The Gerber Gator: Why I Bought It On A Whim?

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#gerbergear #huntingknife #survivalknife
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Пікірлер: 135

@bcjdwbiernfjherwfbowfib 3 жыл бұрын

Made in the US, classic design, affordable, and functional. I’m sold.

@The4cp 3 жыл бұрын

People don't realize that classics like this and the Buck 119 are just as valid as they were when they were the only options. They got us thru functioned just fine before all the high end craziness of today. I'm not putting down the new stuff in any way but we need to see that what worked then will still work now.

@RobertFireLionBlueHawkWinkler 3 жыл бұрын

My Gerber Gator folder is one of my favorite knives. I've had it for at least 30 years.

@johnm4110 3 жыл бұрын

Have a gator folder I bought when they first came out. Still the best handle I ever used. Puts a smile on my face every time I grab it. Not the best steel but not the worst, very good for the price.

@kentnorman5461 3 жыл бұрын

I bought the the full tang one 7 years ago for a hunting knife and it has been amazing. I haven’t had any reason to change to another knife for hunting.

@Surago 3 жыл бұрын

Gotta say, I love my premium expensive knives but I honestly always gravitate to the cheaper ones. They work, are easy to sharpen and are generally the most comfortable.

@Dingdongwitchisdead 3 жыл бұрын

My Gerber Gator serrated folder served 4 years in the 82nd Airborne with me 92-95. Made every jump, opened MRE’s, stuck in many trees. I once hit a grouse with it at 25 yards out of the air. Cleaned fish, gutted deer, and rucked that thing hundreds of miles. I still carry it in my bug out bag. Carry once in awhile as edc. The knife still looks knew. Even the sheath is still in fair condition. This knife was a big deal among the soldiers at the time.

@joannearduin7801 3 жыл бұрын

Hate table top reviews, that’s why I enjoy this video so much. Very important to see what the knife does in the real world.

@warped8425 3 жыл бұрын

First knife I ever paid money for was a Gerber Gator lockback folder back in 1992. Carried it in the supplied belt pouch. I could run it open and closed one handed. Carried it for 10 years straight. Still have it. It is well worn, sits in my safe and looks down with disdain on all the newer knives that have come since.

@donovanscabbia6770 2 жыл бұрын

I carry one myself. I love the feel of the handle material and the ergonomics of the handle is great. Light weight but tough as hell. It's the best knife that I possess. 👍💯

@ronniewallin3732 3 жыл бұрын

The Gator is great. Bought my first one, the folder version, back in 1990 for my go kit back when I was in the USAF. I ended up in an "official"s pocket in Nicaragua and I've only recently purchased a replacement and am still very happy with the knife.

@BrewCityRider 3 жыл бұрын

Great review 👍 yeah I picked one of these up after I saw your post on it a week or so ago about the Amazon deal. Very happy with the knife and it kind of fills a void in my lineup. I also think it's my first USA made fixed blade.

@mossifett9071 3 жыл бұрын

First Gerber knife I ever owned. I won it selling Popcorn for Boy Scouts (90s)

@trapperscout2046 3 жыл бұрын

I know a friend that owns the folding version in 154cm. You can definitely tell that he used and sharpened it a lot.

@addisonesslinger3653 3 жыл бұрын

Why did you not already own one? It's like saying you just found socks and underwear.

@gideonstactical 3 жыл бұрын

Hahah nice

@jordancoleman714 3 жыл бұрын

Great hunting knife. It’s good to see that someone made a recent review of this underrated fixed blade. Gerber used to make a serrated version that was very good for cutting through the sternum of deer. If memory serves me it was model 6905.

@marvinsimpson3255 3 жыл бұрын

Great review! I'm a knife newbie looking for a fixed-blade camping knife with my main two needs being, first, camp kitchen duty and, second, having something lightweight to take on hikes so that I have something for defense in the unlikely event that's needed. Your review laid out everything I wanted to know perfectly, and I think this will be great for me. Thanks so much for such a great video.

@agentcostley8055 3 жыл бұрын

I’ve had the folding one. Non premium for years. Love that damn thing

@RatsAndFunTV 3 жыл бұрын

Hello. I have got the folding model from around 25 years .This is my dayli knife. The sharpening is easy and that cut all the time. The Kraton on the handle is always so great to hold. That never slip , even if you have some oil on the hands. Now than i have seen this video , i know than my next fixed blade will be this one.

@vencemcadams2927 3 жыл бұрын

This one was not on my radar...until now. Great review and comparison. Thanks.

@troymanning3150 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Aaron! Really liked that premium gator you reviewed in the past.

