Gerber Knives have been around since the early 90’s and have a proven track record. I personally carried a Gerber folding knife during my enlisted years in the Marine Corps. The knife was always there and never failed me. I used it for everything from opening up that favorite MRE to prying open ammunition crates. Since then there have been quite a few new knife companies come into the industry. There for a while, I personally felt that Gerber Knives had fallen behind in quality and craftsmanship of their tools. As of recently though they have been putting out an impressive line of knives targeted towards the military and law enforcement. One of those knives is the Gerber Instant.
Before I decided to purchase this specific blade I did my homework to be sure the knife would work for what I wanted and that it met my specifications. There didn’t seem to be a whole lot of Youtube video reviews (that I approved of), so I searched other blogs and gear sites that I frequent. One of the companies that I follow is STS (Survival Tactical Systems). STS is owned by a former MARSOC Marine and he also endorses Gerber Gear. I figured that if he was putting his name out there to endorse their products that I couldn’t go wrong with picking up one of Gerber’s new offerings; specifically the Gerber Instant.
Another guy who’s opinion I respect is also a former Marine and former 10 year CIA Operative (Drew Dwyer over at SOFREP). During his tenure within the CIA, Gerber provided him with a few tools with the idea of giving them direct feedback from the clandestine world. Now that he is out of the CIA he still trusts and uses Gerber knives. His personal favorite and one he carries most of the time is the Gerber Instant.
The Gerber Instant offers some features that I really like.
- partially serrated blade. Over the past year, I’ve become more fond of a partially serrated blade for EDC purposes. As a civilian chances are more likely that I will roll up on an accident and need those serrations to cut through seat belts or clothing.
- The blade profile of the Gerber Instant makes it extremely easy to hone and sharpen with a standard fine sharpening stone.
- The assisted opening makes opening this knife with a single hand easy (even if you’re wearing gloves). Some have claimed that the knife opens when carried in the pocket, but I have not had that issue at all and I’ve been carrying this blade daily for a few weeks.
- The lock they use on this knife is whats called a plunge lock that locks into a small cut out in the blade. I’ve had no issues with the lock disengaging during use.
- The handle scales have full stainless steel inserts which provide additional strength.
- The price point. The Gerber Instant can be found on Amazon for around $34.
Gerber Instant Specifications (courtesy of gerbergear.com)
- Blade Length: 3.18″
- Closed Length: 4.57″
- Overall Length: 7.75″
- Weight: 4.01 oz.
- Steel Type: 7Cr17Mo
