Stop Letting Us Down Gerber! SUMO by GERBER GEAR

[@p40warhawk91]

Agreed 100%. It's absurd that they cannot step up their game on blade steel. Especially when virtually every other budget factory is using D2 at minimum these days.

[@PhillyFlyersss]

Oh they can step their game up, but they won't. Why? Because people willingly pay for the shit steel because their knives have the name and "cool" factor. Stop buying their products & they will change lol.

[@My_Name_Is_David]

@@PhillyFlyersss i think its mainly becuase MOST people don't know anything about knife steels.

[@mmmhorsesteaks]

I disagree on this. D2 is barely stainless. This is a workhorse knife that's going to get put away wet. You're not getting powder steel at this price point, so giving you something that's corrosion resistant and easy to sharpen makes much more sense to me. 7cr17mov isn't chinese pot metal guys, come on now let's keep a bit of perspective here.

[@John.VanSwearingen]

Gerber and CRKT keep making the same mistakes, despite their improvements in the last decade. Great designs, collaborations with great designers, generally good build quality… but Gerber keeps using 7CR steel, and CRKT keeps making knives with thick stock and edge geometry and/or assisting knives that absolutely don’t need assists.

[@tidge879]

Yeah, CRKT went hard on assisted knives this year and I don't understand it. The assist mechanisms were invented when it wasn't possible to make reliable budget flippers. They even took the LCK, a good budget flipper, and re-released it with an assist.... Why?! Even spyderco need to up their budget game with Civivi and CJRB in the game, you shouldnt be able to charge $60 for 8cr anymore.

[@The4cp]

I completely agree. There are so many CRKT knives with AMAZING designs and absolute garbage steel . They don't realize a D2 upgrade and a $50 to $65 price tag would put their earnings thru the roof. It's bad for us and worse for their business.

[@beaver6d9]

@@The4cp this 10000000% percent on crkt. Awesome designs, garbage materials and poor price point. And they don't even offer resharpening like kershaw, benchmade, and spyderco do.

[@DL-ij7tf]

You can get an Ontario Rat 1 I'm AUS8 for $25 or D2 for $40. The Ka-Bar Dozier in AUS8 for $20 and D2 for $35. The Cold Steel AirLite in AUS10 for $55 with the TriAd lock. All better deals

[@CrimsonCrux]

I have all three of those and I'd agree. The Dozier and RAT 1 in Aus 8 are going for peanuts right now. The AirLite's a real nice knife and slimline but the RAT 1's a personal fave for how much abuse it can take.

[@DL-ij7tf]

@@CrimsonCrux Yeah Rat 1 and 2s are so well made for how inexpensive they are. I have several and they're all so well made. Honestly you'd probably never need a better/costlier pocketknife for any real world use. I usually carry the 154cm Skeletool (love the tools for everyday/backup repairs) and a Cold Steel Code 4 for rough use, also a good deal at $75 for a big slab of S35VN.

[@tecnotrog1]

Gerber always finds a way to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory 🦉

[@richardbridges7962]

Must be run by Atlanta Falcons fans...

[@factorsofjack]

Majority of the people I know have no idea about blade steel. They recognize the name Gerber and think it's awesome. When I show them a Benchmade or Spyderco they've never heard of it. If I mention blade steels their eyes glaze over.

[@Phaminator525]

Design matters more than bladesteel but 7cr is really bad lol. They should've gone with sandvik or D2.

[@hunterglaspell5580]

That’s because most people don’t mind to sharpen their knife. The average person does not need anything better than 8cr. Companies releasing better steels is just pocket jewelry. Our country was built by men who used basic carbon steel knives. We don’t need the super steels. We WANT them.

