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Gerber

Gerber Gear: 85 Years of American Problem-Solving — Knives, Multi-Tools & Equipment Built in Portland Since 1939

Gerber began in 1939 when Portland advertising executive Joe Gerber partnered with local blacksmith David Murphy to produce a set of handmade kitchen knives as holiday gifts for clients. Abercrombie & Fitch bought them on the spot — and Gerber Legendary Blades was born. Over the next eight decades the company grew from kitchen cutlery into one of America's most trusted names in knives, multi-tools, and field equipment. The Mark II combat knife served soldiers in Vietnam. The LST — designed by Pete Gerber and Blackie Collins in 1980 — invented the EDC knife category. The LMF II has been field-tested on the front lines. The 06 Auto is issued to military units under NATO Stock Numbers. Today Gerber is headquartered in Portland, Oregon, owned by Fiskars Group, and remains the largest maker of knives and multi-tools for the United States armed forces. Knifeworks is an authorized Gerber dealer.

Authorized Gerber Dealer Every knife, multi-tool, and piece of equipment is 100% genuine — sourced directly through Gerber's authorized channels with the full Gerber Guarantee backing every purchase.
Portland, Oregon Since 1939 Gerber has been building knives and tools in Portland for over 85 years — and many of their best products, including the Fastball, 06 Auto, and StrongArm, are still made right there.
Largest Military Knife & Multi-Tool Supplier in the USA Gerber is the largest maker of knives and multi-tools for the United States armed forces — carried by soldiers and issued under NATO Stock Numbers.
Fast Shipping Most orders ship same or next business day from Columbia, Louisiana.

The Complete Gerber Gear Buyer's Guide (2026)

Everything you need to choose the right Gerber knife, multi-tool, or piece of gear — from the Portland founding story and 85-year military heritage to the full model lineup, USA-made models identified, and a use-case chooser. Click any topic to expand.

The Gerber Story: From a Holiday Gift Knife to the US Military's Largest Blade Supplier

Gerber's origin story is one of the most unlikely in the knife industry. In 1938, Portland advertising executive Joseph R. Gerber met David Murphy — a city blacksmith who crafted steel kitchen blades with aluminum handles on the side and sold them around the city. Gerber bought out his entire stock, partnered with him on a new design, put them in a wooden presentation box, and made his first sale to Abercrombie & Fitch in New York City. What Murphy called "a crazy idea" became Gerber Legendary Blades in 1939.

The company grew steadily through the 1940s and 1950s under Ham and Pete Gerber, expanding from kitchen cutlery to hunting knives and military contracts. When the Vietnam War began, Gerber designed the Mark II combat knife — launching a partnership with the US armed forces that has never stopped. Pete Gerber's 1980 LST invention created the modern EDC knife category. The Multi-Plier's 1991 launch made Gerber a major force in the multi-tool market. Today Gerber is the largest supplier of knives and multi-tools to the United States armed forces.

