Gerber Freeman Hunter Fixed Blade

T

TimberWolf7.62

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http://trophysoutdoors.com/node/4269
http://www.amazon.com/Gerber-22-48464-Freeman-Hunter-Fixed/dp/B000JJJ2I8
http://www.smkw.com/webapp/eCommerc...™+Drop+Point+with+Wood+Handle/G8464.html

Anyone with experience with the above knife? I've owned several Gerbers - carried a Mk II when I was in the Marine Corps.

What I'm looking for is a good quality knife for small camp/hunting use that is still cheap enough to buy 2. For bigger chores, I carry a machete or axe so this knife needs to be handy for skinning, food prep, etc.

Why do I want 2? One for me and one for my wife.
 
I got this knife for christmas several years ago from family (back before I got into knives) and back then it was my favorite knife. Here are my experiences with it.
Pros:
- love the blade shape and size, especially for hiking it nice and light. It's a thick enough blade to feel solid but not too thick not to cut well (after a reprofile)
- Doesn't have a finger choil, just a sharpening choil
- Full tang
- I like the look of the of the wood handles and they haven't broken off or come loose
- I like that there's an end tang that can be used for hammering

Cons:
- 420 Steel, won't hold an edge well, not as tough as carbon, though it is easy to sharpen, so if you plan on using it a lot between sharpenings (multi-day trip) bring a sharpener.
- handle is rather thin, not really hand filling for me at least (size L Gloves), and the tang sticking out of the liners with the jimping while offering better grip can be uncomfortable with extended use.

If you've handled this knife in person and the handle fits you very well, and you're set on this design i'd recommend the S30V version if possible. Otherwise I'd say take a look at these other possible alternatives.
Mora's all about $30 there are some other versions around $10-15 as well
- Mora Bushcraft Force Stainless
http://www.bensbackwoods.com/servlet/Detail?no=598
- Mora Bushcraft Triflex (carbon steel)
http://www.bensbackwoods.com/servlet/Detail?no=597
- Mora Bushcraft Signal Stainless
http://www.bensbackwoods.com/servlet/Detail?no=600

If you can save spend more (or just get a $10 mora if you need it now and use that until you save up for one of these...) BRKT and ESEE cutlery both have lifetime warranties and make super tough well made blades in a different class than the gerber, but so is the price, IMO though Its worth it. Fallkniven also make great blades and there's are stainless if you don't want to have to worry about taking care of it in wet conditions there warranty is 2 years though.
- Bark River Knife and Tool: Canadian Special, Bravo-1, or Aurora
- Fallkniven: F1, S1, or H1
- ESEE: RC-4
 
I've owned this pair in S30V for about three years now:

GerberFreemans.jpg


The verdict? Love 'em. They're almost always on my belt and get used for almost everything. Great in the field, too, and the little caping knife is worth its weight in gold. They're not cheap, but I very highly recommend them.
 
Thanks to everyone for the replies, lots of good info!

I didn't realize that it was also offered in S30V. Does the S30V model ONLY come with the stag grips? So far my google searches have shown only the stag grips. No offense, just not my style.
 
Cabela's used to have it with a cocobolo handle also; don't know if they still have any or not. You might want to give them a call.
 
Actually, it's not a mystery at all. The knives with the non-checkered pearwood handles are made in China. While Gerber is notorious for not being real up-front about what steel they're made of, my understanding is that it's 440A, not AUS8. Every S30V knife I've seen from Gerber has "S30V" and "USA" clearly marked on the blade.

My take on this? When something is drastically cheaper, it's usually for a reason. Buy the one from Cabela's, be sure of what you're getting, and be happy.
 
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I'm pretty sure you're correct, I remember looking it up awhile ago because it didn't say on the blade or on the box what steel it was and I read some where that it was 440A.
 
Glad to see a little feedback on the S30V models. I've been debating getting them from Cabela's too. They seem just about what I'm looking for. What kind of real world work have you done with them? Just cleaning game or general outdoors/bushcraft stuff?
 
That, as well as normal EDC-type use. It makes a pretty nice steak knife too.:)
 
Hi Guys, I guess I'm just lucky, I bought both the S30V Freeman Hunter with the Stag Handles and the Caper with the same handles and steel, I also bought them separately as close-outs at what I think a good price, shortly after I bought mine no body was carrying the knives, the reason I think I was lucky is the price but most of all they are great in the bush, it's a great combo I don't mind carrying both of them together, I don't much care for folders in the bush and for a lite set they fit the bill, I like taking them out with my Wicked Tough Saw and my 2Hawks Double Bit Hatchet the whole set is lite and I can get away using my shoulder sling carry pack I just enjoy going out for a hot cup of coffee on the open fire and a baked potato and to do some scouting and looking for fatwood, although not the most expensive tool's I have, they fit the bill for what I do with my set, I wish that Gerber still offered those knives, I wouldn't mind buying another set of them even at their regular price, I would recommand them to everyone they are that good.
 
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