@kan-zee 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this review....I was given one of these exact blades for a gift....I like it alot.. 6:18 ...I got plans to file down the back of the spine, so I can make it Ferro rod strike agreeable and I put in an order for a custom made hvy belt sheath with a ferro rod attachment on it...and small pouch for a sharpening stone. so happy to have this , it will replace my Mora knife. cheers

@draconianways3130 3 жыл бұрын

Bought one mid 90,s custom semi serrated blade. Handle has some wear. Blade still good condition. Excellent work/utility lockback. Solid mechanism. Secure nonslip handle. Handles camping/ woodcraft tasks no hesitation. Keep light coat of machine oil on it as carbon steel blade. Cloth sheath fell apart, but had lot of use. Never let me down .

@gregblake2764 3 жыл бұрын

Buck offers a nearly identical knife for under $40. It is the model 685. It is a little more of a spearpoint also in 420HC. I have 4 of them. One in each car and one in my bug out bag. These knives are a great design. I've used mine to skin a deer, do any food prep, baton kindling, and would woodcraft. The 430HC is very durable. Holds an edge well, and sharpens easily. The form factor lends itself to pretty much any campcraft. Prefer this way above a Mora. Either the Gerber or the Buck makes a great general purpose knife for zEDC.

@ronaldrose7593 3 жыл бұрын

Another great informational video, thank you for sharing. I like the knife. 🤗

@chewher4171 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome video. I enjoy the work and thought you put into it. The presentation was really good. I love the photos towards the end with other knife comparisons to the Gator. I’ve been on the fence with this knife since 2009. 50/50.

@gideonstactical 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed the video. It’s a long time to be on the fence :-)

@MrMadhouse70 3 жыл бұрын

Gerber gator clippoint halv serrated is my all time favorite folder for the woods. I think the grip on the gator series must be the best grip i have ever handle.

@wolffo999 3 жыл бұрын

great vid - keep it ip !

@edctvbytommyviola9119 3 жыл бұрын

Always love your videos

@gideonstactical 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching

@johna6291 3 жыл бұрын

I like the big fat handle on it. It helps with cut control and balance. A nice general outdoors knife.

@steellovingyou8673 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Aaron . In around 1987 I bought a translucent camouflage handled gerber LST for $16 , a month later I traded for a $170 skateboard , went back to the store and the translucent ones were sold out so I got it in black I edc'd that for 25 years still have it . Early 90s bought a clip point gerber gator folder and edc'd that and for 10 years switching off with a buck liner lock thumb stud also from 90s , lost both of those I remember what the buck looks like I think it was a Buck 180 crosslock fine edge but have never seen one again ???

@leegarside 3 жыл бұрын

The gerber gator/gerber myth, have been my go to knives for many years, I can’t find better!!

@mozzberg590 3 жыл бұрын

I have the foldable version. Love it. I used mine in the USCG.

@gideonstactical 3 жыл бұрын

I have heard many service members who have them and use them.

@michaelk487 3 жыл бұрын

Cool 😎 I remember those knives I remember the pocket ones so good knife

@wildman2012 11 ай бұрын

Does anyone know of a decent replacement sheath for the Gerber Gator fixed blade? I just picked one up (july 23) and the sheath does leave a lot to be desired. Thanks in advance for your feedback!

@gregblake2764 3 жыл бұрын

The Buck 685 is very similar to the Gerber and sells for around $35. I have one in each vehicle I own along with a few safety items just in case I get stranded somewhere. These are no nonsense, affordable knives that can handle a lot of tasks. The nylon sheaths are basically blade protectors and are clunky to wear on your belt. I prefer these knives to the Moras for general tasks.

@freaku69 3 жыл бұрын

the clip point gator folder was one of the first us made knives i bought in the 90´s living in germany, been with me on many a river trips. still is

@tinyfrogs 3 жыл бұрын

I’ve had one for a bit. Will never let it go. I got it to use for game but didn’t work out that way. Instead it became the family car camping kitchen workhorse. 6-8 weeks of use like that over the past 3 years. Good cheap knife with GREAT handle, sheath is fine. Moras are ugly, this isn’t. It’s the knife I had my wife use in camp.

@fgallogallo7 3 жыл бұрын

For the price point you can’t really beat it. But I am stuck on the Gerber principal and Gerber strong arm. I also have numerous other knives for hunting. Great video. I appreciate you keeping us informed on special deals. Stay safe my friend.

