Does Gerber Still Make A Decent Knife ?
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- čas přidán 29. 07. 2016
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Jack Burton in Big Trouble in Little China movie used a Gerber TAC II to slay Lo Pan and even Lo Pan said "good knife"
Have you paid your dues Jack? Yes sir the check is in the mail! LOL...classic movie and didnt know the bit about the knife...Great stuff
hahaha Thanks for sharing, always thought that movie was a hoot. Now I know a lil trivia!
Hahah, this made me cry with laughter
great movie lol
Funny
I was an Army Infantry Squad Leader for 8 years and the smooth blade Gerber Gator was the best all around general purpose field knife I ever owned. I must have tried 3 dozen different knives from different companies trying to find just the right one and always went back to my Gerber Gator. And it was inexpensive so I could buy 2 at a time in case one was lost or stolen.
The Gator is not a thin little pocket knife but I think you will enjoy it and get a lot of good use out of it.
15:45 - 17:30 the Gerber guy absolutely nails Gerber's philosophy and why it is the correct philosophy to use for functional knife design. It is honestly one of the finest articulations of good knife design I've ever heard. I think it may have been the point Wranglerstar's paradigm shifted a little. Nevermind all this "high end" crap; the test of a true knife is whether it is an appropriate balance of factors (inc cost) required to get the job done.
Well said. Sharade can make some of the best working knives at a fraction of high price as well as KBar and Ontario , these are the real go to knives. I like my fancy stuff but my favorite working knives are the B.K. series from K Bar !
Was your new bench made in your pocket throughout the tour?
I know I am kinda randomly asking but does anybody know a good website to stream newly released movies online?
@Julian Coleman Thanks, I signed up and it seems like a nice service :) I appreciate it !
@Ahmed Parker happy to help =)
There are very few CZcams channels that I feel safe letting my children watch. Wranglerstar is not only one of those, I encourage my children to watch. Educational, inspirational, and a terrific example of how a husband and wife should treat each other. My entire family enjoys your videos so much. Thank you!!!
How about now ? Would you still let them watch him?
@@damienvera3135 To be fair, Cody still doesnt curse, and espouses family values over anything else. But your child may end up walking bare foot into a frozen river... 🤣
Honestly, Gerber really was slipping in quality for at least 5 to 10 years, but they have made a big come back and their effort to reach out to find out what was going wrong has earned them my respect again. Reaching out to you is another example of this effort and I'm glad that an American company is wise enough to do this once they acknowledged their shortcomings. I have bought a few Gerber products over the past year and I am indeed getting more confidence in them.
I'd buy a Gerber Wranglerstar knife long before a Gerber Bear Grylls......just saying.
They discontinued the Bear Grylls line of knives to my knowledge. Both the Ultimate and the Ultimate Pro are gone. They make the Ultimate now but it no longer has Bear's name on it. It's also green and black instead of orange.
@@bluegrasssurvival9423 I'd rather have that then that bear grylls bullshit
the bear grylls one is for east coast guys who get caught checking into hotels in anchorage
I have a gerber multi tool from my son while he served in Afghanistan. I use that thing everyday. It is the best tool I have. I also still have all my dads knives he left me from when he passed. I love them.
Being an Oregonian myself and growing up near Portland i've always had a Gerber knive, but like Wranglerstar said I haven't been happy with the quality and path they have been taking. Now knowing the mindset behind Gerber and finding out they still make quality american made knives I think i'll try them out again
You are right about the Gerber name kinda getting tainted somewhat with being a cheaper knife with the bear grills thing
After reading some of the negative comments about the camera work whining with no solutions lol.
Constructive criticism: Interview tour type footage use a over shoulder mount or basic single gimble steady cam (buy a wristbrace pro tip), try to keep rule of thirds when single subject is talking, zoom out for multiple talking subjects, before a gig (mostly paid) clean lens & sensor, and finally keep a horizon line. Dutch tilt is not compelling angle.
I like how Gerber straight up kinda said what I thought. They aren't the ferrari, but the kinda buck/Ford/Gerber/General Motors type level. Looks like a nice shop, kinda smaller than I imagined. Thanks for the tour and time!
Edit: btw the drone above too entrance door was totally worth it pulling it outta the bag. hahaha Good stuff!
I loved that speech right before your morning-after interview where the man said that these knives were made to be used; they were made to be abused because the point is to make a tool you can stake your life on, not a holy relic.
I have three axes. A Gransfors American Felling Axe, a Council tool Velvicut Hudson Bay, and a Home Depot Dayton pattern. I love my two premium axes and they work well; but when I need to bust up roots or some other unpleasant work guess which one I grab. It doesn't let me down.
he got insulted when the dude said wranglestar wasnt a professional knife sharpener. lmao
that rep was a douche
super douche!!
But Cody isn't. He admits that he doesn't sharpen tools for a living.
That's what professional means.
i like the green beret song you put in
watching this video really made me think... after serving in the Marines for five years, almost every Marine had a Gruber multi-tool. I can tell you first hand we loved them and used them every day.
