Good things from Gerber

Guns Magazine, Dec, 2004 by Jim Gardner

Just over 30 years ago, I decided to splurge and buy a really good knife. Near the banks of Florida s historic St. John's river stood a modest shop that sold sporting gear, but only the best available. There amid the Old Town canoes and Kelty packs I found a single cutlery brand offered--Gerber.

The lock-back folder I bought that day traveled with me tram Florida to Alaska and most spots in between. It was a superior sportsman's tool and doubtless I'd still be using it today if an airline baggage handler hadn't needed it more. I hope he's still enjoying it.

Make a short list of the top cutlery companies in the U.S. and Gerber Legendary Blades is a must for inclusion. Since 1939 they've been producing blades that stand out from the pack by innovative design and near bulletproof durability. Let's look at a few favorites.

Axe Me About Fiskars

Gerber is part of the Fiskars Brands companies of Finland, and tiffs association has brought some novel items into the Gerber line. Of these, Gerber's handled cutting tools are particularly worthy of note.

Five different products, from the diminutive Back Paxe hatchet to the beefy splitting maul all incorporate the same space age construction. The heads are of best grade Swedish steel, differentially hardened (hardest at the edge and slightly softer elsewhere for toughness), and non-stick coated for rust resistance and improved cutting. The hollow handles are of incredibly tough Polyamid, and best of all, the heads are permanently affixed to the handles. No more wiggly, wobbly loose axe heads.

I've been experimenting with the Sport Axe (14.4" length, 36.8 ounces) and the tiny Back Paxe (8.8" length, 19.3 ounces) The Sport Axe is surprisingly capable-it split tough old lengths of stove wood with ease. You won't be felling trees with the tiny Back Paxe, but it sure fits nicely in a daypack.

To check the nearly indestructible handle claim, I whanged away at my anvil with the hammer poll of the Sport Axe. Fifty times I hit it just as hard as I could manage, expecting it to crack or break. Nope. I did dent the anvil though. These are tough tools.

Fighting Folder

My must-have folding knife from the Gerber line is the Applegate/Fairbairn Covert. This is a reduced size, folding version of a fighting knife designed by Col. Rex Applegate. My idea of knife fightin' is wrestling with a tough steak, but regardless, I've carried one of these for five years now and find it a great match for everyday tasks.

The partially serrated 3.75" blade is of 154CM stainless (matte finished or black). It's secured in the open position by a liner lock, but the unique Roto-Lock may also be engaged for total security against accidental closing. The scales are of tough glass-filled nylon. Their pleasantly radiused shape along with the secure pocket clip make this one of the most carry friendly folders I've ever used.

Another excellent folding knife from the Gerber line is the William Harsey-designed Air Ranger. This one is a shade more compact than the Covert at 7.44" overall length and 4.13" folded. Working length of the stainless blade is 3.125", available partially serrated or plain.

The scales are of brightly anodized aluminum (red, blue or green), with a finely checkered finish. Combine that with the serrated thumb ramp, and this is a knife that feels secure even in wet or cold hands.

The Air Ranger features a liner lock and an open frame design, meaning it's a snap to swish it in a little soapy water for cleaning after field dressing or other chores. A sturdy pocket clip keeps the Air Ranger riding at your side.

Multi Talented Tools

Gerber offers the best range of multi tools in the business. My catalog shows a whopping 17 different Multi-Plier versions. The 600 series Pro Scout is my choice. This tool does everything but tell me where I left the keys to my pickup.

Favorite features are the one hand extension and retraction of the plier jaws, and Gerber's patented lock system secures the individual tools perfectly yet unlocks with a feather touch. Another winner is the RemGrit saw blade. A saw is one of the most useful items to incorporate in a multi tool, and this tungsten carbide abrasive blade will cut nearly anything.

Also included is a small but excellent scissors, knife blade, Phillips driver, can opener, cap lifter, wire cutter, small and large straight blade drivers and a very good little file--double cut on one side, single on the other.

As I said, these are some of my favorite Gerber goodies, but to leant which items might spin your beanie, see the Web site at: www.gerberblades.com; or call (800) 950-6161.