@garrettferrell6821 3 жыл бұрын

The Principal and StrongArm are great as it the Prodigy..I just wish they would make premium models in higher quality blade steel..the 420HC they use is ridiculously tough,I would struggle to break a StrongArm or Prodigy if I wanted too..my problem lies in the poor edge retention..with that being said,they sharpen up easily

@gideonstactical 3 жыл бұрын

Garrett Ferrell I totally agree

@fgallogallo7 3 жыл бұрын

gideonstactical I’m gonna show you my age here I’m 63 years old. I never had any knives with super Duper steals I’ve never had any experience with them. I probably have close to 60 knives. My oldest one is a buck 110. I bought that in 1973 it went with me on every camping trip Adirondack mountains the Rocky Mountains it’s never failed me it ran on a duty belt for 21 years. I guess what I’m trying to say I am just fine with 420 steel and 1095

@DarkPhoenixTSi 3 жыл бұрын

The Gerber Gator Lockback was my first EDC knife after I finished BCT and AIT almost 25 years ago. I miss that knife.

@Eric-ew8jt 3 жыл бұрын

I haven’t been commenting a lot but I have been watching I started my eight days vacation a few days ago and I’ve been in and out of town all week so far going out into the bush spending time then I’ll come back resupply in food and head back out but just wanted to drop a quick comment let you know that I’ve been watching everything buddyExcellent locking knife and I’m glad to see it was made in North America actually I’ve been eyeballing the Jeo-tech #18 it’s 125 CAD.

@thomasmaloney843 3 жыл бұрын

I bought one on Amazon for 26 bucks. Already had one, but I was impressed by it. Bought another.

@kidseatfree 3 жыл бұрын

I love the Gator! ❤️

@biggbhudda5298 3 жыл бұрын

I've had mine since 2003. Definitely one of Gerbers better knives I use it for practically everything.

@JohnC29 3 жыл бұрын

I found a Gator folder in the middle of a mountain road 20 years ago in Arizona.

@gideonstactical 3 жыл бұрын

Great find!

@dobypilgrim6160 3 жыл бұрын

Would you mind returning it to me please? I'll pay the postage.

@danreyes736 3 жыл бұрын

@@dobypilgrim6160 finders keepers, losers weepers

@ericjudd9603 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks man👍

@brettt1268 3 жыл бұрын

I had a gator lock back I bought at a ace hardware I had it for years and I lost it sometime ago I miss it very much I must get one again I love that damn knife

@dobypilgrim6160 3 жыл бұрын

At $26 I would have bought it too. But at the regular price I'll stick with the folder. Mine in CM154 was about $40. I've had my 420HC folder for about 25 years. A great knife. The newer one is better, after breaking in the action on it. But if I see that fixed blade Gator for $26 again I'll get it for sure.

@TheSenseiShroom Жыл бұрын

Had my Gator for around 12 years, absolutely love it

@gideonstactical Жыл бұрын

That is awesome, get a custom kydex and it will be epic

@TheSenseiShroom Жыл бұрын

@@gideonstactical yeah, those look sweet. Will have to invest. Thanks for the suggestion!

@TheJoedonbakerfan 3 жыл бұрын

For $26, any of Gerber's 420HC knives are a steal (no pun intended). I like knowing that I can put a usable edge on it with a rock I can find in the field (which I've done). Their sheaths do need work, though.

@702johnny 3 жыл бұрын

Funny, I have a gator folder I keep in my backpack as a dedicated food prep knife. Mostly to use when I am out with my kids or camping. If I was hunting or fishing it would be a good user knife that is already in my pack. I also have a gator 2 that I use as a beater edc knife. Bought 2 of them actually. $30 each, so I thought it was a good knife to also keep in the truck as a backup. Never had a fixed blade version, but looked good. The handles on these knives are great. Broke the tip off of my original gator just drilling a hole through plastic. Don't do too much with the tip on the original gator folder. Not too strong. Send it in for warranty and they got me the knife back pretty quick. The gator 2 is stronger if you want a better tip. Gerber also makes a 154cm drop point that I think is way better. Never had one. The premium model is nice too. But at that point, I would rather have something like a crooked river from benchmade.

@koga8100 3 жыл бұрын

“Full tang very gud” -Sun Tzu, the art of war

@klownmittenz8715 3 жыл бұрын

Cool trick with the avocado seed

@smokinham7947 3 жыл бұрын

I had a gerber gator when I was a teenager growing up on a small town farm always was a work horse. Lost it years ago otherwise id probably still be carrying it.

@marcb2k 3 жыл бұрын

Did you find a better sheath? I would love to replace the original but haven't had any luck searching for one.