[@Phaminator525]

@@hunterglaspell5580 yeah 8cr is good to go but I would say you definitely get a different experience with different steels. S30V for an example micro chips so the edge while being non serrated acts like a serrated blade and grabs onto slick materials for slicing. You also have to account toughness and lifespan. If you're sharpening a blade a lot you're taking metal off. If it's a skinny pocket knife then you'll shorten the lifespan by sharpening it every day

[@hunterglaspell5580]

@@Phaminator525 chemically speaking, 7cr and 8cr are within cuts of each other. There is no noticeable difference to anyone who isn’t doing a cut test and finding a 3 cut difference. It’s all marketing. For average edc tasks, any 8cr I’ve used lasts about as long as S30v. They all need sharpened at the end of the week for my job, regardless of hardness. Softer steels just make the process easier

[@Phaminator525]

@@hunterglaspell5580 in my experience that's not true. I've used 8cr and s30v before cutting cardboard at my warehouse. It's not even close. S30v will maintain a working edge far longer but will lose it's fine edge just as fast. 8cr is unusable after a day or two, but s30v will last a week before it no longer cuts.

[@RubyD80]

it makes no sense. They've made knives with s30v, 154cm and other great steels, on terrible designs. They make a bloody awesome design, and use a crappy 7cr17. I just don't understand why. Crikey, give me Sandvik even! People would happily pay $15-20 extra, even with 14c. Near miss, such a shame...

[@robrabil995]

In my mind, this is indicative of why Gerber's brand isn't worth what it used to be. They pinch pennies in the exact places where they should not be. On paper, 7cr is an objectively ok choice for an entry edc knife; but, actually using it in anything screams "we cut corners on the things that matter".

[@NavySooner]

Gerber hasn’t been worth anything for the last 30 years. There have only been a couple of products that have been worth paying for. I find it funny that people are just now realizing that Gerber is a letdown

[@andromacky4212]

Hey don't be rude to my bdz1 strongarm haha but true very true

[@bearhug72]

The Strongarm is a fantastic knife

[@realbroggo]

I fully agree. I would actually like to own a Gerber (love some of the designs) but I cannot bring myself to buy junk steel and mediocre build quality.

[@megacab]

I have the strongarm and a mp600 multitool that was issued to me. I have no other gerber products. I agree with gt on this knife. I like design, but the steel prevents me from buying it

[@cockyplopsnigga]

Stl 2.5 fits nice on a key chain, durable little shit that ages well and sharpens easy. Gerber designs good shit, out of shit. That's what's shitty about them. That's whats great about them. Lock them in a junkyard see what happens.

[@henryvandeventer2457]

Thanks, great and honest review. I get the criticism of the steel and I agree, they need to dump this steel. That said, I've had mine for 6 months. Got it as a present from the Mrs. and it's in my EDC rotation regularly. I've used it a lot and I've only touched up the blade once. It's actually been holding a decent edge

[@edcko10]

I looked at this knife for a while and that is exactly the reason why I didn't buy it. I liked the design so much i wouldn't mind paying $50 but give me at least D2 steel or even $70 and give me 14c28n or nitro v. I really liked the Sedulo too but I kept hearing bad things happening to people with it so I went with benchmade and never looked back 🤷‍♂️

[@madmartigan7723]

To me, 14c28n would be a perfect choice for this design at around $70

[@informationexchange4085]

The design is beautiful. I love forward weighted knives. It reminds me of my Jake Hobak Sumo, a virtually perfect premium knife. The problem is that Gerber knows that they'll sell 4 times more of this knife at $35, than a D2 at $60. It's business, volume over quality. The brand easily stays strong because of the large market share of their knives due to their budget price point. Gerber is everywhere - online and in large retail stores. Most people who want a budget knife aren't concerned about the blade quality too much, which is why the aesthetics of this knife is omnipotent. I want one just because of the eye candy design. First, the looks draws you in. Second, put it in your hands, "sense of possession" sales tactic. Third, it's only how much? Sold. Ingenious market strategy. Peace.

[@DShiflet01]

I recently got a Bestech Swordfish, 4 inch blade, D2 steel, 2 tone G10 scales, super smooth flipping action...cost me $50 and was worth every penny. I'd happily pay the same for this one in D2.

[@willbollman6246]

Funny I came across this video. Just yesterday I handled the sumo in a local shop. I loved it. I also handled the pilar 3 in D2 as well as a couple zt's, benchmades and kershaws. I had my eye on the sumo because I loved the design and price. I went limp when I saw the steel labeled on the tag. Immediately handed it back. I wound up walking out with the pilar 3 which in my opinion is quite possibly the best $50 D2/g10 knife I've come across...and I own a bunch of them....move over elementum, the pilar 3 is in town!

