Gerber LMF2 or something else?

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bowieknifenick

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Dec 7, 2015
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Haven't been on this forum for a while so excuse me if this is in the wrong section.

I'm looking for a new knife to fill a need I don't think I have, but oh well, you know how it is. My "need" is for a beater sort of keep in the car, camping kit, etc. type of knife just for whatever I need it for (not self defense, I have other things for that. I also have my CCW permit and it is perfectly legal for me to carry anything from a handgun to a bowie knife concealed for those concerned). I already have a Becker BK2 and a Ontario Ranger RD6 so I have already have a few short beefy survival knives that I use for hiking, etc. But I want something new that I can use just for a beater knife.

My options are the Gerber LMF2, the Becker BK10, the ESEE 5, the RAT 5 and maybe another BK2 but with the polyester sheath (I have the one with the Kydex sheath).

I like the LMF2 for it's military roots in aircraft egress, which makes it good for one purpose I have, keeping in the car for any emergency. I was in a situation last year where a knife and glassbreaker would have been a really nice thing to have, my truck was hit and flipped upside down and I was suspended by the seatbelt and the doors were stuck in the grass and I couldn't get out until help arrived. I hope to never be in that situation again but I want to be prepared with something should I be unfortunate enough again. The LMF2, mounted in it's sheath somewhere would be perfect for getting out of vehicle entrapment with it's knife blade for cutting seatbelts and glassbreaker pommel for shattering the side windows.

I really like the sheath and it's various options, leg straps, MOLLE, belt loop, etc. plus the 2 straps for retention, friction lock and built in sharpener. The fact that it's electrically insulated is cool but doesn't do much for me, I'll probably never come across a situation where I'd need to sever a live wire with anything, let alone a knife but I guess it's a cute selling point. It's not full tang which is one of my hang ups, but I've read and seen enough to know it's a pretty tough knife for being a rat tail.

The Becker BK10 sort of like my BK2, just with a swedge, thumb ramp and is thinner than my BK2.

The ESEE 5 is pretty cool, but a bit out of my price range, which I coul d buy the Ontario Rat 5 which is almost identical, but I don't know about the style of the knife. I think I have read or seen somewhere online that ESEE 5 or 6's were used in SEAL training, but I'm not sure if that's internet hype.

I could always get another BK2, but that seems a bit pointless.

Let me know you're opinions and feel free to offer any suggestions on knife choices.
 
Any of those could work for a beater, and another good one that's reasonably priced and good quality you didn't list is the Gerber Strongarm. For its price, has a great heat treat and a great sheath, although no serrations and I don't know if you want those or not. Another reasonably priced beater that's good value for the money and easy to sharpen, is the SOG Seal Pup.
 
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maximus83 said:
Any of those could work for a beater, and another good one that's reasonably priced and good quality you didn't list is the Gerber Strongarm. For its price, has a great heat treat and a great sheath, although no serrations and I don't know if you want those or not.
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The Strongarm does have serrated versions, so this knife is likely a better choice than the LMF II given that electrical insulation is not needed. It also trades leg straps for horizontal belt carry capability as well.

bowieknifenick said:
I like the LMF2 for it's military roots in aircraft egress, which makes it good for one purpose I have, keeping in the car for any emergency. I was in a situation last year where a knife and glassbreaker would have been a really nice thing to have, my truck was hit and flipped upside down and I was suspended by the seatbelt and the doors were stuck in the grass and I couldn't get out until help arrived. I hope to never be in that situation again but I want to be prepared with something should I be unfortunate enough again. The LMF2, mounted in it's sheath somewhere would be perfect for getting out of vehicle entrapment with it's knife blade for cutting seatbelts and glassbreaker pommel for shattering the side windows.
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Since this is a knife forum, there's a tendency to think that the solution to every problem is a knife. For vehicle egress, you might consider that a spring-loaded window punch with an integral cutting hook more economical and easier and safer to use than a knife.
 
Hiro-kun said:
The Strongarm does have serrated versions, so this knife is likely a better choice than the LMF II given that electrical insulation is not needed. It also trades leg straps for horizontal belt carry capability as well.



