The Gerber Knives Fastball Pocketknife: The Full Nick Shabazz Review

Today, we'll take a look at a shockingly good knife from Gerber, which is a few small tweaks and a QC improvement away from being a Gem, the Gerber Fastball.

[@pearlssbu8749]

Hearing that “Hey everybody its nick heya” makes my day

[@The4cp]

Nick Shabazz brought me from the flea market to the knife world. I owe him.

[@patrickvanovermeeren4513]

Never was interested in Gerber , but this seems to be a large step in the right direction.Thanks for sharing!

[@mountainmanwatchreviews8081]

At $70 this would be a lot more compelling but still nice to see gerber getting away from Bear grylls wal mart knives.

[@ChuckBeefOG]

Yes. My dad bought me a 154cm Gator back in the day. They used to make great knife that werent blaze orange.

[@The4cp]

Yeah they really really hurt themselves with the whole Bear Grylls thing. The Strong Arm and the 06 auto were great but most people know the Walmart stuff.

[@burgknife758]

I had one of those gators in like 1999 also bought my wife at the time one both are now gone .wouldent mind having the gator back lol

[@matthewmcnabb7437]

tony v gators are still pretty great, I have the folder in 420hc and it’s a great beater and fishing knife. Sharpens easily enough, grippy handle, good lock up, can’t complain for the $25 I paid

[@rickeybullington68]

I agree.

[@jamesbarisitz4794]

Wow. Probably the most balanced review ever done. By anyone. As soon as Gerber gets on with your suggestions, I'm gonna buy 2 as well.👍

[@exb9sx]

Bought both, Dividend and Fastball. After 2 months to using both I have found the Gerber to be superior in finish, overall quality and edge retention by a wide margin. Although both are great the Kershaw as good as it is will probably wind up in the tool box and the Gerber will be my EDC..

[@Drumdudeck]

Who else noticed the sharpening choil as soon as he pulled the second one out 😂

[@johnj.baranski6553]

who else cares about that.

[@edstringer1138]

John why are you on this channels comments if you dont. This channel is about the little nuances that make up pocket knives and good humor . You are clearly in the wrong neighborhood , feel free to leave and take your bad attitude with you

[@robgoose8126]

@@johnj.baranski6553 yeah who cares about quality control and expects the same product to look the same leaving the factory.

[@sethR69S]

One is an early production example and one is revised to give the sharpeners a little more room to work without kissing the leading radius of scale with the belt. FYI.

[@NPonlamuangsri]

Ahem...it’s pronounced “sha-pening choil”.

[@arcadely]

Hmm... Nick's going to the Gerber factory. I sense an impending bloodbath.

[@NickShabazz]

At least they're just inviting me. If they had all the reviewers, I'd worry about a red wedding sort of thing!

[@frankrice1253]

Why ??

[@deanalbertson7203]

Gerber should use S30V steel on more of their knives.

[@grumpyoldwizard]

Reminds me of a Leek. It looks like it would need gun grip tape or something similar to keep it from being slippery. I don’t enjoy getting cut. They could always just stamp “Bear Grylls” on the defective ones and people will expect the defect. :)

[@ChuckBeefOG]

If you’re going to say that, you might as well call all titanium scales slippery and needs grip tape.. im not sticking grip tape on my ZT’s or Spydercos lol.

[@thomash4578]

I agree that $100 is a serious price with a lot of competition

[@winchesterinc.5643]

I like the design but I haven’t bought one because of some of the points you make. I’m sure they’ll fine tune for future release. House of blades has a Kershaw Dividend exclusive with the deep carry clip and same steel for $90. USA made too. Thanks for the info. 👍🏽

[@Antimonyish]

If you told me I'd consider buying a Gerber one day, I would have asked you to put me out of my misery right there and then. But recently they've put out a lot of decent knives, and I'm turning around.

[@AriMWeinstein]

"Die tear." Did not know that term until now, thank you!

[@NickShabazz]

I didn't either! I've got much to learn in all this.

[@pearlssbu8749]

Nick Shabazz lmao

[@davidmarshall7752]

"If somebody who gives a damn gets one of 'em they will send it home, tell their friends, and mentally file Gerber away in the junk drawer". No truer words ever spoken. Great presentation.

