This post was originally published in May 2018 but was updated in October 2021 to include newer models.
Gerber has a long history dating back to 1939. The brand has evolved over the years — undergoing some ups and downs as some of the best designers and knifemakers around left the company to start their own ventures.
Gerber has been relatively quiet the past few years, releasing an assortment of higher-end knives mixed with brand-new budget designs. None have really stood out from the bunch, and plenty of the older models that were great have been discontinued.
It’s been a rocky two decades, but Gerber seems to be on firm footing by doubling down on their best knives. Here is a look at Gerber’s 10 best knives currently in production.
Note: As always, these best-of lists are highly subjective. However, I do my due diligence through personal experience as well as consensus from around the internet. These lists will always skew toward the tried-and-true models, but new models will always make the jump.
1. Gerber LMF II Infantry
Gerber has remade itself over the past few years thanks to three very reliable (and pretty similar) fixed blades. The Gerber LMF II has an undisputed spot on this list for good reason. Gerber says the knife was originally designed to free an aircrew from a downed aircraft, and it remains an adaptable fixed blade that can be used in all types of situations.
The blade is 4.84 inches made from 420HC stainless steel. It has partial serrations and glass-filled nylon with TPV overmold handles.
You can see all the Gerber LMF II Infantry variations here.
2. Gerber Gator
This list is heavily populated with perennial favorites, and the Gerber Gator is no exception. It was first introduced in the early ’90s when it was named “Most Innovative Knife of the Year” at the 1991 Blade Show. Despite being so old, the knife remains one of the best Gerber has to offer.
The 3.76-inch clip point blade is 420HC stainless steel and the textured handle is glass-filled nylon. Like the LMF II, the Gator is made in the United States.
At one point, Gerber introduced a premium line that’s now discontinued. There’s still a fixed blade and drop point version though. This US-made folder is as robust as they come.
3. Gerber Paraframe
The Paraframe is another classic that continues to prove its worth each and every year. The mini version is often touted as one of the best Paraframes. It is a minimalist design with a 2.22-inch blade and skeletonized steel handle to cut down on the weight. The open design makes it easy to clean while the frame lock provides extra security.
This is a simple folder that countless people have depended on.
4. Gerber 06 Auto
The 06 Automatic family from Gerber is awesome.
The Gerber 06 Automatic was designed for military use and deployed with countless troops. This knife comes in either an aluminum or G-10 handle with a drop point or tanto blade.
Lately, the Gerber 06 Auto 10th Anniversary Edition has been a top-seller because of its specialty finish blade and OD green handle.
Check out all the Gerber 06 Auto variations.
5. Gerber LST
Now we go from a military tested, heavy-duty folder to a tiny lockback folder.
The LST looks like it could have been released this year but was actually brought to market by Pete Gerber himself in 1980. Pete and the legendary Blackie Collins wanted a lightweight knife like no other. The result was the revolutionary (for the time) LST with synthetic handles that give it a weight of 1.2 ounces.
Some argue that the knife changed the way we approach pocket knives.
I’ve been surprised that Gerber has kept this knife in their lineup after a shift to more modern designs. Thank goodness they didn’t because this small American-made folder remains one of the best Gerber has to offer.
6. Gerber Sumo
With the Gerber Covert being discontinued, there were a lot of knives I could have chosen to be here. Most of the new knives are solid but not spectacular. There’s the Gerber Asada, Gerber Doubledown, Gerber Downwind, and Gerber Tri Tip.
However, of all the new knives, the Gerber Sumo is probably the best because of its new, fascinating design and its value.
The Sumo is a budget-friendly knife with a pivot lock and unique look.
7. Gerber Fastball Cleaver
Gerber has been trying hard to make some great EDC knives. The US-Assist models were a good start, but they couldn’t quite live up to the hype. That knife paved the way for the Gerber Fastball, and it’s a huge improvement.
The original Fastball is kind of like the Gerber version of the Kershaw Leek with a thin profile, simple flipper design, and wharncliffe-like blade.
