Gerber Zilch Wrecks Budget EDC Norms

[@matthewmerritt6844]

I love mine. been carrying one for about 8 months now. very functional and not intrusive in the pocket. good ergonomics, easy to operate, and easy to sharpen. I can usually give it 10 licks per side on the bottom of a coffee mug and it's shaving sharp. I'd recommend it to anyone wanting a decent EDC that wont break the bank or make you cry if it decides to break.

[@warthog91]

Lost my Spyderco Para 2 CruWear out in the snow, bought this to fill the hole. Honestly I'm surprised about how well it handles for the price. I mean, yeah sure the steel isn't anything to write home about, you can't use it as a prybar, i wouldn't trust the lock nor the construction of the handle if putting serious pressure on it. Somehow I stil enjoy carying it, it's useful for what it is, it's cheap, easy to sharpen up and you honestly can't feel it in the pocket because of the weight.

[@haveaknifeday6253]

Never been much of a steel snob. I think most of them would work for most everyone’s daily needs. Thanks for the review. God Bless.

[@kellywelch3]

Awesome cheap budget knife! Just bought 2. One for me and one for my wife. She loves it! Very light weight so it's easy for her to edc. Added some KPL to it and they are very flicky!!!

[@Ron-Ton_78]

I picked this up to carry on vacation if I’m flying. That way if it gets lost with my checked bag I won’t care that much. Feels really solid in hand for a smaller knife. Bought it solely based on your review. Good information

[@paulsgaragedoorservice7903]

Excellent knife! Just put my Benchmade away. Bought one from Midway for $9 on sale. I like it so much I ordered six more.

[@carrolllaw]

I appreciate that Gerber is trying to find products for that segment of the market. With the fairly large knife collection I have, I wouldn't buy a 7CR knife, but I respect it for what it is.

[@chronovore3726]

440A and 7Cr17Mov used to be more popular in outdoors knives. The main advantage was corrosion resistance. These steels are more stainless than 8Cr13Mov or AUS-8. Edge retention usually isn't as good but especially with 8Cr, it can boil down to heat treatment. 440C and 9Cr18Mov are better choices in this price range if you don't mind Ganzo or Schrade.

[@dualsportoutdoors]

Got a Zilch for Christmas today. It cut beautifully for the super short time it stayed sharp. I'd love to see this blade in a super steel

[@gideonstactical]

I’d love to see that too!

[@Chucky-b7v]

I’ve just bought one yesterday and love it 👍🏼. This knife is very light weight and feels great in the hand and looks fabulous. I work around a property and this will come in very handy.

[@edc4fun]

Was waiting for the other shoe to drop and it didn’t! Sure the steel could be better, but for $20 if that’s the only downside then that’s not bad. Could be a starter knife, gift, back up, or something to have when there’s a high probability of losing it, confiscation, etc.

[@mingshey]

Not a “gift” gift, but a “souvenir” kind of gift, or “handout” for a gathering event of a company or boy-scouts, with a logo etched on the blade.

[@johnchildress7594]

For those prices I use the knife until it's not sharp anymore then I throw it in a box with all my other cheap knives. Some will sharpen up, but many just won't take an edge, so as long as I don't expect any thing, I'm not disapointed.

[@JohnSmith-gs4lw]

For an extra few bucks, I think the Firebird FH series is still pretty much untouchable. If you’re going to go Asian folder, it’s worth getting as much as you can for the money. You can choose from a ton of blade styles, all high-hardness, real D2 (LTK tested it) with ball bearings and a PERFECT detent that makes it nearly impossible to misfire on opening. FH21 is my favorite but they’ve got like 10 different models in that line now with a wide variety of blade and handle designs. 8CR needs to be the floor; anything below that we should reject. 9CR is serviceable but I’ll still take D2 over that.

[@MM-rs6tk]

I’ll bet you have expensive sht that stays at home

[@isaiahgray3057]

The Rat 2 was the gateway drug for me into knife collecting.

[@Forward-Observer]

Same. Now I don’t even know how many I have and seems like I get a new package daily…. Lol I do love it though! I didn’t have any hobbies before getting into knives and now it’s been such a good hobby that helps keep my mind at ease from ptsd.

[@dirtyharry5957]

I've got this knife, I love it. So lightweight to carry and its very smooth to open and close.

[@ZekeVest-mf1wx]

I am a 13 Year old, this was the first knife i got, and absolutely love it

[@gideonstactical]

That awesome!