  • 1939: Joe Gerber founds Gerber Legendary Blades — first sale to Abercrombie & Fitch
  • 1966: Mark II combat knife — Gerber's first dedicated military design, carried in Vietnam
  • 1980: LST launched — first all-synthetic handle knife, credited as the father of modern EDC
  • 1987: Fiskars acquires Gerber — brand remains Portland-headquartered
  • 1991: Multi-Plier launched — Gerber enters multi-tool market with signature sliding jaw design
  • 2010: Bear Grylls collaboration begins — results in the best-selling Ultimate survival knife
  • 2024: Gerber celebrates 85 legendary years — still designing and manufacturing in Portland
️ The Largest Military Knife and Multi-Tool Supplier in the USA The 06 Auto is issued to military units under NATO Stock Numbers 5110-01-516-3243 and 5110-01-516-3244. The LMF II Infantry was specifically designed to free pilots from downed aircraft — its partial tang design prevents electrical conduction, a detail born from real operational requirements. Sixty years of military field use is what makes Gerber's civilian products trustworthy in a way most brands cannot claim.
Gerber Model Lineup: Fixed Blades, Folders, Multi-Tools & Tactical Gear Compared
Model Category Steel Made In Best For
StrongArm Fixed Blade 420HC / MagnaCut USA Full tang, MOLLE sheath, rubberized grip, striking pommel
LMF II Infantry Fixed Blade / Military 420HC USA Partial tang for electrical insulation — designed to free pilots from downed aircraft
Prodigy Fixed Blade / Tactical 420HC USA Full tang tactical fixed blade, MOLLE sheath, serrated or plain edge
Mark II Fixed Blade / Combat 420HC USA Vietnam-era combat icon — six decades of continuous production
Fastball Folding EDC S30V USA Premium USA-made EDC folder — ball bearing pivot, clean flipper action
06 Auto Automatic Folder S30V USA Military-issued automatic — oversized glove-friendly button, safety switch
Paraframe Folding EDC 7Cr17MoV Import Lightweight open-frame EDC — minimal weight, accessible price
Center-Drive Multi-Tool USA Flagship multi-tool — center-axis driver for true inline torque, 14 tools
Multi-Plier 600 Multi-Tool USA Original Gerber multi-tool — needle-nose sliding jaw, 14 tools
Armbar Drive Compact Multi-Tool Import Folder-profile pocket multi-tool — 8 tools total
Bear Grylls Ultimate Fixed Blade / Survival 7Cr17MoV Import Best-selling collab — full tang, fire starter and whistle in sheath
Downrange Tomahawk Tactical Tomahawk 420HC USA Axe, hammer, pry bar in Cerakote-finished 420HC
Which Gerber Models Are Made in the USA? Confirmed USA-made models include the StrongArm, LMF II, Prodigy, Mark II, Fastball, 06 Auto, Center-Drive, Multi-Plier series, and Downrange Tomahawk. Lower-priced EDC folders and the Bear Grylls series are manufactured internationally. If USA manufacture matters to your purchase, browse our USA-made Gerber category on Knifeworks.
Gerber Fixed Blades: StrongArm, LMF II, Mark II & the Full Military Lineup
Model Blade Steel Tang Sheath Key Feature
StrongArm 4.8" 420HC / MagnaCut Full MOLLE multi-mount Rubberized diamond-texture grip, striking pommel
LMF II Infantry 4.84" 420HC Partial (insulated) MOLLE + sharpener Electrical insulation — safe to cut aircraft wiring
LMF II ASEK 4.84" 420HC Partial (insulated) MOLLE + sharpener Rated to cut aircraft canopy polycarbonate
Prodigy 4.75" 420HC Full MOLLE Rubber over-mold grip, serrated and plain options
GhostStrike 3.8" 420HC Full Concealable polymer Skeletonized concealment blade — slim, low-profile
Mark II 6.5" 420HC Full Leather Vietnam-era combat design — six decades continuous production
Bear Grylls Ultimate 4.75" 7Cr17MoV Full Nylon + fire starter + whistle Integrated survival kit in sheath
✈️ The LMF II — Designed to Save Pilots' Lives The partial tang design breaks the electrical conduction path between blade and hand, allowing the knife to safely cut through downed aircraft wiring. The ASEK variant is rated to cut through aircraft canopy polycarbonate. Every engineering decision on this knife was made because lives depend on getting it right.
Gerber Multi-Tools: Center-Drive, Multi-Plier, Armbar & Choosing the Right Tool
Model Tools Made In Best For Key Differentiator
Center-Drive 14 USA Trade use / serious field work Center-axis driver — true inline torque like a real screwdriver
Multi-Plier 600 14 USA Military carry, general use Needle-nose pliers with Gerber's signature sliding jaw
Suspension NXT 15 Import Everyday carry, outdoors Butterfly opening, spring-loaded pliers, 15 tools
Armbar Drive 8 Import Pocket EDC carry Folder profile — blade, driver, pry bar, scissors, bottle opener
Armbar Mini 5 Import Keychain carry Keychain-ready, essentially weightless
Prybrid Utility 8 Import Job site and camp Uses standard utility blade replacements — always a fresh edge
⚙️ The Center-Drive Advantage Most multi-tool drivers are off-center — meaning force is applied at an angle. The Center-Drive places the bit on the tool's center axis — same alignment as a standard screwdriver. The result is more torque, better control, and fewer stripped screws. For anyone who uses a multi-tool for actual work, the difference is immediately noticeable.
Gerber Folding Knives: Fastball, 06 Auto, Paraframe & EDC Options
Model Action Blade Steel Made In Best For
Fastball Manual flipper (ball bearing) 3.0" S30V USA Premium USA-made EDC — S30V steel, bearing pivot, crisp action
06 Auto Automatic (button + safety) 3.8" S30V USA Military-issued tactical auto — oversized button, glove-friendly
Principle Manual (framelock) 3.0" 7Cr17MoV Import Slim everyday folder — minimalist design, accessible price
Paraframe Manual (framelock) 3.0" 7Cr17MoV Import Open-frame EDC — skeleton handle, minimal weight
Kettlebell Manual (framelock) 2.75" 7Cr17MoV Import Compact everyday carry — comfortable grip for daily tasks
Flatiron Manual (framelock) 3.5" 7Cr17MoV Import Gerber's only folding cleaver — camp kitchen and food prep
The Fastball — Gerber's Best USA-Made EDC Folder Built in Portland with S30V steel and a precision ball-bearing pivot. At its price point the S30V steel alone sets it apart from most competitors — and the fact that it is made in Oregon by the same team that builds knives for the US military is the kind of provenance that matters to knife buyers who care where their tools come from.
Bear Grylls x Gerber: The Collaboration That Became the Best-Selling Survival Knife