Not a hunter. Not a homesteaders. Don't work in a job where i really need a knife. Not really into going out into the woods. But my 30$ Gerber Freeman has been an absolute beauty! It handles every small random task i need. It works great in the kitchen. And recently I've taken to using it to salvage teeth from roadkill to make jewelry out of. And so I've had to use it to hack at broken skull, and at a 30$ price point I don't feel too bad if the edge chips or wears down.
And I've loved using it so much, that not only am I considering buying the same knife again, one for home, one to take for dirtier jobs but also if I ever get the opportunity to buy a more expensive knife, you know ots gonna be a Gerber. I absolutely love their business model! Cause shoot, worked on me. And it's like, you said sometimes you just feel a knife and it feels right. Not only did i feel that, but also I get that feeling from Gerber knives just by looking at them. They look right. They look like they're gonna get the job done. Not a fancy knife screaming "hey look at me." And they mentioned that, and again that works for them so well!
I live in west linn. lived here my entire life, that's cool that both you, and Shaun Woods, the traditional bow hunting guy, came from this town
"Made in America" How refreshing! We need more of this.
Loved this video. I was a Canadian soldier and at that time ('81 - '84) I saved and saved and bought the Mark II combat knife that was the same as the one on the wall at the beginning of the video. I still have that knife and love it now as much as I did back then. Back in 2008 I purchased 2 of their Terminator multi tools. These were much cheaper but still good quality pieces of gear. I kept 1 for myself and took the other one to Cuba with me when we went down there to get married. The resort supplied us with our 'bridesmaid' and 'best man'. The fellow that was my best man came in on his only day off of the week to perform this duty. As is custom, I wanted to have a gift for him for doing this so that's why I took down the multi tool. When I gave it too him it was like I gave him a car or something. He saw the Gerber name and was absolutely blown away. It was probably the only one in Cuba. Later in the day I spotted him still at the resort with a crowd around him as he showed off his new Gerber multi tool. Sorry if I've rambled but thought it was and interesting story pertanent to your video.
My dad gave me a Gerber Gator for Christmas more than a decade ago. I have beat the snot out of it and it is in much the same condition as it was when I took it out of the box. I carry it everyday as my backup/beat on blade. Man I'm glad I watched this! I was of much the same opinion about where Gerber has gone. Funny how opinions can form from misinformation or common perception instead of facts...
To be completely honest I was thrown for a loop when I heard 'Ballad of the Green Berets' playing, thought my music playlist was playing :P
6:33. EPIC STATEMENT "I think thats what you've been doing wrong"...."oh really"... bit of an uncomfortable moment there.
Yes Gerber you have been totally pimping Bear Grylls long enough, the Walmart brand is killing your reputation as a USA knife company. Everyone knows Buck does the same thing BUT Buck focuses on their USA products in their advertising. I hope you guys focus more on your success with the Strongarm and see that " WE" the fans want USA made knives and were waiting for "Straight edged blades". I personally love Gerber's serrations but you have lost tons of sales because of ignoring the people who dont, literally all complaints I've seen in forum's have been two common issues, SERATIONS & Bear Grylls China made knives.
The Strongarm proved that the knife community was right, if you had made an LMF2 without serrations and full tang your factory would have been unable to keep up with demand. I still believe that the LMF having a non Military spec version would sale amazingly well, why that hasn't happened is completely odd considering forums talked about it all the time.
I love Gerber made USA knives I would grab my Strongarm in an emergency bugout situation, that says a lot considering I have a drawer of good knives and a Cold Steel SRK in VG1 sitting next to it. If Gerber made an LMF2 like the Strongarm, I would buy one instantly and promote it daily.....ponder that Gerber.🤔 just saying.
Oh my god, the serrations. Dont get me started lmao
Dumb fucks who designed them....
I have knives with serrations, but my preference is without. I'm not a fan of serrations. They do have their use, but for most uses they get in the way.
I really like my Gerber's. Have a decree, an edict, an apple gate,a torch and a multi tool. Gifted my young nephew an order a few years ago. Now it seems like he's collecting pocket knives. I'll always see him with new ones. Good stuff.
I sell knives for living and one problem knife companies are running into with the cheaper made in China for the Walmart stores is that people assume that if they can buy say a Gerber at Walmart for 20 bucks that all Gerber knives should cost 20 bucks. As a knife dealer my cost is the same or a dollar or two over what Walmart is selling them. unfortunately this means i cant carry the better made in America versions of their products much less the ones made in China and expect to make money. Cold Steel, Schrade, KaBar and a few other companies are finding this out the hard way. Gerber makes excellent knives state side that i would trust my life to but the Chinese made ones have a lot of QC issues and very high failure rates due to structural issues in the steel.
I, just this weekend, had a Walmart Gerber fail on me. Sorely disappointed, but expected I guess.
Agreed. I also like Knives made in Japan.
There is a black spot on in the video! Like right of center
I was rubbing the shit out of my screen 😂
killwolfs same
Yup I see it
looks like dust on the sensor.