[@hunterglaspell]

Love this formatting. From my understanding, the name zilch came from it being a simple, light weight, bare bones design that just does well for what it is. Nothing to fancy, but it works

[@TRONABORON]

For under 20 dollars it works for me as a trucker to cut plastic straps, shrinkwrap, and other oddball stuff, if I lose it (which I have lost many through the years) I won't feel bad. For work it's 25 dollars and under.

[@TacticalTinkerer]

I've been looking for a knife for my 3 kids. Price point is right, handle colors are good, and the price point is ok at $25 off Amazon. I'm glad you compared it to the RAT2 as thats usually my go to for cheap folders. The commenter bringing up the Ganzo brand opens up some options too. I've had several that I was very impressed with...

[@starlingblack814]

Nice looking knife for a good price. In this economy it may do well. A knife you can afford with poor steel is better than one with good steel that you don't buy because you can't afford it. Thanks Aaron for a good video.

[@A-Fern]

I know a lot of guys don’t care for them because they do borrow designs from other companies. But Ganzo has some great knives especially for right around that $20. I’ve been using a Ganzo fb7601 as a work knife for like 3 years and it is a beast. And holds an edge quite well for what it is l.

[@eyeofthetiger4184]

G'day mate, yep value there alright, I quite like their 440C for my climate, though they seem to be favoring D2 these days. I would also suggest Ruike, their 14C is very good for the dough IMO. Cheers Duke.

[@Corné-o6h]

I totally agree, a wonderful design which they mess up with using a gas station steel.

[@rmikel14789]

It’s extremely lightweight and cheap. Is it a bench made? No. However, Benchmade quality costs $160 for something like the 550 Griptilion. While I would love to give the Griptillio,s to families as gifts, it’s just too darn expensive. I mean I have in my circle at at least 10 people. Can’t afford $1600 for gifts, however, can afford this knife at $200 to $300 depending on how many people I gave it to. Plus for myself it makes it a great every day Cary knife. I feel the weight savings definitely.

[@zoiders]

QSP Parrot. Bronze washers. G10. D2 or 440C steel. Excellent knife.

[@ronbisti4352]

I saw these over the weekend for $15 at R.E.I. I have a Victorinox Solo on the way that I got for $20. That’s a great value for a light duty EDC and it will last a lifetime with proper care. I got it for vacation when I don’t want to travel with an expensive folder.

[@FranklinHicks-qs4gs]

update: Purchased in 2024 for $22 . EXCELLENT knife for the price. I really like the size and profile. The edge was RAZOR sharp out of the box. I actually used it to shave my head .

[@hlhl2691]

Love gerber, wish they had more options!

[@smokyriverbushcraft]

Love this knife! Such a solid little flipper for the price. I lost my first one and just recentlt bought a new one a year later. Definitely worth the 20 dollars. The stonewash on the blade is also pretty awesome looking for a budget knife 🗡️🗡️

[@adamtheman9273]

I carry this and the o-light 13T in flat dark earth every day. Not that color matching matters, but hey, it does to me. Ordering both in Black to match my other EDC items that go pow.

[@richardvirchow3390]

I watched as the price for the zilch climbed & climbed (20’s) until one day BHQ dropped the price to $16 on a weekend with free shipping. I ordered one and expect delivery today. I’m curious to see what I get for less than the cost of lunch.

[@joshuavigneaux4224]

I just bought the zilch at tractor supply today on clearance. I carry my leather men wave plus and regular pocket knife and a small one tho this one is discontinued it’s called the Gerbar 500 jr

[@CarnivoreRonin]

That is dang sweet! It would be great to put in an emergency kit, put one in your glovebox, a bug-out bag, or anything like that. That way you have a knife ready any time and don't have to take out a loan to have an extra one out of service and ready.

[@terryhodgson2357]

Great review. I like a lot of things about this knife. It's probably all the average person will ever need in a knife, for a great price. I think of this as in the same class as the Gerber LST, except the LST is made in the USA and uses marginally better steel. I have had a LST for over 20 years, and it is a fantastic little knife. If the zilch was made in the USA it would make my decision to buy one a lot easier. Who knows, I may give it a try anyway. I'd like to get your thoughts on the LST someday.

[@jimbeam7207]

I'm looking at the Zilch as a high school grad gift but didn't know if u had another couple ideas to grab for 10-15 more. I was looking at like a bear and son for 60 14c28n.

[@JesusIsAlphaOmega001]

I have one and I appreciate it for what it is. It sharpens up very well too.

[@BigLewBBQ]

My son carries the Gerber Zilch. I carry a Buck 112 Slim Select most days. I have nicer knives but I’m satisfied with my red 112 slim. I think the Gerber zilch is good. Yet, I only paid 19.99 for my Buck 112 slim. Do you have a head to head comparison of these two knives?

