gerber gear

Gerber Downrange Tomahawk: A simple, effective and dependable breaching tool

When I hear the words tomahawk related to anything tactical I usually think gimmick. However, sometimes I’m wrong. And this time I was very very wrong. I don’t know that tomahawk is the correct word for the Gerber Downrange Tomahawk. It’s a simple, effective and dependable breaching tool suited for a variety of uses in the field. The downrange tomahawk was made to consolidate multiple breaching tools into one easy to carry element that can withstand the hard use that breaching typically entails.

The Gerber Downrange Tomahawk uses 420HC steel with a Cerakote coating to ensure the blade will not prematurely rust. I found that the Cerakote held up remarkably well to most situations except when prying directly on metal. I found that the finish otherwise remained mostly intact after heavy use (pictures were taken prior to heavy use).

The tool itself features a beveled axe whose purpose is to chew through drywall, walls and doors. In use, it works well and was effective in all situations encountered in a training environment. The backside of the axe is a thin hammer for getting in between hinges, destroying locks, doorknobs etc. Again, effective in its simplicity. One of my favorite parts is at the end of the Gerber Tomahawk you have a hefty pry bar for some serious work. The axe head is cut out and isn’t sharp so that you can grip it easily with gloves and really put some force on it for whatever your needs entail. The handle of the axe features G10 handles so that you can easily grip while doing all of you destructive work.

The Tomahawk also features a simple sheath which incorporates itself easily onto packs or on the backs of plate carriers. It’s simple to use and works well. Ultimately the Gerber Downrange Tomahawk is a much-needed breaching tool for most tactical work that you could find yourself in. It’s well constructed for the task and won’t let you down.

Gerber Empower Auto Knife | Military-grade insight and materials

The Gerber Empower is one of Gerber’s newest American-made additions to the automatic knife market. It is rock solid, has S30V steel and doesn’t scream tactical. It weighs in at 4.6oz and has an overall length of 8.4” when opened (blade length is 3.25). Best part….. it’s priced at right around $100. Check it out.

Author – Tim M.

Gerber marks 7 years as ‘HERO LEVEL’ supporter of Best Ranger Competition

PORTLAND, OREGON (April 12th, 2019) – Gerber, a leading direct supplier of mission-essential knives, tools and equipment to the US Military, is proud to support the 36th annual Best Ranger Competition in Fort Benning, Georgia. A testament to teamwork, dedication, and strength – the competition seamlessly aligns with Gerber’s continued effort to honor the men and women of the US Military. Actively supporting the event for many years, Gerber has participated at the ‘Hero level’ for the past seven with contributions including financial support and the donation of life-saving knives, tools, and equipment.

This year’s competition is particularly special, celebrating the 75th anniversary of D-Day. It was there, during the battle of Pointe Du Hoc that Brigadier General Normal Cota uttered what would become the Rangers’ motto saying: “Well then, Goddamit, Rangers! Lead the Way!” The Rangers would go down in history that day, scaling the cliffs, attacking, and capturing the prominent point along the coast of Normandy.

“Gerber’s commitment to the US Military is unwavering, and we’re honored to support this important event alongside other brands in the industry and our category” said Andrew Gritzbaugh, GM/VP of Marketing at Gerber.

For this year’s competition, Gerber donated custom-engraved products with the Best Ranger Competition logo and/or the Ranger’s motto: “Rangers Lead The Way!” to commemorate the anniversary year.

The top 2 winning teams will receive a custom-engraved Downrange Tomahawk, Gerber’s iconic, multi-functional breaching tool.

The top 7 teams will receive a Fastball, a brand-new, American-made finger flipper that is built for everyday carry.

Along with the winners, each competitor will receive an Impromptu Tactical Pen w/ integrated glass-breaker tip.

The original mission was simple: salute the best two-man team in the Ranger Department at Fort Benning. Over the years, the competition has grown to include two-man teams that represent the entire United States Armed Forces – the competition is where the world’s most elite soldiers come to test their endurance and skill. Spanning across 60 grueling hours, the event plays host to an array of challenging obstacles and tests.

While the three-day competition is indeed a test of physical and mental fortitude, it represents much more. Spectators scattered throughout the course remind us that it is not only the men and women who serve that sacrifice. Competitors quietly honor fallen friends. In a job that often goes without recognition, the Best Ranger Competition serves to do just that: recognize those who deserve it most.

Learn more about the Best Ranger Competition: www.bestrangercompetition.com

Learn more about Gerber: www.gerbergear.com

Gerber Airlift Folding Knife: Is it worth the $20?

Gerber Gear has long been a household name for knives, multi-tools, and other equipment. They are a brand that every military servicemember is familiar with, and one that every Exchange store on post carries. From my experience, their gear is sometimes a hit-or-miss but I always find a use for whatever it is. One of my more recent additions is the Gerber Airlift Folding Knife.

Specifications

Blade Material: 5Cr13 Stainless Steel
Blade Length: 2.8” (7.1 cm)
Overall Length: 7.0” (17.7 cm)
Weight: 3.2 oz
Handle Material: Stainless Steel
Lock Type: Frame lock

Specifications courtesy of Gerber Gear

My thoughts and review

The Gerber Airlift is nothing special and there is nothing about it that makes it a coveted folder. However, it is probably one of the best deals you’ll find on the market. The Gerber Airlift has an MSRP of $25 but can be bought on Amazon for $18 at the time of writing this review. For the price point alone, this is a knife I have no problem recommending if you want a spare knife in your bag or car. With that being said, you get what you paid for and the Gerber Airlift does have a few minor issues.

First of all, the frame lock is an undesirable locking system. The frame lock on the Gerber Airlift can be a little difficult to release. This is by far the biggest complaint that users have with this folder. The indent to unlock the blade does not protrude far enough out of the frame to easily depress in order to fold the blade back in.