"your equipment in the forces is supplied by the lowest bidder" my combat instructor told me that one time and its definitely true.
xMrjamjam it would be embaressing if gerber supplied our troops lmao!
it only makes sense... it is how things work, you put up a contract with certain mandatory parameters, and the company that can meet the contract's parameters at the lowest offer wins, how else would it work?
I can tell you without a doubt that Gerber doesn’t supply knives to the military, but their multi-tool is. Honestly, for what it is, basically a pair of pliers with a screw driver, it’s decent. It has a knife in it, but nobody is using that thing when they have a perfectly good folder that’s easier to get out and put away.
After watching the video and reading the comments from start to finish I am amazed at the ignorance and immaturity desplayed by some of the commenters. The whining over Cody's use of the 'Ballad of the Green Berets' song in the lead-in was incomprehensible. I have carried a Gerber Applegate-Fairbairn knife(folder)made of ATS-34 for years as a defensive everyday carry and it has given me excellent service. It was and is a premium knife and I spent the money on it because I needed a knife that I could rely on for serious self defense. I go armed every day and I don't skimp on my defensive carry firearms so why would I compromise on my knife? I also have a Benchmade 940 that I often carry when I need a lower, less aggressive appearing EDC. It is top notch too. My point is that Gerber does make good knives from good steel; you just have to pay for them. It's also good to know that there are some all American-made Gerbers.
I've got a Gerber Vector for around 13 years or so. For 7 or 8 years it was my EDC knife. Now it's my around the house and fishing knife. It's been submerged hundreds of times in rivers and lakes and probably a dozen or so times in salt water. It has no rust and it still holds a great edge. I'm a Gerber fan, because of that one knife.
I like how the first thing you hear is the ballad of the green barrets
Started off and I said, nice, Johnny Horton on a wranglerstar video.
It sounded like Barry Sadler was singing. He is the Special Forces soldier who wrote and recorded the song. I have the original 45 record from the 1960's.
+B Mathews awesome.
I can't say which one it is. Really sounded like horton though.
I did some research and learned that Johnny Horton died in a car crash in November of 1960. The song was recorded by SSG Barry Sadler in January 1966. There is a video of him singing the song on CZcams, but I don't know how to link to it. Search "Ballad of the Green Berets".
+B Mathews I think you're right.
Google seems to think johnny horton has a recording of it also.
What a great opportunity to tour this facility. I have ben using a Gerber for over 10 years and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I am one of those that cant afford a high end knife and I am very thankful that Gerber makes a nice product that I can afford. . . The ending clip has the best lighting of any video you have made! What are you using and is it new?
+Land to House it was simple natural sunlight from the window
Like whoever put the sun there knew what He was doing. ;)
Well in that case.... God did an awesome job. :) Thanks.
I stumbled on this video while looking for something else. I’m familiar with your channel so when I saw you were doing a tour of the Gerber factory, I had to stop what I was doing and watched this video. WELL DONE. I began collecting knives in earnest about 4 years ago and I have to say that I have many Gerber knives ( I promise I won’t list them all here ) because I respect and appreciate Gerber as a knife and multitool manufacturer. I’d like to thank you - thank you..!!
The quality has slipped on some of there knives; you can still find the old one on Ebay I have videos on this
Doggorunning well this is true of MOST knife makers tho.
If you want quality in 2018 you will have to pay for it. Big time
Gerber needs to separate its US made stuff from its junk Chinese stuff. Call it 'Gerber plus' or something.
Its the chinese stuff that muddies the waters and the high volume of chinese stuff vs US made stuff, making Gerber seem like a junk brand. The US knives are great though, no issues there.
I don't know if their knives are still decent but, Gerber's smooshed peas and carrots are still way out of this world. Burp! Hic-up!
I served in Iraq in 2004-05 and carried an issues Gerber Gator with me. I used it on a daily basis for cutting paracord, seatbelts, and countless other things. It got me out of a ton of jams. I loved it so much, I bought one when I got out of the military, and use it all the time around the farm. It's a fantastic no nonsense knife and I will always stand by it. Thanks for the video Cody.
GREAT content. I seldom comment on your videos, but felt compelled to tell you how much I enjoyed this. I'm not a serious knife guy--my EDC knife is a tiny Victorinox Alox Classic (which is perfect for my limited needs)--but watching this video put a smile on my face for the whole 23 minutes. It's so nice to see an American company making American products and doing a good job of it. After posting this comment, I'll be looking around online for that Gerber soldier's fixed-blade knife with the rubber grip, which peaked my interest. Lastly: I'm glad you took no compensation from Gerber for this video. Taking any kind of money would have made the video essentially an advertisement and would have eroded your authority as an unbiased narrator. Please continue this practice when it comes to factory tours in the future. Thanks again.
UPDATE: For anyone else who's interested, the fixed-blade military knife seen in the video is the Gerber StrongArm. It's available on the Gerber website for $86, sheath included.