[@bocconom]

Such refreshing honesty along with the ability to say more in 9+ minutes that takes others an hour. As someone who is just now getting into the knives and looking to buy this information is invaluable. Thanks! New subscriber.

[@Critical_libertarian]

Most pocket knife carriers don't use their blades to the point where the steel strength would matter. Some steel snobs will complain about budget steel being used and when a better steel is utilized will complain about the price. I see that knife as something I wouldn't care to beat up and it wouldn't leave an $100 plus hole in my pocket if I lost it.

[@va941]

I had two centerdrives broke the same way/ first the main blade and then the driver...both during normal work duties...nothing CRAZY...am done with gerber...any suggestion for an new edc/work multitool? Am a carpenter by trade.

[@gideonstactical]

So would you say a wood saw is necessary? If yes the Leatherman rebar, wave or charge. If not Leatherman Bond or OHT?

[@gearlist]

Great detailed review here, really informative 👍

[@davidmace3310]

Always appreciate your honest reviews. Not afraid to say when u don’t like something. God bless. Safe journey.

[@joemamaisfat]

Great video as always! Thanks! I thought I'd let the viewers know my experience as well. I have had this knife for a few months now. It broke in beautifully, the lock is buttery smooth, no blade play at all. Sure we can all hate on the blade steel, but if you go into this piece with the right expectations, it's great. I got mine for $30 and it's been my most carried work knife. Takes a razor sharp edge, won't keep it for long but I don't mind sharpening it every once in a while. I actually sharpen my Sumo every weekend and I have no complaints. It's a REALLY good beater knife that I don't have to care about as much as I care about my BMs or Spydercos. The steel isn't brittle, doesn't really chip, easy to care for and just all in all great for what it is. I guess I'm trying to say that it's going to be perfect for people who are looking for a budget beater knife who have bigger hands.

[@BandGeek2210]

In 1985 l got my first Gerber…a Mark 2. I wan an infantryman in South Korea…serving on the DMZ. I like Gerber knives..l like CRKT knives as well…l go by the something beats nothing..and good enough is good to go train of thought. I’m also not a knife aficionado…..l make do with what l have.

[@realbroggo]

Even 8Cr would be an insult!! I would expect a knife of this size and design to be hard use and have hard use steel. Cheaping out on the steel just encourages people to buy Chinese brands offering similar knives in D2 and even S30/S35 and often with superior fit & finish. The whole purpose of a knife is to cut, slice, etc. which requires a good blade. It's almost deceptive - sucker people in with a great design that disguises the cheap steel. I agree with your comments re. 7Cr - it's junk. Appreciate the vid.

[@BazonBlades]

I worked as the senior sales person on the Gerber counter at SMKW for a couple of years and it was painful. I never understood why Gerber made some of the bad decisions they did. Even when they had a decent design they would screw it up in some way. Either with a terrible material or lackluster manufacturing quality. I handled thousands of Gerber knives, multi-tools and fieldcraft tools. I never recommend Gerber product to anyone. They are a brand I always avoid.

[@FlatCoon]

Would you avoid their multi tools?

[@BazonBlades]

@@FlatCoon, I actually like their 400 (compact) and 600 (full size)series multi-tools. I don't care for their cheaper tools.

[@alpine1600s]

CRKT bought all the 8cr available.🤣

[@paulmphoto]

I think the heat treat and geometry would make a bigger difference in edge retention between 8cr and 7cr than the steel itself since they are so similar in chemistry. 7cr is extremely rust resistant so would appeal to some.

[@jerrynewman1380]

You having a lot of fun....buck knifes are my favorite....

[@NGMonocrom]

Seriously, THAT was your deal-breaker? Thank you, Aaron; I just ordered this knife. As bad as you believe that to be, at least it isn't modern-day, budget (garbage) D2 that is so ridiculously brittle that it snaps like glass!