However, I argue that the newer Fastball Cleaver is way better than the original. This version has a 3-inch cleaver-style blade made from premium 20CV steel. The urban blue aluminum handle also looks way better than the flat sage green handle of the original.
8. Gerber Strongarm
I mentioned earlier that three modern fixed blades have helped the brand reclaim some fans. The first was the LMF II, the second was the Gerber Prodigy, and the third is the Gerber Strongarm. Since the Prodigy is based on the LMF II, the StrongArm deserves this spot.
In fact, if we were to rank these in order of the best, the StrongArm would likely be the very best knife from Gerber.
This is just a solid, all-around fixed blade knife that’s been met with universal acclaim. It proves that Gerber still knows a thing or two about making a great knife.
9. Gerber FlatIron Micarta
There is a trend toward EDC cleavers that we weren’t quite sure was warranted. The FlatIron makes the argument that folding cleavers can work well as EDC knives.
The 3.6-inch cleaver blade is stonewashed and opens with a thumb notch. The original model had a gray aluminum handle with a frame lock mechanism.
However, Gerber released a slightly upgraded model with a D2 blade and Micarta handle. Surprisingly, the knife still retains its excellent value at a competitive price, something Gerber has struggled with.
10. Gerber Empower
Gerber has really been killing it when it comes to automatic knives. They have a series of autos, including the Gerber Propel series. Unfortunately, that series was mainly geared toward law enforcement personnel. That’s why Gerber made the Empower.
The Empower is an excellent EDC automatic knife that’s made for the daily user, with less aggressive lines and stylings. It has a 3.25-inch S30V blade.
Take a look at some of the other Gerber Empower versions.
May 16, 2018 at 10:40 am
I’d just like to comment on the fact that while all of these knives are good sellers, many people have complained about the presence of serrations on the Gerber LMF and the Prodigy line. The short lived plain edge Prodigy is out of production after being available for barely a whole year, but imagine if they brought it back for good. I am sure they would see a huge increase in sales.
On the flip side, I own an older Gerber Scout and the serrations are amazingly capable of cutting all kinds of plastic, duct tape, cordage, etc., and so I can cut anything and despite negative remarks about the quality of steel, it has never rusted and it only takes stropping on a leather belt or some cardboard to keep it sharp.
May 16, 2018 at 3:15 pm
Gerber, these are well designed knives, but the steel stink and the serrations are not useful. Do a sprint run of 2,000 of each and I’ll buy FOUR Gerber LMF II and FOUR Prodigy without serrations and steel such as CTS-XHP, M390, 204P, CPM-20CV, S90V, S110V.
I’ve invested $14,000+ in 2017/2018 in knives and I’m not interested in half baked solutions. I already own these knives and the only way to get me to spend more money is by upgrading to a better steel.
Hello, Gerber? Are you there?
May 29, 2018 at 11:56 am
Gerber gears their knives for the average working man, not the high end collector. Their lineup consists of manufactured knives, not hand made customs. If you’re going to spend $14k a year on blades, it puts you into the a high end collector and there are makers that will cater to high end steels and materials.
October 26, 2021 at 2:55 pm
Well said, Red. Although the steel in the long-discontinued Gerber Hunter trio with drop-point, skinning and saw blades, interchangeable in Gerber’s “bolt-action” lock handle is very good, I agree that for top-of-line pocket knives, Thomas might set his sights a tad higher, and he won’t have to be disappointed. The knives I have from the collective in Thiers, France, are still among my favorites for steel, style and strength.
February 10, 2023 at 9:48 am
If you are spending that kind of money and still looking at Gerber’s, I’d love to know what all that cash bought!!
February 13, 2023 at 6:05 am
Then you understand the first 4 steel choices you mentioned are exactly the same when it comes to the metallurgy. exactly the same when it comes to the metallurgy. Hopefully you didn’t spend $14,000 on buying the same knife steel repeatedly.
