Gerber Gear

Overview

Gerber Gear is an American manufacturer of knives, multi-tools, and outdoor gear, headquartered in Portland, Oregon. Established in 1939, it supplies products for military, hunting, survival, work, and everyday carry uses, serving soldiers, hunters, tradesmen, and adventurers. It holds a significant position as the largest maker of knives and multi-tools for the United States armed forces and ranks as a leading seller in the multitool category.

History

Founded in 1939 by Pete Gerber in Portland, Oregon, initially as a kitchen knife company from an ad agency. Relocated to Tigard, Oregon in 1966 and acquired by Finnish company Fiskars in 1987. Expanded into military and EDC markets with products like the Mark II knife during the Vietnam War and the LST knife, growing to around 300 employees and $100 million in revenue by 2003.

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Many knives and multi-tools are manufactured in-house at their Portland, Oregon facility, originally established in the 1960s with ongoing upgrades. Some production may be outsourced, but core design and engineering occur in Portland.

Notable Products

• Mark II - Combat knife debuted during Vietnam War for military use.
• LMF II Infantry Knife - Designed to free pilots from downed aircraft, features partial tang blade.
• LST - Lightweight pocket knife credited as pioneer of EDC category.
• StrongArm - Fixed blade knife popular for tactical and survival applications.
• Suspension Multi-Tool - Compact multitool for everyday tasks and outdoor use.

Reputation

Gerber Gear is respected by military personnel, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts for durable, functional tools tailored to specific needs, with strong military contracts enhancing credibility. Professionals value its reliability in demanding conditions. Some users note variability in quality on lower-end models compared to premium competitors like Benchmade.