[@dpotts]

I had a Gerber multitool back in the day before Gerber started their downhill slide. It was an amazing tool. I still have it, I still use it, and I’m glad to see Gerber wants to get back to that quality.

[@PenguinConspiracyProject]

I was actually interested in one until I saw this. Gerber has never been on my list of decent manufactures but I kind of hoped they had stepped up their game. Which it seems they have, but that shows how far they fell more than how far they've come.

[@TheScottyp1]

i have been waiting so patiently for them to do something like this. ima pick it up. i will be keeping an eye on them now instead of passing them over.

[@wood-youknowit]

This is a great review. Gerber should listen and act to your evaluation. They should also pay you. You told them what is wrong and how to fix it, a true engineer. Thanks.

[@itsaknifestyle8482]

Very interesting piece I like the intentions of Gerber, but for the price the fit and finish needs to be better for me.

[@Otaaaz]

I’m not even in the market for a knife but I watch this cause it’s a beautiful thing

[@DurdleKing]

I am so glad to see that Gerber was able, after all of these years, to design the Kershaw Leek. Truly innovative. Really, though, I like the design a lot. :D

[@oddsavage]

That's so funny and so true.

[@drameday]

At least it’s unassisted. But yeah, you’re pretty much on point.

[@thomasmaloney843]

Looks like a Dividend. That is okay though.

[@maxguitarhero]

So... I take it the blade doesn't fall or swing shut? Good review. The thickness behind the edge and the edge itself were issues I was looking for, glad you brought them up.

[@SkyPhoenixGear-Collectibles]

I love the action but mine would tear cardboard due to the edge thickness. I had to really lay the edge back with a 220 grit water stone for it to cut decently. Great vid!

[@hunterglaspell5580]

Mine doesn’t have the QC issues yours had so it’s a gem to me. But QC does need improved

[@papasauce234]

Well I mean the fact yours was fine and his had issues only shows how bad the QC is. But I'm glad yours was fine, trust me I've gotten plenty of QC issues on some knives I've bought for more than $100 and it sucks, I wouldn't wish it upon anyone else in the knife community.

[@hunterglaspell5580]

Duh Doy most of my buddies who got theirs are also perfect out of the box. Most of the QC issue ones were early release models. First batch if you will. Any stragglers are standard 1 in 100 bad knives that every company, yes even Spyderco in my experience, put out. It is unfortunate, but Gerbers QC is not much different than the competition. And their warranty isn’t either. Sent a early centerdrive multitool back. They didn’t just fix it. They sent me a brand new one that was good to go. So I’d say they are doing good here and I hope people see it.

[@The4cp]

Good to see Gerber trying again. After Bear Grylls and the bendy rubber steel I wrote them off. I hope they pull a comeback.

[@eltordo61]

now, with the Kershaw Dividend, with steel M390 is available, it would be great to see a comparison between the two...

[@johnbowen5336]

If it weren't so Wedgie Behind The Edgie and priced at about $75, this would be a real contender.

[@soulzzplaysgames]

Really? For some people S30V is not good enough anymore?

[@mountainmanwatchreviews8081]

I know right? A year ago 8cr was ok and d2 was great now its m390 or it sucks. Hilarious.

[@thomash4578]

There are some steel snobs out there

[@The4cp]

I don't get it either. I have some issues with 8cr. But everything from 154 cm up is more than adequate.

[@BrentonCarr]

This is a compelling knife and I'm glad Gerber is making more quality blades, but as long as the kershaw dividend in m390 exists for less money, I'll pass.

[@sprtstr96]

EDC elephant how's it going man? The Kershaw Dividend is my favorite edc but I've never seen the M390 version for less than $100. Do you have a link? Thanks

[@krishtiangonzalez]

@@sprtstr96 Google kershaw dividend m390 blade hq, it's the first link

[@michaelrogers6008]

I feel like this knife competes directly with the Kershaw Bareknuckle and I feel like the bareknuckle is at a more appropriate price point and the fit and finish of mine is excellent. When I first saw this I was really excited but I decided to pass because of your review but I really hope they reiterate this knife and continue trying.