[@70ksingh]

Still gonna get one for the Gerber Side of my collection. Food prep at most with that one....on a Nylon Cutting board lol! Fidget toy at least lol! Awesome info provided man. Thanks.

[@Intoxacajun]

Totally agree, just picked this one and the highbrow on blowout for around $15 apiece and they are typical Gerber, close but nah. The market set the price, its worth about $15. Gas station knife steel. Great design though. I don't even know what they were thinking with the Highbrow. A knife with a lock? Love the design of the Sumo though. Gonna be a great work beater that if I lose or break it OK.

[@tacworx2]

Funny to see this video just finished hydro cutting a s30 blade for my Sumo gonna get it all finished up hopefully this weekend . The feel of the knife is sweet and fits my oversized paws but blade steel was a issue

[@HenryPipes]

This looks like the Spyderco Shaman meets the Benchmade axis lock. They need to mill out the liners to get it down to 4.5 ounces and put at least some D2 steel on there without charging us more than $50. Great design but critical flaws.

[@alphaandomegaministry2718]

Gerber are not making mistakes make no mistake. Their eyes are wide open. A mistake is a one-off but this company keeps doing this. Forget fancy locks, G10, space-age looks, fancy grinds, gimping etc etc etc..... a blade is only as good as the steel. That's why an Opinel 8 carbon (a piece of wood riveted to a piece of steel) will always be awesome in the field. Why? because the carbon steel and grind rocks! Why not pay a little more than the Gerber and go for a good honest knife? CS RanchBoss II. Style, heft, 4"blade, SK5 carbon steel, built like a tank, lovely thick leather sheath and can be handed down to your grandchildren and still be in good working order.

[@chrisreuther4546]

My wife got me a Gerber Sedulo for Christmas… even had it customized… the blade walked way to the side and the action suddenly got terrible when it happened. I have been trying to use their warranty got one response requesting pictures… sent the pictures and got no response

[@hunterglaspell5580]

Gerbers warranty page has been down lately. Maintenance. Should be back up soon enough

[@bassackwards8422]

Gerber's custom shop doesn't QC check. Ever. Two knives custom made and both arrived either with uneven bevels and dull or with stripped screws.

[@chrisreuther4546]

@@bassackwards8422 that’s terrible! Mine came pretty good… but something is wearing odd and the blade drifted way off center and the action got really baf

[@oceanswithnoend]

Great review! I love this blade, but… you’re absolutely rite about the blade steel quality. I’ve been taking this camping. Blade started to get some chipping. Got really tired of having to sharpen after every single time I used it for tasks. Still love the blade, don’t get me wrong. But I use it as a chef knife for camp cooking now and fidget factory is still as fun as the day I purchased the sumo.

[@Jsmith9055]

It sounds like a case of "old habits die hard", especially over at Geber. They've been doing pretty well for the last few years, but they still have the occasional misstep

[@qui-gone]

The steel is such a bummer

[@adrianjagmag]

I think they launch the 7cr and 8cr versions to see if there is demand, if there isn't they're not out much since 7cr, 8cr is dirt cheap and also very easy to work with, if there is demand they come out with the design in upgraded steels...

[@gideonstactical]

Right, I am saying they could make the same knife with 8cr/9cr/or AUS-8A at the same price. $40 or less. 7cr should be reserved for $20 knives or less. OKC, Kabar, CRKT and Cold steel can do it, why can’t Gerber?

[@bobbyd4400]

I liked the new ultimate survival knife design then found out it was 7cr and China made for 60 bucks totally go with strong arm for that price

[@henryvandeventer2457]

Strongarm is a beast. Love it

[@timothykitzmann3124]

Totally agree with you. Love to see it in at least a 9crmov.

[@robertanderson1015]

THIS is why I trust you. You give fair and honest reviews, you aren’t in the back pockets of manufacturers. You are an educated pastor who fortunately remained a regular dude who, over time, developed expertise in another field through your personal use of tools combined with research. Your review was essentially glowing for all the other aspects of the knife. So you weren’t hammering the whole thing. It’s the steel and steel alone that obviously frustrates you. AND YOU ARE RIGHT. So thank you for correctly giving us the caution about this particular Gerber product.

