Gerber Lock Knives

The Freeman Guide Folder is based on the highly acclaimed Freeman Hunter, designed by Jeff Freeman helped by Brad Parrish – both long serving Gerber employee/designers. A fixed blade full tang work knife with pear wood lacquered handles, it soon became the flagship hunter blade. A folding version was released; now the latest variant is an all-weather compact called the Freeman Guide Folder.

TacHide

The handle is much lighter helped by the grippy TacHide(TM) inlay, which also has forward impregnated chequering running diagonally to finish approximately half way along the handle on both sides. It wisely retains the familiar and practical open frame design for ease of cleaning and over large finger grooves along the spine for added security. The same tight groove design is used on both sides of the stainless steel handle on the bottom edge running from the front of the finger choil to the rear. The over large thumb assists on either side of the 3.6” fine edge, drop point blade make one handed opening effortless. To complete the deal, it has an elongated lanyard opening and the strong lock liner ensures complete safety when deployed and it measures 8.1” open and 4.5” closed weighing a wholesome 6.6oz.

In Contrast…

The Contrast uses a dual G-10/stainless steel handle machined to be lighter and thinner. It’s a stylish and ergonomic design holding a modified, full fine edge drop point or part serrated blade. Again dual thumb studs are present but it’s here the knife ‘falls down’ somewhat. In the closed position the thumb studs are too close to the frame making it difficult to operate with one-hand unless moving well down the handle to suit. Not an ideal situation!  Having said that it has a pocket clip and the overall style may suit and though having a 3” blade, it measures 7.1” open and 4.1” closed due to the well designed and generously sized handle with back ridging and forward finger recesses. 

For: Build quality and practicality
Against: Not a lot
Verdict: Gerber reaffirm it’s not just its BG survival products they’re concentrating on

PRICE: RRP£39.99, £29.99 and £34.99 respectively