Secondly, the 5Cr13 steel used is a less than average steel. It can handle simple everyday tasks but is a step down from the standard 154CM or S30V steels that are popular on the market from most manufacturers. This isn’t a surprise as this is how Gerber is able to offer this knife at such a low MSRP. The steel choice here isn’t a dealbreaker though as long as you don’t plan to put the Airlift through extensive abuse or don’t mind sharpening it regularly. For that reason, the Airlift’s best role is as a backup folding knife rather than your primary knife.

The verdict

The good
-Less than $20

The bad
-Poor locking system
-Less than average steel

The Gerber Airlift is as simple as a folding knife gets. There isn’t anything unique about the knife design and there isn’t much room for customization as the pocket clip only has one position, tip-down. Though the Airlift leaves much to be desired, keep in mind that the knife can easily be purchased for under $20. Having an extra knife around is a good measure of preparedness, just in case. It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

We enjoy hearing back from our readers. If you have any experience with Gerber Gear, let us know what you think.

Gerber Paraframe Folding Knife

*Republished with permission from Hooks & Ammo

The Gerber Paraframe knife has been my current everyday carry knife for a few months now. I like the features of the knife and at the price point, the knife is a great deal. Gerber is a respected name and their products have always been well made and have lasted through all the abuse I have thrown at them.

For the specs on this knife see below.

Overall Length: 7.01″
Blade Length: 3.01″
Closed Length: 4.11″
Weight: 2.6 oz.
Lock Mechanism: Frame-lock
Blade Style: Clip Point
Blade Material: High Carbon Stainless
Blade Type: Serrated
Handle Material: Stainless Steel
Opening Style: One-handed opening
Titanium nitrade-coated blade

I like the cheaper Gerber folding knives because they last until I lose them. I usually can hold onto knives for years but inevitably I will at some point end up dropping in on a trail, lose it fishing or just put it down somewhere “for just a second” and walk away. This knife can be found via Amazon prime for 22.78 shipped which to me is a sweet deal. The link to the knife is below.

Although on the cheaper side compared to some higher end knives on the market they are not cheaply made. The edge on the knife seems like it will last and I have been successful in sharping previous Gerber’s when they do go dull. The edge from the factory is sharp – but I ended up touching it up a little to get it razor sharp to the point of shaving hair. As a utility knife, it is a great knife. And let’s be honest the most use the vast majority of people get out of a pocket knife is as a box cutter/package opener and it does that well.

With the frame of the knife cut out the way it is, it does save some weight and makes it easy to clean – however it also makes it really easy to get dirt, lint, and other junk into the pivot point for the blade. I have had to blow it out with brake clean before in order to get some grit out that was irritating me when opening the knife. I could feel the grit in the mechanism ever time I opened and closed it. Not a huge deal but it is a downside to the handle design, although thats not to say knives without the holes don’t also get grimed up – this knife just has more access for dirt to penetrate. Now I just hit it with some compressed air occasionally and that seems to have taken care of any issues.

The thumb screw is helpful in opening the knife one handed and mine from the factory was very tight and it took some effort to get it open. I prefer the ability to start it with my thumb and then snap my wrist to get it open and locked. I played with the screw backing it out just a hair and added some locktite and got it to where I wanted it. I am willing to bet the factory tightness would have gone away with use but I just adjusted it to what I like.

Although not really a selling point for me because I don’t necessarily care about color, I do like the titanium finish that this knife has. It’s not flashy and bright like a stainless knife and so far it has held up to being in my pocket with keys rubbing against it, or buried in a bag during backpacking trips rubbing against anything and everything. The blade is still holding the titanium coloring as well even with use so that is a testament to its longevity and toughness.

The pocket clip is well made. I have bent clips before when they get caught on things – or smashed them when I was pressed up against a railing when fishing. This one is solid and has a ton of strength to hold the knife where ever you store it. It will stay in your pocket, pushed through molle webbing or even just through a strap on a hydration pack or fishing bag. I really like the clip and how robust it is.

If I was to buy it again the only thing I would do differently is skip the serrated edge. I don’t ever really have a use for it and it is a pain in the butt to sharpen correctly. It’s a preference thing more than any other. The rest of the knife is fantastic and I am happy with it. If you end up buying one, or a few, I think you will enjoy the quality and get more than your moneys worth out of it.

*Review courtesy of Hooks & Ammo

Gerber Mini Pry Bar: A Breacher’s Sidekick

I am lead breacher on my SWAT team and am always looking for little hand tools that can be easily carried on our kits. There have been many times I left my ram at the door, only to find there were other breach points throughout the objective. I need look no further than the Gerber Mini Pry Bar.

The first time I got to use this tool I was impressed. There was a suspect who threatened to kill his family and was now barricaded in his room. After a long standoff, it was believed he had attempted to take his own life while locked in the room. I breached the front door with my ram and dropped it there (a ram is too big and clunky to carry through an objective). After clearing the home we came to a locked bedroom with a deadbolt (where the suspect was believed to be). I used my Gerber Remix Tactical Knife to cut away the weather strip (in order to see the deadbolt), and the Gerber Mini Pry Bar to separate the door from the frame. The pry bar made little work of the door and separated it far enough that the deadbolt cleared the frame and we were in. The suspect was taken into custody and another successful mission was complete.

The Gerber Mini Pry Bar is ergonomically designed and fits easily in your hand with a secure grip. It fits perfectly through 3 links of MOLLE and barely ways more than my last protein snack. Built with 4140 Steel and a glass filled nylon handle makes this pry bar virtually indestructible. At an economically priced $51, this purpose-driven tool is perfect for any operator.