[@mikezeee4871]

What an excellent review and right on point. Refreshingly honest and highly accurate. He points out exactly why I would not buy this knife. And he has given sound advice to Gerber. Hopefully they are not so arrogant that they won't listen to such a smart knife expert. Keep up the Great reviews!

[@michaelclarkson1376]

I won’t even carry 8cr anymore. I have a bunch of 8cr blades from before I learned about steels but I just don’t carry them anymore. D2 or VG-10 is my bare minimum. Most of my knives are in the S30 or S35 range.

[@jnreedy]

Exactly! bought 2 of them . Love the design , could be my favorite folder. But.......... they dont hold an edge for sh.t!

[@STEWDEE]

Use to be a Gerber fan for many years. Not no more. I rely on Benchmade or ZT..Amazing designs with ultra premium blade steel options. Best of all made in da USA! 👍

[@evile1174]

I agree 💯. Love your vids bro- your reviews are always great, to the point, entertaining and informative! Keep up the great work!

[@jacobyeo4315]

It just shows that Gerber executives should work more closely with knife designers to come up with more harmonious product design & material which obviously is what all informed consumers craved for.

[@dennisdamenace.8181]

Not familiar with that steel is it like 440a or 420 or worse.

[@gideonstactical]

Chinese equivalent of the AISI 440A stainless steel. Strictly speaking, this is not the standard name, 7Cr17 is, there is no 7Cr17MoV neither in GB/T 20878 nor in GT/T 1220 standard specifications. While the standard lists up to 0.75% Molybdenum in the composition, Vanadium is not mentioned at all. So, that V at the end of the name doesn't really mean much. There are some sources listing it with 0.04% Vanadium, but that's very little to seriously affect steel performance.

[@dualsportoutdoors]

In the $30-40 range I’d say D2 or 14C28N would be the minimum

[@edwardwnewland]

Id pay $60 even for 14C. Minimum should be 440c/D2 IMO

[@dragonclaw88]

Love the Sumo..id for sure pay to have this in a better steel!

[@starlingblack814]

Years ago I had a Gerber hunting/skinning knife that I carried across Alaska. It was a good sharp knife that I processed much game with. Lately I have not seen much I like from them. So sorry about this one because it is a great looking blade. Thanks Aaron for an informative honest video.

[@alexortega7374]

Well said. I totally agree. It is sooooo frustrating !

[@TheBilboTN]

I agree! Make it with good steel, made in the US, and charge around $100. They will sell like hotcakes in a lumberjack camp.

[@Crosswalker.]

The one and only Gerber i have is the Strongarm, enough for my needs 😁

[@Mr_Santo5]

Gerber really should focus on bringing more USA made product to the line. I really liked their Edict, Strongarm, and the Premium Gator series, but then they go and make stuff like this and I lose interest.

[@optimuscrime608]

100% agree. I don’t even know why knife companies waste their time with anything less than 154cm or s30v

[@matthewadler1329]

Thank you! Maybe hearing it from Aaron will make a difference, because honestly Gerber...its insulting at this point. I also found this knife very attractive, but the steel is a dealbreaker. Thanks for giving it straight GT! It's why I watch.

[@gideonstactical]

Thanks Matthew!

[@aaronburnett3101]

I saw it and immediately thought “Gerber Shaman.” Too bad this isn’t in S30V or S35VN.

[@p40warhawk91]

I thought the same thing... then got the big let down. Gerber sucks.

[@plungerman3943]

I bought the gerber sumo a while back but when I got there was a blade play and when I shake the knife a little you can feel it and ever since then I've been trying to tighten the blade but it hasn't worked and that's the only thing I don't like about it and I was just wondering if there is anything I can do or should I just send it back

[@MrJakedog104]

Aesthetically this reminds me of the Benchmade Superfreek

[@MihaiFischer]

saw it at a gas station and was "woaa, that looks nice" so I got it. it came with the tip bent, and the paint on the red lines is already chipping off. pity since the g10 handles are sweet and I liked the overall design

[@realbroggo]

Sounds like the steel wasn't the only thing they went cheap on. Poor steel, poor build quality, does Gerber want to give us anymore reasons not to buy their knives?

