Which gerber folder to choose?

Molly-Coddle

Molly-Coddle

Joined
May 18, 2007
Messages
140
I want to add to my collection some Gerber folder, but I cannot buy AF folder due to legal limitations. So I'm chosing between:

1) Gerber Firestorm - liner lock, flipper, Rick Hinderer design! But unknown "High Carbon Stainless" listed on the Gerber site - I think it's made of 440A or even some kind of 420 :( Cannot find any info (review) on this knife on BF...

2) Hinderer CLS Also Hinderer design, but made of 440A and with black coating that I think will wear off very fast... Build with some kind of "Patented Lock
" - with unknown reliability.

3) Gator (Fine Edge, Drop Point) 154CM Stainless Steel but it's to big for EDC knife...

What will You suggest?
 
I was a devoted Gerberer - and like the LST range and the old Bolt knives which sound what you might be looking for. But disapointed with the quality/steels now. It sounds liek you ar elooking for an EDC but the differnce in the gator and the others is quite large. The gators are quite popular here for deer hunters mostly in the fixed blade version

I have just tried Spyderco and Benchmade - The benchmade mini griptilian may fit your needs. I have the both the mini and the full size ritter versions with CS30v and stone washed blades, There is also D2 as well as the standard in 154CM. The full size grip is about the same size as the gator but in more discrete packaging. However minigrip does if for me most - and would be EDC here if allowed. The axis lock is wonderful

I'd love an old gerber bolt type scales ona full size griptilian - sounds like what you might be looking for

However they are truly scary sharp as the nicks out of my fingers can attest - if your fingers go anywhere near the blade they just start to drip blood
 
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The Gator in 154CM happens to be a pretty good knife, especially considering how inexpensive it is. Still made in Portland, Oregon too.

Too big for pocket carry though.
Does come with a Cordura sheath.
 
knarfeng said:
4) None of the above
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I am with you on this one. I used to be a big Gerber fan back in the day, but in the past 6 years or so, there quality has definately been lacking. I don't buy Gerbers anymore. I vote for a Buck 112 Ranger or a Suire as those are the two I am wanting right now. I do love those Grips though.
 
knarfeng said:
4) None of the above
Click to expand...

I agree totally with knarfeng. I've not had good experiences with Gerber knives or other Gerber products including multitools and handsaws, etc. Quality is low. Hope you do better, just make sure it is Made in U.S.A. instead of the breakable ones made elsewhere.
 
Davyd said:
Knarfeng ???? Leaving things hanging a bit there
Click to expand...

(Sorry, grumpy tonight. My daughter is stuck in a Venezuela airport tonight cause of a airline FU. Been on the phone all day. Can't do anything more about it tonight about it, but I'm a bit more grouchy than usual.)

I was not happy with the last couple of Gerbers I bought. When I look at what I can get from other makers, I don't feel that Gerber offers equivalent performance, nor equivalent quality at the same price point. YMMV.
 
If gerber, I say one of the lst's or and easy out. But like most have said there are better choices than gerber in the same price range IMO.
 
I own the clip point Gator with the "high carbon stainless". Its a good strong knife but meant to be carried in a sheath like the Buck 110. Might have to get another one if they upgrade to 154CM
 
How 'bout the Gerber EVO ? I've been attracted to that model but haven't broken down yet. Anyone have experience with the plain edge model ??

JMH
 
I just bought a Firestorm. This is a Bull Dog of a folder, if that's what you are looking for. The Firestorm, for $30., can do what my more expensive folders can do. The Quality on this knife is First-Rate.
 
The most recent decent Gerber folder that I bought was an Airframe which is discontinued like the rest of the good ones. Sorry but IMO they have nothing worth buying and have gone the way of SOG, Cold Steel and a few others that I used to like.

Buy a Microtech.
 
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