Gerber Knives
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I thought CRKTs moved everything out of Taiwan (I know they started in Taiwan, much like we did). Is it a newer Model or older?
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From: Vernon, NY
Just an FYI and you all probably know this, Most of Gerber, all of Winchester (Gerber sub-brand), Also most all of Smith and Wesson and CRKT are all made in China. While they are good designs on most things, it is still China.
To be fair, We (Buck) make some of our stuff over there also. The cool thing is that Last year we pulled 50k units out of China and are now USA made, and This year we are pulling 200k units back to the USA and within 5 years, our stratagy is to be out of china altogether. We were/are able to do all this without raising prices to the consumer. All of our new products starting in 2009 with 2 exceptions (out of 60 new SKUs) are USA made. While I understand why everyone went to China, I have hated that we did. My time that I spent in China factories (some of the same factories that the above companies also use) to teach them how to make knives was one of the most painful periods of time knowing that what I was teaching them will/has turned into a competative advantage for China.
But I digress. Just wanted to make sure you all knew what brands are coming out of China.
BTW, that Winchester is made out of 420J2 (a low carbon), not standard 420 or 420HC (High Carbon). While Standard 420 can hit 58-60 blade hardness, and 420HC rockwells at 58-60 blade hardness, the 420J2 will only hit 52-55 Rocjwell, thus the ease of sharpening, but short lived edge life.
To be fair, We (Buck) make some of our stuff over there also. The cool thing is that Last year we pulled 50k units out of China and are now USA made, and This year we are pulling 200k units back to the USA and within 5 years, our stratagy is to be out of china altogether. We were/are able to do all this without raising prices to the consumer. All of our new products starting in 2009 with 2 exceptions (out of 60 new SKUs) are USA made. While I understand why everyone went to China, I have hated that we did. My time that I spent in China factories (some of the same factories that the above companies also use) to teach them how to make knives was one of the most painful periods of time knowing that what I was teaching them will/has turned into a competative advantage for China.
But I digress. Just wanted to make sure you all knew what brands are coming out of China.
BTW, that Winchester is made out of 420J2 (a low carbon), not standard 420 or 420HC (High Carbon). While Standard 420 can hit 58-60 blade hardness, and 420HC rockwells at 58-60 blade hardness, the 420J2 will only hit 52-55 Rocjwell, thus the ease of sharpening, but short lived edge life.
I didn't know that my little Winchester was the 420J2. According to the packaging, it says it is 420 grade stainless. I guess that's because China doesn't know the difference.
Spike, what do you think about the Crucible S30V material? Also, what do you recommend as a good knife featuring these specifications:
-Drop point or Tanto (preferably Drop Point)
-1/2 Serrated edge
-Longest living blade under extreme conditions
-Manual Folding, NOT automatic.
I'm willing to spend up to $175 on a good folding knife sporting those features.
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Wow! Thanks soo much!
I didn't know that my little Winchester was the 420J2. According to the packaging, it says it is 420 grade stainless. I guess that's because China doesn't know the difference.
Spike, what do you think about the Crucible S30V material? Also, what do you recommend as a good knife featuring these specifications:
-Drop point or Tanto (preferably Drop Point)
-1/2 Serrated edge
-Longest living blade under extreme conditions
-Manual Folding, NOT automatic.
I'm willing to spend up to $175 on a good folding knife sporting those features.
I didn't know that my little Winchester was the 420J2. According to the packaging, it says it is 420 grade stainless. I guess that's because China doesn't know the difference.
Spike, what do you think about the Crucible S30V material? Also, what do you recommend as a good knife featuring these specifications:
-Drop point or Tanto (preferably Drop Point)
-1/2 Serrated edge
-Longest living blade under extreme conditions
-Manual Folding, NOT automatic.
I'm willing to spend up to $175 on a good folding knife sporting those features.
I love s30V, Tough as heck and while it can be a bear to get the edge back if you let it go real dull, it is sharp as all get out when honed properly. Secret is to touch it up on a regular basis and never let it get real dull. Corrosion resistance is also very good compared to other steels. I like BG-42 better, but we moved to S30V.
I really don't like Tanto tips, I prefer drops or clip style. For 175 you can buy a top notch Benchmade or other High End manufacturer of Production 'customs' (Chris Reeve etc..). Spydie also has some good stuff on the high end, but I can't remember what their top grade steel is. I am not up on competitor styles as much as I used to be. Most of our S30V stuff is in the $100 range, however, we do not put serrations on the S30V models.
Hit the websites, pick a few models, and then see if you can find a place local to you so you can handle, touch, feel etc to make sure it is a fit for you.
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From: Georgia
We do the same thing, we call it 420 stainless instead of 420J2.
I love s30V, Tough as heck and while it can be a bear to get the edge back if you let it go real dull, it is sharp as all get out when honed properly. Secret is to touch it up on a regular basis and never let it get real dull. Corrosion resistance is also very good compared to other steels. I like BG-42 better, but we moved to S30V.
I really don't like Tanto tips, I prefer drops or clip style. For 175 you can buy a top notch Benchmade or other High End manufacturer of Production 'customs' (Chris Reeve etc..). Spydie also has some good stuff on the high end, but I can't remember what their top grade steel is. I am not up on competitor styles as much as I used to be. Most of our S30V stuff is in the $100 range, however, we do not put serrations on the S30V models.
Hit the websites, pick a few models, and then see if you can find a place local to you so you can handle, touch, feel etc to make sure it is a fit for you.