[@alpine1600s]

Tactical gone STEEL SNOB?! 😱🤣

[@jeffreyphillips9303]

7CR17MOV or not Ive used this knife daily for over a year, and that's hard use and never one issue. This knife has great corrosion resentence, decent edge retention and holds up to hard use. Verified> I have some expensive knives that held up less than this knife. 7CR17MOV Is not a horrible steel like you are portraying. Its hardness depends on how its heat treated and as a knife maker, I know the importance of heat treating of ANY steel. This knife has been tough as nails for me. So , maybe stop talking about things you really don't understand. Yes, of course, there are much better steels, but for the price of this knife and 61 on the Rockwell (Tested MY Sumo professionally) it a great budget knife for the price.

[@plasticoflamingo2952]

I agree. I, also, wish that Gerber would reissue the super sweet, double-edged, hollow ground boot knife they put out in the 80's. And budget vs quality is becoming a big issue, these days. Not only in knives. I'd pay $50, or so, for a SUMO with better q steel.

[@butchcassidy3373]

Yeah I got the old mark 1 from the seventies. Found it for twenty bucks at a pawn shop. The only Gerber I own. Benchmade and Protech are the way to go.

[@elijahclark6093]

This could have replaced the super freak for me if it had decent steel

[@tojejedno5501]

Finally someone told it! Absolutely agree. I always loved the design, but the steel...Didn't byu it just because. Hope that Gerber CEO is watching and wil fix it. Thank's for video.

[@awood825]

I feel like I have been on the D2 steel kick on my pocket knives for awhile. I bought this knife even though I knew the blade steel. I really wanted an axis style lock knife.

[@youngrc212]

100% agree. It needs a steel that has some advantage. Tough or good edge retention. 154, D2, or upgraded to S35 or something. If it had a better steel, I'd jump on it at double the price and probably buy an extra as a gift.

[@cardiacbob]

I was wondering where you were going with this. I bought the blade several months ago as my working blade when I broke my old Buck 110 and I love all the things you love about it, but the blade steel is soft. I'm having to constantly hone the edge. I didn't know what type of steel it was, but I knew it was cheap. But I just told myself that "you bought a cheap knife, what did you expect!?"

[@gonad84]

I recently sharpened 3 pocket knives for my dad. 2 were so easy. The third was horrible I couldn't even get it to form a burr. After the fourth attempt I just mirror polished the edge without a burr. It's sharpish. Btw it is 7cr junk.

[@The4cp]

Just send your 110 in. A blade replacement is only $10. They even give a free clean and polish. I was really hoping to buy the Sumo. I read the description and cried. Most times that steel can't be sharpened because it's too low quality.

[@cardiacbob]

@@The4cp it literally won't hold an edge. that's for the info on he buck. She's an oldie, but I'll send her in. I broke an inch off the tip, b/c I was abusing it... |-(

[@alaskaraftconnection-alask3397]

I'm not a steel snob by any stretch... I'll focus or weigh in priorities given design to fit function suitability. That said... 7cr steels are China variants of 440A, typical of budget and beginner knives. Is Gerber all that off and out to lunch to use it? NO... Especially not for a beginner, budget friendly, general purpose outdoor folding knife. How is this a let down to have affordable, general purpose outdoor folders that may perform 'well-enough'???

[@jackbax8514]

Well said, bro man! Let’s hope that knife manufacturers across the board pay heed to that.

[@ericbest9562]

I just found one of these on the dirt road Infront of my house today, not ran over or damaged in any way, it's such a coincidence because I was looking for a full size lock blade for EDC. I usually wear a sheath knife/ fixed blade but it's not always ideal. It might not be the best blade out there but for free, I'll take it! I don't know how sharp it will stay but after hitting it with a stone then a ceramic rod it will split hair.

[@hostilemgtow603]

They should've made the blade outta AUS8 steel, that would've been a perfect steel choice for price point, and effectiveness for this model.

[@bassackwards8422]

D2 would have been better at no additional cost. AUS8 is garbage.

