Gerber Guardian II handle repair

deltablade · Oct 22, 2017

I acquired this well-used Guardian some time ago, and the handle is now flaking. What should I do? sand and paint? or is there a better solution?

adamlau · Oct 22, 2017

I would prep it for a bed liner coating (Line-X, Rhino Liner, et al) and give it a utilitarian, Winkler Knives style of finish.

stitchawl · Oct 23, 2017

Just wondering.... A Gerber Guardian is a back-up stabbing weapon. A very effective boot knife, but not really very good for daily camp chores or even cutting up cardboard. It's made for killing.

The amount of deterioration on the handle of this knife shows that it has been used hard and put away wet. Who kills this many people?

Stitchawl

adamlau · Oct 23, 2017

I’m guessing that storage in less-than-ideal conditions was a contributing factor.

deltablade · Oct 25, 2017

stitchawl said:
Just wondering.... A Gerber Guardian is a back-up stabbing weapon. A very effective boot knife, but not really very good for daily camp chores or even cutting up cardboard. It's made for killing.

The amount of deterioration on the handle of this knife shows that it has been used hard and put away wet. Who kills this many people?

Stitchawl

My thoughts exqctly. is why I really like the knife

deltablade · Oct 27, 2017

Adamlau, thanks for the suggestion. It worked great. The handle looks great, and the surface has a better "grippy" finish than the original, IMO. Not sticky, just a good grippy feel. Ready for some more Killing, stichawl. LOL

adamlau · Oct 28, 2017

Looks good

. Which product did you end up using as the finish appears a bit glossy? I use bed liner everywhere. Usually Line-X as they are local.

deltablade · Oct 29, 2017

The Gerber handle came out so well, I tried the same bed liner treatment on an integral metal handle knife I use for leather work. Ahmhappy

deltablade · Oct 29, 2017

adamlau said:
Looks good . Which product did you end up using as the finish appears a bit glossy? I use bed liner everywhere. Usually Line-X as they are local.

I used Rusteoleum spray bed liner...all I could find here in a small size. Will look for line-x if it is less glossy. I am in Alabama small town, so should I check auto supply stores?