In 2010 Gerber partnered with Bear Grylls — adventurer, TV survival presenter, and former British Special Forces soldier — on a co-designed line of survival knives and gear. The Bear Grylls Ultimate Knife became the best-selling product in Gerber's 85-year history.

  • Bear Grylls Ultimate Knife: Full tang, integrated fire starter and emergency whistle in sheath — Gerber's best-selling product ever
  • Bear Grylls Compact Fixed Blade: Same design philosophy in a shorter, more packable format
  • Bear Grylls Scout: Youth-oriented outdoor knife for younger adventurers learning field skills
  • Bear Grylls Multi-Tool: Compact multi-tool co-designed around Bear's specific field tool priorities
  • Bear Grylls Paracord Knife: Fixed blade with integrated paracord handle — emergency cordage always available
️ Why the Bear Grylls Collab Works Bear Grylls is a genuinely experienced wilderness specialist — and Gerber has sixty years of military knife engineering to execute those requirements. The Ultimate's integrated sheath accessories are there because Bear tested the knife in the field and identified survival kit integration as the design priority that makes the most practical difference. That specificity is what turned it into Gerber's best-selling knife in 85 years of history.
Choosing Your Gerber: Quick Reference by Use Case, Category & Budget
Use Case Model Category Our Pick
Best USA-Made Fixed Blade StrongArm Fixed Blade StrongArm in 420HC or MagnaCut — full tang, MOLLE sheath, multiple colors
Military / Tactical Fixed Blade LMF II Infantry Fixed Blade / Military LMF II — partial tang insulation, MOLLE sheath with integrated sharpener
Best USA-Made EDC Folder Fastball Folding Knife Fastball in S30V — premium folder built in Portland with bearing pivot
Tactical Auto Folder 06 Auto Automatic Folder 06 Auto in S30V — military-issued, glove-friendly button, safety switch
Lightweight EDC Folder Paraframe or Principle Folding Knife Paraframe for featherweight carry; Principle for a slimmer handled option
Full-Size Multi-Tool (Work Use) Center-Drive Multi-Tool Center-Drive — inline driver delivers real torque for actual trade use
Pocket Multi-Tool (EDC) Armbar Drive Compact Multi-Tool Armbar Drive — folder-profile pocketability with 8 essential tools
Survival / Camp Kit Bear Grylls Ultimate Fixed Blade / Survival Bear Grylls Ultimate — fire starter and whistle in sheath, full tang, serrated spine
Classic American Combat Knife Mark II Fixed Blade / Military Mark II — six decades of continuous production, the Vietnam-era icon
Tactical Breaching Tool Downrange Tomahawk Tactical Tool Downrange Tomahawk — axe, hammer, and pry bar in Cerakote 420HC, USA-made