[@gideonstactical]

Don’t have a head to head on those but they are similar build just the buck steel and usa made is a bit better

[@BigLewBBQ]

@@gideonstactical I agree

[@gosensgo13]

Satisfying knife lovers is like satisfying women. You can't. It's an $18 knife. It works. You'll be fine I promise. If those Instagram pocket dumpers tell you wrong ignore them because expensive knives doesn't make you experienced. Use it and you'll learn what you need

[@louiss3409]

Man I have used so many Gerber knives over the years. They were clearly worth taking as I don't have a single one left. Huge fan.

[@toddcarr.]

Lots of choices out there in the $20 range one if my favorites is the QSP Parrot in D2 and G10 great no nonsense knife that works great for $20, also knives from SRM, Ganzo etc.. offer knives in that price Ranger with good quality and materials. This one from Gerber is ok but 7CR is the lowest I would grab at least the price on it reflects that low quality. Gerber biggest problem is quality control never know if your getting a good one or one with major problems. Thanks for the great vid and keep making sharp things fun and enjoyable

[@GrantM87]

I’ve been debating on buying it but after hearing your thoughts on it I will definitely pick one up.

[@KillBoyPowerHead77]

Knife looks cool, grip is solid ... I've bought three of them :) Blade steel is not the best but for casual EDC it's enough.

[@gideonstactical]

Totally agree and for $20 ish it’s hard to beet

[@FranklinHicks-qs4gs]

Most people purchasing a knife, especially in this price range, dont give a flying f!#@ about blade steel. 7CR if just fine for them. *raises hand* I have benchmades, I got microtechs. I got kershaws and vixtorinox. I got 1095 steel. I got s30v steel. I got D2. 440 and m390 tooo. You can't compare apples and oranges. For the intended market and use case, this is an excellent knife. Initial impression is that the materials are cheaper than your high end knives but hello, it's 1/10 - 1/30th the price!?!?! After handling. I'm really impressed with the knife overall. It's a great pick for non knife people that need a knife , or as a knife for knife people that often misplace their knives. I cry a lot less when I lose a 20 over a cpuple hundos

[@rickt.223]

It’s a knife. It works. Came in a Gerber 3-pack (along w/Paraframe 1 & Evo Jr.) for $19.95 at Sam’s Club. I have Benchmade and Spyderco USA-made knives which I enjoy. But cheap, beater knives have a place in my world.

[@mikerobertson4041]

Great review! I'm always on the lookout for budget blades!

[@esalas9140]

This knife is great for the price! It’s so light and easy to carry I forgot I had it and took it to a soccer game. I had to throw it away but at $18 it’s no harm no foul

[@JustIn-op6oy]

I'm so jealous of those of you with normal sized hands. The dozier sorta works for me because of its thin but "deep" shape, but most of the thin, "square" cross section handles feel cramped/awkward in my hand.

[@RobertFireLionBlueHawkWinkler]

I think that Gerber did an excellent job working with inexpensive materials to create a great affordable knife. You want a more expensive knife? Why? This blade is strong, light, and stylish.

[@ryancooper5647]

The buck slim select 112 is also budget friendly, be carrying one for about 6 months now.

[@JhaeMo777]

As a lefty, not ambidextrous is a deal killer for me. But looks like a great starter blade or a gift for someone.

[@Krusher_Knave]

Just out of curiosity, where does one shop for left-handed knives?

[@DTFTACTICAL]

light and even though not a great steel i dont mind because its easy to sharpen and for the price can beat it up without a care

[@jimlahey5623]

I ordered ruike p801 for 15 buck, best deal ever. Cant wait for it.

[@Phyxsius_85]

The Ganzo Firebird F759M is a good knife in the price range of up to $ 20. 440C steel, design is like Byrd Meadowlark 2. A great EDC knife, if destroyed or lost it won't be a big deal.

[@gideonstactical]

I guess whenever possible even if some of the money is going to china, I’d rather have some of it stay here in the US for Gerber when possible. Ganzo straight clones so many knives that’s hard for me to deal with as well.

[@Phyxsius_85]

@@gideonstactical I respect that :)

[@michaelhansen6802]

This is one of my favorite knives I keep around the house. I have a couple. I think I paid $12 each. They really should not cost more than $15. I have plenty of Spyderco's I overpaid for, so I don't feel too broken up if Ganzo interpreted their design. I bought many Spydercos after giving a Ganzos a try. I would be a little more supportive of "buy American" if a larger portion of the U.S. population could afford to do so.

