Do you know what the movies Aliens (1986), Man of Steel (2013), and Captain America: Winter Soldier (2014) have in common? That’s right. Gerber.
In each of these movies, one of Gerber’s most popular knives, the Mark II, can be seen in action. These epic survival knives were used in the Vietnam War and, sadly, are discontinued. But one thing’s for sure, though, the Mark II isn’t the only knife to leave its “mark” in Gerber’s legendary history.
Whether passed down from Grandpa or new from the store, many people’s first knife is a Gerber. In this article, we’ll go over some of Gerber’s best knives and help you find what’s right for your needs.
Gerber: A Very Brief History
Gerber has been a household name since 1939. Initially, they sold cutlery and traditional-style knives to companies like Abercrombie & Fitch. They even helped shape Oregon into what is now known as the “knife-making hub” of the United States, changing the knife industry as we know it.
After being acquired by Fiskars in 1987, they shifted to producing more modern knives with current mechanisms, designs, and applications. Their sole purpose is to make knives and tools that anyone can use, with everyone price points.
Many of their finest knives are even produced right here in America! Knives like the StrongArm, 06 Auto, and Fastball—which we’re about to go over.
The Gerber StrongArm knife is a modern take on their early military-grade survival knives from the 1960s. Its rugged design features a tough full-tang 420 stainless steel blade. While maybe not considered the highest edge-retention steel, rest assured it’ll sharpen up quickly and easily.
Plus, you can’t ignore its great corrosion resistance. Take it into any wet environment, and the stainless blade and robust rubberized handle will stand up to the task.
What sets this fixed blade knife apart is its included modular sheath system. Most sheaths confine a knife to only one style of carrying, but not the StrongArm’s sheath. It can be mounted to a belt, pack, vest, or even attached to MOLLE fitted packs—making the knife extremely customizable to your preferred carry.
For more information, check out our in-depth review to see how it ranked on everything from versatility to ergonomics or watch our short video on why we love the Gerber StrongArm below!
George goes over 5 great features of the Gerber StrongArm.
Originally made for the US military, the 06 Auto is an absolute tank of a knife. It’s completely overbuilt and designed for the battlefield. Its push button is so huge you can’t miss it—even with gloves on.
They all come with a prominent safety switch for additional security, so the blade stays where it’s supposed to. There are countless stories of the 06 saving lives, from average Joe’s to war heroes. One thing’s for sure: the 06 Auto commands respect and won’t back down from a fight.
These Exo-skeletonized knives easily snap together in a “modular” fashion by connecting the individual sheaths together. Yep, you read that right. This makes carrying multiple knives when hunting incredibly easy.
So, you’re packing for your hunting trip. Of course, you’ll need a skinner ready to go on hand. But what about sawing through thick bones and cartilage? Pop on the Pack Saw. Trying to preserve the skin from your trophy kill? Slap that caper knife on there as well.
What’s great is that even though it’s skeletonized, it doesn’t feel like it’s too thin. The rubber handle gives it some extra meat to feel comfortable in the hand and prevent slipping when things inevitably get messy.
While the knives are sold separately, you can choose what is absolutely essential for your mix-and-match kill kit.
Want to see how it connects together? Just click on the video, and it’ll take you right to the ExoMod!
Zac talks with Seth from Gerber Knives about some of their new knives from 2020, including the ExoMod.
The rise of high-end cleaver folding knives has boomed over the last few years, and Gerber’s addition has leveled the playing field by bringing this knife style down to an amazingly accessible price point.
What makes these knives unique is the conveniently placed pinch plate that rests over the frame lock. This gives you a place to grip the knife as you open it so that it won’t put pressure on the detent, making it that much easier to deploy the blade—which is a pit I know I’ve fallen into many times with other knives.
Is it the knife for you? Watch our overview to see it in action.
Blade HQ goes over the features and benefits of the Gerber Flatiron.
This is an exceptional budget knife with a high-quality feel that’s fit for everyday carry or for when you’re in the backcountry. Its micarta handle rests over machined liners with just the right amount of real estate for your hands. The crossbar lock has the grip of all-terrain tires but doesn’t eat your thumb alive. The reversible pocket clip even has an anti-rock lip that stabilizes the clip and prevents it from wobbling during use.
The blade is made from 440A steel—which you can confidently beat up, guilt-free, and is super easy to maintain. You can be certain that this pocket knife is a hard worker that you won’t feel bad about putting to good use.
Gerber goes over the features and benefits of the Gerber Scout Crossbar Lock Knife
The Gerber Fastball is a change of pace from typical Gerber knives and has been turning heads for skeptical buyers. Its upgraded steel, super-slicy edge, and wicked-fast “Balls of Stainless Steel” (B.O.S.S) bearings might even make you think it’s spring-assisted.
What I like about it is the clean design. The aircraft aluminum handle shaves off weight from the knife while keeping its strength. It’s so lightweight that it feels like you’re holding nothing in your hand, with no hotspots or pinch points. As Gerber’s first ball-bearing knife, I gotta hand it to them, the Fastball exceeded many people’s expectations.
Don’t just take my word for it! Here’s what one of our customers had to say about the Fastball:
“Good Job Gerber” Gerber did a good job on this American made EDC. The blade is S30v steel and was super sharp out of the box. The blade alignment was spot on and there was absolutely no blade play at all … The nice knife has a nice quick snap/pop when deployed. The handle offers a good grip and feels very secure in your hand … This EDC is the perfect size for an everyday pocket carry and appears to be robust enough for actual use not just sitting in a drawer or a knife case …
When it comes to multi-tools, sometimes the best ones are the ones that fit in your pocket. Frequently, you just need a few essentials, not the whole garage on your belt. Enter the Armbar.
With the silhouette of a pocket knife but the appliances of a multi-tool, it’s got a few tricks up its sleeve. The blade locks up tight with a liner lock mechanism. So, you can be confident it won’t fold on you.
Need a screwdriver? The center-drive screwdriver models take a step above corkscrew-style twisting and become more of a true screwdriver tool with a more “in-the-hand” feel.
Opening a bottle of wine? Use the flip-out casting to leverage the cork so you don’t have to pull and pray you don’t spray. The flip-out casting can also be used for bottle opening, prying, or small hammering tasks. No more using your shoe heel as a makeshift hammer to hang pictures on the wall.
It’s a small multi-tool with just the right number of tools and great function at a great price. Even Bryan agrees!
“Love It” What a great tool. Having the driver fold all the way out to create a straight bit driver rather than stopping perpendicular to the blade creating more of a T-handled driver is a game changer. This has replaced my trusty SAK that I’ve carried for 15 years as my EDC 2nd blade.
Gerber knives offer exceptional value compared to many of their more expensive counterparts. While they may not always feature the latest high-end blade steels or extravagant designs found in pricier knives, they fulfill their purpose reliably without the hefty price tag—talk about value!
Not everyone wants or even needs a $300 blade. Sometimes, a solid, inexpensive, well-made knife from a reputable brand is all that’s necessary. What matters most is that your Gerber knife is there for you at a moment’s notice. Use it. Beat it up. Lose it. Get another one. Whatever the case, it’ll get the job done.
When you buy a Gerber knife, you’re buying an American icon. Made in the USA or not, it’s a huge promise and guarantee that whether it’s a $20 knife or even a $175 knife, it will serve you well.
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