I think it was really nice of Gerber to allow Wranglerstar and his wife to tour this facility. I still have my original circa 1989 Mark II as well as a vintage Gator. I like Gerber's designs but some of their Chinese made knives are poorly made and I think this has damaged their reputation. Gerber, if you are reading this, get back to your roots! We want high quality US made blades again.
Eurotrash4367 good luck with that. Gerber will never be made in the US again lol Even bucks are made in china now.
At least bucks are still decent.
I dont like gerber. Flashy JUNK
I love stuff like this. It also lets you know exactly why a company is doing what they do. Being in manufacturing there are always "hidden" decisions and reasons that dont always make sense to us. But remember, these people are EXTREMELY successful for a reason. GREAT VIDEO!
Very interesting segment
BUCK is extremely successfull :)
Buck 110 folding hunter is the most sold knife EVER
My dad gave me one of the original Gerber Multi-Tools back in 1993 when I turned 12. He got it for me because I was graduating from Webelo to a real Boy Scout. I've taken that thing literally everywhere since. It's on my belt right now. It has an address label on the sheath with an address I haven't lived at since I was 18. I had to label everything when I went to the National Jamboree in 1997. It has my initials engraved on the pliers end in my dad's shaky handwriting. I've replaced some of the bits a few times, the file and Phillips drive is wasted, but man it slides like butter and has gotten me out of tight spots more times than I can remember. This tool has more memories of the woods than most people do three times its age. I owe a huge portion of my young adult character development to this Gerber product.
Thanks for the tour. I've had several Gerber's over the years. They've been great knives and are still in use to this day. I now have even more respect for the company. Thanks Gerber for opening up your doors.
I knew Gerber had been around for quite a long time but I had no idea of their history. I knew they provided a knife or a multitool to the military but had no clue just how much they did for those who serve. This was a great and eye opening video, Cody. I really hope you can establish some sort of working relationship with Gerber. Could be greatly beneficial for the channel and Gerber.
Didn't know Cody was 7 feet tall until this video
AntiVenom 😂
AntiVenom Seems like everybody else is too. I'm 5'10'' and I feel like a midget these days.
This was really awesome, I have several gerber knives dating back 35+ years old, up to a few years old. I have a gerber multi tools, gerber tools in general for a lot of their USA made, higher end tools, and I love them. I understood the reasoning for the lower quality stuff that is sold at Walmart and those places, and that is fine, but they still make a really nice knife as well. I live a few hours away from them and I have sent things to them to be repaired but I have never been inside, that was really neat and thank you for taking that opportunity to do something awesome like that and show the real side of Gerber. I have Sog, I have letherman, I own a lot of knives and multitools, but I never ignore what Gerber can do, and its still pretty awesome most of the time. Their warranty is really awesome as well, a friend of mine broke off the blade and saw on a multi tool, then he crushed it on accident under a 10,000lbs press, they took it, and replaced it. I had a new one within a week, it was awesome. Do that with anyone else and you're just buying a new tool.Anyways, thanks guys. I am super jealous of your trip, but it was awesome to see.
Got my first Gerber in 1967 while stationed with the 6924th USAFSS in Danang,RVN. It was the Gerber MK II with a 5 degree
bend in the blade, It came with a sheath for the military belt and a sharpening steel. I bought two of them, one for myself and one for my brother (Army) I still have mine although I had to replace the steel after the original one disappeared(?). I also
have a Gerber folding knife that I bought in Alaska back in 1980. We had a guy in our squadron who was from Organ and
had relatives who worked for Gerber and they had sent him some info on the knives that were available at the time and he
ask all the guys in the Squadron who wanted one and told us the price plus what else was available. I had both mine and
my brothers names etched on the blade plus our military Service numbers. I think at the time it cost me $40 per blade
w/sheath and steel. Mine is still sharp as ever with signs of wear and usage on it and my brother says he still has his
also.
Interesting story.
Cody, after watching the end of your video I have to say......ummmmm so part of the Armed Service here in Canada we use the Gerber multi tool which is issued and it is complete garbage. Again the Military Complex uses the lowest bidder for a lot of our products and Gerber for sure one of them. Most guys that serve with me defiantly got out and buy our own Stuff. Like you said you buy 1 expensive item it will last a life time.
Wow thats embaressing. Troops with gerbers.....................
That's well and good but they hurt there name with the BG line of survival knives especially when they said they would stand behind that particular survival tool I think that it's going to be a tough road for them to recover from that bad name they got from that particular line of knives
Yep, the parang failuress and the original model of the BG where he pommel fell off cheapened the brand a lot. I wish they pushed the excellent Strongarm knife as much as they push the BG stuff.
I've owned more then 10 folders from them and presently own 6 fixed blades from Gerber. My comment was never against Gerber, hell my two favorite knives are the LMF and the Warrent. Agreed, some reviewers are idiots and break them intentionally but not all of them. Some gave the BG ultimate pro a real chance and it still failed. Watched one recently and the serrated rolled just from batoning and that was the new improved model. I don't think anyone really hates Bear but they did expect more from an endorsed product
Definately should have gotten behind their Strongarm more (I love mine and have beaten the hell out of it)
The original Bear Grylls knife was a US made Gerber Gator knife (I think prior to the BG endorsement), then he got all fancy and started using a custom. The Gator knife is extremely solid. On the BG line, the teeny tiny Chinese made Scout has been a good knife for me too, I carry it in my first aid bag.
