Gerber Lst

J

jvan

Joined
Apr 19, 2006
Messages
863
Yesterday I was going through my collection of folding knives and started to think about the bang for buck comparison.

I have had a Gerber LST, the larger version which is the model G06009, for quite a few years now. When I purchased it I believe that I paid less than $20.00 for it and I have carried it off and on for a long time now.

The knife has what I believe to be some 400 series steel, a lock back,a black synthetic handle and weighs less than 1.5 ozs. The knife sharpens up very easily, holds an edge quite well and most importantly, at least to me, locks up rock solid to this day. Mine has seen some heavy use and is as solid as it was the day I bought it. I have knives costing 20 to 30 times as much whose locks have loosened up while seeing less active duty.

Over the years I have purchased several of these to give as gifts to youngsters (with parental approval) and they have proven to be an excellent introduction level knife, no big deal if they get lost and a safe lock to protect the little hands.

Anyone else a Gerber fan? I know that they do not get a lot of respect on the various forums.

Anyone else have a good candidate as a bang for the buck knife?
 
Javan---That was one of my favorite Gerber folders! I had a maroon Micarta folder that was as slick as slick. I wish Gerber would bring those back.
 
The LST is a great knife. I bought one in the late 1980's before they added the pocket clip. I eventually gifted it to a friend in 1992. I still miss that great little knife. If I ran across another one, I would probably snap up one or two. When my son’s are old enough, it would be a great first lockback for them.
 
A couple different LST's were my first real knives in the late 1980's. I think they were great knives for the money. I still have both of them.
 
I think the LST was the first "real" knife I bought. It was in the late 80's as well. Great little knife. I really liked the LTR as well. So much so, I've thought about picking one up off Ebay just to have in the collection.
 
I liked the way they were smooth enough that you could open them one-handed even though there was just a nail nick for opening. A push of the thumb against the side of the flat-ground blade was enough to get it open unless your hands were slippery. My first "one-handed" knife.
 
Gentlemen---I'm going to ask Gerber to bring them back. Gerber should offer different handle color choices and a a popular steel. I'd buy one or more. Let then know you'd like to see a new LST!
 
Totally agree, the LST is a great design and quite tough for such a slim and lightweight package. I got so familiar with opening mine by pinching the blade between thumb and finger then flicking the handle down, I still do the same thing with other folders that it works with. And I still appreciate the pocket clip, which doesn't scratch stuff or tear up pockets.

With a better/harder blade steel the LST could be a winner today, IMO.
 
I bought mine, the second smallest one, in Denmark, Copenhagen in 2003.
I have carried it almost every day since then and I love this little knife.

It is light, small and tough. Because it is so light and thin it fits in my business suit pocket without me actually knowing it is there and THAT is a must for me. In a way it enables me to carry a knife on a every day basis.

It has without a doubt enhanced my love of knives, better yet it kickstarted my relationship with knives in general. I found out with the help of Gerbers LST what a handy thing it is to have a knife in my pocket all the time.

I salute this knife.

I absolutely would by a few if they introduced some colours and maybe a little better steel. Maybe 154cm or since we are on the subject S30v.

But I will always find me a new one if I loose my current one.
 
Gerber does not get alot of love around here but that being said I think the LST is a good little knife and good bang for the buck. I have read that several hikers use this knife since it is light. Many people use a swiss army knifes in this capacity, but the LST is a good option IMO.
 
I EDC a LST back in the late 80s early 90s. Great little knife. Actually had 2 at one time. One blade was a mirror finish and did not seem to hold an edge very well. Other was more of a satin finish and could get very sharp. I no longer have either knifes..both were lost and I had them before I knew much of anything regarding steel. Does anyone know what steel(s) where offered on the LST?
 
First decent knife I had too. I had one with a clip point. I must of been pretty young, but I thought that knife was the greatest thing ever. Since then I haven't seen a clip pointed one, but have bought a full size drop point, and a few of the really small ones for keychains and gifts. As I recall, they had a blasted finish and opened pretty smooth. In fact, I don't think they even have an opening device on them. Cool knife for the loot for sure.
 
I still have my 3...400/300/ I think 100 series....great lil' knives...I have the two biggest and then the smallest...
 
Gang---I contacted Gerber today about a New LST. I received a "very interested" response!! The wheels are in motion!
 
I like the design. The first FRN folder, IIRC. My first knife, too bad it wouldn't get sharp, period..
 
Like I said in my initial post, mine is made from some variant of the 400 series of steel and I can keep it shaving sharp just by stropping regularily. Maybe you just got a bad blade.

Lycosa, nice work.
 
I picked up an orange handled lst in 1987 and kept it for several years, it was an edc for quite a while and i have a great scar on my index finger left hand from it. don't ask it was my fault. great knife for the money. wish i still had it.
 
The LST has been one of my favorite designs. It's really well thought out. I love the simplicity...only 6 pieces!

An old family friend carried a maroon one in his front shirt pocket and always said it "keeps a great edge". I've given a dozen away to friends who all still seem to carry them. I have kept a mini on my key chain for a loooong time...the other day I used it at Home Depot to fine tune some sheet rock, no problem. One friend lost his at a boat launch (under water on concrete) for a weekend. When he found it, it had been run over a few times, scales and pivot scared from the ordeal but no rust and perfect lockup. Lockup was mentioned in the original post...the LST locks up better than ANY other lockback I've owned, period. There is no movement in any direction.

I recall reading that it was originally designed by Blackie Collins and was the first FRN handled knife. It's just a great knife.
 
The LST response has been great. I hope Gerber listens! This would be good for them and good for us! Thanks all.
 
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