Gerber Folder

[Onomea]

A neighbor gave me this knife a year or two ago:



Not sure, but I think it dates from the 80’s. It is a lockback, hefty for its size — brass and wood handle — but feels good in the hand.



I think the “Portland” mark dates it, but am not sure. (They’re based in nearby Tigard, OR, these days.)



I like the sloped transition from choil to blade edge.



So, any of you knife guys know more about it than I do? Would love to know more...

 

[diyj98]

The Gerber knives of today don't seem to have the same reputation as the older ones, but I've always liked them. I had some in the 80's that I thought were great knives. They came razor sharp from the factory and seemed to hold a good edge. Sorry I can't provide any details on your knife, but I'm sure others will be able to.

 

[357-RevolverGuy]

These were from the Gerber Sportsman series that were made from the mid 1970s–late 1980s. Yours was the large folder, the Sportsman II. They were Gerber's design for a lockback with brass and wood handle in direct competition to the Buck 110 and 112 folding knives that were popular at the time (and still are). I believe the steel is 440C. It's a good quality knife made in the USA.

 

[Onomea]

Thank you, 357-RevoverGuy. Good to know!

 

[Racer X]

I have a tiny one like that. Same era. Mine is marked Kai Cutlery and the Gerber stamping. Purchased it at Eddie Bauer here in Seattle when they were an actual expedition supplier instead of water bottles and urban walking shoes. Also got a Safariland gun belt there too. Their filled gun racks would cause most customers to faint these days.

 

[steveno]

I have a Gerber "Skookum" that I have had since the 1970's. I have thought that the blades were a little soft but they were easy to put an edge back on them. it is a well made knife. this knife has cleaned quite a few pheasants

gerber skookum - Bing images

 

[wingriderz]

Wow nice indeed

 

[schutzen-jager]

quality knife - gave one like it to my brother in law in 1968 when he left for Viet Nam -

 

[Papaw]

I bought that very knife in the 70s just because everyone else was buying Buck 110s. I still have it but it's not in as good a shape as yours.

 

[Rpg]

I love these Gerbers!

They’re superior to the Buck 110 in most ways for my use. I haven’t used my 110 since the ‘70’s when I got the Gerber.

The absolute top of the line of these Gerbers had a hollow ground, carbon steel blade Gerber called “V Steel”. If you find one of these, you’ve found a real gem.

 

[gwpercle]

Gerber's answer to the popular Buck 110 , they were just a little nicer looking . Good steel , well made , sharp out of the box and easy to sharpen . I always liked the "trailing point " blade shape better along with the inlaid ebony scales with brass trim around three sides . Good looking knife !
A real Classy Classic....nice score !
Gary

 

[Kitgun]

These are great knifes. My wife got me one for a first anniversary gift 43 years ago. Though semi retired it remains one of my all time favorites

 

[shell627]

Back in th 70’s and 80’s I didn’t like carrying my buck 110 on my belt.I carried a gerber like that for twenty years.That model was the fs2 it came in that style and drop point.

 

[jlrhiner]

I've got one of those, bought in 1976 at the ships store.

 

[ajgunner]

I have a tiny one like that. Same era. Mine is marked Kai Cutlery and the Gerber stamping. Purchased it at Eddie Bauer here in Seattle when they were an actual expedition supplier instead of water bottles and urban walking shoes. Also got a Safariland gun belt there too. Their filled gun racks would cause most customers to faint these days.

I too remember Eddie Bauer being a Sportsman/Outdoor/Expedition store back in the day. They were the earliest with real down filled gear---clothes and sleeping bags. In fact I still have a couple of their down vests from the 70's. Reversible with hunter orange on one side and green on the other. You forgot to mention that they now have one heck of a selection of women's clothes along with the walking shoes and water bottles.

I also grew up with the Gerber plant being real close by and Leupold & Stevens even closer. I have a few really nice vintage Gerber's including the one pictured---of course finding it might take another day or 2.

 

[A10]

Those old Gerbers are fine knives. Their junk is made in China now, and I can't abide that fine old name being given to trash. I'd take an old one in a heartbeat, the new ones not so much....

 

[D Brown]

Portland Gerber

I have a Gerber Knife similar to the one shown in the O.P. that I received as a 15 year Service Award when I was working for Brand X in Texas.

This knife has a mirror polished, razor sharp blade, with a blade length of slightly less than 3". That's nice because I can carry it to work at my current job without getting fired; no blades 3" or longer allowed on Brand A's premises.

Here's the Gerber from 1997:

Thanks for looking.

 

[jlrhiner]

Those old Gerbers are fine knives. Their junk is made in China now, and I can't abide that fine old name being given to trash. I'd take an old one in a heartbeat, the new ones not so much....

Just so you know, not all of their knives are made in China. Some are still made in Portland Oregon.

 

[A10]

Just so you know, not all of their knives are made in China. Some are still made in Portland Oregon.

I had some associates that worked there in the 90s. At one point all knife making had ceased at their facility. Your comment is good news.

 

[jlrhiner]

I had some associates that worked there in the 90s. At one point all knife making had ceased at their facility. Your comment is good news.

Every Gerber in my picture is American made. Of course, some are very old, but the 3 on the left are recent (within the last 5 years) manufacture.