[@jimcolucy]

Is 7cr blade the same as 7cr17mov? And what is the blade hardness on the Zilich

[@benjamindanielsen5204]

I like the aesthetic design and the concept behind the Zilch as an inexpensive, no frills edc for when I need something I'm not afraid of breaking or losing, but the dealbreaker for me is that the pocket clip isn't able to be swapped between the left and right sides. I'm mostly right handed but I prefer carrying and using my knives on my left, and I just can't fathom that it would've taken much effort to add a second spot for the clip on the opposite side of the handle. Drives me crazy to see new designs that fail to be at least a tad friendly for lefties, I can use liner locks and framelocks with my left hand with no issues, all I'm asking for is two extra screw holes to flip it around and make it easier for me to deploy it. If they would just do that tiny little bit of extra effort, I'd probably buy 3 or 4 of these. Damn shame that Gerber is still being sluggish in the ambidexterity game.

[@Steve_G88]

I suppose 7cr is better than 5 or even 3. Which gerber has used in the past

[@justinhaynes6053]

I always appreciate the budget content!!! I'm gonna check this one out. Thanks!

[@Madmartigan4477]

At this price, I can accept the 7cr steel. However, for me, the plastic washers are an absolute deal breaker. Right or wrong, that's just the way I feel about it.

[@Ashton.everydaycarry]

I got one these a few months ago because it was pretty affordable and thought I'd give it a try. Although I do quite like the design, the one I got did not have them best quality. Some screws were totally stripped/destroyed and art of the scale was damaged. As well the version is got didn't have thumb studs like yours. So its a two hand opener or using the fuller. Could've sent it back but didn't seem worth the hassle for a $20 knife

[@efingrimey]

I love the handle and blade profile of that knife but I wish it had a better lock, blade steel, and handle material. Anyone know anything that looks like this knife but is built better?

[@justin81011776]

had it for about 6 months and I like it more everyday! Great tool for the money and I'm not worried about it, if i break it tomorrow id go buy another immediately but I haven't so I won't

[@operationexploration9831]

I would love a D2 version I don’t currently own that nice but if they come out with a D2 version that would be the selling point for me Thanks 👊😎

[@Timberfall_craft]

Love this knife. Would like to see this knife made with more premium materials

[@qui-gone]

I would probably put that money on a vicrorinox compact or even a Spartan TBH. I've only had one 7Cr so far and it was crappy. But the blade design on this zilch is intriguing. Let's see! Thanks for another honest review!

[@joss2345]

Love mine. In the same color. I would like to see this one with better materials.

[@christiansands7172]

my son has a birthday coming up and he loves red maybe not this year but in a couple years this would be a great starter knife especially since the blade isn't super sharp granted it may be a tool but is still a knife. Probably getting one and putting it up like I do for birthdays and Xmas ahead of time.

[@btrswt35]

Good gosh, for $20 the steel is fine! It will sharpen and cut just fine.

[@DanielGonzalez-yn2vi]

There is a D2 on blade HQ for as cheap right FYI good deals right now not a HQ shill just was doin some shopping lately lol had to sharpen a friend's knife and I lost it lol

[@david.leikam]

Yes, inflation is ridiculous currently! I’m on a purchase pause for extras in life. 😕

[@timosborne8174]

Does look like a great budget friendly knife. Might have to get one for my work bag

[@Nightowl82]

My dozier is really good had it for 10 years use daily and this looks like its on my list for next edc knife

[@gladeshunter8796]

Perfect steel for a beater blade . Use and abuse it .Buy a couple for backups in case of breakage .

[@ri7589]

Perfect gift knife for my buddies to use as beaters.

[@matthewwebb3088]

Love your reviews, man! Honestly, I think gerber should keep the knife right where it is because if it goes above $20, I'm just going to go buy a ruike.

[@fwrose6272]

Looks good 👍. I remember Your Shark belly review USA made 👍. My Favorite.And the Sumo,Zilch next ?

[@ericjudd9603]

Thanks man. Im rocking the civivi elementum atm. Cant find my r2d2:(

[@tuzu1758]

If I was an ultra light hiker this knife would have a greater appeal to me. For a Gerber it not without astatic. It's a stocking stuffer for the older children 18 and above.

[@MutsPub]

$14 plus shipping $5 and tax at Blade HQ in red. As of today 7/7/23. Other colors are .$20.

[@Kimlicst]

what do you think of the browning blood trail folding knife (D2 Steel)?

[@gideonstactical]

Could be good

[@bRad-ns6iy]

I really like the handle design.