The Pro does not have serrations, so maybe you confused it with the first one? 9cr19mov is not bad steel. The 7cr17mov is crap however...
I retired from the US Army Special Forces and it was a surprise to hear our Ballad playing. Thank you. I don't know the reasoning (perhaps a little shoulder up for Gerber) but I was pleasantly surprised. Great video. Thank you for your candor and effort.
I've at times tried to carry a multitool. Expensive ones. I'd forget them, not take them (because of weight) and eventually loose them. I gave up on having such a tool with me all the time.
More and more over the past few years I find myself needing a knife. I thought if I always have a phone with me and never loose it why can't I do the same with a knife.
So I decided a few months ago to get a simple folding blade knife (it happen to be a Gerber) to train myself to carry it.
It's cheap so if it doesn't work that's ok. While I'm not totally satisfied with it, it does what I need it to do, cut.
If I can make this habit stick, then I'll look at a better knife.
You might be talking to people, like me. People having a knife at hand most of the time had not been part of their life. So starting out with a "quality" tool that costs well over 100 dollars is not the best idea. Cheap knives have a place.
gerber's done right by me. i've had the same pocket knife for 15 years and don't leave home without it. i tried kershaw, because it had a cool talon like blade, but it couldn't hold an edge cutting through cardboard twice, no exaggeration. it ended up in the trash about a week after i bought it. a bit of a mistake, as i have the tools and know-how to temper steel now. it was probably defective, but that's a failure rate of 100% when it comes to kershaw knives i've paid money for. when my gerber is sharpened to a nub and it's time to get a new one, gerber will be my first choice. preferably the exact same model i already have.
SneakySolidSnake what model do you have
it's called the gerber profile folding knife. it took a minute to find a picture to match the name. it's been discontinued from production so you wont find one easily if you wanted to check it out in person. there are reviews on youtube if you just want to see someone toying around with it. it was a budget knife at about 20 bucks in a better economy so it's not some end all be all knife, just a solid workhorse that was fazed out.
SneakySolidSnake- kershaw has twice the quality of gerber.
That being said i still think kershaw is a bit flashy and quite over priced. They are more expensive then buck and the steel is still not near as good.
THAT being said there had to be a hair edge on your kershaw. Lol Theres no way it should dull so fast. Actually gerber blades are soft as hell so i would think a kershaw should hold an edge longer. Or just as long..
Rub the blade on leather or something.... Learn about preventing haired edges/sharpening your knife
SneakySolidSnake TRY A BUCK
MUCH BETTER STEEL :)
Cody, this is the first video I have seen from you that brought me concern about your consistency. I see you share your thoughts with great passion and make fair points for $600 custom boots that, in time, do wear out. You own and use on camera a very expensive bush crafting knife. I think you own a "quiver" of axes, and at least one is made by Autine, or John Neeman. I cannot fault you for that, because you get great quality of use, as well as durability from these items.
I purchased a Bark River fixed blade knife about 8 or 9 years ago in s30v. When I process game in the field, I can go from a whole animal to boned quarters and a cape without touching-up the blade. I could never do that with the cheaper knives I had previously owned. That knife was under $200. What is performance like that worth? It is certainly worth $20 a year. What did it cost me if I keep it for 30 years? I wonder what that Gerber, rubber band handle will look like in 30 years?
Bear Grylls made millions by doing what Les Stroud refused to do, he sold out. In my opinion (and we all have one), Gerber did too. Maybe they needed to for business reasons? But now they are coming to you for business reasons. I am not convinced it helps your brand, or theirs playing fan boy. Be tough on them Cody, they need it.
And Cody, I still love your channel.
John,
This video was completely objective. I could have demanded thousands of dollars from Gerber. I did not. I was offered all and any knives my heart desired. I refused and took nothing accept the one Gator with my name on it. I used the little influence my channel has to provide my subscribers with quality informative comment. You accusing me of being a fan boy is offensive and just plain wrong.
I'm a Bark River guy too but have my first Gerber paraframe I ever bought a d sharpened past the secretions over the last 10 years and it's never let me down.
It seemed like a honest opinion to me, I don't see it as being a "fan boy" if you like a product and give a good review. I get what he's saying about your preference for heirloom quality tools but not everyone needs or can afford top notch quality. Gerber wouldn't be my first choice for a knife but I wouldn't have any problem buying them either. It all depends on what you can afford and what you plan to do with the knife.
I think it's called being humbled. When you only know so much it's easy to have a biased opinion. It's no selling out, it's becoming aware.