[@frankrice1253]

Yes - dietear = whats known as "sheer & break" it shows up anytime steal is stamped or sheered. Most times it cannot be tumbled out. Its intresting that Gerber has decided to build a dedicated die, for these knives. I think it would have been much more cost efficient to program a waterjet, or laser, to produce these parts. It may suggest, Gerber plans on running this model, for many many years to come. I hope it works for them. I too, would like to see Gerber make a comeback. Thanks Nick. Good reveiw.

[@sputumtube]

Wranglerstar recently reviewed this model and favourably compared it to his trusty old 940.

[@toejamr1]

Do people listen to that guy?

[@sputumtube]

@@toejamr1 Lol.... well I did..!!!

[@Blingem14]

Thanks! I was going to grab one. I’ll wait to see if they clean it up via your recommendations

[@stewbob6650]

I've carried this knife for about a year now the clip became loose an I lost a couple screws I managed to find a screw to fit the clip an the screw in the middle is lost but it seems not needed other then that it's strong detent losses after awhile but still stronger then out of the box spiderco after a year lockup is still soild as it gets an flips out like a light switch super thin in the pocket for 100 bucks it's so good s30v American made 💪 its the best Gerber ive had for sure

[@alexanderbertallo1995]

Sweet piece... unfortunately too small for my hands... hope they make a big version: 3.7" blade, 4.7" handle...

[@alexanderbertallo1995]

@Owen Dejong I know... but look how much hand estate you loose from your index finger to the blade... like 2 cm...

[@Viking_Kong]

I had high hopes for this knife, but I also received one with a bad blade grind. If it cost me $30, I'd probably be willing to let it slide, but at $100, that's just not acceptable. Because of this, I'm more than likely going to pass on anything else they offer up in the future.

[@tabachoy54]

Thanks for honest review. Subscribed

[@paulpatriot1776]

Great review, I didn’t realize it was as small as the RAT2, (which I own). I’m looking for something a bit larger. 👍🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@jaredgarner6290]

I had similar Q.C. issues with the blade not being sharpe and uneven, got mine from bladeHQ.

[@MethodOverRide]

Did you send it back?

[@jaredgarner6290]

@@MethodOverRide I did not. With it being a "beater" knife anyway I didn't feel like spending more $$ for shipping and handling. I just sharpened it up myself.

[@midnightreport118]

You're coming to my neck of the woods!! The Portland is a fantastic place to visit, and I'm curious (and a bit skeptical) as to how Gerber plans to come back from years of pandering mediocrity.

[@yanksmc7]

Hey Nick, love the reviews. Have you heard that NY/NYC changed their knife laws? I can now finally carry a knife that isn't a plastic one that happened to be included with my take out food! Time to give BladeHQ all my money!

[@cloudcleaver23]

They did? Was it judicial precedent or legislation? How much changed?

[@yanksmc7]

cloudcleaver23 They removed all mentions of “gravity knife” from the law. So NYers are no longer limited to non locking knives. As long as the blade is under 4” and not automatic, then It’s legal. The only area where knives are illegal to carry are in the subways Look up the bill “A5944” for more info. NY had been trying to get this passed for 3 years and it finally passed.

[@PunnyRabbit]

The only thing that has changed is that we can carry most locking folding knives now (still illegal in the subway and pocket clips are still "brandishing" however). Retailers still do not ship to NY/NYC unfortunately.

[@yanksmc7]

PunnyRabbit BladeHQ ships to me. I’ve ordered about 4-5 Spyderco’s and Benchmades from them in the last 2 months. Amazon also ships to me, I bought my dad a Benchmade Bugout on Amazon for fathers day

[@cloudcleaver23]

Pocket clips are brandishing. 9_9 That's one of the stupidest things I've heard all year. At least it's getting better for y'all up there, but good God you're buried under a pile of idiotic laws.

[@william1973ist]

Great honest review. I had a bad experience with the sample they had at Shot Show. I can appreciate the effort that you're pointing to for certain. But really, that's a 80 dollar knife at best. And they're QC needs some attention as you say. The "overtravel" on the model they had out for people to handle was unacceptable. The nice thing about that blade design is they have bunch of options they can go to while they work out QC hopefully.