@PrivateEyeYiYi 3 жыл бұрын

I also bought one for $26 - (super cheap). It's OK but the Bump in the handle has me trying to find a grip that fits my medium sized hand comfortably.

@jerryjohnsonii4181 3 жыл бұрын

Very Cool Gerber Gator Knife for the price point !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@johntarleton6330 3 жыл бұрын

My gerber gator 650 lockback is one of my favorite knives.

@zephaniahsmith298 2 жыл бұрын

For the price it's a fabulous knife. I rate it very highly indeed. Because of it's affordability, If I lost this knife on the field it is easy to replace.

@logantodd6674 3 жыл бұрын

I’m a fan of the nylon wrapped around because it ads comfort to normal uncomfortable plastic/ polymer

@charlescollier7217 3 жыл бұрын

It seems I've really overlooked this knife. Thanks, Aaron.

@charlescollier7217 3 жыл бұрын

@Eye of the Tiger no problem. almost got the S35VN folder earlier this year. May yet do that. But I'm pretty intrigued by this 420 fixed blade. I see good camp use for it.

@charlescollier7217 3 жыл бұрын

@Eye of the Tiger No 35VN - I misspoke.

@charlescollier7217 3 жыл бұрын

@Eye of the Tiger that's brilliant! I just had 35VN on the brain.

@charlietangomike5211 3 жыл бұрын

Great video. Any chance you are gonna review the ESEE cm6?

@jamesmurray6348 3 жыл бұрын

I've owned a Gerber gator for the better part of the last 20 years. I've got the folder that has the skinner and it's one of the best game knives I've got. The second best is an older Gerber called the bolt action it's awesome too. I wish they'd make the bolt action still

@kentonhammond8938 3 жыл бұрын

How / where do you go for a custom Kydex sheath for this knife. I can already tell I hate the sheath. Does it have to be made special, which makes the great deal you got on the knife mute, or are there aftermarket sheaths that you can find ?

@gideonstactical 3 жыл бұрын

I will be asking azwelke.com

@wyatt3217 3 жыл бұрын

Gerber Spine or Gerber Gator Fixed for bushcraft tasks (sometimes including batoning)? I don't want Mora knives. I'm dissapointed quality of mora knives in last time. Sorry for my poor english. Greetings from Poland.

@manuellucero8414 3 жыл бұрын

For 26 dollars it is very competitive, but for 40 bucks, I would personally look for some Cold Steel between 40 and 50 dollars. I miss the Schrades from a few years ago, many decent but inexpensives knives

@LuisGonzalez-gl4wc 3 жыл бұрын

Like the Cold Steel Drop Forged Hunter.

@simonzzz3006 3 жыл бұрын

It's an interesting knife

@Ben.Cullen 3 жыл бұрын

The handle looks similar to the mora bushcraft series

@michaelneff2507 3 жыл бұрын

Great video but now have concern, Could you do a video comparing contrasting Gerber Gator fixed, with Buck Selkirk fixed?

@gideonstactical 3 жыл бұрын

Possible

@grominwithrob1339 2 жыл бұрын

Gerber gator is legendary. I prefer it in the high carbon blade. Any time you see Gerber and Portland on the same blade, you buy it.

@callmasiseemindeed8207 3 жыл бұрын

Buck has much more comparable knives than the 119 for about what you paid for the Gerber. The Buck 679 is very similar to your Gerber, same steel, same clip point, etc but about $26 regular price. I paid $18 earlier this year and love the knife. Just FYI. Sometimes I think knife reviewers believe there is only one Buck knife when in reality they are enormously underrated. Just my two cents. I appreciate your reviews. Thanks much. D. A. from the beautiful Ohio River valley.

@canadafree2087 2 жыл бұрын

I am looking for the old Gerber Gator because my training knives are based on this model.

@indirect-fire-enjoyer 3 жыл бұрын

As an Israeli I am happy to see that your kids got something on their shirts that is very similar to the idf symbol (it's hard to see so I'm saying similar)

@gideonstactical 3 жыл бұрын

They’re actually IDF badges from when my parents went to Israel two years ago. And I was back there about 11 years ago.

@indirect-fire-enjoyer 3 жыл бұрын

@@gideonstactical nice

@indirect-fire-enjoyer 3 жыл бұрын

@@gideonstactical did you enjoyed your visit? And did you tried hiking in Israel?

