gerber gear

Gerber Cortex Compact Light | A discreet, everyday carry light

The Gerber Cortex Compact light is an interesting option for a small EDC light. The first thing I noticed about this light, besides its size, is that it can run off either a CR123 or AA battery. A standard CR123 is 3 volts and a AA is 1.5 volts but there’s no loss of lumens using the AA. The only loss is run time. I really like this feature for travel or some sort of social unrest/collapse
scenario. I know I’ll find a battery for it in most structures if I need one.

There are three output settings it cycles through in order. Bright, dim, and strobe. If you don’t touch the tailcap activation switch for about 3 seconds, it automatically goes back to bright. The strobe isn’t too fast or too slow and even the dim setting is still plenty bright. Any setting is more than adequate for searching and could possibly buy you half a second in a fight by temporarily
blinding your opponent. I’ll take whatever time my equipment can buy me in a fight. That’s just me. Maybe you like flirting with disaster more than me. That’s cool. It’s your fight, not mine.

As a light, it does its job boringly well. It’s bright, reliable, has power source options, and a minimalist signature. But, where this thing gets interesting is in its size. It seems about the right diameter to grip comfortably in a fist. Using a lighter or roll of coins as a “fist load” weapon goes back to at least WWI, both in the trenches and on reconnaissance operations behind the enemy front. This thing is the perfect size for giving the small bones of my hand more structural support. Adding a little weight and support to my punch is welcome if I can’t carry a firearm or knife somewhere like a municipal building or on vacation in parts of Europe. With the CR123 inserted, it is about the exact same length of my palm. With the AA inserted, it extends just enough past the bottom of my fist to be an excellent improvised impact weapon used in a hammer fisting motion as well.

My only real complaint is the clip itself. It’s a little weak. But, I haven’t heard a clatter on the ground while doing things yet and I haven’t lost the light so it’s not too terribly weak. It’s also a little sharp when gripped as a fist load. But a little dehorning with a multi-tool fixed that as I’m sure a little tweaking could fix the clip issue as well.

This little light is surprisingly versatile for an approximately $65 light. It’s a welcome piece of travel/EDC kit.

Author – Seth Lewis served as a reconnaissance infantryman in the 82nd Airborne with two deployments to Iraq as well as 18 months in Afghanistan doing High Threat Protection for the Department of State. He has a bachelor’s degree in economics and us currently working as a security contractor for DHS and a firearms instructor.

Gerber Gear Decree folding knife: A solid folder for the money

I Don’t know a whole lot about knives, but I do know that they are an essential piece of equipment for any first responder, military member, or anyone who likes to be prepared. Gerber Gear is one of the leading manufactures of knives and their Decree knife is a great option for anyone looking for an outstanding knife. Not only does the Gerber Decree feel sturdy, it has some great features and looks pretty cool as well.

The Gerber Decree features a S30V steel with a modified tanto blade and has partial serrations for great cutting power. The blade also has a ceramic coating which minimizes reflection and provides superior corrosion resistance. The handle is made of glass filled nylon and is covered in a rubberized diamond texture which allows for a solid grip in all types of environments, but it’s not so sticky that it stays gripped to your pocket while deploying the knife. There is also a glass breaker built into the handle of the knife, making this a perfect knife for law enforcement officer, firefighters, and other first responders.

The Decree is easy to open one-handed via a thumb stud and finger flip tab. The knife features a black metal clip that can be moved to either end of the knife. There is also a lanyard attachment point so you can dummy cord the knife to another piece of equipment. The blade length of the decree is 3.75 inches and has an open length of 8.7 inches and a closed length of 5.1 inches, the blade length is 3.7 inches. The knife weighs in at just 4.8 ounces.

The Decree is made in Portland, Oregon and comes with Gerber’s limited lifetime warranty. Overall, this is an excellent knife and would be a great addition to everyone’s EDC.

Get yours today from Amazon for around $74!

Author – Cameron Paidousis is a former Police Officer and is a current member in the Air National Guard where he serves in Security Forces. For his civilian job he works as security contractor for the U.S. Government. When not working he enjoys spending time with his family along with kayaking, hiking, and traveling.

Gerber Gear’s Propel Auto Knife, a Testimony in Customer Service

Gerber Gear’s Propel Auto Knife is another offering of field-proven performance that allows for one-handed blade deployment with a quality, durable, thin design that is comfortable in the hand and in the pocket.

When I set out to do my review of this knife, it didn’t start out so great. The knife didn’t consistently open like it should. Gerber didn’t know I was doing a review on this knife and I bought it just like any other customer would have. I was disappointed and frustrated. I’ve loved the other products I’ve gotten from Gerber and expected to have the same results with this knife.

Gerber Came Through

To me, the true story about this knife was the amazing customer service and attitude to stand behind a made in the USA product and the company’s reputation.

PROPEL AUTO – OD GREEN, STONEWASH, FINE EDGE

The problem knife was shipped back, free to me, and a new one sent out immediately. Wow, what a knife and what great customer service. Gerber offers a limited lifetime warranty. Gerber products are warranted to be free of defects in material and workmanship for as long as the original consumer owns the product.

Delivered Promise

With a properly functioning knife in my hand I was more than impressed. It has a snappy opening and a sharp edge that has stayed sharp through all kinds of use and misuse. I find this to be my go-to knife for everyday use and while on duty.

It sits slim in my pocket and has been friendly to my pants, not tearing them up from coming and going from my pocket.

I like the appearance of the stonewashed blade finish against the OD Green handle.