It's really interesting to me that the Gerber guy said: [paraphrasing] we're not trying to make the Ferrari of knives. I have a two pet knives that I use for outdoor expeditions and such. None of them are haute designer knives, nor are any (as far as I know) considered high performance. One of them is a knife that my dad's dad gave me, a Victorinox blade Swiss unit that he was issued. The other, a simple Schrade single blade my dad gave me when I was 8. I personally don't have the need for more than those knives. I use them on hikes and the occasional task around the house. Perhaps I'm missing the point, but, this video was intended to be subjective. If Cody likes a knife, he's not selling out. He likes it. I like my knives, and I did zero research; Someone I trust gave them to me and told me that they are great knives. The Ferrari reference is funny to me since Enzo was once quoted as saying: [again paraphrasing] having to sell cars to the public is an unfortunate reality of racing. Well, I find that quote poignant in this video since Gerber is essentially doing the same thing that Porsche did back in the 60's. They realized that a larger market base was required to fund the core engineering of the company. Not all consumers can afford a Ferrari, but want a performance automobile. I think Gerber understands that business strategy, and those that want to use high-end USA made Gerber products understand as well. The benefits to mass production are there as well as the low-end offerings come from the same engineering and materials efforts as the high-end.
Had my Gerber for years, no worries at all. Modified it for assisted opening and it works like a dream. God bless y'all.
So Gerber is in Portland.
Back in the day, they were pretty much the last word for combat knives and still have a pretty good reputation as mass produced knives go. Price wise they've always been outside my market. the most expensive new knife I ever owned was a Puma folding knife and it was as good an example of German work as one could want, again for a mass produced knife. if I want anything better I make it and it's been a long time since I last did that though I've got a son interested in learning how to make knives so I'm looking into getting the materials and introducing him to it. As things stand I'll start off with simple carbon steel and simple hand tools.
I have a friend out in Portland who is looking to fly me out there for a few weeks and there are a couple of folks I would like to meet. You would be on that list if you aren't too far from Portland. He's willing to take me out your way. Too bad it doesn't look like Gerber is set up for regular tools, it would be nice to look through there.
Great Opening. I love this video. Sounds stupid but it put a lump in my throat. I carried a fighting knife in Iraq, It just so happened to be a Gerber. This looks alot like it.
i'm liking the green beret song cody, reminds me of john wayne :)
Wranglerstar, I am a career firefighter (structural and conflagration) in Oregon and I have to admit that I had the same concerns about Gerber knives selling out to Walmart. About two years ago, I gave one of their Autos a chance and you are right entirely when you say that you can judge them for the low end products. I carry my Auto everyday as well one of their multitools on my wildland gear. My Auto is the first piece of equipment I've ever owned that I worry about my chief taking off with and watch him closely when he tries to borrow it.
The knife snobs will always hate on Gerber, but as a military vet, I appreciate Gerber's willingness to stand behind their products. I had an old Gerber multitool that was abused for more than 20 years before finally crapping out. I didn't even know about the lifetime warranty but Gerber sent me a new multitool with no hassles. Their only question was if the old one had any sentimental value to me. My answer was no. They sent me a new one and i had it in just a few days. They earned my respect as a consumer and a knife guy.
I'm sorry but when I have been burnt or let down by a product (Gerber) than it might as well not exist to me. It's that black and white.
No tours, endorsements or flashy gimmicks can ever revive that.
Is this the same Gerber that makes baby food?
no that's a different company, lol
+Garret R oh okay thanks i was so confused lol!!
***** Sadly no... but I wish that was true!
+Edward Dillio i can't be the only one that has never heard of Gerber knife company
+Garret R isn't it weird for two companies to have the exact same name though??
I have 3 multitool Gerbers. I bought them new at a great price years ago. Had one knife break after much use but not abused. I sent it back and was sent a completely new one. My wife carries one of them in her purse. That tool can get you out of a lot of situations. Great video.
I buy knives that have been seized by security personnel at a large international airport. I can state unequivocally that Gerber knives still are a very popular brand in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. They are easy to resell and bring a premium price for me. Keep up the good job!!
I was excited to view the video to hear the answers to the "hard questions" you were prepared to ask. Questions like those related to "mystery steel", and what they plan on doing to promote their quality knives, but you never see asked those questions.
So, is the background in the end card your "green screen"?
Very informative video and has enlightened my perception of their products.
Thanks for sharing with us.
I figured it was just the hotel room drapes. Cody is a pragmatic kinda guy.
I enjoyed the tour my friend
The moment I tried out a Gerber Center Drive, I immediately gained A LOT of respect for them as a company. I choose it over my Surge regularly. If it was the only thing Gerber ever made, I'd still be impressed. Since then, I've looked more at Gerber options when considering purchases.
The duke put this song in one of his films Mr Wayne is a shining example to us all of what a man should be god bless him { check out the Shootist } Andy Jacobs Nottingham ENGLAND
I dunno, I'd figure the Duke was more useful making patriot movies than be in an infantry unit somewhere inspiring no one to join. Plus i'm sure the military wouldn't want the backlash of losing a celeb. Hence Elvis had a gravy position.