@gideonstactical 3 жыл бұрын

אביב aviv Rot Yes it was one of the most amazing places I’ve been and I’ve been to many places around the world. Didn’t have time for hiking did go up

@indirect-fire-enjoyer 3 жыл бұрын

@@gideonstactical if you happen to come back to Israel try doing the trail of Israel/shvil Israel (in Hebrew) it's a trail that will take you across the country with amazing views it's one of the best trails on earth from the mountains of the Golan heights to the amazing deserts the negev and the arava it's a life changing hike

@joepublic573 3 жыл бұрын

just in general terms it kinda reminds me of the buck vanguard.... getting one for $20+ seems like a steal to me. :)

@garrettferrell6821 3 жыл бұрын

The Gator is a great knife though I personally would’ve went with the premium model In S30V

@dennismccrary7639 3 жыл бұрын

I have three Gators, the one shown in the video and two folders, one is 154cm and the other is s30v. All made in the USA.

@davidtate166 3 жыл бұрын

Wow I got one .had for years ? Hunt model.

@mikepaulsen7714 3 жыл бұрын

When you find that kydex ,make a post please ! Got one also and thought the same thing

@gideonstactical 3 жыл бұрын

Will do

@wildwill3336 3 жыл бұрын

I liked how you pitted that avocado. Could there be a Gideon's cooking channel in the future 🤔

@msubtech84 3 жыл бұрын

He shouldn't be whacking that blade at his fingers like that. I hope he re watches that part where he whacks at the Avocado pit with his fingers next to it. Call me crazy.

@wildwill3336 3 жыл бұрын

@@msubtech84 true dat

@ryanmatthew1632 3 жыл бұрын

I been looking for the premium model but can’t find any

@gideonstactical 3 жыл бұрын

I think I saw them somewhere recently. I am not sure if Gerber is still making them.

@ryanmatthew1632 3 жыл бұрын

gideonstactical if I can remember correctly they are not sure why it still says out of stock online on their website

@jasonpritchard5638 3 жыл бұрын

Sheath was garbage so I made my own leather one. Holds a wicked sharp edge and has easily skinned and quartered an entire elk without touching up the edge. You can't go wrong with it.

@davec1004 3 жыл бұрын

I have tried the gator knives in the past and don't really have any complaints but once i got a mora companion it blew any american made low budget knife out of the water. Now I have gone to the mora garberg and I won't be going back. I also prefer a scandi grind.

@charlesgutzwiller5988 3 жыл бұрын

I've had my fixed tater for 5or 6 years great cheap knife I halfto admit I don't use it much it will be my suns in about 3years

@steveurkel1487 10 ай бұрын

I wish the handle didn't get narrow in the middle part it makes it feel loose in the grip

@harrytuttle8161 3 жыл бұрын

I had the Gator in a folding knife with snap pouch , some one stole it out of my tool box , they left the pouch .

@gideonstactical 3 жыл бұрын

That is so lame!!!

@smokymountains5249 3 жыл бұрын

I've owned a Gator and there were things to like such as the grip and balance, but it wouldn't hold an edge for SHIT. I think I still have it, gathering dust in a drawer somewhere. The Old Hickory with a 7 inch blade is far cheaper and a no frills, excellent bush knife. IMO Gerber has been slipping in quality for 10- 15 yrs.

@MichaelSmith-yv1ch 3 жыл бұрын

I seemed to have missed the 26 offering, it's 42 on Amazon now...

@adammfharris 3 жыл бұрын

48 for the gut hook

@TravisG88 3 жыл бұрын

Just bought this knife, would love a better sheath option though. Most likely will just use it as a truck knife though, so no biggie.

@Imightberiding 3 жыл бұрын

$26? It bums me out when I think of the ridiculous deals you get in the USA compared to the exorbitant prices we pay in Canada. Clicked on your Amazon link for the knife thinking it would take me to a "dot com" or "dot to" address. It just led me back to our own very limited "dot ca" Amazon here in Canada. This knife is the low, low price of $75. Even with the exchange rate between our currencies, this knife shouldn't cost more than $35 CDN.

@ARH0101 3 жыл бұрын

Look into the Buck Pursuit series. Better heat treat and USA made.

@hunterglaspell5580 3 жыл бұрын

And they look like they were designed by a crack addict

@mr.breeze9473 3 жыл бұрын

Looks like a Steel Will Druid 265 except for the grind and steel. Price is about the same

@GaryHorn 3 жыл бұрын

And the sheath does not appear to be ambidextrous - too bad. Looks like a good knife.

@TacticalBunnyCA 3 жыл бұрын

I have chipped (half penny to nickel size) hollow ground blades and woodworking (Chopping at saplings and splitting smaller fire wood) with Aus-8. I just don’t trust hollow ground blades for any woodwork over that of a flat ground or Scandi. I do love that handle tho!