Service Credentials Required

Do yourself a favor and explore the Gerber website and check out the Pro Program. They don’t sell the auto knives to just anyone. Make sure you qualify and make sure you abide by the laws for where you reside. Gerber has exclusive offers through the Pro Program as well as discounted products and free shipping for purchases over $50.

DETAILS:

- Overall Length: 8.52″ (21.64 cm)
- Blade Length: 3.5″ (8.89 cm)
- Closed Length: 5″ (12.7 cm)
- Weight: 4.28 oz. (121 g)
- Automatic opening design delivers quick, one-handed blade deployment
- Plunge lock and safety switch fix the blade in place, open or closed
- Adjustable, three-position pocket clip for customizable stowage
- Olive Drab Green G-10 Composite Scales
- CPM S30V steel blade
- Pommel with lanyard hole
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Made in USA

Propel A0-420C Blade
Black G-10 Handle
Color: Black

Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade knife: Classic fixed blade built for brute strength

I have carried a Gerber multi-tool for many years and still do so I was excited to check out their StrongArm fixed blade. I got to test it in the field through a couple of training operations and it withstood everything from opening MREs to some light bushcraft in the form of shelter construction. To be completely honest I did some light prying with it as well to test durability and it didn’t even mar the finish.

I only had one complaint with the StrongArm and it wasn’t even the knife itself. I could not stand the sheath. The knife was so durable and strong and this sheath felt about to break if I put any stress on it at all. Now granted it dealt with the mild to moderate abuse I threw at it, it just felt weak. The sheath has multiple mounting options which with just a belt on work great, however, its molle system needs a bit of work if you want to run it on a minimalist belt such as the Tyr Tactical Gunfighter belt. I easily modded it to work with a reversal of the clip and some zip ties to lower its ride height so I could still access it with a plate carrier on.

The knife itself is a pure beast. From my casual shaving of sticks to prying a window open it took it all in stride. The finish is durable and even the fine-honed edge showed no signs of rust after the inevitable rainy field op. The knife fits the hand perfectly and the rubberized grip aids with holding it even when the hands are muddy, wet, or the user is wearing gloves. The thumb falls naturally on either the spine of the knife for more precise tasks or onto the built-in guard making for a comfortable hold in either position. I also appreciate the lanyard loop drilled through the window breaker pommel making retention of the knife via “dummy-cord” easy movement in thicker environments.

9 3/4″ overall. 4 7/8″ black finish stainless standard edge blade. Coyote tan glass filled nylon handle with diamond textured rubber overmold. Extended tang with lanyard hole and striking pommel.

The Gerber StrongArm overall is a solid feeling attractive field knife that is easy on the wallet. I look forward to more work with it as it seems capable of handling any task. I will most definitely be making a Kydex sheath to my own specs very soon but it just made its way onto my belt as a dual-purpose field knife and defensive weapon.

Author – Tanner Hodges is an Active Duty Marine Infantryman currently serving as a Platoon Sergeant with 3dBn 2d Marines. He holds two infantry MOS’s (0351/0365) and has completed Infantry Small Unit Leader’s Course, and Advanced Infantryman Course. He has trained in Mountain Warfare, Desert Warfare, and Jungle Warfare all around the globe.

Gerber Gator Mate Folding Blade

In 1993 when I checked into 2nd Bn 8th Marines I was issued all the basic field gear I would need for use in an infantry MOS. Shortly after checking in my unit shipped out to the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center for a month of training in the Sierra Nevada mountains. I decided to take a trip to the PX to find a folding knife to carry. Back in 1993, we didn’t have access to the internet to shop or look up reviews. There also was not near the number of knife manufacturers as we have now. Three brands of knives were prevalent then; Emerson Knives, Spyderco, and Gerber. Emerson Knives were out of my price range, I didn’t have time to mail order a Spyderco, so I ended up finding a Gerber Gator folding knife at the PX.

That Gerber Gator knife stayed with me throughout my entire enlistment in the Marine Corps. I carried that knife on all field exercises and deployments over the course of 4 years active duty. That knife never failed me no matter how cold, wet or muddy the conditions were. Because of that first-hand knowledge of the field-tested durability, I have owned one much of the time since.

Make makes the Gerber Gator so great?

Most notably is the patent Gator Grip that Gerber developed. When Gerber debuted their line of Gator folding knives in 1991, they were voted “Most Innovative Knife of the Year” at the Blade Show. The handle is made of glass-filled nylon and it’s covered with a rubberized alligator skin texture for a tacky, comfortable grip.

I do own the full-size Gerber Gator, but what I find myself using more often than not is the Gerber Gator Mate (the smaller version of the original). With the Gerber Gator Mate, I can still accomplish 99% of field tasks I need to. Although it is a smaller profile I can still get a full 4 finger grip on the handle.

Due to the subtle finger choil and contoured handle, you don’t have to worry about your hand slipping, even if you have to use it for defense. I wouldn’t classify this as a defensive or tactical blade, but it can certainly be pressed into that role if necessary. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again; A knife with an overall length of 7″ and a blade length of 3″ is the ideal size in my honest opinion, which is why I prefer the Gerber Gator Mate for most of my outdoor tasks when out hiking.

Now some will argue that the steel Gerber uses is sub-par. I suggest not getting all wrapped around what the type of steel is and worry more about actually maintaining your blade. Hone your blade often and sharpen when necessary. If you do that, your knife will be ready when you need it to be.

Specifications (courtesy of gerbergear.com)

Available on Amazon for around $26

Gerber Instant | When Trouble Calls Be Ready!

Gerber Instant assisted opening knife | When Trouble Calls Be Ready!

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