I love s30V, Tough as heck and while it can be a bear to get the edge back if you let it go real dull, it is sharp as all get out when honed properly. Secret is to touch it up on a regular basis and never let it get real dull. Corrosion resistance is also very good compared to other steels. I like BG-42 better, but we moved to S30V.
I really don't like Tanto tips, I prefer drops or clip style. For 175 you can buy a top notch Benchmade or other High End manufacturer of Production 'customs' (Chris Reeve etc..). Spydie also has some good stuff on the high end, but I can't remember what their top grade steel is. I am not up on competitor styles as much as I used to be. Most of our S30V stuff is in the $100 range, however, we do not put serrations on the S30V models.
Hit the websites, pick a few models, and then see if you can find a place local to you so you can handle, touch, feel etc to make sure it is a fit for you.
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Thanks for the info Spike...I also have a good bit of Bucks too....very old ones to include a M9 Bayonet that was issued to me and never turned in. From what I understand, its a highly collectible piece. No worries, its in good hands and will never leave. I also have some of the old folders and one of the first tactical knives made by Buck.
That Bayonet is my favorite camping knife I keep one in my camping go bag. We made about 325k units for the US Military. Between all the versions we did, I think it was close to 500k units. The reason your older Gerbers seem better is that early 90s is when the knife industry really made a big move overseas.
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From: Hammer Lane
I Know it's silly, but I looked at that thread title, and thought to myself, "Why the hell would anyone need a knife for baby food?"
http://www.benchmade.com/products/pr...=1&category=28
http://www.benchmade.com/products/pr...=1&category=28
Last edited by Odin's Wrath; Feb 11, 2009 at 12:29 AM.
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From: Clarksville, TN
I have owned one of the following for over 6 years with no complaints. It fits on my belt and I forget I have it. I stopped carrying my pocket knife since this tool has a nice blade on it. It has been very handy from removing a fishing hook in a cat's jaw to patching a barbed wire fence.
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To the OP, I love my kershaw leek. Made in America. If your dead set on gerber, check out the Harskey Air Ranger. I also have one of those and I quit caryying it when I got the Kershaw but it was a very sharp/nice/lightweight knife.
I signed up to try the buck knife and I havent heard yet (He's addressed in another thread). But I am hoping I get chosen now that I have found out they are made in America. Cant wait.
I signed up to try the buck knife and I havent heard yet (He's addressed in another thread). But I am hoping I get chosen now that I have found out they are made in America. Cant wait.
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From: Graham TX
Wow! Thanks soo much!
I didn't know that my little Winchester was the 420J2. According to the packaging, it says it is 420 grade stainless. I guess that's because China doesn't know the difference.
Spike, what do you think about the Crucible S30V material? Also, what do you recommend as a good knife featuring these specifications:
-Drop point or Tanto (preferably Drop Point)
-1/2 Serrated edge
-Longest living blade under extreme conditions
-Manual Folding, NOT automatic.
I'm willing to spend up to $175 on a good folding knife sporting those features.
I didn't know that my little Winchester was the 420J2. According to the packaging, it says it is 420 grade stainless. I guess that's because China doesn't know the difference.
Spike, what do you think about the Crucible S30V material? Also, what do you recommend as a good knife featuring these specifications:
-Drop point or Tanto (preferably Drop Point)
-1/2 Serrated edge
-Longest living blade under extreme conditions
-Manual Folding, NOT automatic.
I'm willing to spend up to $175 on a good folding knife sporting those features.
One of my favorite knives, very well built and reliable.
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 548
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From: Fort Walton Beach, FL
Benchmade 940. Great knife. Axis lock, 154CM blade steel.
Benchmade 940
Also, Benchmade Mini-Skirmish. Awesome knife. S30V blade steel, frame lock, titanium handles.
Mini Skirmish
Personally, I love my Microtech Socom Tanto
Benchmade 940
Also, Benchmade Mini-Skirmish. Awesome knife. S30V blade steel, frame lock, titanium handles.
Mini Skirmish
Personally, I love my Microtech Socom Tanto
Last edited by chumFX4; Feb 10, 2009 at 06:43 PM.
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From: Lehigh Valley, Pa
Well as far as knives go I have a Gerber EVO. I have put this thing through hell and the blade is pretty charred and dull. I still use it every day though. I have no skill in resharpening. I will earn some day. That is a folding knife of course, I started looking into a fixed blade. And decided on the Gerber Big Rock. I have been looking around and have found other choices that are better. What do you guys suggest as a good, non wood/bone handle, non serrated, fixed blade knife?
As far as multitools, my Gerber Multiplier 600 never leaves my side and never will. Love it to death.
As far as multitools, my Gerber Multiplier 600 never leaves my side and never will. Love it to death.
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 114
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From: Lehigh Valley, Pa
Well as far as knives go I have a Gerber EVO. I have put this thing through hell and the blade is pretty charred and dull. I still use it every day though. I have no skill in resharpening. I will earn some day. That is a folding knife of course, I started looking into a fixed blade. And decided on the Gerber Big Rock. I have been looking around and have found other choices that are better. What do you guys suggest as a good, non wood/bone handle, non serrated, fixed blade knife?
As far as multitools, my Gerber Multiplier 600 never leaves my side and never will. Love it to death.
As far as multitools, my Gerber Multiplier 600 never leaves my side and never will. Love it to death.
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http://spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=285
One of my favorite knives, very well built and reliable.
One of my favorite knives, very well built and reliable.
X2 on they Spyderco. Light Weight, Super Fast to deploy with one hand, Tough.. Plus you can get the blade any way you like it. I tried a serrated blade for a while, I have a standard blade now. I may try a "combo" blade next if I ever lose this one..
Japanese made..