Gerber Gear: Frequently Asked Questions

Expert answers from the team at Knifeworks — your authorized Gerber dealer for the complete lineup including fixed blades, folding knives, multi-tools, the Bear Grylls series, and Gerber's USA-made catalog from their Portland, Oregon factory.

Where are Gerber knives and tools made?

Gerber is headquartered in Portland, Oregon, and manufactures many of their flagship products there — including the StrongArm, LMF II, Prodigy, Mark II, Fastball, 06 Auto, Center-Drive, Multi-Plier series, and Downrange Tomahawk. These USA-made models carry the full credibility of Gerber's Portland facility, where the brand has been operating since 1966.

Some Gerber products — particularly lower-priced EDC folders, the Bear Grylls series, and compact multi-tools — are manufactured outside the USA. All Gerber products are designed in Portland regardless of manufacturing location. If USA manufacture is a priority, browse our USA-made Gerber category on Knifeworks.

What is the Gerber Guarantee and what does it cover?

The Gerber Guarantee is a limited lifetime warranty that applies to all Gerber products purchased in North America from an authorized reseller like Knifeworks. It covers defects in materials and workmanship for as long as the original purchaser owns the product. Outside North America, Gerber offers a 25-year limited warranty.

To submit a warranty claim, complete the online form at gerbergear.com/en-us/support/warranty. The warranty does not cover misuse or abuse, normal wear and tear, accidental damage, damage from sharpening, industrial or commercial use, or lost and stolen products. The warranty is non-transferable — keep your receipt as proof of purchase may be required.

What is the difference between the StrongArm and the LMF II?

Both are full-size USA-made Gerber fixed blades with MOLLE-compatible sheaths. The StrongArm is a full-tang design — one continuous piece of steel from tip to pommel — with a rubberized diamond-texture grip, striking pommel, and multi-mount sheath for multiple carry configurations. It is Gerber's best general-purpose survival and outdoor fixed blade.

The LMF II Infantry uses a deliberate partial tang that breaks the electrical conduction path between blade and hand — making it safe to cut through aircraft wiring without shocking the user. The ASEK variant is rated to cut through aircraft canopy polycarbonate. It is a mission-specific tool engineered around specific life-safety requirements.

Is Gerber still making the Mark II? What's its history?

Yes — the Mark II has been in continuous production since 1966, making it one of the longest-running knife designs in American history. Introduced as a combat knife at the outset of the Vietnam War and carried by US soldiers throughout the conflict, its distinctive double-edged blade with serrated upper edge became an iconic American military silhouette.

Current production Mark IIs are made in Portland with 420HC steel, available in black oxide and satin finishes. It is both a working knife and a piece of American military history.

What makes the Gerber 06 Auto different from other automatic knives?

The 06 Auto is one of the few production automatic knives with verified active military issue — carried under NATO Stock Numbers 5110-01-516-3243 and 5110-01-516-3244. Its oversized button operates reliably with gloves on, a safety switch prevents accidental deployment in a vest or pack, and the S30V blade delivers genuine working edge performance. Made in Portland, Oregon. It is overbuilt by design — the result of engineering to military operational requirements rather than consumer preferences.