[@dannyparrish724]

Very informative, will be my next beater.👍

[@maxlvledc]

Under $20...it's tough to recommend one that isn't a Ganzo..but there are some moral issues with them...as half their designs are clones...embarrassingly good clones...but still.

[@JoeandAngie]

Buck Langford for $20 is a great knife, as well! I returned my Dozier. Good blade, horrendous handle. Way too light.

[@Horde334]

A heavier knife doesn't always equal better quality and neither the gerber or buck are worth the price tag they put on it cause if your paying more then 20$ for 7cr your getting ripped off.

[@The4cp]

I'm happy they did it. I don't see the market getting better in the next 2 years. Someone had to step up. Gerber did it.

[@olajohnny]

In Norway this one cost 35 usd 🤦‍♂️

[@Phatdaddy1986]

I love my zilch it's a great edc

[@krystofmraz]

I prefer opinel or SAK still. But nice knife for sure.

[@BrandonAnderson-c9n]

Bought one yesterday

[@CDubs96]

Its is crazy it is about 10 dollars more just about three months later.

[@gideonstactical]

Check my links. BladeHQ still has them for $19.95. And Amazon has the blackhandhandled version for $22. Not bad. I wouldn’t pay probably more than $25 bucks for them though.

[@stevejackson9952]

You had the perfect opportunity to use the strange song by the Monkees Zilch. Oh well you lost out.

[@toegoth]

I actually might grab one of these but you can get a qsp parrot for like $26 with d2.

[@godthesonthomas]

Don’t forget the Artisan Cutlery mini shark

[@youbesilly2k5]

I'm not sure if a d2 version at $28 would do well. Its Gerber, who already have a poor reputation for putting out subpar stuff. Also at $28 u r stepping into better quality knives. I can think of the ruike p801 and the cjrb mini feldspar. Both coming with better materals overall. So I think it would just fall into a crowed category with alot of other good or better options. Really the allure is at the price point its at now. Mayb Gerber should not use 7cr and at least give us 8cr or aus 8. Which would great at this price. But yea for a sub $20, its not a bad option

[@eyeofthetiger4184]

G'day Aaron, like the intro mate !!!. Definitely a place for this as a budget option. I was guess'n it was gonna be 8 Cr, in any case a few extra bucks for an upgrade and a couple of bronze washers; I reckon they'd be flying out the door. Thumb studs out of the cutting/sharpening path too !!! Take note CS and others, it aint that difficult. Coulda done without the lanyard hole though IMO. Cheers Duke.

[@skim193]

reminds me of the benchmade nagara

[@mewithknives3481]

1 was and accident (the sumo) and 2 is a pattern. This is another frustration choice of steel for Gerber(and Buck lately) for all their cost cutting measures allow me to point out to both companies If Sanrenmu can pump out 20 dollar knives with 12C27 why can't they? I am fine with ultra budget knives especially if the chances of losing said knife are high. Knives like this are clearly meant for beginner knife buyers who wouldn't know what 7cr is and be happy with buying a "big" name knife for 20ish dollars. With that said come on Gerber you can do far better for a little more money!

[@ez_do_102]

google solognac, they make prety decent entry level stuf in 5cr15, stainless 56 hrc, not great edge retention, but gets razor sharp again in under a minute, and they have a fixed blade wich is a sika 90, its about 10 cm blade in total, 9 cm edge, and its as tough as it can be, i love mine so i decided to share this opinion

[@Daniel_Richardson]

I think a much better option for the same price is the Buck Bantam. Depending on the model, you can get them from 20 to 30 dollars. They are very similar, but the Buck has a 420hc blade

[@UltraMagaFan]

If you lose knives I can see why you’d buy this. But as a person who has never lost one this is a hard pass for me. I’d rather spend $100 on a nicer knife that’ll last longer.

[@1Dakashi]

Well you were looking for the "zero" and found it by accident. The zero play 😂

[@olafkliemt1145]

when i read "Gerber" and "Budget" i always think that it will be 7Cr at best. when i heard "18 bucks" i thought 5Cr. well, what can i say ? edit: many Ganzos or Sanrenmus or Freetigers are sub 20 bucks and come with 8Cr or 440C and G10. edit2: ha, Kershaw comes to mind. 8Cr.

[@addictedtowarthunder4610]

That is a beautiful design

[@TheRydog61]

Just ordered one.

[@therealchrisbrown24]

Think I'm gonna get one.

[@edcgearpocketknife]

I feel that we could start seeing the edc community getting smaller. There a lot of companies also starting out. Will be interesting to which way the knife community and hobby goes.