Downstream Outdoors , I didn't know if I should or shouldn't comment on you're reply , well I thinking I should ! You must be young or ill-informed ,so I'm giving you time to inform yourself with the truth and read All of it ! ...www.breitbart.com/big-hollywood/2010/02/28/john-wayne-world-war-ii-and-the-draft/
It's hard for people today, especially millennials, to understand the sense of patriotism and duty previous generations had. Even family obligations and community service. It is all about "me" today. As a result there is spin put on all of the great men of the past. It is, unfortunately, one of the key traits we have lost as a nation. It is foundational to the stupidity we display as a people today.
+john white appears that "Downstream Outdoors" deleted his comment. Liberals always have little tantrums when you call them out.
The fascist Left [they pretend to be liberal`s but aren`t ] believe freedom of speech is the right to say what they agree with, I say no no no fascists it means we the people get to say what we believe. That`s the true meaning Andy Jacobs Nottingham England
its funny how someone dislikes a certain brand and then is so impressed when they tour the facilities. makes me question the authenticity here.
I have used a Walmart Gerber folding lock back for several years and have got Kershaw and Buck folders but I always come back to the Gerber!
I love Gerber, it's the only knife company I've bought recently. I started out buying my first $20 Gerber Walmart knife, I loved it. Now I'm buying their higher end more expensive knives. I bought a multi too, it broke due to my error and they sent me a brand new one, amazing company.
Mora 8-35 euros and its better than most Gerber
>British flag
>talks about euros
They don't allow them to have sharpies? What?
every machinist needs a sharpie!
Hell every person needs a sharpie, they have endless uses!
It's a Quality Control rule. They don't want the worker trying to correct blemishes from the printing. They will just clean the blade and run it through the printer again. Same reason you won't see files out on the line.
I think it's great that Gerber chose to expand into the more affordable knife market. As a company, I'm sure they are making a lot of money selling their Bear Grylls and Walmart quality knives. However, I personally believe that it tarnished their reputation as a high end knife manufacturer. I use a Benchmade knife, because I know that the company strives to produce only the best product possible. Not everyone wants to spend $200 on a knife though, and it's good that Gerber is there to offer an affordable option. Gerber might make a fantastic high quality knife too, it is just going to be hard to convince the buyer after they sold out for a Bear Grylls endorsement.
Leaving this video with a greater respect and admiration for Gerber knives.
Made in USA counts big time and means a whole lot to me.
Thanks for the tour Mr. W.
Great video thank you, have a great date night.
Their American made stuff I'm all for it. But sadly the Chinese gerber knives are junk.
You be dropping mad truths yo
Aidan Dunworth meh they were never good. Buck always better
Joshua Norris
Buck is made in China too
Picked up a Gerber Swagger for $20 at CT a few years ago. It has been the perfect folding pocket knife. It has seen many many fishing and camping trips!
Great footage
Gerber is a sellout company.
How?
Gerber is a Business. They to sell things. The Things they sell I have used and I love them.
***** Mitsubishi is a sellout company? A Japanese company still producing their vehicles in Japan and the US?
Arm Chair Preppers?? LOL. I call them Gear Queers (Although not Politically Correct). All the Bells and whistles. Its like Fishing, but for People. I personally have been looking for a good blade. the ones that I do like all have that stupid Gut hook on them. For what I use it for, its just dangerous to have a hook on the back of the blade or that stupid serrated edge. The knife shown in this video is what I have been looking for. All I can find is the aforementioned Garbage. I do like Gerber knives for the quality of the edge. At least its my opinion. Thanks for the Video WranglerStar. I enjoyed it.
EVERYTHING is junk its 2016 folks.....
"Does Gerber Still Make A Decent Knife?"
- No. Class dismissed.
nolobede decent? Yes Top of the line? No
nolobede i never liked them...
So did you ask them any of the questions that were sent in?
Based on this video, I thing the two guys were very nice, sincere people who like the company they work for, and in a somewhat pragmatic outlook they did a great job promoting the company and minimizing the criticisms that are out there. The message I saw was "We make good, affordable knives, they aren't trendy or based on aesthetics or gimmicks." The same could be said as "We make cheap, mass-market knives and spend a ton marketing them to the least demanding consumer."
Like I said before, just go to the SOG site then look at the Gerber site- it's night and day. I grew up loving Gerber, I WANT them to be great- but as others have said I kind of feel that they have sold out to the almighty bottom line more than priding themselves on the quality and innovation they COULD achieve.
It's hard to be their guest for the day and spend time with them and still be objective or critical, I understand that and find no fault for it, it's true for anyone. I just hope that you still asked them the hard questions like you said up front to him that you had...
In the movie "Shoot to Kill" Tom used the Gerber BMF... Check it....sweet. Love to see a remake of this knife today from Gerber.
"You won't, we'll have trained, skilled guys do that"
Who did this kid think he was talking to?
Mrs. W is your wisest counselor. Those words serve as a great reminder to me, and they will serve you very, very well. This video turned my head ever so slightly back toward Gerber. Thanks, Mrs. W!