[@5hoyuChicken]

Like others have said...this looks A LOT like the Kershaw Dividend. Although, the M390 Dividend (which is also USA made, BTW) has better blade steel. I'm thoroughly happy with my Dividend M390, and am glad Gerber has taken a step in the right direction.

[@Alex.V98]

Someone let me know... should I buy the fastball or the para 3 lightweight

[@eks9225]

That looks sweet I’m going to pick one up soon. You’re really interesting compared to other reviewers

[@darylnd]

Nick, I hope someone at Gerber is listening to you. I'd spring for a Fastball 2, incorporating your design recommendations and real QC, in a heartbeat (one additional request: a satin blade, please). Decades ago, a friend presented me with a beautiful Gerber slip joint. Great blade, about 2" long, but one of the mother-of-pearl scales fell off after a couple of years. Around that time, I bought another Gerber for myself as a duty knife. That one didn't impress: out of the box, it was difficult to distinguish the edge from the spine and returning it for a factory sharpening didn't help much. That was when I bought my first knife from the new kid on the block, Spyderco. Any time I heard of Gerber, I just thought, "Rubbish." That feeling only intensified when I started seeing the Bear Grylls armchair warrior stuff. So I'm really pulling for Gerber to change my opinion of them.

[@KageNoTora74]

Nick, have you ever reviewed the Ozark Trails model 5514? At 3 1/2" it's a decently useful size. Blade steel is 3Cr13, equivalent to 420J2 stainless steel, not a fantastic steel but sufficient for a knife with a sub $7 price tag. It's a touch thick and the pocket clip is neither deep pocket nor tip up carry. I beat a Spam tin up with it and the edge held up to it. It's not the best knife of all time, but it seems to be the Hi Point pistol of pocket knives. It's chunky and there are better made knives on the market but at the price point it's surprisingly good.

[@Shanes_Sharp_Sheet]

I'm rooting for Gerber, I want them to good, but I agree that they missed some things here

[@cagneybillingsley2165]

sounds like a movie script from a mafia movie or something. amazing verbal talent

[@habibfeghali1261]

Thanks for the review Nick! Just curious- when will you and Tony release the GearGeeks episode with this designer? Sounds like itll be an interesting episode to listen to...

[@kurtandrews7450]

I bought one last year that was very disappointed. The lockup was way past 50% and the centering was abysmal. I bought another one today, on sale for 20% off. We'll see. I'm rooting for them, but this is probably the last chance, from me.

[@aztexanguy]

Alright Doc, I have a question. Does it not enable a knife maker to continue to disregard QC if I give them my money knowing that it's a roll of the dice? I could always return the Fastball if mine arrives low and outside, but to what end? I saw the Fastball a few weeks ago and was ready to play ball, but I was really put out by the mixed reviews. What are they are batting with you, .500? That's great in baseball but shameful for an 80-year-old US knife company. I'm sure I would love it if I got a home run, but I'm debating riding the bench on this one. Thoughts?

[@NickShabazz]

I think you're probably costing them more money by making them make it right. But I agree, as a community, we need to be clear that bad QC means fewer purchases.

[@aztexanguy]

@@NickShabazz Yeah, I liked your point about the cost of losing an entire generation. There is also the value of reclaiming any that were previously lost. As a kid, I remember when Gerber set the bar. They were silky smooth and had so much more attention to the fit and finish than other knives. My dad had a Gator he got from Eddie Bauer, with a curved blade that must have been bead blasted. I can still remember how it felt in my hand. It was a Gem all day long, albeit it might have made your Murdery list. That's what I want to see Gerber get back to. Solid, grippy, ergonomic, highly finished, sometimes Murdery, USA made knives.

[@edm2822]

I picked up one. Overall happy at $100. Wish it was $20 cheaper but there is a whole list of knives I feel like that. Green finish on mind gives a good grip. Detent is a little strong but wow, when it opens it opens with authority! At $100 some won’t care for it. At $80, everyone should like it!

[@rodrigoteresa7944]

How cool would it be if CRKT and Gerber got their mojo back

[@thedrmurchindise]

Crkt is sitting in a pretty good spot in the sense that they make great introductory knives and have the capability to become so much more. Gerber has a handful of nice offerings but hasnt impressed me in some time.