[@hostilemgtow603]

@@bassackwards8422 LOL 😂. Another steel prejudice immature little kid minded man huh ⁉. Ok little guy, I'll agree with you because I know that'll make you feel better LOL 😂.

[@Nudel-nc1cp]

@@hostilemgtow603 What's wrong with u dude? He is right. AUS8 is basically 8cr garbage steel. D2 is just slightly more expensive but perform way better than both of them. Properly heat treated D2 is on par with cpm154 and sometimes s30v.

[@hostilemgtow603]

@@Nudel-nc1cp Ok I agree. But keep in mind that different people have different experiences with different steels.

[@Nudel-nc1cp]

@@hostilemgtow603 I'll take that. Anyway... I think Aaron is also a bit wrong here aswell. Switching from 7cr to 8cr or even 420hc wouldn't give any noticeable difference in edc use. Switching to D2, Sandvik 14c28n or even 154cm is much better option in my opinion.

[@ronbisti4352]

There are some great people working at Gerber and they do make quality stuff like the Fastball made at their US factory along with the Sharkbelly. If they went with D2 on the overseas stuff they wouldn’t lose many budget consumers and they would gain so many more knife people who are in the know.

[@diegoiglesis8869]

SOG and Gerber allways have presented this issue. I live in Chile, and the knives I buy must be the best bang for the buck, because I am generally paying twice as you are in the USA. I never ever buy SOG or Gerber because of this issues. Thans fot the channel, I always check it out before buying.

[@zippolover5385]

D2 should be the go to steel for knife makers now in my opinion!

[@ojibwayinca8487]

I'm new to knives, so I don't know anything about different steel types. You should do a video about that.

[@gideonstactical]

I will see what I can do. 😀

[@colinburgess9455]

There plenty of content on knife steels on KZbin, if you are interested enough. Just as long as you don’t get carried away and become snobbish about it, 7cr however doesn’t even rate inclusion in the subject.

[@Elrond_Hubbard1]

Trust me, you wouldn't think so, but the amount of snobbery when it comes to blade steel will shock you. At 36 bucks and all the things he loved about this knife, it's a deal breaker because he'll have to sharpen it more often than most. If you need a knife for regular use around home and work, this knife is wonderful. Don't waste time going down the blade steel rabbit hole with these idiots because they're the same people that crap on Buck using 420. And Buck has been around what, almost a hundred years making quality blades?

[@colinburgess9455]

@@Elrond_Hubbard1 I own several buck knives new and old, there are better steels than 420 these days, that doesn’t make 420 bad, just old like me. Some people expect their knives to hold an edge longer than 7cr, me included. I remember when you just bought a knife, steel wasn’t much of an option, now it is, so why waste money on 7cr when you can have better at a similar price.

[@dennishein2812]

Unfortunately many of us can’t afford better steels. I know I can’t. You know that $15 /hr that they say people need to survive? Some of us are still in that $5/hr area with no hope of gaining but still need a knife. I still prefer carbon steel myself.

[@gideonstactical]

Right, I am saying they could make the same knife with 8cr/9cr/or AUS-8A at the same price. $40 or less. 7cr should be reserved for $20 knives or less. OKC, Kabar, CRKT and Cold steel can do it, why can’t Gerber?

[@dennishein2812]

@@gideonstactical good point but I noticed buck is also using 7cr

[@tfisher808]

Great video. After watching your video I thought MAYBE another knife purchase, but when I read the other reviews on Amazon I said no way. Thanks

[@edwardwnewland]

Should have been in D2 or 14c28n, or even VG10, and just charged $50 for it, then it would be great

[@chronovore3726]

Other companies use D2 or 14C28N at the same price. This is just plain unacceptable in 2021.

[@sharingallgoodfruit8513]

Charge more but use high quality steel. This is a Very cool knife!

[@dennykitchens8598]

I have had mine for over a year now. I use it every day it's a good knife for guys with big hands. I do is give it 5 or 6 swipes with a fine steal ones a week and it's nice and sharp.a review is to me is just a suggestion that's how I look at it

[@Spartan808]

I love how honest n real your reviews are n u show you using the knife in the vids. If u haven't done a review yet, would u be able to review the Gerber Ayako pls?