Thanks for not "selling" out and staying true what your vision of the channel should be. Forget the guys who call you a "fan boy". Nothing could be further from the truth. Keep on keepin on! Thanks.
Thanks for the song. That was one of my Dad's favorites.He gave me a Gerber Knife before my first deployment. . I still have it.
Thank you both for that overview of what Gerber is doing now. I didn't even know it's an Oregon company. Having used their lower end commercial kitchen knives I believe they are the top value in the field. My favorite feature was that even at a low price point, the business end was always easy to put an edged on and stayed sharp better than most of our higher priced blades. There are better knives. . . but not for the price. There's no shame in being utilitarian. Thanks again.
Gerber used to make a really good quality multi tool but in the last 4 years I have completely replaced all my Gerber tools with Leatherman due to quality only! I have purchased 2 Gerber knives in the last 5 years and was very disappointed with the quality, fit and finish. I gave them away to my coworker! If you are looking for a budget friendly but a quality knife, look at CRKT, BOKER and especially SCHRADE. You will not be disappointed!
Lord help us. I come to see a Cody go to a knife factory and have to listen to grown men having a bitch fest because of a song, which I loved by the way.
I actually really appreciate the cheaper end of Gerber's production line. I don't think that they are the best knives ever. I know that my $10 knife isn't anything special, but once I put an edge on it, it does what I need it to do. I really like some of the outrageously expensive high end knives, but I could never carry one every day. If I lost it, I'd be devastated. As someone who has lost more than a knife or two over the years, if I made a big purchase like that, I'd probably leave it at home all the time.
The deer hunting knife for me since 1995 has been a Gerber Gator. It has the half serrated edge that goes right through the ribs. It stays sharp, works great for skinning too. The handle is rubbery and isn't slippery when its bloody. It doesn't rust, light to carry, and just love it.
I bought a Bear Grylls Gerber Scout knife about 10 years ago not knowing how often I would carry or use the knife. After years of always having it with me and almost daily use for something or another I bought a pricier Buck knife and carried that for a couple years before I spent the money on a Benchmade. I personally think there's a place for consumer friendly knives. If a decent $20 knife wasn't available I probably would not have started carrying a knife or if I did I'm not sure if I would if continued to carry all theses years if the knife was just junk. So thank you Gerber for starting me out.
Great video and a wonderful assessment of Gerber USA. I've been a big fan since I was a boy, nearly 40 of my nearly 49 years. I get it and I'm happy you get it too. I still like a Pfluger fly reel when most of my pals scoff at anything that isn't Abel or at minimum Galvan. If you look at a knife the same way you look at a hammer or shovel then you can correlate that concept Gerber USA works in. I truly appreciated the explanation the Gerber guy gave with regards to what our fighting men and women require when in the field or over seas. If you've see the Sebastian Junger & Tim Hetherington film "Restrepo" you know exactly how much a Gerber knife means to the people at the tip of the spear.
I used a Gerber multi tool daily for the last 18 years. I broke the can opener through miss use. I am very satisfied with it. thanks for the videos.
I bought my first Gerber over 40 years ago. Today I have a couple of their saws - great tools. Buy the best you can afford and treat it right.
I got a Gerber knife when I worked for Les Schwab around 1999ish. Had the Les Schwab logo on the sheath.
Glad to hear your take on this about Gerber. They have been part of this family for generations, and I hope for the future generations as well.
I still have my Gerber Mk II from 1980, original black leather sheath and all. Never worry about an AMERICAN MADE Gerber product. They won't let you down.
Great video! Thanks for sharing!
The term "kid in a candy store" may be a cliche, but cliches exist for a reason.
Did your face cramp from all that smiling? ;o)
I also wrote Gerber off years ago. My father had some bad experiences with a Gerber knife plus those terrible Bear Grills knives. But I will definitely take an honest look at the company again, especially since they still make so much in the USA. Thank you for another great vid.
Greetings from Sweden!
I have another or should I say additional theory on why gerber is getting bashed alot these days. Basically it comes down to pricing and the fact that the knives are being exported. They simply are not competitively priced outside of the US. Lets take the Bear Grylls line of products for example: The Ultimate Pro knife is priced at around $60 in the US. In Sweden its priced at around $110-140. It's not a bad knife by any means (unlike some other BG products) and I do use it so I would know. However, its not a $140 knife in sweden because at $140 I can buy two Gränsfors Bruk hatchets, a Fällkniven or bag full of some 20ish Mora knives (depending on model of course). I would assume it goes the other way around aswell: Americans might find local brands superior in terms of value for money in comparison to Swedish brands for example. Logisitcs add so much to the price that the knife becomes a bad knive within its price segment. Internet and youtube has simply opened consumers eyes to this.
Personally I like the "non-tacticool" gerber products. I just dislike the pricing.
I've always liked Gerber. My first "good" folder was a Gerber and my first multitool was a Gerber. I've never had a problem with either of them. I always look to them first when I need something in these sorts of categories.