of all sales of Fiskars brands. This means Gerber sold about $94 million in 2014.

The report also notes that the Gerber brand has made entry into Central Europe, Eastern Europe, Russia, and China, that it is the top supplier of knives and multi-tools to the US military, and it is the "No 1" knife brand and survival gear brand (presumably means top seller in these categories).

Of course, this information means little if we don't have the same data to compare it to for KAI USA Ltd. Since KAI appears to be a private corporation, they don't publish financial figures on their web site. Bloomberg doesn't have any information either. If you have a source, please let me know, since I cannot locate this information myself.

That's a non sequitur. Popularity is not an equivalent concept to production or distribution. Gerber is also an older company than Kershaw by almost sixty years.

Since I don't have information on Kershaw's production, sales, or distribution reach, I have to use alternative measures to compare Gerber against. I agree that it is not an equivalent concept, but there are reasons to think that popularity and breadth of distribution have some correlation. People have to have some sort of exposure to a company's products in order to "like" them. This means advertising and availability. Since Gerber's FB page has many more likes than Kershaw's, it follows that Gerber advertises to more people than Kershaw and therefore has the capacity to supply knives to this greater number of people.

It's also hard to imagine that people that were around before Kershaw would account for the bulk of the difference in likes.