[@rodrigoteresa7944]

@@thedrmurchindise CRKT has great designs but their QC and materials kinda suck. Gerber has the same problems as CRKT but has way fewer good designs imo

[@petecwalina8789]

I would be interested if You could review the US Assist from Gerber and get Your take on it..Personally, owning One I dont think its that Bad.. I received a Fastball from my Boys for Christmas and you were Spot On, I like it and I hope that its a sign of Good Things to Come from Gerber

[@alexanderbertallo1995]

It should be forbidden by the law to screw into the scales... at least it would prevent alot of blade companies from ruining their folder designs into garbage...

[@AndWhatISeeIsME]

Is that Leek soup I smell? (That's not an insult. The Leek is a classic for a reason.)

[@AndWhatISeeIsME]

Having said that, you can have a Leek in carbon fiber and 154CM.

[@groundofbeing9733]

You can get a USA custom with an s30v cleaver blade and copper scales from their custom shop for cheaper than the new bugout. Glorious...Just saying :)

You saved me $100. Much thanks.

[@jdmeaney413]

Great video Nick.

[@richarda3764]

I know people look at the blade centering, but what does that really matter? Does the knife function just as well centered or not?

[@poopagore]

I wish I could here what Gerber has to say about that blade. that is brutal. I just bought a Asada and it's pretty damn perfect for a 40$ knife.

[@johnmackey3164]

I have the black and silver model and the same person who ruined the black one ruined the silver one.!Can I request a fastball unsharpened from the factory?

[@garrettavery9175]

The gerber decree was a us made with a unassisted flipper. It required wrist flick to open it

[@sethR69S]

Decree has thumb studs as well.

[@jeffhollar1830]

They are $79 now at lot of places very good knife

[@sprtstr96]

I bought an olive green one. And just like yours, it has a bunch of die tear on the liner & blade centering is exactly the same. Great knife tho

[@mosherogoff1252]

Nick, sure wish you had a comparison of this Gerber Fastball to the Kershaw Leek. I think that's an even closer comparison than the Delica....

[@derroz3157]

Finally a Gerber knife thats not Gar bage

[@btedd]

Another great review. Thanks

[@DeadnCold]

When we going to get a review on that Civivi? From what I could see, it looks a lot like the one I bought recently and I'd love to hear your thoughts on it.

[@johnj.baranski6553]

those 3 letters mean more to me than anything else.

[@Stahlwerk88]

🙄

[@nightsquats]

A kershaw dividend with Gerber goggles. Good for Gerber for working towards a great goal, and keep on trying, we'd love to have you back, but will I buy a fastball? Honestly no, though I will keep an eye on their efforts!

[@TheMasonator777]

How hard is it for a company that makes sharp things to make them truly sharp?

[@unknownartist47]

Portland is a great place to visit . Check out the best book store on the west coast , Powell’s city of books. This Gerber kinda reminds me of the dividend by Kershaw. Not a bad thing eh!

[@caldrenfitzpatrick3308]

Looks like the Kershaw Dividend and Ferrite had a child that was adopted by Gerber... Has an improved steel vs those 2, but the Kershaws have a better fit & finish. For a $100 though, I'd expect much better QC. Kershaw Dividend: we made a well designed knife with lesser materials to keep it budget. - Gerber Fastball: we gave a $30 knife some better blade steel, and have to charge for that.

[@patrickrva7488]

They let mine out the door worse than your frist one. Super dissatisfied. Hopefully you can get them on point.

[@henryohenry1504]

I can say i own 3 of the Gerber autos and they are terrible. But what's even worse is their warranty department. Ive had a few bad experiences and i will say i will never buy another Gerber. But thanks for the review it certainly helper put things into perspective.

[@ponchowizard5182]

I know all too well about Gerber's soft screws after trying to fix up one of my dad's knives.

[@axtra92]

Why are you flicking your wrist everytime you open it? Isnt the finger enough??

[@NeevesKnives]

Im waiting for the day to hear Nick say something is the end of the world!!!

[@The4cp]

Have him review the Bear Grylls "ultimate knife " .