[@joeroth7140]

Well said Aaron

[@robertchato3040]

Aaron I agree! I have several Gerbers, but get frustrated by the cheap quality on the blade.

[@mikehook2835]

I agree and thanks for letting us know

[@mikeh4711]

I think you hit the 7CR nail on the head with this - just when we see a great new design from a USA company, which there are not enough of, they use garbage tier steel - thanks for the great review!

[@rickkerans8485]

Oh so close. Was all for it. I would pay 50 to 60 for 14C28N or 40 to 50 for D2 eventhough I am tired of D2 somewhat. Great looking knife what a bummer on the steel. Don't know about it.

[@eleveneleven9068]

For camping and every day tasks plus getting you out of most binds in a post apocalyptic world-Just keep a leathermans handy,it does the job

[@operatormac7960]

I have this knife and can personally attest to everything said here. Great knife, but really bad blade sharpness retention. It’s the second best Gerber I own next to the Strong Arm.

[@sogeking9395]

The only thing I own made by Gerber are both of my strong arms and my trusty Gerber dime The bdz steel Gerber strong arm and one regular strong arm are probably my two favorite knives. I won't touch any of their stuff until I see an epic gauntlet knife appear again

[@jkamp]

Damn, this is sad. This looks like a great blade. In S35VN I would be all over this. I'd even be okay with D2 if the price was right. I won't even touch 8cr. 7cr is junk. This is so disappointing. Why is Gerber becoming the BlackBerry of the knife world?

[@TylrVncnt]

8cr really isn’t bad at all, better than most D2 frm budget manufacturers cuz it’s got a wayyy less finicky heat treat. Don’t be a snob lol.. 7cr is nottt great tho

[@jkamp]

@@TylrVncnt 8cr is absolutely not as good as even the worst D2. lol.

[@davidtate166]

I don't love 8cr13 much .it's fair .the knive should be at least D2.😳

[@chrisreuther4546]

Have you given any thought to trying a W.R. Case Mid-Folding Hunter with their assist technology?

[@RickCrueger]

I 100% agree with you!

[@maxlvledc]

14c28n, home run with that steel at 61hrc

[@uralbob1]

I have this knife. I love it for all the reasons you do, but you are right about the blade steel. I was expecting better :-(

[@joshuatitus1299]

I couldn’t agree more fell in love with this design and the way it operates but the minute I had to re-sharpened I realize real quick steel material it’s just not gonna hold up so now sadly I’ve made it my dedicated letter opener for that it works great .

[@4lifejeph]

What shirt you got on there sir?

[@gideonstactical]

60/40 blend LAPG.com. Really nice fit and feel is good.

[@4lifejeph]

@@gideonstactical Thanks for the response. I'm going to check them out.

[@4lifejeph]

@@gideonstactical The site says its 100%. Not that it matters though.

[@troymanning3150]

That sucks! Truly cool design. I thought Gerber finally figured this knife thing out. Thanks Aaron.

[@alpine1600s]

It's the factory. And possibly contractual. The same is thing happening with K-Bar's made in China folders. Except they went all the way down to 5cr.🤣

[@szakacselod8452]

Their bladesteel choice will only change if their target customer group changes. Imo they are happy with this setup because people who buy at walmart and such are used to tin can steel for knives. There are lots of knife enthusiasts on forums and specialized channels, but if you consider the general population (and that Gerber is also known and sold overseas), it is really hard to make a step in this direction (improving blade steel), whan you don't get this kind of feedback from the overwhelming majority. Compared to no name knives this steel is actually not awful. And that is actually a little bit sad for us, knifeguys... but now it looks like they have found some solution by starting a more elite line. It's just pity that there are some excellent designs that went down the drain...

[@ClintHollingsworth]

I just bought one. Works great.

[@longbow77032]

As soon as you said except for one thing, I knew you were going to say steel. I LOVE the Sumo design and would happily pay $60-$75 if it came with a slab of Oregon stainless in it. I'm really getting tired of knives with blades made of recycled non-stick Tramontina frying pans.