Gerber machetes

[fanofsteel]

Has anyone had experience with gerber machetes blades rolling, chipping, or breaking? I've had 2 so far and had blades rool warp and chip from hitting a tree ranch (live pine) no bigger than my thumb. From these two expenses I'm wondering if gerber machetes are even heat treated because sharpening takes less than 30 seconds because the steel is so soft. I'm not trying to discredit or slander gerber they make great knives, but what's going on with the machetes being so soft they rool and chip.

 

[The True North]

They roll and warp extremely easily in my experience.

 

[ATJ999]

I had a similar experience with a TOPS machete. Spent more time sharpening than chopping, it got frustrating. I have heard good things about Gerber machetes, so I'm curious to hear what people's experience. I have heard great things about TOPS as well, but haven't been able to bring myself to buy another.

 

[beeinak]

Yes, but I use them very hard and hit lots of gravel/rock removing roots at times.

 

[knarfeng]

Yes, but I use them very hard and hit lots of gravel/rock removing roots at times.

Me too.

The angle on my machete edge is about 25 degrees per side for that reason.

 

[oldmanwilly]

In my experience, Gerber outdoor tools like machetes are pretty soft and sensitive to tough materials. Do yourself a favor and order a couple of machetes from good makers like Imacasa, Tramontina, and Condor. Any edge will roll or chip if you hit rocks or wire fences, but the aforementioned shouldn't blink at average and hard wood timber.

Here's my favorite source (a BF member and dealer):

BYXCO -- Baryonyx Knife Company

Proudly providing a careful curation of timeless tools. Family-founded, employee-owned.

byxco.com

 

[fanofsteel]

I have heard noting but good things about tops, I have heard tho, they ship with a nonsymetrical gring like you would see on a paint scraper. I've heard once you even out the grind they are better. On the topic of gerber, my gerbers seem like they are not e hesttreated and act as so, I've had better expense sharpening mild steel, and wrapping a rough handle in electrical tape and the blade still help up better than gerber.