Gerber Air Ranger

I briefly owned the origina Mini Air Ranger (that's what I called it; I'm not sure of the official name). It had blue aluminum scales and a bead-blased spearpoint blade approximately 2" or 2.5" in length and a metal pocket clip.

I never really used it and ended up selling it on eBay (I decided it was too small for my own EDC purposes), but it was a nice knife. The model I owned was released about 4 years ago, during the last day of the Gerber AR boom. Like my AR, the Ranger was solidly made and had good fit and finish.

I can't speak to the full-size Air Ranger, but I would advise you to check on the origins of the particular knife you want to buy. I've heard (but have no personal proof, so don't quote me) that the contemporary Gerber knives out of Taiwan have had consistent quality control problems.

There's not a Gerber on the market I would pay MSRP for, anyhow, but many come up for sale on eBay and my local retailers carry them for a decent discount off MSRP.
 
The Gerber Air Ranger's fit and finish is excellent for a Taiwan-made folder. There was a larger Air Ranger model with a 3.5 inch blade and LAWKS safety feature on it, but it's been discontinued. As far as I know, the only Air Ranger models currently made have a 3.25 inch blades. I must admit that I haven't been keeping up with Gerber's new offerings and I don't plan to since Fiskars has been spearheading the Gerber name down the toilet.
 
I have a first and second generation AR. The first ones had rounded thumb studs that made it hard to open. I made both of mine into satin finished blades. I haven'y used them so I can't really report on the edge retention of the 420HC blades. I've seen them in stores recently and I think the prices are just a little steep.
 
Agreed, the price is pretty steep when you consider the materials, of course the same could be said for a Prada handbag too. ;)

I have a couple in stock, fit and finish are excellent and the lock up solid. Bright colours make them a good choice around sheeple, but I wouldnt pay more than $45 for one.
 
I have a Gerber Harsey Air Ranger (Taiwan made) and it is a fine knife overall.
AUS-8 blade-steel, aluminum handle with excellent texture for grip, easily operated thumbstuds and locK (although I'm not wild about liner-locks).

I did a review on the knife shortly after I bought it--maybe you could do a "search"?

It certainly is'nt in the same league as Benchmade but you could do alot worse.

Good luck,
Allen.
 
I had a small one, & I really liked the ergonomics but (1) the color gets scraped off the scales really easily & crud gets stuck in them too so it's hard to keep it looking nice (2) the steel seemed pretty soft b/c it dulled quickly (3) the bb finish seemed to get rust spots very easily (4) like all Gerbers I've had, the lock-tite failed and little screws fell out of the handle at random.
 
I carried a Gerber Air Ranger for almost 10 yrs and lost it in an airport. Wasnt thinking at 4 in the morning. I was heart broken for a good week. I bought a new one which I found out was not like my old one. It was a cheap version of what I had. I am currently looking for an older discontinued blue Harsey Ranger. I sent the new one back to Gerber because the clip came off. They sent me a brand new piece of junk new style. I just recently bought a Benchmade mini presidio ( not the Ultra) mine has Aluminum handles. After carrying it for a week I am happy I lost my Gerber. They are expensive but never realized the quality of these knives. I have sog and Cold Steel but BM is my fav now. I am going to buy a BM 940 SBK next. Osbourne design, axis lock is killer. I always liked liner locks till I got used to the axis. Sorry to ramble on, im just happy to see there are so many people out there that appreciate knives.
 
I forgot to say this: I would not recommend the new Ranger but if you can find the older discontinued one, buy it and use it, you will love it!
 
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