Since this is a knife forum, there's a tendency to think that the solution to every problem is a knife. For vehicle egress, you might consider that a spring-loaded window punch with an integral cutting hook more economical and easier and safer to use than a knife.
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That is true, but I have not found a window punch and strap cutter I like yet and a way to secure it yet. Buck has an interesting one that straps to your windshield visor, why I haven't bought it yet I am not sure. With a knife at least I can have it around and use it as a knife and should the unexpected happen use it as a window punch/strap cutter.

I have looked at the strong arm and the prodigy and felt both and having large hands I prefer the handle of the LMF2, which in itself is a little small for me. I like the Becker handles a lot, they fill my hand. I really like the sheath system for the LMF2 with the leg straps (which can be used to lash it to other things than legs) and the built in sharpener. I also do kind of like the electrically insulated handle, even though I'll probably never use it.
 
I was going to suggest the part serrated Strongarm too, but since you prefer the handle and a few other features of the LMF, perhaps it would be better. Gerber makes some pretty atrocious knives these days, but their USA made fixed blades are quite good. I think the LMF II would be an ideal beater, given your needs and preferences. :thumbsup:
 
I carried a Gerber LMF II in my vehicle for emergency situations for several years because I drive on bridges every day and want to be able to get myself out in a potential drowning situation. Thankfully never had to use it for that purpose. Sold it off cause I was downsizing my knife "collection". I now keep an Esee 4 in my truck for the same purpose and it comes along on hikes as well. It seems to me the Esee 4 will be able to handle the job just as well as the LMF II should the situation arise. I kept the J-hook seatbelt cutter that came with my LMF II though and still have that in my vehicle. J-hooks work much, much better and faster to cut seat belts than a regular knife.
 
For a rescue hook I did some pokin around on the internet last night and found one I like, the Leatherman ZREX. Bench made offers a few but at a premium and I looked at Gerber but didn't like what I saw. The ZREX I think is my choice.
 
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In experience, the point of a fixed blade makes a better glass breaker than a glass breaker does. You're deffinitely going to blunt/chip the tip and need to repair, but it beats drowning.
 
W. Anderson said:
In experience, the point of a fixed blade makes a better glass breaker than a glass breaker does. You're deffinitely going to blunt/chip the tip and need to repair, but it beats drowning.
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This brings up an important point. Regardless of what knife the OP chooses, if using in an emergency scenario of needing to evacuate a vehicle quickly due to drowning or fire, attempt to break glass by placing pressure in the corner of the glass panel (not in the middle) to shatter it and cut seat belts with diagonal cuts (not horizontal).
 
W. Anderson said:
In experience, the point of a fixed blade makes a better glass breaker than a glass breaker does. You're deffinitely going to blunt/chip the tip and need to repair, but it beats drowning.
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Big +1. I've heard so many people talk about wanting a knife with a good glass breaker in the butt and I'm thinking "there's a great glass breaker already on the other end of the handle!"
Centering punches work well too. But if you have a stout fixed blade in reach it's a toss-up. The advantage to the center punch over a hammer-style glass breaker or a knife is if you've decided to break the glass after the car fills with water: getting enough swing might take more effort.

And my experience playing with cutting seat belts in a bunch of junk vehicles is that a sharp straight edge was much better than any serrated knife. Serrations only help if the knife is dull.
 
Not knowing what you expect of a general beater, it's tough to make suggestions. You mentioned leaving it in a car, camping gear, and just general...which all imply different uses, to me. Leaving in a car...how about a BK3? I don't own one; but, if I did, that's where it would be. Camping gear? BK4 or 7 (or 9). General stuff? BK16. There other other brands; but the knives that jump to mind are likely to be over budget. I fell off the Gerber boat many years ago, when the quality went to crap; but I've heard that some of their offerings have gotten better. If you like the LMF2, grab it.
Personally, I find smaller fixed blades more useful unless I'm chopping or batoning wood...which isn't all that often. Something like the Bradford Guardian 3 (might be over your limit) or a Spyderco Mule is just about perfect for general use, IMO.
 
Off topic but check out the Cold Steel Gi Tanto. Much cheaper (I paid 30$ for mine) and built like a tank.
 
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