What is the best Gerber multi-tool for everyday carry vs. trade use?
  • Trade use / serious work: Center-Drive — center-axis driver, true inline torque, 14 tools, USA-made
  • General outdoor / field carry: Multi-Plier 600 — needle-nose sliding jaw, 14 tools, USA-made, proven for decades
  • EDC pocket carry: Armbar Drive — folder profile, 8 tools including blade, driver, pry bar, scissors, bottle opener
  • Minimal keychain carry: Armbar Mini — 5 tools, keychain-ready, essentially weightless in pocket or on keys
What Gerber products are actually made in the USA?
  • Fixed Blades: StrongArm, LMF II Infantry, LMF II ASEK, Prodigy, Mark II, GhostStrike, Downrange Tomahawk
  • Folding Knives: Fastball, 06 Auto
  • Multi-Tools: Center-Drive, Multi-Plier 600 series

Products manufactured outside the USA include most of the Bear Grylls series, the Paraframe, Principle, and Armbar series. All Gerber products are designed in Portland and backed by the Gerber Guarantee regardless of manufacturing location.

What Gerber products does Knifeworks carry?

Fixed Blades: StrongArm (420HC and MagnaCut), LMF II Infantry, LMF II ASEK, Prodigy, GhostStrike, Mark II.

Folding Knives: Fastball, 06 Auto, Paraframe, Principle, Kettlebell, Flatiron.

Multi-Tools: Center-Drive, Multi-Plier 600 series, Suspension NXT, Armbar Drive, Armbar Mini, Prybrid Utility.

Bear Grylls Series: Ultimate Knife, Compact Fixed Blade, Scout, multi-tool and survival gear.

Tactical & Specialty: Downrange Tomahawk, hatchets, and specialty tools — as available.

Not sure which Gerber is right for you? Contact our team — we carry Gerber and are here to help.

️ Gerber Gear Warranty — The Gerber Guarantee

Gerber backs every product with the Gerber Guarantee — a limited lifetime warranty for all purchases made in North America from Gerber or an authorized reseller like Knifeworks.

What's Covered: Defects in materials and workmanship, valid for as long as the original purchaser owns the product. Outside North America, Gerber offers a 25-year limited warranty. Gerber will repair, replace, or substitute the product at their option.

How to Claim: Complete the online form at gerbergear.com/en-us/support/warranty. You typically do not need to send your product in unless specifically instructed. Keep your receipt — proof of purchase may be required.

What's Not Covered: Misuse or abuse · Normal wear and tear · Accidental damage · Sharpening damage · Industrial or commercial use · Lost or stolen products. The warranty is non-transferable and applies to the original purchaser only.

Purchasing from an authorized dealer like Knifeworks ensures your warranty is protected from day one. Full terms at gerbergear.com/en-us/support/warranty.

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Buy Genuine Gerber — Why Your Source Matters

Gerber products sold through unauthorized channels — including random third-party marketplace sellers and discount websites not authorized by Gerber — are not covered by the Gerber Guarantee. Gerber's warranty terms explicitly state that coverage applies only to products purchased from authorized resellers. Gray-market and unauthorized purchases are excluded — regardless of how the listing describes the product.

Beyond warranty protection, unauthorized channels are where counterfeit and substandard products enter the market. A knife that looks like a StrongArm but isn't one won't hold up when you need it most.

Knifeworks is an authorized Gerber dealer. Every Gerber product we sell is sourced directly through Gerber's official distribution — 100% genuine, fully warranted, and exactly what it claims to be. When you buy Gerber from Knifeworks, the Gerber Guarantee is yours from the moment you open the box.

Shop Gerber Gear with Confidence at Knifeworks Every Gerber product in our catalog is sourced directly through authorized Gerber channels — 100% genuine, backed by the Gerber Guarantee limited lifetime warranty, and representing 85 years of American problem-solving from Portland, Oregon. The StrongArm that field-tested soldiers trust. The LMF II designed to free pilots from downed aircraft. The 06 Auto issued under NATO Stock Numbers. The Fastball — S30V steel, bearing pivot, built in Portland. The Center-Drive that trades workers reach for because the inline driver actually works. The Mark II in continuous production since Vietnam. Fast shipping from Columbia, Louisiana. Real gear people who carry Gerber and know the lineup cold.