May 29, 2018 at 11:51 am
I’m glad to see that in more recent years Gerber has upped their quality and have been adding more USA made knives from their Portland factory. I own the Prodigy which is on this list. It’s an excellent camp knife at a great price. I’d also recommend the USA made Gerber Edict (154CM steel) and Gator Premium series (S30V steel).
May 29, 2018 at 2:04 pm
I have an old gator and it does anything I need it to do and is as good an ever.
October 1, 2019 at 2:26 pm
I have the Gator bought it when they first came out. I have used it hard for years. Excellent and dependable knife. Gerber makes working knives not age queens.
October 1, 2019 at 2:27 pm
I meant safe queens.
October 1, 2019 at 7:53 pm
I have bought 4 LMF IIs. One for each of my two sons, 25 and 15 . They both wanted one badly after using my original.. So that leaves two for me. Why two of the same knife? My first LMF II is a workhorse. I take it on every camping trip since I bought it. I use it and abuse it and I do mean abuse it. Everything from batonning wood to making shelters to preparing meals. I love this knife from the lashing holes in the handle, the thick blade, the skull punch and the sharpener in the sheath. So again why the second one? If this one ,my favorite knife, ever does take damage. I have a new one to take its place immediately without worry of it being out of production or the price increases.
December 26, 2020 at 11:02 am
2 = 1 and 1 = 0. Survival math
October 5, 2019 at 6:16 pm
Gerber Prodigy, fine edge, is a very fine survival knife. Very good for medium to light bush craft chores. SCHF9 is a good heavy to medium bush craft chores, a decent chopper.
September 29, 2020 at 3:22 pm
In your article you wrote “… I mentioned the three modern fixed blades that have helped the brand reclaim some fans …”
I only see two of the three fixed blades in your list … Is the missing fix blade the “Strongarm”?
September 30, 2020 at 7:50 am
Yes, the Strongarm is the third. It was a bit too similar to the other two to include on the list, but it’s definitely one of Gerber’s best as well.
September 29, 2020 at 8:42 pm
I have carried the lst for years. Nice and light…stays sharp….for many people its all you will ever need. Like the fact that it is so light you cant even feel it in your pocket!
September 30, 2020 at 7:50 am
Yup. It’s a nice little EDC folder that’s made in the United States. What’s not to love?
December 18, 2020 at 2:00 pm
many peolpe are commenting on lmf not full tang ; my response is that it is a large handle and unless i am mistaken, the steel would run up the full width of your hand leaving open the 1/2 gap roughly speaking and then the pommel .this leaves 4.5 inches of what should be steel .therrefore, it is full tang IN YOUR HAND.
October 27, 2021 at 4:51 pm
Is it possible to still buy the gerber pixie and the matching carving knife.
November 18, 2021 at 4:15 pm
Horrible customer service. I bought a propel auto. Had it for three years. Only cut twine, potting soul bags etc. in NO way was it used hard. 4 screws fell out. I though no big deal. Shit happens. Emailed them, two weeks go by without a response. Emailed them again. Another two weeks go by without a response. Posted a crappy comment on their Instagram, was contacted after a couple of days. Emailed them the model and issues. I was told to give them 45 days to get screws due to covid out of the office etc. their
“lifetime warranty” will cover it. Two months go by, no response. I emailed them still no responce after a week. Went on their Instagram and left another crappy comment.(really only described what happened without any other commentary. So not crappy.) get a response within a week. Was told knife is no longer in production and they can’t replace screws. I emailed them back asking about the warranty, a possible discount on something else.
Ive yet to hear back from them. That’s been 4-5 months ago. Never again, will I spend a cent with Gerber. I don’t recommend that others do so either. They misrepresent their “lifetime warranty”, a selling point and customer service is horrible at best.
January 14, 2024 at 11:18 am
Wrong. What you should have done first is fill out a warranty form and sent the knife back to them. Crying about anything never fixed nothin, sport.