[@pattyhays487]

The main gripe I have with this knife is that the handles are way too slick for me. I've almost had it slip out of my hand .

[@brianf9619]

I know where Gerber got the idea for this design , they just looked at the Kershaw Dividend . The Dividend with M390 for $80.00 and wicked slicey blade , is a hell of a better deal . It looks like Gerber just shot themselves in their other foot.

[@hunterglaspell5580]

Brian F idk. Doesn’t look much like it to me. More angular and abstract. And it’s a manual, which is better than assisted. I have both a link and the fastball and I prefer the fastball hands down. M390 can be really iffy on kershaws as well from what I heard

[@jimmy86gti]

Let’s face it, the majority of us knife guys buy knives to fulfill the urge! For the most part we cut open the box our new knife came in with our old knife and on and on!

[@ThatGuy-uz7ew]

I hope Gerber is listening, they need to step up their game if they want to make it back into the gamem

[@sorensants9412]

Benchmade makes knives with the same steel for over 150$

[@kenwithaK]

i bought two gerbers. the grinds weren't symmetrical/even on both knives.

[@Keith_the_knife_freak]

Thanks for sharing

[@RobertOrtiz1015]

Love it! “Its a beautiful thing”

[@brandon_crow1291]

It honestly reminds me a lot of the Kershaw atmos but more expensive and with a "better" steal.

[@chrishinkle5982]

Not bad! Looks like the Kershaw leek though. Thanks for video bud!

[@Prairiedrifter1]

Sheldon Cooper talking about knives

[@cameronportwine9563]

I was watching some of your earlier videos and did I hear you right? Are you from Michigan?

[@granmestre33]

Hey, Nick. Could you review the CRKT CEO?

[@ThatGuy-uz7ew]

in one of his live streams he showed that it was coming

[@granmestre33]

@@ThatGuy-uz7ew Thanks, man.

[@Sinyckle]

“Your Ontario rat number-this is a PM2...”

[@misfit71]

Nice review. I'm really pulling for Gerber to put out some good products at reasonable prices. I'd probably spring for 60 or 70 bucks on this one, maybe. 100? No way. Sorry guys. You're not quite ready to compete with the heavy hitters. I hope you get there though.

[@danreyes736]

Who are the heavy hitters? I’m new to this interest in knives.

[@hunterevans7622]

I’m not a fan. My grind was atrocious. At the tip, the left side was nearly chisel ground. Blade play at reasonable pivot tightness. I have come to use Spyderco quality as my benchmark. I suppose I just feel a bit burned. My takeaway is that you can get better things for the price. *cough cough Native cough cough*

[@NickShabazz]

That sucks, and just underscores my point that they need to be careful here, as bad QC could spoil any attempt to 'come back'. Did you send it back for warranty work? Did they take care of you?

[@johnj.baranski6553]

is the Native an S35vn flipper with metal scales made in the USA? if not how can you compare it to this and say its better?

[@hunterglaspell5580]

Nick Shabazz their warranty is second to none. And a big thing people need to realize about US companies. If you get a bad one, send it back. And they won’t just try and fix it. They have sent me back completely new knives that are good to go.

[@hunterevans7622]

It knifes better. It cuts better, it is made in the U.S. it is ground better, it has a spydiehole, it doesn’t have blade play, centering is perfect, S30V steel, generally a better knife.

[@hunterglaspell5580]

Deacon of Doubt and it has plastic scales and no ball bearings... not a fair comparison when the Gerber is trying to give you more for the price

[@Traderjoe]

I got this one because of the concept and to support them, but, it’s simply too small for my needs and it will be a safe queen.

[@flyinb45]

I've really wanted to like this knife since I saw the shot show coverage but everyone who's reviewed it has the same issues. Looks like Gerber still has some work to do.

[@tory6733]

Good vid Nick. Wish you would practice opening knives without the flick of the wrist. Would give a better example of the action as the wrist flick can hide poor actions.

[@timothymiller9067]

Honestly not surprised, the QC on Gerber has always been disappointing to me. Everytime I pick one up hoping I'll be surprised I end up dissatisfied and end up going back to Ruike for budget knives.