Thoughts On Gerber Paraframe 1

I had one, but lost it a long time ago. Always liked it, even though it would never really hold an edge well. I know a lot of people that carry one as well and the general consensus from them seems to be overall approval.

Also, welcome to the forum!
 
I carry one everyday as my "abuse" blade. I carry two knives and it is normally the one that gets the prying and hard cutting jobs. I have been happy with it. It serves its purpose well.
 
I had one when they were made in the USA. Ended up breaking that one....and Gerber sent me a Chinese replacement. Complete junk compared to the original.
 
every paraframei have ever handled has been complete garbage, loose blades inconsistent lock-up etc. i really wouldnt reccomend them to anyone unless i really hated them ;)
 
I got one quite a few years ago when I was a young teen. I hardly ever used it but I remember the screws that hold the knife together were always coming loose. Thats not really a problem though, you can always just loc tite them. But I was surprised how easy they backed themselves out considering i very really used.
 
I have the larger one, which I got before I knew a lot about knives. It's not nearly as nice as a lot of other knives out there; handles are too thin and construction isn't very sturdy. With the newer Chinese knives like Enlan and SRM out, I would look there instead. Better quality for about the same price, and even a lot of the designs that they didn't copy are more useful than the Paraframe.
 
They're great if you need a folder to beat on in the dirt. The skeleton frame makes it super easy to clean out, by running it under water, drying it and spraying with oil. Not a high performer by any means, but a reliable simple slicer. Action gets loose over time and steel sucks, but it fills its niche well. If Gerber wasn't the manufacturer it'd be alot nicer.
 
I have used a Paraframe some; there's still one around here somewhere. I didn't care for the feel of the knife in hand. I haven't bought any Gerber in a long time, but have several I like. It's mostly just personal preference that I don't like the paraframe. But in recent times, I don't think the Gerber branded products are up to the USA manufactured products.

Ed J
 
I've carried one for a few months, mostly because I only own two folders, and its much less "scary looking" than my kershaw blackout. I take it to work, and stuff, but no, its not a great knife, but it works when I've needed it to, and has helped me practice my sharpening skills quite a bit (won't hold an edge).

I always found the clip to be annoying, it is too hard to get on, and too easy to get out of my pocket. It also has a bit more bladeplay that I would like. Sadly, I don't know if mine is a USA made one or not. I've had it for quite a while now (got it in HS, and i'm in grad school now).

But if you like it, then more power to you :).
 
I own a mini paraframe and it is now relegated to the garage and junk use. There is excessive blade play, the edge retention is fairly poor and I have had the lock fail once... That is why it is now living in the garage. I was never fond of the design, the handle is not comfortable (the size wasn't the issue) and the edges were not finished very well. Overall I would never recommend this knife to anyone after the failing of the lock.
 
Mine is about as willing to take an edge as my parasite stepson is to wash dishes. My Gerber Gators, an early '90s Gator Serrator in 440 and a Gator drop point in 154CM are excellent knives.
 
I have both the large one & the small one. I think they suck. They are hard to sharpen as well. Don't hold an edge well either. I like to think i am a pretty good sharpener too. Been doing it since i was 7 & am now 48. If you are not a "knife person" they would be fine but once you own a few others, you realize how bad they suck.
 
POS any Gerber unless it was made long ago is crap!! I don't know how Gerber can get away with some of the prices they charge for such chinese made junk, but people still obviously still buy them, I guess they just don't know any better
 
Hi all,

I realize this thread is seven months old but, yesterday (Sunday July 14th.) while at a Flea Market, a very nice Gentleman knowing it was my Birthday, gave me an old GERBER Paraframe folding knife. The blade on one side only is marked "GERBER" with NO logo. Might this be an older USA made GERBER ? I cleaned up this old knife and I must say, I'm REALLY liking this knife! The fit/feel and overall construction of this (large Paraframe) is very nice indeed. The Blade is tight and opens smoothly. I read some of the older Gerber threads about the NEW Gerber's. I THINK this is an older GERBER Paraframe as this knife was part of an Estate sale of older goods. Other than the broken "clip", this knife is nice.
I'm hoping it's a USA made GERBER. I also have an old (circa 1970's) Gerber Sportman ll folder and it's a beautiful knife, no doubt made in the USA. Thanks for any help.

HARDBALL
 
I've tried to sharpen maybe 4-5 that were owned by some of my friends. Would hardly take an edge and what edge it took, it didn't hold for any length of time.

And yes, most of them had a lot of slop.
 
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