Gerber Gator Machete Jr. & Gator Exchange-A-Blade Saw

In the past, for clearing routes through dense weed-wood and brush to a shooting position or for cutting-in to more easily blend a hide back into the solid foliage, I used an old bill hook. Good in its day but Gerber’s Gator Machete Jr. and Exchange-A-Blade Saw are perfect and far more effective replacements as we shall see. They are certainly specialised tools, but there’s always been a place for such big blades in the hunting sector for heavy work.

Machete-Style

First up is the Gerber Gator Machete Jr. Measuring 18 ½” long with a 10.75” high carbon C50 steel blade, it shows a 9 ½” plain edge on one side and a 7 ½” aggressively toothed wood saw on the back. The steel is treated for corrosion resistance with the half tang disappearing into the ergonomic, rubberised non-slip handle with lanyard attachment point. This grip design resists water and certainly affords a sure hold, combined with this is a thumb protector. The Jr. comes in a rigid ballistic nylon sheath with wide belt loop; retention is by a handle strap with press stud closure.

Next up is the Gator Exchange-A-Blade Saw which is good for many chores - camping, carcass prepping, clearing bush and hide building. It comes in a ballistic nylon sheath with wide belt loop and Velcro flap. Pull it out and you see a huge folding saw with a separate blade in an internal pocket, both made of SS420J2 stainless steel. It measures 6” long in the close position with a depth of 2 ¾” at its widest point. When deployed the fine saw blade extends the unit to 15 3/8” giving a full 6 ¼” of cutting edge.

Swap Shop

Exchanging ‘blades’ is easy; open out the folder approximately half way, then unscrew the plastic-headed knob from the pivot screw on the other side of the unit. Carefully pull the blade down and out, refitting is the reverse of the procedure. Blade choices are fine or coarse and when in place and locked out you get a full 6 ½” cutting edge.

The handle is the of the same ‘Gator grip’ material and shows an ergonomic design. Gerber claim you use at least 30% less effort in cutting be that wood, bone or meat. The blades lock out securely using a rocker lock system that can only be released by pressing in the top rear section near the handle. Whereupon it allows you to return it back into the handle.

Typical Gerber – two well-made and practical working tools!

PRICE: £19.99 & £29.99 respectively
FOR - Well-made and designed at good money
AGAINST - Nothing
VERDICT - Ideal for all manner of outdoor work