The Gerber Knives brand has an impressive 80-year-old history that is hard to beat.
During that time, it has evolved as one of the best knife makers who have made it a favorite among anglers who love to fillet their own catch and camping enthusiasts.
If you are trying to find the best Gerber knives for a fishing trip or camping, take a look at these options:
8 Best Gerber Knives Reviewed for 2023
1. StrongArm
The StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife from Gerber is a versatile and dependable tool that should be in your kit.
The blade is built for brute strength and is protected by a robust sheath system featuring a multi-mount (a Molle Mount and a Horizontal and Vertical sheath system) unique to the brand and allows users a range of carrying options.
This survival knife boasts a ceramic-coated blade that can withstand a lot of pressure and a rubberized diamond textured grip that provides a strong holding action, whether you are hacking or slicing.
2. Swagger
The Swagger Knife is a Gerber knife fit for the adventurer who loves the great outdoors. The automatic knife is made from military-grade materials and can be wielded quickly. The secure, textured grip fits comfortably in hand, and the anti-slip design ensures a safe hold when this knife Gerber is whipped out quickly.
It boasts an anodized aluminum frame complete with a stainless steel insert, which only emphasizes the firm grip the handle offers. It also features a steel clip that can be used to carry the knife tip down or tip-up. The blade has a modified tip for intense piercing action.
3. 06 FAST Auto
The 06 FAST Auto is a serrated blade knife from Gerber that is fully automatic and as tough as they come. The Tanto-shaped blade is designed specifically to provide optimum thrust, and the G-10 handle offers a strong grip when wet. The F.A.S.T. (Fast Action Spring Technology) pommel allows users to whip the blade out quickly.
Its mere weight of 5.70 oz makes it handy and less troublesome. All in all, the 06 Auto is one of the best knives for cleaning and cooking your catch on-site.
4. Covert
Gerber broke the mold when it made its Covert knife. The serrated, stainless steel knife is designed for convenience and quick deployment. The foldable blade is coated with titanium, which increases its durability.
It is paired with a G-10 handle that offers a strong and secure grip. The Covert blade can be flipped open with one hand so you can easily cut your line without losing your rod when fishing out on the water.
5. Remix Tactical
The Gerber Remix Tactical knife features a serrated blade that can cut through anything! It features a black oxide coating that ensures low reflectivity and a G-10 handle explicitly designed to prevent slips and ensure the safe use of the product.
The coating also protects the blade against corrosion and ensures low reflectivity. The high-quality 7Cr17MoV stainless steel blade can last for years, provided it is cleaned and dried after use. Plus, the folding knife also comes with a liner lock for custom stowage.
6. Freeman
Rugged and reliable, the Freeman knife from Gerber feels impressive as it looks. The fixed fine drop point blade comes with a full tang construction, adding to its strength.
The skeletal fixed blade is designed for the knife to be carried around discreetly (i.e., it doesn’t create a profile against outer clothing). The handle boasts large grooves, which allow a strong grip action in all types of difficult situations. The fine edge of this Gerber blade can slice and rip with a precision that is borderline artistic.
7. Flatiron
The Flatiron from Gerber features a distinct blade from any portable knife you may have ever used. The cleaver blade is bold and sharp enough to cut through the most challenging fish you can catch- meat, bones, muscles, etc.
The steel blade features a large thumb hole for smooth one-hand deployment, and the large finger coil ensures concrete hand placement.
Plus, the clip is designed to provide a low-profile carry, and the textured G-10 handle offers a sturdy and confident grip as well. The dependable stainless steel blade is convenient and easy to wield with one hand and can be safely stowed away.
8. Paraframe Mini
The Paraframe Mini is an E.D.C. knife that boasts an intuitive finger-flipping opening and a streamlined stainless steel handle that offers a strong grip. The clip ensures a comfortable and secure carry of the blade. The slim and lightweight build also provides daily carry comfort that you will appreciate during your fishing and camping trips.
Gerber Knives Buyer’s Guide
As you can probably realize by now, not all Gerber knives are made equal. Each comes with its own specifications that may be suitable for some people but unsuitable for others.
If you want to independently shop for the best Gerber knife without relying on our reviews, so keep these things in mind to help you make an informed decision:
Designed in Oregon
Gerber knives have been tooled and handcrafted in Portland, Oregon, since 1939. The factory uses about 686,000 lbs of steel per year in making its iconic knives.
Seasoned master craftsmen who are experts in blade sharpening ensure each knife is perfect before it is shipped out. Make sure the Gerber knife you get is made at this location, even the handle.
Blade Quality
Each blade on a Gerber knife is sharp, but some may be sharper than others right out of the box. The fact is that the sharper the blade, the better it will perform, especially if you find yourself out in the wilderness.
Materials
Gerber knives are made from high-grade 100% stainless steel. While the blade is not entirely resistant to rust, it is corrosion-resistant. Corrosion is imminent if you fail to maintain the edge. It should be cleaned, dried, and re-oiled regularly to prevent rust from forming, especially if the knife is used in a damp environment.
Comfort
The rubber-made handle of Gerber knives features grooves, which ensure a sturdy and anti-slip grip. The best ones come with a 3-way clip system, which gives users several options for carrying the knife.
Function
Some Gerber knives are ideal for camping trips, while others can cut fishing lines and even fillet fish in a pinch. For the former, you should choose a knife that has a serrated edge (such as the Gerber L.M.F. ii Survival knife), which can carve through wood and dense foliage.
For the latter, go for a knife like Gerber Paraframe, which has a straight, razor-sharp edge and offers precision when slicing and cutting. Keep in mind that serrated knives cannot be sharpened easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ideal carry knife is one that can meet your needs out in the wild. Go for a serrated or straight-edge folding knife that can be stowed and carried around safely.
Gerber uses high-grade 100% stainless steel to craft the blade of its knives.
They are designed and engineered in the brand’s factory in Portland, Oregon.
It is a knife blade style that slopes on the spine from the handle and straight to the tip. In contrast, a tanto point is a bit thicker and forces a small change in the blade’s bevel angle.
The ideal Gerber pocket blade is one that you can use safely with ease and can be stowed effortlessly. However, without regular maintenance, any knife’s quality WILL decline fast. If the blade gets dull with use, it’s better to send it to the Portland factory to get re-sharpened, especially if you have no experience doing this yourself.
Founder & Angler 
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