Gerber Principle Fixed Blade Knife – Review

Gerber Principle
Gerber Principle Fixed Blade

U.S.A. –-(Ammoland.com)- Since 1939, Gerber has been one of the pioneer’s of Oregon’s Columbia river bladesmith mecca.  Long known as a woodsman’s blade company, Gerber aims to stay true to its roots while updating for the modern age.  It is through that lens I weight the merits of the Gerber Principle.

Gerber Principle Fixed Blade Knife

Gerber Principle
Gerber Principle Fixed Blade

Tech Specs:

  • Zero edge Scandinavian grind
  • MOLLE, drop leg, or scout carry options
  • 90-degree fire striking spine
  • Rubber overmold for comfort in prolonged use
  • Lashing holes
  • Overall Length: 7.5″
  • Blade Material: 420HC Stainless Steel
  • Blade Style: Drop Point
  • Blade Grind: Scandinavian Grind
  • Blade Finish: Stonewash
  • Handle Material: Rubber Overmold, Coyote Brown
  • Sheath: MOLLE Compatible
  • Weight: 3.7 oz.
  • Made in the USA
Gerber Principle
Gerber Principle Fixed Blade

Even a quick glance above will show that the Gerber Principle is designed for bushcraft use.  The Scandinavian grind is extremely versatile, and easy to resharpen.  The 90° edge on the spine has magnesium striking written all over it.  The rubber overmolded handle is incredibly comfortable, even when you’re applying serious pressure against the handle for a while.  Even the sheath is designed for maximum utility, offering different modes of carry.  Horizontal on the leg, or vertical on either molle webbing or a belt.  The blade is kept secure by a locking mechanism, and released with a press of the thumb.  It’s an unobtrusive method, and it keeps the blade (quietly) secure while sheathed.  The Principle even has three lashing holes in case you need an emergency fishing spear.

Gerber Principle
Gerber Principle Fixed Blade

All of the above sounds great in a marketing blurb, but when you’re out in the cold rain and need to get a fire going quickly you really start to see how Gerber made it all come together.  This handle is sublime, being both durable and comfortable.  The blade is sharp enough for fine work, yet durable enough to baton through a difficult chunk of wood.  The bottom line, the Principle has become my new “Go-To” for camping use.

Gerber Principle
Gerber Principle Fixed Blade

There really isn’t a shortcoming to be found within the Principle.  This is a well-designed knife for the woodsman, leaning on 81 years of experience in the arena.  Good steel combines with engineering brilliance to forge a simple and refined knife that will serve you well when the conditions turn challenging.  The price on the Gerber Principle is $60, a competitive price for a blade that will last you a long time.  Check it out!

 


About Rex Nanorum

Jens Hammer

Rex Nanorum is an Alaskan Expatriate living in Oregon with his wife and kids. Growing up on commercial fishing vessels, he found his next adventure with the 2nd Bn, 75th Ranger Regt. After 5 tours to Afghanistan and Iraq, he adventured about the west coast becoming a commercial fisheries and salvage SCUBA diver, rated helicopter pilot instructor (CFII) and personal trainer, before becoming a gear reviewer and writer.”

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Rex Nanorum
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Will Flatt

Gerber beats Benchmade any day of the week! And Gerber doesnt donate to antigun Demonrats, either.

Wild Bill

@WF, AND it is made in the USA, too!

Will Flatt

That’s the best reason to buy a Gerber, right there. Almost all of my cutlery is Gerber, the only ones that aren’t are the ones that were given to me for free. And those aren’t Benchmade. Someone gives me a Benchmade, it’s gonna go right in the round file.

Knute

I go with Gerber for multitools, but I like Kershaw for knives. But I have old Marbles, Case, Camillius, Sheffield, and Solingen too. Any knife made before they started to come from china and pakistan are darned good.
I also have an old butcher knife that has worn the brand off decades ago. It was my grandfather’s primary knife in the 1920’s. Only god knows how old it might be. Still a great knife.

Will Flatt

Well now multitools are a whole separate category tbh, I was only thinking of sheath & folder knives. But for multitools I stick to Leatherman. Still USA-made, high quality and a price that wont break the bank. But I’ve seen Gerber multitools up close and I think they definitely give Leatherman a run for the money.